Thanjavur – Rickshaw Challenge

The Classic Run 2018: On the Road

David — Thu, 04 Jan 2018 13:26:06 +0000

The Classic Run is on the road!

After a training day in Chennai, it was time for teams on the Rickshaw Challenge Classic Run to hit the road! There were lots of cities to see, states to explore, and excitement to be had! Here is Princely’s report from the first few days of Classic Run chaos, from Chennai to Madurai.

Day 2: Chennai to Puducherry

The costumes of the participants made the first day extraordinarily colorful and gave a happy mood for the first day on road. Again the briefing was done by Aravind and teams left the base hotel within half an hour after we finished the briefing. There we go, Classic Run 2018 was officially flagged off and we were off on road. All went fine for the first day and I saw a couple of teams in Mahabalipuram, mentioned in day sheet. Alambari fort was closed as there were some issues with the locals.

Team 15 (Temoji), had no clue how they had to navigate in spite of briefing and they came as the last team and it was 7.30 pm when we finished the day in Puducherry. The other teams strolled to the beach to enjoy the end of the day. Over beers some stories of running out of fuel and minor break downs were discussed. The mechanics attended the overnight complaints and preparation for the next day went smoothly.

Day 3: Puducherry to Thanjavur

Being the longest day of the entire rally, teams were warned enough and the highlight of the day was again Team Temoji. At around 4.30 PM, I received a call from them and they had completely lost their way and detoured more than 40km. But everything fell into place as they were guided by some locals and the Chennai Garage team lead them after the town of Kumbakonam. Yet another day finished in the base hotel which had an extraordinary swimming pool. Beers by the pool, that’s sounds luxurious, doesn’t it?

Day 4 Thanjavur to Madurai

The big temple in Thanjavur was the first challenge for the participants. On my drive I met few teams at Tirumayam fort and the pictures taken at there were awesome. Special mention to Teams 11 (the B – Team) and 14 (Ripped and wrecked). Another no problem day ended up at Madurai and teams had their new year’s party… it was a long night for most of the teams! Let the fun begin. I would like to wish all the readers and regular followers of Rickshaw Challenge a Happy New Year!!!

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.

Cities on the Classic Run

David — Fri, 01 Dec 2017 12:05:37 +0000

The Classic Run visits 8 fascinating cities.

It’s almost time for the Classic Run Rickshaw Challenge, with this year’s event set to start on December 28th in Chennai, making it the perfect way to spend the New Year. On the teams’ 950km rickshaw odyssey, they’ll see an incredible range of cities, brimming with life, beauty, and culture. Here are the cities teams will visit.

Chennai

Photo by Vinoth Chandar

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

Photo by Pratheesh Prakash

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

Photo by Vinoth Chandar

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

Photo by Arian Zwegers

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

Photo via Creative Commons

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

Photo via Creative Commons

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

Photo via Creative Commons

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

Photo by Manu Rocks

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.

Cities of the Tamilnadu Run!

David — Thu, 12 Oct 2017 13:05:03 +0000

The Tamilnadu Run Rickshaw Challenge 2017 begins this weekend.
The Tamilnadu Run Rickshaw Challenge 2017 kicks off in Chennai on October 14th, beginning a week of adventure through one of India’s most beautiful provinces. Teams, when they aren’t grappling with their rickshaws, navigating India’s roads and making new friends, will be treated to majestic nature, historic treasures, and buzzing city life. Here are the cities visited by the Tamilnadu Run.

Chennai

Photo by Vinoth Chandar

Chennai, which is also the final stop of the event, is by far the largest city in Tamilnadu. The state’s capital, and one of the country’s largest cities, Chennai makes a great first stop when visiting India. While not as showy as other comparable metropolises, there are plenty sites to keep you occupied. Popular activities include a stroll along Marina Beach (pictured above), India’s longest natural urban beach, and visiting Fort St George, the impressive English fortress built in the 17th Century.

Pondicherry

Photo by Pratheesh Prakash

The second stop on the Tamilnadu Run offers a very different experience of India. Pondicherry (now officially known as Puducherry) was a French colony until the mid 20th century, and their influence is still felt by the architecture, cuisine, and general vibe of the place. Though relatively small, the city offers a great chance to compare the effects of various cultural influences: visit the Tamil and French quarters, see the traditional Indian temples and colonial Roman Catholic Churches, and of course, taste how Tamil and French cooking (and excellent seafood) combine! There are also many fabulous beaches.

