travel – Rickshaw Challenge

Tamil Nadu Run 2016 – All Good Things Come to an End

admin — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 14:20:24 +0000

Nothing lasts forever and neither does the Rickshaw Challenge Tamil Nadu Run 2016. After a week full of crazy and wild adventures, our eleven teams from all over the world have returned to the starting point in Chennai for – all safe and sound, with an abundance of stories to tell about their rickshaw adventure. Time for the last report from our man in the field, Princely:

Day 6 – When You Show Too Much Enthusiasm For The Picture Challenge

Yercaurd morning is a beautiful morning with mist on the hill station and the pleasant sound of birds added music to the scene. In this idyll the teams prepared their tuk tuk for the makeover challenge. Except team 4, 6 and Team 11, all participated in it and they showed the eagerness to win the championship. By 8 am all the teams gathered for the briefing.

Team Rainbow Warriors adding even more rainbow to their rickshaw

From the break of the morning, a Lady form Chennai just kept admiring the rickshaws and started asking plenty of questions regarding the challenge. She just could not stop admiring our adventurers doing the makeover. As a neutral person, I asked her to judge the makeover based on practicality and elegance.
All the teams left the hotel at around 8.15 am. I reached the hotel early at around 3 pm. After a quiet day without any breakdowns, at around 5 pm., Team Neruppu Da! gave me a call. They had been detained by the police. After an hour of ordeal, I had to eventually interfere and found that they were caught in wrong situation as they had some heap of stones to deal with the monkeys and additional petrol in a water bottle.

Using fake guns as rickshaw decoration is not always a good idea.

The day’s challenge was to take a picture of the police with the rickshaw. Seems like Team Neruppu Da was a bit too enthusiastic about it! Luckily I could bail them out and the nervous time for the team was over and they laughed and shared the jokes with rest of teams at the dinner time.

Day 7 – A Rickshaw Loving Ambassador

The final day excitement and the thought of the finish line gave all the participants a mixed feeling. As usual we planned for an early start and wanted to regroup at Tambaram (a suburb, 30 km before Chennai) for the finish ceremony. Team Neruppu Da called for assistance about half an hour after we left the hotel. Otherwise, it was a lightning day. Teams arrived at the regrouping place, well in time except Team Indiaree and Team Let’s go Jozi. The late quickly joined us but Team Indiaree missed the finish.

Her Excellency admiring Team Neruppu Da’s Rickshaw

The Mexican ambassador for India, her Excellency Ms. Melba Pria, famous for her rickshaw drive to office, was invited as chief guest of the event by Round Table India. The participants were thoroughly happy about the reception, the school kids gave them and humbled by the presence of the ambassador. They enjoyed few entertainments from the kids of the school.

Team Neruppu Da, the happy winners if the Tamil Nadu Run 2016!

The awards were distributed and Team 3 – Nerupu da was awarded the champion trophy. Team 2BrokeGirls were honored with the Bonkers Award and the charity award went to Team Rainbow Warriors. The final drive to the base hotel was convoyed and except that some teams ran out of fuel for a last time, we arrived at the hotel safely.

Making friends at the finish party.

The finish party and fellowship was a great hit, where a couple of surprising stories of a crash in the bush and burning fire crackers during the travel were revealed to me. Well, well, well, the teams had a great time during the event and their laughter and fun said it all.
Meet you for another adventure!

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.

9 Interesting Sites on the Deccan Plateau

admin — Mon, 04 May 2015 09:41:23 +0000

The Deccan Odyssey is on the horizon, starting in just a month and a bit, so to hype things up a bit we want to introduce the Deccan Plateau to you. This large stretch of land, taking up most of central and south India, lies between the Western and Eastern Ghats, the Nilgiri Hills in the south and Aravalli and Chota Nagpur hills in the north.

The plateau is vast, so of course the Rickshaw Challenge Deccan Odyssey won’t go through all of these places, but we do touch on them in the India’s Cup and the Rickshaw Challenge Mumbai Xpress as well!

