Why did you decide to sign up for the Rickshaw Challenge Malabar Rampage 2019?

A friend who had been living in Goa mentioned it and it sounded a suitably ridiculous way to introduce myself to India. I’ve always wanted to do a rally and had been thinking of signing up to do The Adventurist’s ‘Mongol Rally’; after doing this however, those grandiose plans are on hold as it isn’t called a Challenge for no reason!

What did you expect and what did you get?

I expected the tuk tuk to be like driving a motorbike and to have plenty of time to meander around the roads enjoying the countryside and the people. Clearly, my rational and irrational mind need to have a chat because the reality was a cantankerous tin can that did not want to get into gear, needed biceps of steel to crank the engine into life and my team mates and I must have been pretty slow and faffy because we never felt we had time to meander and enjoy the countryside; every day was a race to make flag down with some hurried stop offs on the way to at least try and take part in the challenges. I still don’t know why we were so slow!

What was your scariest experience on the road?

Getting caught in the late afternoon rain that led into a storm that led into lightning hitting a tree that fell and blocked the road. This meant one very long traffic jam that meant we were late for flag down and had to drive in the dark with one insipid front light, one tiny little windscreen wiper that tried its best to give a clear view but without street lamps, it was frightening to drive along still with people running across the road dressed in dark clothing, cows still ambling about and the buses that still careered along with no concept of others being on the road too.

What was your most positive experience during the Malabar Rampage?

The people. We had a spectacular first day breakdown that meant standing around in the dark in some back alley (thank you google GPS for that helpful detour). The residents were initially bemused by our arrival, dressed as we were in our ‘Breaking Bad’ yellow jumpsuits but they soon came out with tool kits, phones and offers for us to sit inside their houses with a fan, have a drink and meet their families. Coming from London where even making eye contact on the tube is a faux pas, this was a refreshing change and a lovely one too.

How many breakdowns did you have and what did you learn about fixing a rickshaw?

I think our tuk tuk was broken from day one (and I’m not just saying that to excuse our bad driving) but the clutch was incredibly difficult to use on the first day and we broke down countless times – usually in the middle of a busy junction. Eventually it was a local man who came to our rescue and pointed out our clutch needed fixing. The mechanics from the Rickshaw Challenge were called out and they fixed it and all was well until we came across a festival in Alleppey which meant GPS took us on a weird and wonderful back alley detour that involved paths of sand – which the engine took a dislike to and then conked out. I learned absolutely nothing about fixing a rickshaw except it would appear you can take the odd screw from random parts of it in order to fix certain things…like the clutch. When it comes to the engine having a hissy fit – game over. It’s time to call for help!

Describe India in one word or sentence, which doesn’t include coconut or coconut tree!

Sensory. All five senses enjoy India – whether it is smelling spices in the air (or petrol), seeing the colourful silks and beautiful landscapes, touching the food on your plate (no cutlery in many places), hearing the strains of that glorified lawnmower you’re driving and tasting what is essentially an Indian takeaway twice a day every day.

What is your most “only in India” experience?

We captured a wonderful moment whereby we were coasting along NH66 with the sounds of Kylie and Jason warbling ‘Especially for You’ when we came across a cow walking up ahead. Now, I don’t know whether it was the love song playing at the time or delirium from spending so many hours cooped up in that sweatbox but we all thought the back end of the cow had a certain sensual swagger about it which seemed fitting with the song. Maybe you had to be there. Maybe we should have drunk more water that day.

Do you have any recommendations, any good advice for future participants?

Pack lots of those horrible ‘traveller trousers’ (you know the type all the Gap Yar students wear) and cotton tops. You will SWEAT and then SWEAT SOME MORE. Also, pack gloves as those sweaty hands of yours will struggle to grip the handlebars, patience (maybe xanax?) and ensure you take along team mates whom you love greatly, can be honest with and with whom there are no cracks in your relationship. This is an incredible experience – you will learn a lot about yourself and others, see and do wonderful things but it is challenging (or maybe that was just us) and if you are tired and can’t get the tuk tuk to start on a hill, you need people around you who will stay calm and be supportive – not scream at the gods for giving you the foolish idea that this was a good way to spend a week. Because I didn’t do that. No siree.

Charity

 

 
 

 
 

 
 
A big part of any rickshaw challenge is giving back to local communities and this year’s Malabar Rampage was no different. The event raised money for Round Table India’s Freedom Through Education programme, and participants also had a great time visiting schools and getting to know the young students.
 
 
 

Going the Extra Mile

 

 
 

 
 
One of the many challenges on this year’s challenge was to take photos with people with impressive moustaches. Many succeeded, but a couple of teams went one step further, and got moustaches themselves. Impressive work.
 
 

Beaches

 

 
 

 
The Malabar Coast is famous for its incredible beaches: here is just a taster of the golden sands that teams visited last week.
 
 

Great Sights

 

 
 
 

 
 
Here are two fantastic sights on the Malabar Rampage. First, the giant statue of Shiva at Mudureshwara. Secondly, lots of our rickshaws lined up. Both beautiful in their own way.
 
 

The Award Ceremony

 

 
 
Sadly, the Malabar Rampage had to finish sometime. However, the end of a Travel Scientists‘ event means one thing: time for the finishing party. There were three prizes awarded: the Bonkers trophy (for the craziest team), the Charity trophy (for the participants who raised most for charitable causes) and the overall trophy, for the team who, well, deserved it.
 
 
 
 

 
 

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.
 
 

 
 

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.
 

The Participants

The route

 

 
Though a challenging distance, the rally travels down the beautiful and varied Malabar Coast, which also features on the Malabar Rampage and Mumbai Xpress Rickshaw Challenges. The route passes the famous beaches of Goa and through Kerala, with its delicious cuisine, as the event heads towards its final destination of Kanyakumari in Southern Tamilnadu. It’s not just a race: along the way participants are required to carry out weird and wonderful challenges.
 
 

 
If the FFLV tuk tuk challenge has inspired you, why not participate in a Rickshaw Challenge yourself. On the Malabar Rampage and Mumbai Xpress you’ll see the same incredible Malabar Coast. However, if you can’t wait till next year, the Classic Run, a ten-day rickshaw adventure from Chennai to Trivandrum, is scheduled for December 28th. You’ll race 1000km through magical Tamilnadu, ending up in the deep South of India. Alternatively, if you want to organise a private event yourself, the Travel Scientists are always available to help!
 

Puttu with Kadala Curry

Idiyappam with Egg Roast

Appam with Stew

Sadhya