Boat clubs in central Travancore shift to race mode ahead of season
With just three weeks to go before the Nehru Trophy Boat Race (NTBR) in Alappuzha, the boat clubs of the north and upper Kuttanad regions have plunged into intense preparations for the season. This year, at least four teams from Kottayam and Pathanamthitta districts will compete in the event.
Representing the Kottayam district this year are the Kumarakom Town Boat Club, the NCDC Boat Club, and the Changanassery Boat Club. The Niranom Boat Club, near Thiruvalla, joins the line-up with its own crew of 85 rowers.
Training sessions
Training sessions are conducted twice a day, in the early mornings and late evenings. Alongside rowing practice, camps include orientation classes and rigorous physical conditioning. The Kumarakom Town Boat Club (KTBC) has set up camp at St. John's Church, Vadakkumkara, while its training sessions take place at the Sreekumaramangalam temple ghats.
'We have 125 professional rowers in camp this season and our estimated expenses stand at ₹1.25 crore,' said Midhun, an office-bearer of the KTBC.
However, not every club is in a position to compete. The Vembanad Boat Club, Vembanad Junior Boat Club, NDC Boat Club, Nava Jeevan Boat Club, Village Boat Club and Navadhara Boat Club have withdrawn this year, citing severe financial constraints.
Other events
Beyond the NTBR, Kottayam's snake boats will also line up for other marquee events, including the Paipad Jalolsavam, Aranmula Boat Race, and the President's Trophy Boat Race. In addition to the snake boat category, the boat clubs from the region will compete in the Veppu and Iruttukuthi races, with training for these crews scheduled to start in the coming week.
Meanwhile, the commencement of practice sessions by the boat clubs has turned Kumarakom a fan hub, packed with diehard admirers awaiting the boat race as well as visitors stopping by for a brief look at the practice sessions.
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The Hindu
5 days ago
- The Hindu
Boat clubs in central Travancore shift to race mode ahead of season
The pulsating cheers and the rhythmic sweep of mighty oars, propelling sleek snake boats across the waterways, are once again bringing the backwater villages of central Travancore to life. With just three weeks to go before the Nehru Trophy Boat Race (NTBR) in Alappuzha, the boat clubs of the north and upper Kuttanad regions have plunged into intense preparations for the season. This year, at least four teams from Kottayam and Pathanamthitta districts will compete in the event. Representing the Kottayam district this year are the Kumarakom Town Boat Club, the NCDC Boat Club, and the Changanassery Boat Club. The Niranom Boat Club, near Thiruvalla, joins the line-up with its own crew of 85 rowers. Training sessions Training sessions are conducted twice a day, in the early mornings and late evenings. Alongside rowing practice, camps include orientation classes and rigorous physical conditioning. The Kumarakom Town Boat Club (KTBC) has set up camp at St. John's Church, Vadakkumkara, while its training sessions take place at the Sreekumaramangalam temple ghats. 'We have 125 professional rowers in camp this season and our estimated expenses stand at ₹1.25 crore,' said Midhun, an office-bearer of the KTBC. However, not every club is in a position to compete. The Vembanad Boat Club, Vembanad Junior Boat Club, NDC Boat Club, Nava Jeevan Boat Club, Village Boat Club and Navadhara Boat Club have withdrawn this year, citing severe financial constraints. Other events Beyond the NTBR, Kottayam's snake boats will also line up for other marquee events, including the Paipad Jalolsavam, Aranmula Boat Race, and the President's Trophy Boat Race. In addition to the snake boat category, the boat clubs from the region will compete in the Veppu and Iruttukuthi races, with training for these crews scheduled to start in the coming week. Meanwhile, the commencement of practice sessions by the boat clubs has turned Kumarakom a fan hub, packed with diehard admirers awaiting the boat race as well as visitors stopping by for a brief look at the practice sessions.
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The escapade situated among the lush greenery of the Western Ghats in Kerala Thekkady is one of the must visit places in India and famous for its wildlife sanctuary and beautiful landscapes. Some tourists might just want to head back to the coast and hit the beaches, but the beautiful beaches in Kerala are not too far from the town of Thekkady, which although is inland, has so much to offer tourists that you'll be glad you didn't run back to the coast just yet. Here, we will explore some of the most popular beaches near Thekkady town, all of which combine a dose of natural beauty along with a sense of tranquility. Beach Kovalam Beach, located at a distance of around 220 kilometers from Thekkady, is one of the most popular beaches in Kerala. 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This beach is blessed with a quiet ambience making it perfect for doing yoga, medication and other spiritual activities, and for the thrill-seekers they can have fun with activities like paragliding, surfing etc. A cultural touch is added to this fascinating beach by the presence of Janardhana Swamy Temple (a 2000-year-old temple- a Hindu pilgrimage site), located very close by. Beach Thekkady is about 140 kilometers from Alappuzha, which is widely known as the 'Venice of the East.' The beach, commonly referred to as Alappuzha beach has a long sandy beach shore and an ancient pier which extend profound into the sea which depict the ancient mariner historical events of the region. This beach is central for a large water sports range, Boating, kayaking, parasailing are available here as well, It is the venue for the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race, held on the second Saturday of August. The building, constructed in 1862, offers panoramic views of the coastline and the Arabian Sea and is believed to be the oldest lighthouse on the Arabian Coast. Beach Just a short drive away from Alappuzha, Marari Beach is a lesser known gem in the state, is unspoilt and quiet. Marari Beach, approximately 130 Kms from Thekkady is an ideal escape from the rush of the tourist places to visit. Dotted with coconut trees hanging over it, the beach is known for its white sand beaches and is ideal for those who simply want to sit and relax. The serene sea is perfect for swimming, which is accompanied by a quaint fishing village, insighting to the simplest life of Kerala. Several eco-friendly resorts can be found in Marari Beach as well, making it an ideal destination for eco-tourism-oriented tourism. Beach For all those partial to the charm of the coastal wilderness, Cherai Beach, situated at a distance of about 220 km from Thekkady and close to the bustling city of Kochi is a paradise set in motion. Cherai beach is well known for its unique combination of sea and backwater, it is one of the beaches which will not only provide you with scenic beauty but also has a lot to offer in terms of Water Sport and Recreational activities. Its calm waters are good for swimming and its low tidal range attracts windsurfers and kitesurfers. This beautiful view is surrounded by the Chinese fishing nets and coconut groves, and offers some vantage spots to click the picture at cherai. The sun-kissed beach also boasts of seafood delights that are served in various shacks that capture the fresh waves of the sea offering a blend of fresh fish, prawns and other coastal treats. Beach The imposing Bekal Fort that watches over the Arabian Sea is an attraction in itself, and Bekal Beach, 350 km further north from Thekkady. This grand fort with its beautiful ramparts and picturesque locale give a magnificent feel to the tranquil beach. Less crowded than other options, Bekal Beach is great for a stroll or exploration of the Kerala coastline in the north. Apart from the beaches, the fort also offers a panoramic view of the golden sand and clear waters, which is why Bekal Beach is the best for a leisure day. Known for its stunning sunsets, this is the ideal spot to take an evening walk along the shoreline. Conclusion Thekkady being the land of wildlife and greens, the beaches of Kerala offer a soulful retreat. While the iconic Kovalam Beach, the calm Marari Beach, and many others give enduring experiences to the visitors. Hence when you are on a trip from Thekkady to these renowned beaches, then explore the seashore beauty of God's Own Country.