The Ajanta and Ellora Caves

Photo by Yashasvi nagda

Both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Ajanta and Ellora Caves are some of India’s most remarkable monuments. Housing intricate friezes, frescoes and rock-carved temples dedicated to Buddhist, Hindu and Jain faiths, the Ajanta caves date back to the 2^nd century BC to 6^th century AD; it has 29 caves and is set in the stunning backdrop of a crescent shaped gorge. Ellora on the otherhand has 34 caves, with grand halls, monasteries and temples inside. These caves are slightly younger than Ajanta, dating back to 5^th to 11^th centuries AD. This is definitely going to be one of the biggest highlights on the upcoming Deccan Odyssey!
The Mini-Taj Mahal of Aurangabad

Photo by Arian Zwegers

Aurangabad might be used as a gateway to visit the famous Ajanta and Ellora caves, but this city, named after the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, has plenty to offer.
The city has its own set of Buddhist cave temples dating back to the 6^th and 7^th century AD, but perhaps its most amazing is Bibi ka Maqbara, a monument that bears a striking resemblance to the Taj Mahal. This white marbled building was built in the 17^th century by Azam Shah for his mother, and is pretty spectacular, especially if you won’t get the time to go all the way up to Agra, this makes a pretty good consolation prize.

The Ruins of Hampi

Photo by Apadegal

At the centre of the Deccan Plateau in Karnataka, the enigmatic city of Hampi spreads out for miles on end, with ancient temples and palaces dotted between rocky boulders. This is another UNESCO Site that the Deccan Plateau can claim for itself. Hampi used to be the capital of the Hindu Kingdom of Vijayanagar, which saw its hayday in the 14^th to 16^th centuries. Even today, Hampi is still a spectacular site for visitors. Hampi is one of our highlights on the India’s Cup Ambassador rally!

The Fort of Belgaum

Photo by Manjunath Doddamani Gajendragad

The town of Belgaum dates back to the 12^th century AD to the Ratta dynasty. Belgaum was renowned for its trade in diamonds and wood in the past, but today it’s still a commercial hub of Karnataka state. Main features of this town, which is one of our stops on the Deccan Odyssey, is Belgaum Fort, built in the 13^th century by Jaya Raya. The fort is perhaps most famed for Gandhi having been imprisoned by the British here. You’ll also find several religious monuments dedicated to Hindu, Jain and Muslim faiths inside as well.

The Qutb Shahi Monuments of Hyderabad

Photo by Vamsi Varma

Hyderabad is one of the most interesting cities in the Deccan Plateau. It has a Muslim majority and almost split to join Pakistan, had it not been in its geographic location in the south of India. Main sites include the famous Charminar at the centre of the old town, and Golconda Fort on the outskirts. Golconda is India’s second largest fort and a spectacular site in itself. You’ll also find the spectacular Qutb Shahi Tombs close to Golconda as well.

The Tea Fields of Ooty

Up in the Nilgiri Hills, the town of Ooty is known for its tea gardens and factories. A drive through the hills offers stunning views of bright green tea fields stretching down the mountainside. The tight hairpin bends would be a challenge by rickshaw, which is why we try to get the Ambassadors to tackle this route on the India’s Cup.

The Palaces of Mysore

Famed for its palaces, Mysore is a city in South India that can be thought of as a jewel in its own right. Mysore Palace is said to be India’s second most visited site after the Taj Mahal, and is a bright and gaudy example of indo-saracenic style. The palace echoes back to the era of the Maharajas, with its interior resembling a jewel more than a palace.

Pune’s Legacy

Photo by Mahurkartejas

Pune was once the seat of the Maratha Empire and grew under the ruler Shicajo and under the British Raj. The city today is India’s eighth largest metropolis in India and the state’s second largest city after Mumbai.
There is plenty to see and do in Pune, like the 8^th century rock-cut Pataleshwar Cave Temple or the Aga Kahn Palace. Perhaps the most famous monument is the Red Palace, built in the 17^th century and a bright red structure in the city.

