malabar – Rickshaw Challenge

The Cities of the Malabar Rampage

David — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 18:38:29 +0000

We take a look at the cities along the route of the Malabar Rampage.

The Malabar Rampage Rickshaw Challenge kicks off on 8th April, with a week of great weather, stunning scenery, and fascinating cities in store. As always with the Rickshaw Challenge it will be a mad week of exploration and entertainment. Through Kerala, Karnataka, and the Union Territory of Goa, this adventure will traverse a gorgeous and compelling part of India. Here’s a guide to the cities that the Malabar Rampage will visit.

Trivandrum

Photo by Manu Rocks

Trivandrum, officially named Thiruvananthapuram, is the start city for the Malabar Rampage Rickshaw Challenge. The capital of the beautiful state of Kerala, “God’s own country”, Trivandrum is a great introduction to South Indian city life. It has a great position, locked between hills and the ocean. Formerly a trading center, capitalizing on its position at the very South of the mainland, the city has a long history. While we won’t stay here long, there’s still plenty to see: the area is particularly famous for its beaches. Padmanabhaswamy Temple is essential to visit and the Kowdiar Palace, pictured above, is an impressive architectural feat. There is also a notable zoo, much British colonial architecture, and several interesting museums and galleries.

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

Photo by Choosetocount

Kozhikode, usually referred to as Calicut, is the largest city of Northern Kerala. This is a city with a proud history: in ancient times it was known as “city of spices” for its role as a trading hub. It was ruled by several external powers, and it was here that Vasco de Gama landed in 1498, followed in subsequent decades by the English, French, and Dutch. It’s still a thriving trading city, and was recently ranked as the second best city in India in which to live. Part of Calicut’s appeal is it’s sensational location on the Indian ocean, with several beaches and a picturesque waterfront, pictured above. Not far out of town you can find several attractive waterfalls not far from town, and only a little further, the stunning Wayanad hills.

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

Photo by Prashant Sahu

Mudureshwara is a pilgrimage town, and offers an insight into India’s religious life. It contains the world’s second largest statue of Shiva, pictured above, towering over the Arabian Sea. The statue is designed to glimmer in the sunlight. Right beside it is Mudureshwara Temple, with an impressive 20-story gopura. Authorities have installed a lift taking visitors to the top floor of the temple, offering a unique view of the Shiva statue. Once you come down, get to the shore: the sunsets here are unforgettable.

Panaji

Photo by Selmer van Alten

Panaji (or Panjim) is the capital of Goa, and well-preserved reminder of the Portuguese influence on India. Impressive white churches, baroque architecture, and an authentic old town make this unlike anywhere else on the continent. Wander around Fontainhas, the Latin quarter, with its cobbled streets, colorfully-painted houses, and old-fashioned taverns. Panaji’s rich history, vibrant culture, and relaxed atmosphere, make it a great place to spend a few days at the end of the rickshaw challenge. Better yet, some of Goa’s most impressive beaches are close by.

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.

Top Dishes to Try in Kerala: Part Two

David — Mon, 10 Oct 2016 11:21:15 +0000

Part Two of Top Dishes to Try in Kerala, featuring the best curries and snacks from God’s Own Country.
In Part One, we covered some of the mouth-watering breakfasts popular in Kerala, as well Sadhya, the traditional feast of many dishes laid on a large banana leaf. Don’t worry, there’s plenty sensational culinary delights still to list, with curries and snacks yet to come. And as you can imagine from a state nicknamed the Land of Spices, their curries are delicious!

Photo by Jyothis

Karimeen Pollichathu

Photo by Ravirajdayal

Karimeen is the green chromide (pearl spot) fish found in the Kerala backwaters, and pollichathu refers to the unusual method of cooking wrapped in a green banana leaf. Traditionally a Syrian Christian dish, this is now a proud part of the local cuisine for everyone in the state. The mixtures of spices and coconut paste give the fish a unique but sensational flavour. You can also try the prawn variant, by the name Chemmeen Pollichathu.

Fish Curry

Photo by Prasad Pillai

Red-coloured fish curry one of the very top dishes to try in Kerala, showcasing a perfect combination of flavour and spice while, like many dishes popular in the state, being rather healthy too! Prepared in clay pots, this dish is also is usually reliable for a beautiful photo too, if you want to instagram while you eat. Often served at lunch, it is a classic accompaniment to kappa, which is steamed or cooked tapioca. The classic flavouring for the curry is tamarind, though in the land of spices there are of course many variations; it’s also worth trying Kerala prawn curries too.

Parotta and Beef Fry

Photo by Charles Haynes

Parotta is a layered flatbread popular all over South India, especially in Tamil Nadu, though said to originate from Malabar. Made with flour, water, oil or ghee, and sometimes egg, it’s most popularly eaten in Kerala with beef fry. The beef curry itself is one of the top dishes to try in Kerala: dark and delicious, it’s spiced with curry leaves plus a variety of other local flavours, and can really knock you off your feet!

Kerala Biryani

Photo by Challiyan

Often known as Malabar biryani or Thalassery biryani, the main difference with other versions of the famous dish is the choice of rice: in Kerala they uses small-grained Khaima rice rather than Basmati. The sea port Thalassery was a melting pot of different spice-trading cultures, and it is here that the most famous biryani recipe in the state was created. From just meat, rice, spices, and often a boiled egg, a delicious meal is created!

Unniyappam

Photo by Challiyan

Now, dessert: Unniyappam are the traditional snack of Kerala, often eaten at festivals and special occasions. Made from rice flour, jaggery, ghee, sugar, and banana, their crispy outside and soft spongy center makes them irresistible. In Malayalam, unni means small and appam is a rice cake, and they are exactly that. Try to go to Kottarakkara Ganapathy Temple, where you can find special unniyappam cooked by the priests according to a secret recipe! With a slightly unique taste, it’s worth the visit; however, if you can find unniyappam in any bakery in Kerala you won’t be disappointed either!

Banana Fritters

Photo by Sreejithk2000

Known locally as Pazhampori, banana fritters are everywhere in Kerala and they make a great evening snack. Coated in oil and fried in “maida” batter, the riper the banana, the juicer the treat. They are addictive, but luckily you can buy them all over the state: in restaurants, roadside carts, trains, and more! You might need the recipe for when you come home, too.

Kerala is a must-see destination thanks to its beaches, backwaters and mountains packed with tea-plantations, not to mention its diversity and history. And, obviously, the food is truly special. If you’re persuaded to visit, join a Rickshaw Challenge, and navigate the region in a wacky tuk tuk race! The Malabar Rampage, passing through Kerala on the way from Trivandrum to Goa, takes place in April 2017. It’ll be a be a week of adventures, laughs, and — of course — you’ll have many chances to eat the top dishes to try in Kerala!