Changed: Kochi!

 
The biggest change to the Malabar Rampage since last year is that we will visit an extra city: Kochi (also known as Cochin). We always used to recommend taking a brief stop in this city, in between the stops of Alappuzha and  Kozhikode, but now participants will have a lot more time to explore. Kochi has been an important trading center for centuries and as such is uniquely multicultural, with several important landmarks to show for it. Most famous are the Chinese fishing nets, pictured above, but equally interesting is Fort Kochin, home to India’s most ancient community of Jews.
 

The Same: The Other Locations!

 
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it: that’s what we think about all the other stops on the Malabar Rampage. We’ll still start in Trivandrum, and of course our next stop has to be Allapuzha, or should we say the “Venice of the East“. Just like last year, we’ll stop in Kozhikode, Mangalore, and Murudeshwara. And, naturally, we still finish off in Panaji, the capital of glorious Goa!
 

Changed: Wifi!

 
Another exciting change to the Malabar Rampage is that, this year all rickshaws will have built-in wifi. The engines may still be basic (and temperamental!) but we reckon this technological addition will make for an even better adventure. Now it’ll be even easier to keep your social media profiles updated (we know you all love Instagram…) , to make plans with other teams, and to avoid getting lost. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road!
 
 

The Same: Everything Else!

 

Pretty much everything else on the Malabar Rampage will be the same! There’ll be different teams, new costumes, and fresh adventures to be had. However, we’re expecting the same madness, hilarity, and life-changing memories as ever. We can’t wait — see you in Chennai!
 

 
 

Chennai

 
Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is Tamilnadu’s capital and by far the largest city in the state. One of India’s major cities, it’s a perfect first stop when visiting India. Not quite as crazy as the very largest cities, and a little less “showy”, there’s still lots to do. You have to have a stroll along Marina beach (pictured above), the longest natural urban beach in India, and see nearby Fort St George, a relic of the city’s colonised past.
 

Pondicherry

 
The second stop on the Classic Run provides a chance to experience a very different atmosphere. Pondicherry (now officially known as Puducherry), is technically not part of Tamilnadu: instead it is located on Union territory, ruled by central government. In fact, Pondichery was French territory until the mid 20th century, and when it comes to cuisine, architecture, and overall feeling of the place, their colonial legacy is still very apparent today.
 

Thanjavur

 
The third city we visit is Thanjavur, the religious and cultural heart of Tamilnadu. One of India’s oldest cities, you can see relics of ancient empire, alongside impressive modern temples. Of particular note is Brihadeeswara Temple, a treasure of Indian architecture, over a thousand years old. The city is filled with life, famous for painting, music, and dance.
 

Madurai

 
Madurai is a city of temples, and it is impossible not to be impressed by the many intricately designed gopurams which tower over historic sites. An ancient city, which once traded with Rome and Greece, it has long been an important center for Tamil culture. However, the city is also flourishing in modern times, and it bustles with energy, especially during festival season.
 

Tuticorin

 
The Pearl City, Tuticorin, is Tamilnadu’s gateway to the sea. Also known as Thoothukudi, it has been an important port for centuries: once ruled by the Pandyan kingdom, it was taken over by the Portuguese, Dutch, and then British. Make sure you try the speciality of the city: the famous Macaroon!
 

Tirunelveli

 
Tirunelveli, variously known as Nellai or, historically, Tinnevelly, is located on the banks of the river Thamiraparani. Once the capital of the Pandya kingdom, there has been a settlement here for over two thousand years. The city’s most famous site is the impressive Nellaiappar Temple, dedicated to the god Shiva.
 

Kanyakumari

 
It’s easy to find Kanyakumari on a map: it’s located at India’s southern tip, and was known in Colonial times as Cape Common. Surrounded on by the Laccadive Sea on three sides, Kanyakumari offers fantastic views, particularly at sunset. It’s also home to many religious monuments, like the Vivekananda rock memorial (pictured above) and the Kumari Amman temple.
 