The Gardens of Bangalore

Photo by Kprateek88

Bangalore, also known as the Garden City, is Karnataka’s capital and also the IT hub of India. It’s a city that had a complex history from the Vijayanagar Empire to the Mughals, the Wodeyars and to British India. Bangalore’s main attractions are the Vidhan Soudha – the Legislative Chambers of the state government – and Lal Bagh, 240 acres of gardens!

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.

The Rickshaw Challenge and Round Table India Team Up to Transform Schools

Brianne — Thu, 02 Apr 2015 03:00:25 +0000

Over the past nine years, the Rickshaw Challenge has drawn more than 1,500 people from across the globe to India, where they have donned wacky costumes to dodge potholes, cows, motorbikes, and more from behind the wheel of an auto-rickshaw.
What many also have done is used their unconventional holiday to help Indian kids have a more positive and productive educational experience by raising funds for the exclusive charity partner of the Rickshaw Challenge, Madras Midtown Round Table 42 (MMRT 42), one of 200 “Tables “in the Round Table India (RTI) network. RTI, which provides young men with social and civic opportunities, is committed to reaching one million children through its classroom-building initiative, Freedom through Education.

Sandeep speaking with Pallikaranai’s principal, Ms. Shantha

The partnership began when Chennai businessman and MMRT 42 “Tabler” Sandeep Mall met Rickshaw Challenge Founder Aravind Bremanandam through a former “Tabler,” and participated in the first Classic Run. It always has been important to Aravind, a social worker by training, that the Rickshaw Challenge (and his other rallies) benefits communities along the routes.
“We believe that a big part of the spirit of adventure is spreading happiness by giving back to people who do not share our advantages, and leaving the places we visit better off than when we arrived,” says Aravind. “We encourage our adventurers to take part in our charity efforts with in-kind donations or by fundraising, and have found it’s usually a high point of their experience.”

a few of the old classrooms

The partnership started small and grew slowly, but to date, Rickshaw Challenge teams have raised nearly $300,000 for schools where, according to Sandeep, “good stuff is happening, but poor infrastructure is holding them back.” He explains many students in India have to sit outside or on the ground to learn, and if there are buildings, many are in poor condition, with no fans to provide relief from the heat. “You would be roasted,” he says.

Tuk the Challenge in the news

Two customized rickshaw rallies – Pimp My Tuk Tuk in 2013 and Tuk the Challenge in fall 2014 – also have been held to benefit MMRT 42, together bringing in $100,000.
“We all wanted to give something back and fundraise for a worthy cause that had children and education core to its goals,” says Tuk the Challenge organizer Derek Vann on the team’s GIVEasia page. “We wanted to fundraise in a unique way that would push us to the limits, and at the same time, be fun and rewarding.”
Rickshaw Challenge teams also visit schools in Chennai and other cities along the rally’s five different routes – coordinated through the RTI network by MMRT 42 – gifting school supplies and sports equipment, and playing with the kids.

Glenn Kelly clowns around with the school kids in Tuticorin. (Photo credit: Glenn Kelly)

“Getting to visit the schools, meet the children, and give our donations of school supplies directly to them was a highlight of our time in India,” says Classic Run 2015 participant Glenn Kelly of team The Trashbag. “Seeing the excitement as 40 crazy westerners turned up in multi-colored rickshaws is something I’ll never forget. And just having an hour to speak and interact with the kids gave me a wonderful insight into life in India today.” (Glenn captured a Tuticorin school visit in this fun video.)

the new building at Pallikaranai (phase one)

One regular stop in Chennai is Pallikaranai Government Secondary High School in the southern suburb of Vengaivasal. Described by Sandeep as a “showcase school” due to its dedicated staff and high student performance, Pallikaranai educates 2,500 boys and girls – many who live in nearby slums – from grades 6 to 12. On my last day in India, Sandeep met me there so I could see first-hand what funds raised by the Rickshaw Challenge are helping accomplish.

