Hi friends, This time we have explored snake boat race in Kerala. Usually Gujarati tourists  explore Kerala in Diwali & December. But one of my hospital staff always visited her home in Kerala during monsoon. After quick inquiry she told me that Kerala is more beautiful in monsoon. Light shower+ cool atmosphere & lot of festival makes Kerala more attractive. From this concept we have decided to explore Kerala’s famous snake boat race festival in monsoon.

pumba heritage villa

home at backwater of pumba river

We stayed in 104 yrs old heritage home at bank of pumba river. pumba heritage vila website . It’s location is ideal , it gives view of back water & surrounding rice paddy field. Rajeev, owner of vila has given best hospitality. In my opinion home stay always gives something more than hotel. It gives us chance to explore local traditions.

local cusine

superb dinning location

cycling in rice paddy field

canoeing

narrow canals of backwater

fruit looks like banana but it is  keralian lemon

coconut plucking

scarecrow

After exploring backwater, we enjoyed snake boat race. Believe me , it is lifetime experience. Hundreds of participant trying to paddle boat at same time to win the race…..it’s amazing!

snake boat

umpire

started race with white flag

passion

passion

kids swim & cross river when race was going on

we have watched the race from here

Couple  watching race in Keralian style with umbrella

I confess that we had some unique experience due to hospitality of Rajeev(owner of Pumba heritage villa). After 7 rounds of boat race one boat wins the race due to the hard work of paddler. Recently everybody has heard story about Vishal Sikka, c.e.o. of Infosys, who has resigned yesterday. Whether it is home stay, boat race or stock market….key managing person is very important. That’s why I like this famous bollywood  dialogue :  “ आप पैसा घोड़े पे लगाते हो, मगर मै तो पैसा जोकि पे लगाता हूँ”