KERALA TOURISM NEWSLETTER
Cochin to Gangtok Rickshaw Rally Draws Adventure Tourists
Seventy teams from 20 countries were flagged off from Fort Kochi in the last week of March, driving three-wheeled auto-rickshaws on the 4000 km Kochi to Gangtok Rickshaw Rally. With each team comprising anything from 1 to 4 members, the event drew 170 amateur adventure lovers from around the world. Unlike most of the rallies, this one doesn't have set route, no professional drivers, no back up or support of any kind and will face some of the toughest driving conditions in the world.
Organized by the U.K. based company - The Adventurists, the Rickshaw Run is an extreme fortnight of mud, sweat, mountains, jungles and possibly the most difficult roads in the world. The participants range in age from 18-66 years and come from all walks of life including students, stock brokers, and retirees. For many, the run provides a wonderful opportunity to mix fun, excitement and fulfillment of a personal challenge. It is also designed to raise money for two charities in India, the Frank Water Projects and the Mercy Corps charity.
According to Mr. Tom Morgan, the founder of The Adventurists and Rickshaw Run; "Cochin is a favourite place to kick-off or finish the rally and we will have Kochi as a fixed destination as we consider it the home of the Rickshaw Run. We hope to make it bigger and raise more money for the next run in January 2011."
Around 10,000 people are expected to view the official website www.rickshawrun.com each day during the rally. The 70 teams are expected to finish in Gangtok, Sikkim on Saturday, April 10. The Adventurists hold other adventure and cross country rallies in Mongolia, South America and Africa, but the Rickshaw Run in India is said to be the most popular.