the “inspirational” speaker

The sprawling campus is set back off a main road in what seems to be a quieter part of town than where the modern office parks are located just a few miles away. In the front of the campus, faded, rectangular buildings dot a shady courtyard, where that day a few hundred students sat attentively on the ground listening to (what was supposed to be) an inspirational speaker psych them up for upcoming state exams.
Sandeep led me through the assembly to the rear of the campus, where at the far end of a large, sunny clearing sat a bright, shiny, two-story building, in stark contrast to the crumbling row of old classroom blocks leading up to it. This new building – comprised of 12 classrooms (six on the first floor and six on the second floor) – was phase one of MMRT 42’s commitment to Pallikaranai.

the site of the second building (phase two)

Phase two is a second, larger building consisting of 18 classrooms (9 on the first floor and 9 on the second floor), which is currently under construction next to the first. Sandeep expects it to open months earlier than originally scheduled – the target is now June. He says that a “Tabler” regularly stops by to check in on progress.
The cost of each classroom is approximately $10,000, and MMRT 42 requires nothing of the receiving schools except for a signed memo of understanding outlining that MMRT 42 will provide the physical space along with fans, lights and chalkboards; schools will provide the desks and chairs.

one of the bright, new classrooms

The investment does not end when construction is finished, however. MMRT 42 stays in contact with the schools, and sometimes helps meet additional needs the schools identify – at Pallikaranai, for example, they have provided a water purification system and books.
Since RTI is an all-volunteer organization, MMRT 42 has zero overhead, and raises additional funds through “Tabler” contributions and events such as concerts. The Indian government, along with international foundations and corporations, such as the Timken Foundation and Procter & Gamble, also have provided grants.
“(Donors) don’t have to worry,” Sandeep says. “Whatever we commit to, we’re doing.”

some of Pallikaranai’s enthusiastic students

What Sandeep and the other “Tablers” of MMRT 42 are committed to now is finishing the 18 classrooms at Pallikaranai. And they already are in the process of identifying what schools to help next.
He reminds me, “There is no dearth of need.”
If you’d like to learn more about how you can participate in the Rickshaw Challenge to benefit the classroom-building efforts of Madras Midtown Round Table 42, please contact Sandeep at sandeepmall@hotmail.com.

Offroading by Rickshaw: Ride Along with Game of Horns

Brianne — Sat, 17 Jan 2015 11:12:59 +0000

For many the ride to Tuticorin was a smooth road, too smooth according to some, so the Norwegian team Game of Horns decided to shake things up and make it a little more interesting by taking their rickshaw off road.
As we prepared to leave Madurai on day five of the Rickshaw Challenge, I was feeling restless. After all, it was a “rickshaw”challenge, and I had only enjoyed the route up to that point from the comfort of the air conditioned staff car.
So after briefly weighing my options – I could only join a two-person team, and I needed them to have wifi – I decided to jump in with Norwegians Kris and Sindre, also known as Game of Horns. Given the Scandinavians’ reputation on the sea, I assumed they would have superior navigation skills on land as well. I was wrong.

my view for the day

Setting out for a special program with Round Table India at the Upper Secondary School, we barely made it out of the vicinity of the hotel when we had to stop and ask for directions. We then went in a complete circle. Twice. The hospital that was to be our landmark proved elusive, and during subsequent inquiries as to its location, we were met with blank stares or a vague hand wave – the Indian equivalent of, “I think it’s over there.”
Finally 30 or so minutes after we were due to arrive, we spotted the hospital, quite prominent in a busy intersection. But it took a few more stops to find the school, and by then the other teams’ rickshaws were streaming past us in the opposite direction.

Sadly for me, the kids were already back in their classrooms.

