Maharashtra Archives - Rickshaw Challenge

The Deccan Odyssey 2017 Recap 3: End of the Road

David — Fri, 30 Jun 2017 12:20:28 +0000

The final recap from the Deccan Odyssey 2017.

The Deccan Odyssey Rickshaw Challenge is over for another year, and so we can bring you a (slightly belated) final recap from Princely. On the final three days, teams explored the incredible Ellora caves, partied at a vineyard, and finally reached Mumbai. Here’s Princely with his recap:

Day 7: Aurangabad – Ellora

There was no briefing for that day. It was planned in such a manner that the support crew would travel to Ellora and back as the day had challenges based on Ellora. Personally I went to the Ajantha caves as I had been to all the touristy spots other than Ajantha, considering Aurangabad as base. The teams started the day activity around 11 AM. The Bhaji boys did not take their vehicle and one of the team members was confined to their room due to delhi belly. The rest piled with the other teams to visit Ellora. The teams came back to Aurangabad at around 3 PM. The rest day was winded up nicely and the anxious time of laundry came to end in the evening.

Day 8: Aurangabad to Nashik

Fresh from the rest day the teams were really looking forward to another day of driving more than 200 km. The teams were confident on all types type of road and any distance as the tuk tuk and drivers had struck a harmony between them. I reached the base hotel at around 1.30 PM. The teams fell in place before 4 pm and the plan was to go to Sula vineyard. I went along with them and it ended up in a fun night. Like the movie hangover, we had to ask with in ourselves what had happened the previous night. There are some amazing pictures from that night, which can be shared only with the group who was there. The fun night had no impact on the people next day as everyone was ready for the next day without fuss.

Day 9: Nashik to Mumbai

The last day of Deccan odyssey 2017 had a smooth start. Usually the commercial vehicles entering Mumbai city have to go through a tough drill of bureaucracy. That day there was no check or stop for the Chennai garage tempo van till it reached the sun n sand hotel (base hotel in Mumbai). As expected the teams started arriving at 3 PM. The teams convoyed with each other to Mumbai and they lost a little bit of time as teams stayed for lunch. Team 4 had a small gear cable problem which was sorted out by the locals. They were seemed to have enjoyed the warmness they got through the process. All the teams mentioned that India is amazingly friendly country and especially in rural areas they felt like celebrities. The beautiful pool in the hotel mesmerized them and I had to literally drag them all to the award function. Most of them were in their swimming attire to receive the awards. At 5 pm the award ceremony and closing of the Deccan odyssey 2017 was held at the business center of the base hotel. Team 1, the Flintstones, did the challenges in a religious fashion and they were judged the Champions. Team 2 The Bhaji Boys who had fun altogether and made the other teams happy, were judged the Bonkers. The teams thanked our service team and organization for the fun time they had in Deccan odyssey 2017.

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.

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The Deccan Odyssey 2017 Recap 2: Exploring Maharashtra

David — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 13:53:07 +0000

On Days 4, 5, and 6 of the Deccan Odyssey 2017, the teams left Karnataka and explored Maharashtra.

In the latest installment of our Deccan Odyssey 2017 recap, Princely tells us all about the adventures of the Rickshaw Challenge on Day 4 (Belgaum to Kolhapur), Day 5 (Kolhapur to Pune), and Day 6 (Pune to Aurangabad). The participants explored Maharashtra, challenged themselves by driving even longer distances in their rickshaws, and took some great photos! Here’s Princely’s account:

Day 4 Belgaum to Kolhapur

The fourth day of Deccan odyssey 2017 started from Belgaum. It had been a long night for many of the participants and when the teams came to the Lobby they were sharing the stories with me. Michel, one of the Bhaji boys (Team 2) was the earliest for the breakfast. The rest of the teams arrived at 8 am. for briefing. Being a short day of just 120 km, Team 3 the French connection decided to take a detour to a water falls recommended in the day sheet. Before 8.30 am. all the teams left for the day from the base hotel. The tempo traveler in which I was travelling took just 3 hours to reach the base hotel in Kolhapur. The first team to arrive in Kolhapur was team 2. They checked in first and went to look around the town. By 5 PM all the teams checked in the hotel and the uneventful day came to end. In the night teams searched for a good pub and the recommended bar in the day sheet was selected to wind off.

