chinese fishing nets – Rickshaw Challenge

Malabar Rampage 2018: Chilling in Kochin

David — Tue, 10 Apr 2018 16:43:13 +0000

Day 4 of the Malabar Rampage wasn’t too strenuous.

After three busy days, on Day 4 the Malabar Rampage Rickshaw Challenge slowed down. It was a short drive from Alleppey to Kochin, so teams had plenty time to do sightseeing, or just relax in the pool…

Houseboat Hunting

An easy to challenge to start off with. Teams were instructed to get a photo of themselves beside a backwater (there are a lot). More points were awarded if your photo featured a houseboat. Some entries were marginal (*cough* Team Father & Son *cough*) but the Namaste guys, above, did a great job.

Easy Going

A short ride, barely any breakdowns (at least, not any that weren’t fixed without much fuss). A great lazy day, apart from Tuktukarama almost tumbling off the road into a pot hole. Luckily, locals helped them out, so they didn’t die

Rooftop Beers

And our hotel had the perfect place to relax: a rooftop pool. Beers, a view, sunshine… this is the life. Until it was time to pay the bill, that is. Matt of Team Wrecking Ball decided to pay for everyone, and it was… a lot. Here’s Cameron of Cupid Stunts posing for the camera.

The Land of Spices

It wasn’t all relaxation though. Kochin is famous for its spice trading, so we asked participants to head to a spice shop and to check out what’s on offer. That they did, and here’s the proof.

Kochi Jews

Kochi is also famous as the home of the India’s oldest Jewish community. Just how old? That was another challenge posed to teams. The answer (roughly) is “very” and the synagogue area made for a great atmospheric walk.

Kumbalanghi

No relaxation for The Outlaws however. They headed to nearby Kumbalanghi island, and apparently fitted in with the locals with ease. They were sifting mussels, weaving baskets, making rope — sounds like they should’ve been paid, but we have a hunch the sunset (looking at the Kochi’s other famous landmark, Chinese fishing nets) may have made up for it!

Are you crazy enough to come along for the ride? Then join us on the next Rickshaw Challenge. Get a team together and let’s see you at the starting line! If you want to join us in spirit, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagramto keep up with our latest antics.

God's Own Country: Photos of Kerala

David — Sun, 16 Jul 2017 21:56:47 +0000

Our favourite photos of God’s Own Country, Kerala.

Kerala, the slender state on South-India’s South-Western Malabar Coast, is known as God’s Own Country. We can’t dispute the nickname: though small, the Kerala is home to heavenly nature and incredible variety. On events like the Malabar Rampage, we marvel at Kerala’s coastline, forested hills, and canals. Here are some of our favourite photos of Kerala and its citizens.

Backwaters

Photo by Vinoth Chandar

The Kerala backwaters are connection series of canals, rivers, lakes, and lagoons. This photo, taken in Allapuzah, the so-called “Venice of the East”, we see a local slowly navigating the tranquil waters.

Boathouses

Photo by Sarath Kuchi

The backwaters are lined with boathouses, which are the ideal place to stay for a night in Kerala, or just for a brief tour. This peaceful photo was taken in Kumarakom.

Snacks

Photo by Vinoth Chandar

India is all about food, and Kerala is no different. Though there are many traditional dishes that should be triedstat, you can’t beat “Uncle John’s” ice cream stand on Alappuzha beach.

Tradition

Photo by Sarath Kuchi

This photo, taken in Wayanad district in the North-East of the state, shows the gentle pace of life for many.

Space and Time

Photo by Nagesh Jayaraman

Many visitors seek out Kerala for the peace and quiet of its countryside. It’s hard to look at this photo, taken in Poovar, and not feel immediately relaxed.

Chinese Nets

Kerala is famous for its trading history, with many centuries of connections with places all over the world. One relic of this history is Kochi’s collection of ancient Chinese fishing nets.

Fisherman

Photo by David Baxendale

We love this shot of a local fisherman in Kochi at the end of a hard day’s work.

Beaches

Kerala is not without its share of glorious beaches. It may not share the fame of Goa’s golden sands, but this just means you’re more likely to find an empty cove.

Rolling Hills

Photo by Sarath Kuchi

One final aspect of Kerala’s diverse nature are its many rolling hills, most famously the Western Ghats. Many hillsides are covered in bright green tea. This photo was taken further North, at Chembra Peaks in Wayanad.

Dramatic Weather

Photo by Vinoth Chandar

Watch out during monsoon season. You might get soaked, or you could get a fantastic photograph!

Malabar Rampage 2017: Photo Highlights (Part 1)

David — Thu, 13 Apr 2017 16:17:40 +0000

The Malabar Rampage 2017 has been a lot of fun so far, and we have the photos to prove it.

The Malabar Rampage 2017 has begun, and from the start it has been another excellent rickshaw challenge, with teams assembled from from all across the globe, and participants of all ages. Uniting them is journey of over 1000km, along a gorgeous stretch of coastline, visiting some of Southern India’s most fascinating sites. And, of course, they had to learn to drive, and stay alive in, rickshaws. Let’s let the participants own photos guide us through the first of challenge:

Firstly, Time to Relax

Before a long journey, it’s only right that teams had the chance to have a few beers and relax by the beach.

But Soon, Time to Get Serious

Participants had a lot to learn, but there are no better teachers than Princely and the Rickshaw Challenge gang.

And Suddenly: On the Road!

After a weekend of intense training, the teams hit the road. Departing Trivandrum, their first task was to head to Alleppey (Alapuzzha), the Venice of the East. On the second day driving, teams traveled North to Cochin (Kochi), the historic trading city.

Of Course, There were Fantastic Costumes

It’s not a Rickshaw Challenge without teams dressing up, and the Malabar Rampage 2017 has had plenty of that.

Everyone Made Friends With Locals

As ever, locals were keen to chat, take photos, or offer directions.

And There Was Time for Games Too

Is there a better way to make friends than sport? Not according to our teams. Whether it was a kickabout or some cricket, great fun was had.

Participants had to Make Traditional Chai Tea

It’s not just a race through India, there are challenges too. Teams had to learn how to make chai tea, and you can see, they had a fantastic time doing so!

And Get Friendly with Animals

India is blessed with incredible wildlife, so pariticpants were keen to get as close up as they could.

Learning to Fish the Indian Way

Kochi is famous for its ancient Chinese fishing nets, and on the teams got to give the old system a try. Whether they mastered it enough to help the locals is up for debate…

Breakdowns Occurred… But were Quickly Fixed

Rickshaws can be temperamental machines, as all the Malabar Rampage 2017 participants will have learned. However, there is always someone on hand to help, particularly the dedicated local crew with us on the challenge. As one of the participants put it, “Big Clap for these guys! They keep our Rickshaws safe by working until late at night! Nothing but love for them.”