Malabar Rampage 2017: Photo Highlights (Part 1)

David — Thu, 13 Apr 2017 16:17:40 +0000

The Malabar Rampage 2017 has been a lot of fun so far, and we have the photos to prove it.

The Malabar Rampage 2017 has begun, and from the start it has been another excellent rickshaw challenge, with teams assembled from from all across the globe, and participants of all ages. Uniting them is journey of over 1000km, along a gorgeous stretch of coastline, visiting some of Southern India’s most fascinating sites. And, of course, they had to learn to drive, and stay alive in, rickshaws. Let’s let the participants own photos guide us through the first of challenge:

Firstly, Time to Relax

Before a long journey, it’s only right that teams had the chance to have a few beers and relax by the beach.

But Soon, Time to Get Serious

Participants had a lot to learn, but there are no better teachers than Princely and the Rickshaw Challenge gang.

And Suddenly: On the Road!

After a weekend of intense training, the teams hit the road. Departing Trivandrum, their first task was to head to Alleppey (Alapuzzha), the Venice of the East. On the second day driving, teams traveled North to Cochin (Kochi), the historic trading city.

Of Course, There were Fantastic Costumes

It’s not a Rickshaw Challenge without teams dressing up, and the Malabar Rampage 2017 has had plenty of that.

Everyone Made Friends With Locals

As ever, locals were keen to chat, take photos, or offer directions.

And There Was Time for Games Too

Is there a better way to make friends than sport? Not according to our teams. Whether it was a kickabout or some cricket, great fun was had.

Participants had to Make Traditional Chai Tea

It’s not just a race through India, there are challenges too. Teams had to learn how to make chai tea, and you can see, they had a fantastic time doing so!

And Get Friendly with Animals

India is blessed with incredible wildlife, so pariticpants were keen to get as close up as they could.

Learning to Fish the Indian Way

Kochi is famous for its ancient Chinese fishing nets, and on the teams got to give the old system a try. Whether they mastered it enough to help the locals is up for debate…

Breakdowns Occurred… But were Quickly Fixed

Rickshaws can be temperamental machines, as all the Malabar Rampage 2017 participants will have learned. However, there is always someone on hand to help, particularly the dedicated local crew with us on the challenge. As one of the participants put it, “Big Clap for these guys! They keep our Rickshaws safe by working until late at night! Nothing but love for them.”

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.

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.

venice of the east – Rickshaw Challenge