Day 5 Kolhapur to Pune

As per the day plan this was the longest day in the whole trip. The base hotel on the day was located in the outer suburbs on the Bombay bypass from Pune. Considering that in mind I briefed them at 8 AM at the hotel and explained them what is it going to be to find the hotel. Everything went smoothly and the teams arrived at the base hotel around 5.30 PM. The teams had no outing that day and all of them went to bed early. Me and support crew had tough time finding a hotel nearby and eventually landed up in a hotel which was 3 KM away from the base hotel.

Day 6 Pune to Aurangabad

All the teams were early to the breakfast and briefing was at 8 AM sharp. Ferrying out of Pune was a challenge that day and I gave them a rough idea how the roads were going to be. There was no evidence of rain on the road from the previous as the sun was bright and shining on Pune that morning. The Support crew and I had breakfast and started at 8.30 AM. For me to get out of Pune traffic took about 3 hours. When it was around 1 PM, I received a message from Team 2 that their ‘engine died’. The support crew got to them just minutes later. Eventfully we found out that the team had lost the fuel tank and covered it with tape. The act had choked the fuel flow and caused the problem. It was really a long day and teams were really tiered when they reached the base hotel. The base hotel had a lovely bar and the teams got up there and had fun.

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Essential South Indian Spices

David — Thu, 03 Nov 2016 09:39:12 +0000

Southern Indian food is all about spice.
It’s no secret that India has amazing food, and in every region you travel new culinary discoveries await. There are vast differences between the cooking styles of different areas of the subcontinent. North Indian cuisine has noticeably central Asian influences, with greater use of meat, thicker sauces (often featuring yoghurt) and is usually accompanied by bread. Southern India is the ideal location if you love vegetarian food, rice, lots of coconut and, of course, spice.

Photo by Joe Mon Bkk

While the various regions of Southern India have different culinary styles — Udupi cuisine, the tastes of Kerala, the curries of Andhra Pradesh — there is one thing that unites them: mastery of spice. If you want to understand Southern Indian food, you need to know the spices used. Often exported, the spices grown in South India are best tasted in the country itself. Here is a selection of the most essential South Indian spices!

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

Photo by Simon A. Eugster

The bright orange-yellow spice turmeric is often used to give curries an attractive golden colour but watch out: it stains. Can be used fresh, dried, or in a paste. Known as an anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory, it’s particularly useful for sufferers of arthritis.

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!

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Costumes & Three Wheels: The Mumbai Xpress 2015 Begins

Jennifer — Fri, 14 Aug 2015 13:15:22 +0000

One of the toughest three-wheeled adventures in the Travel Scientists’ repertoire, the Mumbai Xpress is an ambitious feet from Mumbai to Chennai, a journey that traverses most of South India and the better part of 2000km – all during the infamous monsoon season. As our nutty teams kick off from India’s largest metropolis, are they ready for this challenge of endurance?

Photo by Ashleigh Grant from Team Smurf.

Day 1: Meeting the Rickshaws

We started things off on an easy note for day 1, getting the paperwork and registration out of the way before introducing the teams to their rickshaws and getting them to practice a bit on their three-wheeled steeds.
Registration started at 9am, and you would have thought people would have leapt out of bed for the chance to do some paperwork, but only 3 teams were uber motivated to sign up so early. The others made it down at a leisurely 11am. Once everyone had given their deposits and signed their souls… er we mean signed the terms and agreements, everybody was led into the Royal Hall in the hotel for a pep talk from the Head Scientist, Aravind Bremanandam, to get everyone in the mood.
Once pepped, then it was time to face the beasts, and our plucky teams made their way over to the Women’s University Campus for some rickshaw driving lessons and general how-not-to-kill-yourself-in-India while driving preparation. One team played hooky though, and that was the Monsoon Riders, although they had a valid excuse in that they were not even in India due to a flight muck-up, but they got the chance to catch up on their training the day after.
After the practice, the teams had the chance to tackle the Mumbai traffic themselves as they had to take the rickshaws back to the hotel. A couple of teams broke down along the way, team Nan of Your Business had flat tyres and needed to change the wheels, but get extra brownie points for managing to do it themselves. Off course there is nothing like Mumbai traffic to inspire one to drink, so everyone went up for the welcome party at Gringo Bar to kick start the fun! The event was also double special, since Neil from team Little Laia and the Blues Brothers, celebrated his birthday.