Thanjavur

Photo by Vinoth Chandar

The next stop, Thanjavur, is one of India’s oldest cities, and Tamil Nadu’s religious and cultural heart. Here you’ll find many important temples alongside ruins of ancient empires. The Brihadeeswara Temple, pictured above, is over a thousand years old and one of India’s architectural treasures. The city is also home to Saraswathi Mahal Library, one of the oldest libraries in Asia. Famous for its painting, music, and dance, its impossible to get bored in Thanjavur.

Yercaud

Photo by Thangaraj Kumaravel

In Yercaud, a picturesque hill station, you can get away from the searing heat and constant rush of Indian cities. Once popular among the British, who were attracted by its cool climate, Yercaud is a natural paradise, and the perfect place to relax. Its name means Lake Forest, referring to the glorious lake (surrounded by, predictably, forest) around which Yercaud is centered. Plentiful coffee and citrus fruits, amongst other crops, are grown here, and its no surprise Yercaud earned the nickname the Jewel of the South.

Thiruvannamalai

Photo by Karthik Pasupathy Ramachandran

The penultimate stop of the Tamilnadu Run is Thiruvannamalai, often known as Moon City, which has attracted pilgrims for several millennia. Every month at full moon, the town attracts thousands of religious devotees, who gather at the base of Arunchala mountain. Located here is Annamalaiyar Temple, an important religious site, with a structure dating back to the 9th Century. Dedicated to Shiva, this is one of India’s largest and most impressive temples.

Top 9 Sites from the Rickshaw Challenge Classic Run

Jennifer — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 05:58:24 +0000

From temples to hidden beaches, while the GamingZion Rickshaw Challenge Classic Run 2015 might not have followed the classic tourist route, but we have seen some amazing sites along the way, either from the backseat of a rickshaw or on our stops along the way. We drove deep into the heart of Tamil Nadu, which is one of India’s lesser visited regions with virtually no tourist infrastructure, and found some pretty amazing places on the way.
1. Brihadishwara Temple, Thanjavur

Brihadishwara Temple, Thanjavur on New Year’s Eve.

Capturing a palate of tawny browns and yellows, walking barefoot across this Ancient Living Chola Temple was a highlight of the trip. Over 1000 years old, pilgrims from all across India come to this vast temple complex to pay homage to the Hindu gods, from girls dressed up in scarlet saris marching in a precession for New Year’s purification to animated children begging us to photograph them, the life in the temple is as stunning as its towering pyramid-shaped gopurams detailed with elaborate stucco sculptures.
2. Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai

Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai on New Year Day.

Most of us might have been recovering from a heavy New Year’s Party the night before, but the brilliant colours of Madurai’s 6 hectare temple was worth getting out of bed for. With 12 tall gopurams lined with gods, goddesses, demons, saints, and heroes in a rainbow of colours, the temple is a Technicolor Hindu dream. While non-Hindus were not allowed inside the heart of the temple, we could still stroll down the brilliantly coloured colonnades, watching the devout queue up in lines to enter the holiest part of the Meenakshi Amman Temple.
3. The Monuments of Mahabalipuram

“Descent into the Ganges” in Mahabalipuram.

Even though this seaside town was a victim of the Tsunami ten years ago in 2004, and many of the temples in the town were damaged, there is still plenty to see in this ancient port city dating back to the Pallava kingdom. The Shore Temple is still a spectacular site, and as been reconstructed since the Tsunami damage, sporting elegant carvings and spectacular position on the shoreline. Nearby, the Five Rathas, temples carved out of the bulging boulders, were still just as spectacular in the pouring rain of the cyclone that hit us, where local visitors huddled under the rock cut colonnades. The huge relief carving representing the “Descent into the Ganges” is one of India’s artistic masterpieces, with intricately carved characters like the cat doing penance.
4. The Beach at Kanyakumari

Sunrise over Cape Comorin.