Although the kids were tucked back in their classrooms following what I heard was a lovely ceremony, the school administrators and representatives from Round Table India were patient enough to show us around the tidy campus.
After handing over a soccer ball and some school supplies, we quickly (surprisingly) found our way to the highway we were to stay on for the remainder of our journey to Tuticorin. Soon we spotted the German team, the Bavarian Barbarian, and joined up with them. I knew the afternoon would be a much smoother ride, since the Germans – this is a team that did live up to its nation’s reputation – were known to strictly adhere to the day’s schedule, challenges and route.

This friendly man asked me to take his photo and then didn´t smile.

But I was wrong. After stopping for a chai and a filling banana leaf lunch at one of the nicest highway rest stops I’ve ever seen, the teams decided they had enough of the smooth highway and wanted to take a detour.
After all, these rickshaws – their drivers – were made for much more rugged terrain.
Winding our way on bumpy dirt roads through crowded villages surrounded by wheat fields, kids ran after us and shouted “Hello!!!,” while adults – many of whom were working to dry some sort of hay or straw on the roads – offered a more subdued smile or wave (while I’m sure wondering who the heck we were).

at the salt flats

Approaching Tuticorin, the land flattened out and opened up – the fields became a checkerboard of packed dirt, the liquid interior topped with a white glaze. The smell of the sea hit us, and they sky overhead turned from bright blue to a greenish, grayish haze (no doubt due to the numerous power plants that ringed the area). We were in the salt flats.
Once in town, we knocked off the challenges in quick succession – the local temple, Aardvark Cafe (OK, that one was tricky), where I had one of the best brownies of my life, Hitler tea stall (Yes – there really is a “Hitler” tea stall, but the details are fuzzy as to why), and the colorful Our Lady of Snows Basilica – and, despite the detour, we made it to the hotel with time to spare before flag down.

Our Lady of Snows Catholic Church

After experiencing all the chaos and colors of southern India from the back seat of a rickshaw – feeling every bump and with nothing in the way of my view – I must say that is really the only way to go.
(I never did make it back to the staff car.)

The Longest Way 1.0

admin — Mon, 21 Oct 2013 12:15:48 +0000

Christoph Rehage set foot from Beijing, China with a goal of walking to Berlin, Germany, a distance of over 4,500 miles. He created a short video called “The Longest Way 1.0“, documenting his journey and featuring self portrait photographs he took each day on his trip that shows his beard getting longer.

The Coolest Travel Hacks

admin — Mon, 14 Oct 2013 12:29:21 +0000

In the 2 minute video you’ll learn:

why dryer sheets make your clothes smell great
a safe/convenient spot for your jewelry
how to use plastic bags as you pack
why a binder clip + a razor = a perfect fit
how to conceal a bottle of wine in a pair of shoes

Facts That Will Make You Want To Travel

admin — Tue, 17 Sep 2013 13:49:03 +0000

Watch this Buzz Feed video, pack your bags and get, set, go.
They present a list of interesting facts that may inspire you to hit the road more often.

Solo Travel Lessons

admin — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 12:47:05 +0000

Benjamin Jenks traveled over 50,000 miles on his own and learned a lot about how to loneliness.
Check out Adventure Sauce for free travel tips.
Watch – Solo Travel Lessons: Make Loneliness Your Bitch

A Sublime Disruption

admin — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 07:01:31 +0000

A film by Gareth Nolan, shot on a journey around the world in 2011.
‘This video is not about the places I visited, but merely an attempt to evoke the feeling of wonder and excitement in seeing as much as I was lucky to.’
Footage is from stops in Belize, Bolivia, Cambodia, Cook Islands, Chile, China, French Polynesia, Guatemala, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, New Zealand, Peru, Russia, Tibet, and The United States.

Awesome Traveling Machine

admin — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 13:07:12 +0000

In a fast-paced world, your money is always on the move. And as many Dubai shoppers discovered, sometimes an ATM is a lot closer than you think.