
Snake boat race support boats and Kerala backwaters during Vallam Kali
boats · sport
Support and rescue boats operate alongside traditional Chundan Vallam snake boats during a Vallam Kali (snake boat race) in Kerala, India.
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Shikara's traffic over Dal Lake in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. Over 15km around, Dal Lake is Srinagar's jewel, a vast, mirror-flat sheet of water reflecting the carved wooden balconies of the houseboats and the misty peaks of the Pir Panjal mountains. Flotillas of gaily painted shikaras (gondola-like taxi boats) skiff around the lake, transporting goods to market, children to school and travellers from houseboat to shore. Most visitors to Srinagar stay out on Dal Lake in one of the delightful houseboats left behind from the Raj, but landlubbers can hire shikaras for tours around the lake, visiting floating gardens and the floating flower and vegetable market. It's a colourful spectacle, but expect plenty of attention from souvenir vendors. Shikaras can be hired from boat stations all alon
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boats · sport
Support and rescue boats operate alongside traditional Chundan Vallam snake boats during a Vallam Kali (snake boat race) in Kerala, India.

boats · sport
Snake boats take to the Kerala backwaters during preparations for a Vallam Kali boat race in Kerala, India.

sport · boats
Officials oversee the start of a traditional snake boat race on the Kerala backwaters in India. A motorised judging boat displays a prominent "STARTER" banner, with race officials positioned on board to supervise the event.

sport · boats
Participants in a traditional Kerala Snake Boat Race (Vallam Kali) as they wait for their turn before the competition. The rowers, dressed in coordinated race attire, walk along a paved pathway leading towards the waterfront staging area.

Alappuzha, Kerala·boats · sport
The viewing area of a traditional Vallam Kali (Snake Boat Race) held on the scenic backwaters of Kerala, India. Spectators gather along the waterfront as Chundan Vallams (Snake Boats) line up near the riverbank in preparation for the race.

Kerala·boats · sport
The lively atmosphere of the Nehru Trophy Boat Race (Vallam Kali) on Punnamada Lake, Alappuzha, Kerala, India. Large crowds gather along the lakeside to watch the traditional Chundan Vallam (Snake Boat) teams compete across the water.

Alappuzha, Kerala·river · monsoon
The Kerala Backwaters in Alappuzha (Alleppey), Kerala, India, under an overcast monsoon sky. Traditional houseboats (Kettuvallams) navigate the wide canals while smaller motorboats travel between villages.

Alappuzha, Kerala·boats · sport
The Nehru Trophy Boat Race (Vallam Kali) on Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha, Kerala, India. Teams compete in traditional Chundan Vallams (Snake Boats), recognised by their long wooden hulls and distinctive elevated sterns.