Kanyakumari, known also as Cape Comorin, marks mainland India’s most southerly point, and is also the point where the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal meet. The most beautiful time to head down to Kanyakumari beach is at sundown and sunrise. Locals flock to the beach both at sunrise and sunset, some even camping on the beach to be there on time in the morning. It’s a spectacular sight to watch the sun move across the coastline, watching the colours change on the huge colossus paying tribute to Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar.
5. Manimuthar Falls, Western Ghats

Manimuthar Falls

Close to Kanyakumari is a natural gem we had to visit as one of our challenges. Getting into Manimuthar Falls means driving up to a gate, where you pay a small 15 rupee fee before we had to drive down a very bumpy road to the falls. Although leaving any belongings behind in the rickshaw was dangerous due to kleptomaniac monkeys, it was worth it to go down and paddle in the cool waters of the falls. Local boys come here to bathe and cool off on the hot day.
6. French Quarter, Pondicherry

The French Quarter in Pondicherry.

Tucked behind the seafront and a stone’s throw away from the statue of Gandhi. The winding streets, brightly coloured buildings and wrought iron balconies recall Pondicherry’s French colonial history, while intermixing it with Indian vibrancy. The crumbling and damaged Hôtel de Ville on the seafront is worth a look in through the bars, and also checking out the Notre Dame des Agnes church.
7. The Seashore temple of Muruga Perumal at Tiruchendur

The Seashore temple of Muruga Perumal at Tiruchendur Temple

Backing onto a stretch of sandy beach hugging the Gulf of Mannar, the temple at Tiruchendur towers above in brilliant white stone. Even though it doesn’t even make an entrance in the Lonely Planet guide to South India, this temple to the Hindu deity Lord Muruga, the peacock god, is one of India’s largest temple complex by area and also one of the most visited by Hindu devotees.
8. The Hidden Beach Town of Manapad

Manapad Beach.

One of the hidden treasures we discovered on the Rickshaw Challenge Classic Run is the coastal village of Manapad. A surreal step into Europe, this former Portuguese colony is all about little tight winding streets with brightly coloured façades and tall church spires. Fishing boats lie on the sandy flats of the long lagoon, as locals go down to bathe in the waters. On the top, the Holy Cross Church crowns the town from above in brilliant white. But even though it might look like a Portuguese fishing village, the curious locals surrounded our rickshaws, fascinated with Westerners in this tiny village that elsewhere would have been a touristic mecca.
9. The Temples of Kumbakonam

Kumbeshwara Temple in Kumbakonam.

On first impressions, this town between Pondicherry and Thanjavur seems like any ordinary junction town, but upon close inspection, the rows of fortunetellers and the colourful gopurams peering above indicate there is more to Kumbakonam than meets the eye. The Kumeshwara Temple dates back to the 17^th century, and supposedly was made by Lord Shiva itself. The temple opens up into a beautiful pond, where women in red saris take themselves in for a purifying bathe. There are 2 UNESCO World Heritage Chola Temples here, and the Mahamaham Tank, surrounded by 17 pavilions is one of the most sacred sites in the area.

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.

7 Reasons to Visit South India

admin — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 10:52:26 +0000

Spicy curries, ancient temples and lively crowds – what makes South India so special when compared with the rest of the Indian sub-continent?
South India’s Dravidian culture differs from the Indo-European one in the north, complete with its own architecture, culture and attitude. But South India has more than just cultural incentives to pull the crowds in, so we’re going to give you seven reasons you should travel in South India.

1. The Temples

The state of Tamil Nadu dominates India when it comes to temples. The Ancient Madruai in Tamil Nadu is home to one of India’s most impressive structures – the Meenakshi Temple, which covers 15 acres, with over 4500 pillars and 12
towers.
Other South Indian temples that should make your bucket list include Thanjavur, Kumbakonam, Rameshwaram and Chidambaram. You’ll also find the largest temple in India, Tiruchirappalli, dedicated to lord Vishnu, measures up to 156 acres, where the main tower is 73 meters high, making it the second tallest temple in Asia.

2. The Beaches

With Goa and Kerala in the area, South India wins when it comes to India’s best beaches and one of the best in the area is Varkala beach, which lies about an hour north of Kerala.
Palolem Beach in south Goa ticks all the boxes for the ideal beach, with its thick forest of coconut palms and golden sands. Easily Goa’s most beautiful beach, but for those who want more action, then head up north to Baga Beach.
For travelers who prefer going off the beaten track, then check out Marari Beach near Kerala, is quiet and underdeveloped.
But if you’re stuck in Chennai, have no fear, you’ve got plenty of amazing beaches nearby. Mahabalipuram is a good choice, especially since it comes complete with its own shore temple!