Trivandrum

 
The final stop on the Classic Run Rickshaw Challenge is Trivandrum, officially known as Thiruvananthapuram. This is the capital of glorious Kerala, known as “God’s own country”, the third state we will have visited. The city is blessed with a phenomenal location, between hills and ocean, and there are too many fantastic beaches to count. With its strategically useful position in the very south-west of the peninsula, Trivandrum has a long history and some great buildings to show for it: check out Kowdiar Palace (pictured above) and Padmanabhaswamy temple.
 
 

 

Tamil Nadu

 
The Classic Run kicks off on December 28th in Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu. Formerly known as Madras, Chennai is India’s fifth biggest city and is packed with history, though the first stop for sightseeing will likely be Marina beach (pictured above), the longest urban natural beach in the country.
 

 
Once teams are trained in the art of handling a rickshaw, and prepared for Indian roads, it’ll be time to set out to explore Tamil Nadu. Participants will see incredible countryside, the glorious temples of Madurai, and fantastic ocean views from the southern tip of India at Kanyakumari.
 

Union Territory

 
The time in Tamil Nadu will be briefly paused when the Classic Run spends a night in the Union Territory of Puducherry, often better known as Pondicherry. This is one of five areas in India that are not technically states, but are in fact ruled directly by central government.
 

 
A former French colony, Pondicherry is rich with European influences: in architecture, cuisine, and the generally relaxed vibe of the place. Explore the various juxtapositions on offer: of Tamil and ‘Latin’ Quarters, of Temples and Churches, and of glorious beaches running alongside pristine ocean.
 

Kerala

 
The Classic Run only reaches Kerala on the final day of its journey, but all participants are encouraged to stay longer to soak in all this state has to offer. Eat the incredible food, enjoy the many beaches, and relax in what is likely India’s most tranquil state.
 

 
We stay in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala’s capital and largest city, but we also recommend heading north to the famous backwaters, the historic trading city of Cochin, and the sensational scenery of the Western Ghats.
 

 

Beautiful Rickshaws

(In beautiful places)
 

The First Team Meeting

Where you’ll learn how to stay alive on Indian roads.
 

Rickshaw Practice

Your chance to get used to your new vehicle before we let you loose!
 

Setting off

In no time, you’ll be ready to race on your own.
 

Breakdowns

Of course, things always go wrong.
 

Getting Lost

And signs aren’t always very helpful.
 

Smiling Faces

People are always excited to help, chat, or at least wave!
 

Selfies With Locals

And there’s nothing people like more than a photograph.
 

Selfies with Policemen

Nobody can resist a selfie!
 

Incredible Nature

There’s so much to see.
 

The Ocean

You can’t miss the beautiful Bay of Bengal.
 

Temples

Incredible history is everywhere, sometimes even hiding at the end of an ordinary street.

Indian Food

It’s the best cuisine in the world, and you might even get a chance to cook some yourself.
 

Indian Chai

Learn to make tea the traditional way.
 

Brilliant Costumes

There’s nothing better than teams that make an effort (and lots do)!
 

New Year Partying

Of course, we can’t let the 31st of December pass without celebration.
 

The Final Ceremony

And suddenly, it’ll be time to celebrate the end of the rally.
 

Making Friends for Life

But you’ll be able to relive the great memories with your new friends… from all over the world!
 

 

Backwaters

Boathouses

Snacks

Tradition

Space and Time

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

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

Dramatic Weather

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.”
 
 
 

 
 

Kerala

 

 
Kerala is known as “God’s Own Country”, an entirely understandable notion to anyone who has visited this narrow slice of South Indian Coast. Nowhere better exemplifies the peace and tranquility of Southern India, a world away from the mega-cities further north. With almost 600km of coastline, there are beaches of every variety. However, it is slightly inland where you can find Kerala’s true gems. The state’s famous backwaters, centered around Alappuzha (the “Venice of the East“), are a vast network of interlinked canals, lined with palm trees and houseboats.
 