Day 2: Exploring Mumbai

Photo by Rhys O’Connor from team Curry Struck.

The teams had the chance to explore the city at their own pace, and hone their rickshaw driving skills before hitting the road. The night before turned into a heavy, late night affair, where our rickshaw racers commandeered the swimming pool at 2am during the long party night. Since hangovers were abundant the morning after, most took it easy on day 2 and chose to hit the hay early in preparation for day one on the road.

Day 3: Mumbai to Alibag

Photo by Min Chai from team N2 Extreme TukTuk.

Day one on the road, and the energy was high. Most of the participants came in elaborate and funny costumes ready to tackle the open road with their three-wheeled beast. Sputtering out of the hotel, the main challenge of the day was to get out of Mumbai unscathed. While the traffic was no less unforgiving than normal, the teams reached Alibag before the luggage truck! However, India being India, the unexpected will always happen, and it seems that Hotel Shyadri wanted to put 5 teams in their new property as guinea pigs. Fortunately, Rickshaw Challengers tend to be good sports, and no one complained about the sudden change, and in fact enjoyed the new place and new lawn. Only a couple of breakdowns to report, but again, we have quite a handy team, since they managed to fix their rickshaws by themselves.

Day 4: Alibag to Pune

Photo by Jon McGivern from team The Indians.

Perhaps it was because of the traffic hell in Mumbai that inspired everyone to get up at dawn and go have breakfast at 7:30am, since today’s destination was Pune, Maharashtra’s second largest city – and famous for its terrible traffic. However, all the teams made it to the hotel by the flag down time, except for one team that had to spend two hours at a Local Garage in Penn. Team 14, The Indians, caused a bit of a stir as one of their team members stripped down for a rather disturbing Buddha impression, which we’re sure most of the teams will forget in a hurry! Today, we decided to rack up the stakes a bit and give the teams some simple challenges, but we started them off light, as they did yet more challenging later.

Day 5: Pune to Mahabaleshwar

Photo by Liane Wicks from team Ice Ice Bhaji.

The teams had a few challenges to get to know Pune a little before embarking onwards to Mahabaleshwar, after visiting the famous Aga Khan Palace, they also had the interesting challenge of making chai at a local stall and capturing the moment on camera. Teams Mystery Machine and Nan of Your Business took their own rally course to see a bit more of India, but the competition is heating up among the rest of the teams. So far things are good, and it looks like everyone is having fun, but it’s early days still, so who knows what we can expect in the next coming days?

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

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Buckle Up, Here's the Recap: The First Four Days of The Deccan Odyssey 2015

admin — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 15:24:02 +0000

Seems like not even a day can go by without some action in the 2015 Deccan Odyssey, but that’s the whole point of this wonderful adventure, isn’t it? In case you were wondering about what happened in the first four days, here is our recap so you can be as up-to-date as possible.

Everyone is busy-busy…

Day One:

Every member of the Fantastic Five has arrived in time for registration at the River View Hall in the Crown Hotel located in Goa, Panaji. The Kameraki Team from Japan arrived at the same time the organizers did and Team Packman decided that being early was the way to go (they arrived one day in advance.) We Don’t Give A Tuk arrived just in the nick of time with a severe case of Jet Lag and last but not least, the Wicked Vikings and Screw Loose Racing both had a smashing party in the casino the night before. During the briefing, Mother Nature decided that it was time to make things interesting with a case of heavy raining. However, nothing could ruin the lively atmosphere of the room after the briefing: the groups chirped away with each other. Luck was on our side during the Practice routes, too; the rain had stopped and the teams could practise in peace. We Don’t Give A Tuk ran into some difficulties, but the other teams got comfy with the roads quickly (the Packman Team was so self-assured that they only practised for an hour or so.)