3. The Food

South India’s hot and humid climate influences its food, since there is a fresh supply of fruit, vegetables and rice. Like the weather, Southern Indian cuisine is fiery, and often centered around rice and served up with coconut based chutneys.
You’ll find a rich selection of seafood dishes, particularly round Kerala, along with nutty and fruity tastes and textures from Hyderabad.
Rice plays a huge part in Southern Indian cuisine, with Idlis, steamed cakes made from rice batter, Dosas or Uttapams, pancakes from rice and lentil flour, and Daals, curried lentils dominate the cuisine.

4. The People

The people you’ll find in South India are known for their friendly, laid back attitude and are known for their religious tolerance, when compared to the north of India.
In South India, the people from this region are Dravidian, which means they speak languages coming from the Dravidian family, like Tamil.

5. The National Parks

India has some of the most beautiful countryside in the world, and fortunately for us, most of which is preserved since there are over 80 national parks in India.
Bandipur National Park in Tamil Nadu is listed as a potential UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its wildlife featuring elephants and leopards.
For those who prefer mountains, Eravakulam National Park, another UNESCO candidate, encompasses the Western Ghats Mountain Range. In the Idukki district of Kerala, this park boasts some impressive animal residents, from jungle cats to gaurs.

6. The Coffee

Coffee is a big part of South Indian culture, and the filter coffee made in the region is particularly unique, with coffee beans grown in the hills in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
The coffee is then brewed with a metal device resembling two cylindrical cups, where the upper cup is loaded with a mix of fresh ground coffee and chicory. The grounds are compressed and boiling water is poured inside and the coffee drips through.
South Indian coffee is very strong and often served with boiling milk and preferred amount of sugar. It has become a cultural icon in the region and a must have.

7. A Taste of Adventure

If you’re looking for adventure, than look no further. You can do water sports in Goa if you want some watery fun, but if you want something crazy and memorable, then do some Auto Rickshaw Rampaging.
Get to see a different side of South India, from its countryside, culture, food, contribute to charity – all while driving a whacky three-wheeled rickshaw across India. If you’re interested in getting involved, check out our tours here on the Rickshaw Challenge.

South India’s Mood

Auto Rickshaw Diaries from across India

admin — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 13:17:07 +0000

Classic Run 2014 is in full swing and people are talking about it.
‘The hawkers and the motorists were bewildered seeing foreigners behind the wheels of brightly painted autorickshaws in Coimbatore on Sunday morning. Well, the onlookers didn’t know they were part of Rickshaw Challenge — Classic Run 2014, which will see them attempt to cover over 1,000 km on autorickshaws.
As many as 12 teams from the U.K., Germany, Australia and Norway were flagged off from Residency Towers, and they will proceed to Puducherry before travelling to Thanjavur, Madurai and Tuticorin. The 10-day challenge will conclude in Thiruvananthapuram.
From The Hindu.
Some press cuts.
[nggallery id=95]

Taking Up Rickshaw Challenge For Brotherhood

admin — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:31:44 +0000

Hindu Coverage of the Classic Run 2012 in Thanjavur.
‘People are extremely helpful and friendly in India, said Ben from the United States. He was one of the participants in the Rickshaw Challenge Classic Run 2012 organised by CEMS consecutively for the sixth year now.
Ben along with his other friends from nine countries across the world were here to continue the journey of adventure and brotherhood in autorickshaws.
Check the full article below

The World's Local Rickshaw Challenge

admin — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:29:48 +0000

A 2012 Classic Run piece form the Deccan Chronicle, titled ‘Southern sojourn on tuk-tuks‘
‘It is not the whizzing sound of a plane or the noisy beats of a train they chose.
The 33 participants of Rickshaw Challenge bobbed up and down through the roads of south India in 15 auto rickshaws.
In a 10 day exhibition, the team, comprising 31 foreigners and two Indians, covered Chennai, Pondicherry, Thanjavur, Madurai, Tuticorin, Kuttalam and reached Thiruvananthapuram.
“We were asked to do certain challenges every day which was a whole lot of fun,” says Niranjan Bose, one of the Indians who took part in the event.
Finding out what deity was worshipped in a temple, the length of a dam, how to get a receipt at a petrol pump were among the interesting tasks included in the challenges posed by the organisers.
The sixth edition of the Rickshaw Challenge, organised by a Chennai event management company, ended at the Sri Mulam Club in Thiruvananthapuram.’
Via:Deccan Chronicle