 

 
Further inland you’ll find the glorious Western ghats, a peaceful mountain range covered with green plantations, and home to some of the world’s most vibrant biodiversity. Kerala is not just notable for nature, though. It’s also rich with history, particularly due to its long tradition of trading spices. Many visiting cultures made their mark on this state, and their presence remains. In Kochi, you can still see ancient Chinese fishing nets, pictured above, and meet the oldest Jewish community in India.
 
 

Karnataka

 

 
Of the three states visited on the Malabar Rampage, Karnataka is by far the largest. On this rickshaw challenge we stay by the coast, but the state extends hundreds of kilometers inland, covering much of Southern India. Within its vast area, you’ll find the ancient ruins of Hampi, once the second largest city on earth, and Mysuru (known as Mysore), with its glorious palaces and rich history. Karnataka is also a paradise for nature lovers: its rolling hills are covered in fertile soil, while its jungles and national parks are filled with exotic animals.
 
 

The cities of Karnataka showcase a mixture of modern and traditional. Mangalore and Bangalore are thriving hubs of industry and business, progressive and cosmopolitan, where you can find fast-paced living and contemporary fine dining. However, the state’s ancient ruins and religious monuments maintain a link to the past. It’s impossible not to be wowed by the gigantic statue of Shiva at Murudeshwara, viewed from the adjoining temple’s towering gopuram, to which pilgrims flock.

Goa

 

 
 
Despite being the smallest of the states visited on the Malabar Rampage, the Union territory of Goa has everything. Its famously pristine beaches cover virtually every inch of the state’s coastline: from hidden coves to packed resorts, there’s a spot of golden sand for everyone, from hippies to 5-star-hotel lovers, whether you want an all-night party or a long day’s tan. However, there’s much more to Goa than seaside paradise. For a start, the cuisine rivals that of any state in India: Hindu, Islamic, and Portuguese influences combine to create all sorts of exotic dishes, featuring fiery spices and freshly-caught seafood.
 
 

 
 
The Portuguese also left Goa with unique and atmospheric historic heritage. The old quarter of the capital Panaji, with cobbled streets and coloured buildings, is like nowhere else on the sub-continent. Baroque architecture and imposing white churches are an vivid reminder of colonial times. If you ever tire of beaches and historic buildings, head inland to Goa’s lush countryside.
 
 

 
 

Trivandrum

Alappuzah

 

 
Allappuzah, usually referred to as Alleppey, is known as the “Venice of the East“. This is the heart of Kerala’s famous backwaters, with myriad canals and many hundreds of houseboats. Allappuzah is a natural paradise, with palm-lined waterways, tranquil lakes, and gorgeous beaches. Glimpse authentic village life, where everything is done at a slower pace. This is the ideal place to relax after a hectic day on a rickshaw. Take a boat tour, visit one one of the many temples, or try the region’s famously spicy cuisine.
 
 

Kozhikode

Mangalore

 

 
Mangalore (also known as Mangaluru) is another port city, with a long trading history. Trade is still important today, and its growing economy makes it one of the fastest developing cities in India, and increasingly cosmopolitan. This makes for a fascinating combination: the city is a mix of fast-paced business and relaxed coastal attitudes. It’s in the state of Karnataka, which covers much of Southern India and is regarded as having some of the best food of the sub-continent: be sure to try the seafood. Look out for coconut palms, chilled-out beaches, and fabulous temples.
 
 

Murudeshwara

Panaji

Similarity #1: Canals (Obviously)

Similarity #2: Busy Busy Busy

Similarity #3: Religious Sites

Difference #1: Well, They are Very Different (Obviously)

Difference #2: In Alappuzha You Can Actually Relax

While the jewel of the Adriatic is one of the most visit sites in the world, Alapuzzha is far more of an undiscovered gem. The crush of tourists can make Venice almost impossible to enjoy, although the commotion on the canals can be fun for a while. However, just a short trip out of Alappuzha’s centre and you can reach a mesmerising paradise and floating towards Kerala’s backwaters is like descending into a dream of peaceful beauty. This is India at its best, and while it’s not Venice, it’s wonderful in its own right.
 
