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At one time, boats were the only mode of transport in the backwaters. The advent of roads changed that. Much later, tourism heralded another change-rice boats metamorphosed into houseboats, and the slender snake boats, or chundan vallom, used by local kings to ferry soldiers during waterfront wars, spawned a new sport, the boat race. Over 100 ft long, the raised prow of this boat stands 10 ft above water and resembles a snake’s hood. |
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Boat races are occasions of great excitement and entertainment that allow the oarsmen to prove their awesome physical prowess to the thousands gathered to watch. Most of these races are held in the water-logged Kuttanad region of Alappuzha. |
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As one story goes, when Jawaharlal Nehru visited Kerala in 1952, four traditional chundan valloms went to receive him. A mock snake boat race was also organized. Nehru was so fascinated that once he returned to Delhi, he sent a gleaming silver trophy for a boat race, duly named after him. Since then, the race has become a most prestigious one. Even today, boats race one and a half kilometer stretch in four columns. The annual Nehru Trophy boat race begins during the harvest festival of Onam in August. |
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Powered by over 100 musular oarsmen, the slender crafts streak across the Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha, accompanied by feverish drumbeats and the Cheers of thousands of spectators. |
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HOUSE BOATS |
In Kerala, houseboats are known as Kettuvalloms.Boats in a variety of shapes and sizes have traditionally been the chief mode of transport in the backwaters for men and material since olden days. Thatched roof covers over wooden hulls, 100 ft in length, provided protection from the elements. Over time, simple facilities were added to the boats used exclusively for travel. For the royalty, these boats even became comfortable living quarters. |
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Later, tourism provided the necessary fillip in transforming the age-old Kettuvalloms into veritable floating cottages with all the modern amenities. |
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TODDY SHOPS |
Kallu shaap is ubiquitous in Kerala-signboards strung before shacks proclaim that toddy is available inside, and men can be seen weaving in and out of these shanties at all odd hours. Combining the mildly intoxicating spirit with snacks, usually spicy seafood, has been the tradition in Kerala for a long time. Toddy tapping, in fact, has been an age-old rural vocation.
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Made from the sap of the coconut flower before it blooms, the Sweetish liquid is allowed to ferment overnight in bottles or earthenware vessels to produce toddy. Toddy is sold for around Rs 35 a litre. |
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