Vallamkali: Boat Races of Alappuzha

Vallamkali is a game based on the Boat Races of Alleppey (Alappuzha), a city in Kerala.

The waves are calling. The crowds are cheering. Hundreds of oarsmen take their place on the snake boats, with a prayer on their lips and their coordinated paddling in perfect sync with the beat of the drums.

Vallamkali, Kerala’s iconic boat races, are so simple. Take your mark, work as a team, and win the race. But there is also a lot under the surface, and ultimately, what gets you first to the finish line is a blend of strategy, teamwork, and top talent.

This is not just a boat race; it is the spirit of Kerala. It brings communities together. It is an emotion that unites generations of spectators and participants alike. So today, we invite you to take your place on the snake boat, say a silent prayer, and row fiercely through the backwaters.