The ever-smiling “Packmen”

Day Two:

At 11 AM, the teams met up with the organizers, with each team already set to start on the adventure. The mini-challenge started from Old Goa and went on until the Basilica. The organizers caught up with the Kameraki Team and took some photos. Then, everyone returned to the hotel for a great game of Water Polo in the blissfully cool swimming pool.

Hello, Kameraki!

Day Three:

The Fantastic Five kept the organizers waiting a bit: instead of 7 AM, they showed up at 7.30 AM. Todd, from Team Packman showed up at the reception in his wonderful costume and told the organizers that some of the contenders went out the night before and had a huge party. Around 8 o’clock, the other contestants arrived, most of them very tired (ahem, hung over) from the previous night. Even though nobody was on their A-game, they soon livened up by the thought of their upcoming magical challenge. By 9 AM, everyone was on the road. During the drive around Belgaum, the Wicked Vikings and Screw Loose Racing got into a bit of a break-down-pickle, but all was fixed thanks to the support crew. Everyone was completely beat by the end of the day.

On the road again!

Day Four:

We Don’t Give A Tuk got very creative this time; they went with an Arabian Nights theme to give the kickoff of the race a truly uplifting vibe. One of the members of Team Kameraki informed the organizers that they will only be able to start after 10 AM. In the end, all members of the Fantastic Five arrived on time in Kolapur, with all of their challenges met to their best effort. It was a wonderful day.

Tired smiles from everyone

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All Aboard the Chennai Xpress!

admin — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 15:13:03 +0000

Get your rickshaws ready, because our next rally is coming up in just over a month!
From Bollywood to Kollywood, the Chennai Xpress will race you from Mumbai to Chennai, crossing an epic 1300km across Southern India through the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Kicking off in Mumbai, one of India’s craziest cities that comes complete with its own identity crisis, but a fun one at that. Mixing the glamour of Bollywood with the grit of Slumdog Millionaire, Mumbai is a city of extremes, embracing both mayhem and order at the same time, mixing up bazaars with colonial monuments and towering skyscrapers.
From Mumbai, our fuel-efficient lawnmower on three-wheels will rocket off at a speed of 35 miles per hour to Pune. Even though Pune is said to represent “New India”, since the city is an industrial, business and academic hub today, it’s over 1000 years old.
On day three, the rickshaws have to navigate the roads and the chaos of India’s traffic to Hubli, one of India’s fastest growing cities and a transport hub for Mumbai an then onto Tumkur. While Tumkur might not be India’s most beautiful site, you’ll get to have some fun on the rickshaw getting there. The surrounding region will give your rocket rickshaw some challenges, since you’ll drive over hills and valleys on the way.
Before finishing up in Chennai, we’ll head off to one of the highlights of the trip on day six. Vellore is city that’s certainly got a diverse range of previous rulers, from the Pavallas to the Medieval Cholas, and the British, this historic city has plenty to offer the inner tourist in you.
Finishing up in Chennai, you can finally put your rickshaw away, if you haven’t broken down on the way that is, and explore India’s fourth city.
If riding a rickshaw for 1300km has been a tiring experience, then drop down to Marina Beach, the second longest beach in the world, or check out the temples and sites or simply just get out and explore Chennai’s vibrant culture.
The Chennai Xpress isn’t just about the city stop offs though, in fact, one of the best things about riding a rickshaw through India is exploring the countryside.
Your rickshaw will trudge across beaches, cut through hills and valleys, all with incredible exotic backdrops to take home with your experience.
Oh yeah, and most importantly, you’ll get to hang out with some other crazy nutters brave enough to race off across India on an auto rickshaw, and you can be sure there will be a bad road with a party on the end of it.
So if you’re hankering for an Indian adventure, sign up for the Chennai Xpress and join us for the ride!

Rickshaw Challenge Training

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South India – Two Perspectives

admin — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 06:28:27 +0000

Lea Beyeler and Yannick de Zordo share their trip in India: from Chennai to Mumbai, through amazing places in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Goa and Maharashtra.

“We spent one month on a trip from Chennai to Mumbai passing beautiful spots in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra.
Here are our two travel perspectives – hope you enjoy!”

South India

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