During August/September each year the backwaters undergo a transformation. The Tranquillity gives way to excitement as the villagers prepare for the Great Boat Races. These races are held at many places on different days, the most famous being the Nehru Trophy Boat Race at Allapuzha held on the second Saturday of August. The 50m long wooden Snake Boats each powered by over 100 oarsmen, attract the most attention as they slice through the waters accompanied by songs and war cries, cheered by thousands of spectators lining the banks. Some of the interesting places on the backwaters are: Allapuzha (Alleppey): the "Venice of the East" with its honeycomb of canals, bridges and a long silver beach. Also the venue of the famous boat races. Kottayam: one of the main centers of the Syrian Christian faith where the Valliapalli and Cheriapalli Churches dedicated to St. Mary, are located. Kumarakom: on the eastern bank of the huge Vembanad Lake, 14 km west of Kottayam, its tourist complex is very popular for the water recreation facilities. The nearby Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is an added attraction. Alumkadavu: where one can sail on house boats, locally called Kettuvallam, whose unique feature is that they are built entirely without the use of nails.
