Its a beginning of a history! (zoom) It is a dream come true for the village people of Kumarakam , a piece of land strange to you but well known to many migrating birds, migrating birds as far as from Siberia ( Russia). For the first time, the people of Kumarakam can be proud of their own a Chundan Vallam( Snake Boat). Kumarakam belongs to Kottayam district, on the eastern banks of the Vembanad Lake. Alleppey is on the western bank. For me it was a feast for my eyes. This is the only place in India you can find these boats. And there are only 16 of them, two are on construction. Most of them belong to Alleppey. One is said to be deteriorated. The oldest one is 110 years old. ( today I went there). Now you know how rare is it to see a Snake boat being constructed. Its a beginning of history in front of your eyes. Snaps were taken on Monday of this week. I have some video clippings which is very interesting to see. My idea is to upload it to Adrive, a site which offers file sharing. If any of you are interested to see it, just mention it on the comment box, I shall send you the link. If you know any other idea please tell me. I shall try to put it on youtube. Name Ellykulam Chundan Owner- Saju Jaboy ( Middle photo. Perhaps, he is the first person in the world to own a Snake Boat. Other boats are either owned by a Church or Temple or by shareholders. It costs at least Rs25 lakhs) Chief- Carpenter( Asari) - Uma Maheshwaran (His two sons Rajesh, Dileep, brother Sabu is also working here. His father holds the record for contructing highest No:of Snake boats- Nine boats) Length- 127 feet approx Wood used Anjali Metals used- Iron, copper, bronze. Team- Kumarakam Boat Club No: of oarsmen- 95 ( total members 111) Proposed to be launched on first week of July. ( There is one more under construction which is in the beginning stage. Stay tuned)