Alleppey "Venice of the east", is one of the most important tourist centers in Kerala, with a large network of inland canals. Backwaters of Alleppey are world famous and is the most popular tourist attraction in Kerala. It connects Kumarakom and Cochin towards north and Quilon to the South. Alappuzha is also the access point for the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race, held on the Punnamada Lake, near Alappuzha, held on the second Saturday of August every year, is the most competitive and popular of the boat races in India