Tourism – Rickshaw Challenge

Allapuzha: Kerala's Venice of the East?

David — Tue, 29 Nov 2016 15:23:44 +0000

First compared to the famous city of canals over a century ago, Kerala’s Venice of the East is still worth a visit today.

In the early 20th Century, the governor-general and viceroy of India George Nathaniel Curzon dubbed Alappuzha, at that point known as Alleppey, the “Venice of the East”, remarking that “Here nature has spent up on the land her richest bounties.” Generous praise, but does it still ring true? Let’s consider the similarities and differences of the two canal-strewn cities. And perhaps if Alppuzha isn’t really Kerala’s Venice of the East might it be… better?

Similarity #1: Canals (Obviously)

Photo’s by Vimaljoseph93

It won’t come as a surprise that Curzon’s comparison with Venice was prompted by Alappuzha having many canals, which connect the city to the wonderful Kerala backwaters. There’s no denying both cities are well served by narrow waterways, but they aren’t exactly similar in form. The canals of Venice weave through tightly-packed lanes of grand houses, are crossed by impressive stone bridges, and populated by bombastic gondaliers standing on their unique narrow canoe-like rowing boats. The canals of Kerala are considerably more relaxed, lined with trees and traversed by their famous houseboats. Though it doesn’t have Alappuzha’s natural charm, Suzhou in Eastern China is a far closer aesthetic match to Venice…

Similarity #2: Busy Busy Busy

Photo by Rept0n1x

Okay, canals aren’t the only the similarity which might prompt one to describe Alappuzha as Kerala’s Venice of the East. Both cities are very busy, especially in the center. Venice has long had a reputation for an its crush of tourists in popular sights like St Marks Square, so much so that the city may soon charge for access to prime locations. Alappuzha is not quite at that level, but its city centre does bustle with chaotic activity, like few places in the state of Kerala.

Similarity #3: Religious Sites

Photo by Ajeshunnithan

One final similarity between the real Venice and Kerala’s Venice of the East is an abundance of religious sites. Venice is, of course, famous for its stunning churches, from the grand Saint Mark’s Basilica to many smaller chapels dotted around the lagoon. Similarly, the temples of Alappuzha are highly recommended. Unlike much of Kerala, where non-Hindus are not permitted to enter the premises of temples, anyone is welcome of many of the most interesting of Alappuzha’s places of worship and even festivals.

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

Photo by Saad Faruque

Enough of the similarities. Despite the canals, Venice and Alappuzha are incredible different. While, like Venice, Kerala has been at the heart of global trading routes for centuries, the delicious spicy cuisine of the state may come as a pleasant surprise… unlike pizza and pasta. Another benefit of Kerala’s Venice of the East is the weather: while Northern Italy is quite chilly for much of the year, Alappuzha remains consistently warm all year; just avoid the seasonal monsoons! But that’s not the biggest difference…

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.

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.

Rallying for a cause

admin — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 10:36:29 +0000

By the end of this month, autos from the city will take off on a 1000-km rally into the heart of the south
Deft and tough, autorickshaws of the city have helped us see through several travails. They have withstood bumpy roads, speed breakers and traffic jams. This time around, they are all geared up for another challenge. A test of endurance. The Classic Run Rickshaw Challenge, which will be flagged off on December 29, will see the ubiquitous autorickshaw take the test of survival.
About 30 participants from across seven countries will participate in the challenge, which is being organised by the Chennai Event Management Services (CEMS) in partnership with the Madras Midtown RoundTable-42 (MMRT-42). The first such rally, which was held in 2006, was from Chennai to Kanyakumari.
Aravind Bremanandam, director of CEMS says, “This rally is not a test of speed but of endurance. This is my tribute to the vehicle. It’s also a great way to promote tourism.”
About 14 different teams will work their way across south India in the three-wheelers, touring India and passing through a kaleidoscope of landscapes.
Charles Vignoles, a participant from the A-Team says, “My partner Craig Scott and I are from the US and we are expecting to see India in a way we haven’t seen before. I think the rickshaw will give us a unique perspective of the people and the places we visit. I am looking forward to an adventure, to meeting new people and a once-ina-lifetime experience.”
The challenge is not just an excuse to have fun and explore the unexplored – the participants will have to raise funds through innovative measures to fund the education of underprivileged children. Says Aravind,“ This challenge has an Adopt-a-Village programme wherein teams will have to raise a sufficient sum to meet teaching and medical expenses of schools en route.”
The best part of the challenge is the liberty to decorate your vehicle according to your taste. Charles says, “My friend Jackie Stewart custom-designed my vehicle,inspired by an 80s TV show. I am excited about flaunting it on the road.”
However, he feels that the only hitch will be the language problem. “Communication in India is a constant struggle. However, I’ll manage with a lot of patience and my sense of humour,” he quips.

Why You Should Still Travel to India

admin — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 10:39:12 +0000

In the light of the Mumbai attacks, travel writer Beth Whitman gives 4 reasons why you should still travel to India:
1. India is a huge, sprawling country The chances that something will happen to you are miniscule. Imagine canceling your trip to Italy because there was a bombing in Ireland. You wouldn’t even consider it.
2. India has a tremendous amount to offer travelers. Not going to India now would be an irrational response to an isolated incident. It would be like cutting off your arm because your big toe hurts. Millions of travelers (5 million in 2007) travel to India every year without incident.
3. India needs your support. If you have plans to go to India, don’t cancel them. If you are considering a trip, move forward with your plans. The Indian government, to great success, has been working hard to encourage travel to India – you can be sure they are going to make every effort to ensure the safety of tourists as they cannot afford to see a drop in tourism.
4. Now might be the best time. It’s unfortunate, but tourism generally does drop off to a destination after a terrorist attack. This means that costs on flights and accommodations are often slashed as airlines and hotels tempt tourists to come back.
Full article here