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The second edition of MTB Kerala, an international mountain-biking initiative of Kerala Tourism turned out into a successful one. Organized by Kerala Tourism in association with Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society (KATPS), this year’s event was held on 15th February on the Perungoda hill slopes in Pozhuthana Panchayat, Wayanad District. The event was held on a 5 to 8 km rough and challenging terrain.
Mr. Peerapol Chawchiangkwang from Thailand and Mr. Ashish K. from Kerala won the international and national events respectively. The event aims to tap the potential of adventure tourism sports in the State and highlight Kerala as the future hub for international mountain- biking events.
To promote various adventure tourism sports in Kerala, Kerala Tourism intents to promote soft adventure sports at three places viz. Wagamon in Idukki, Muzhappilangad in Kannur and Kattil in Kollam. The project will be implemented with the help of Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society (KATPS).
"In Wagamon, there will be infrastructural development plus operations, while the other two places will have only operations. In these places, we have appointed consultants to suggest the best methodology for operations like parasailing, paragliding and hot-air ballooning. Simultaneously, we have ordered for hot-air balloons and parasails for incubation purpose. We will buy the equipment, form a group, train them and will give it to them for operations so that the group gets support and can take it forward," said Mr. S. Harikishore, Director, Kerala Tourism.