Don’t take our word for it though, you should see Kerala’s “Venice of the East” for yourself! The best way to visit Alappuzha is to join the Malabar Rampage 2017 rickshaw adventure. The minimal assistance rally travels from Trivandrum to Panaji, in a week of discovery, laughs, and over 1000km! You’ll explore the incredible food, scenery, and culture, that make South India so special.
 

Cardamon

 
Both green and black cardamom seeds are essential South Indian spices and are popular all over the region. Green cardamom is the most popular, and most versatile,  used in everything from spice mixes (like garam masala) to desserts. Black cardamom has a powerful, smoky taste, and the pod can be incredibly spicy. As well as its delicious flavour, cardamom is revered for its health benefits: it’s said to possess numerous favourable qualities, including being anti-carcinogenic, anti-depressant, a detoxicant, and a cure for gum disease! By weight, it is the world’s third most expensive spice.
 

Tamarind

 
Tamarind is actually a fruit, whose insides are sour though they can become sweeter, depending on ripeness. Often used as a paste, it’s an important feature of South Indian cuisine, particularly in Andhra Pradesh, where it’s mixed with chilli powder, and Tamilnadu, where it is the most commonly used souring agent. Used in everything from stews to sauces, desserts to drinks, it’s also prominent in the West as an ingredient in Worcestershire sauce.
 
 

Red Chilli

 
Perhaps the most famous of all essential South Indian spices is red chilli. Brought to India by the Portuguese, their former colony of Goa is still known for its chilli-based curries like Vindaloo. However, chilli is now an important part of cooking all over South India, and three-quarters of chillis exported from India actually come from Andhra Pradesh, not coincidentally known as home to the spiciest food on the subcontinent. Chillis are usually dried and ground up into a powder, though can be used whole, for example in tadka. If you can handle the spice, they also regarded as good for your health.
 
 

Turmeric

Black Pepper

 
Though popular worldwide, black pepper is native to South India, originating in the Western Ghats and the Malabar Coast. The heavy, regular, rainfall of the region provides the perfect conditions for growing the spice, which the area still exports to much of the world. Usually ground straight onto dishes, black pepper is also very good for your health: it speeding up the metabolism, strengthening bones, and protects the liver!
 
 

Clove

 
Though originally found on Indonesia’s Maluku islands, cloves are now one of the essential South Indian spices. The dried flower buds provide a characteristicly warm flavour, and the whole bud is often cooked in oil or ghee to spice a dish, though too much can overpower other flavours. Cloves have long be known to be healthy, and play a role in tradition Indian Ayurvedic medicine.
 
 

Nutmeg

 
Nutmeg is the seed of the Myristica fragrans tree, which also originated in the Maluku Islands of Indonesia; another spice, mace, is derived from the seed’s dark red shell. Ground then dried, nutmeg adds warth to a dish and is often used in biryanis, although, unlike in Western cuisine, South Indians rarely add it to desserts. While nutmeg contains many healthy nutrients, and in medium doses is an effective anti-depressant, avoid consuming large quantities: it’s actually a dangerously powerful hallucinogenic!
 
 

Cassia (or cinnamon)

 
Cassia, derived from the bark of a Chinese evergreen tree, is one of the essential South Indian spices, and is often sold abroad by the name cinnamon. True (Ceylon) cinnamon, derived from Sri Lanka, is rarer. Cassia, sometimes known as Chinese cinnamon, has a slightly sweeter taste than its namesake and is another spice that Indians use to flavour savoury dishes, while being a popular dessert topping in the West.
 

Taste the essential South Indian spices!

If you want to experience true South Indian food, as well the region’s glorious scenery and thriving culture, why not join us for a Rickshaw Challenge adventure rally? The next race is the Classic Run, a week long trip from Chennai to Trivandrum, beginning on December 28th 2016. You’ll have the chance to experience the wonderful cuisines — and essential South Indian spices — of Tamilnadu and Kerala, while having the adventure of a lifetime!