This story is from August 3, 2016

Adrenaline junkies, make the best if the trains

Adrenaline junkies, make the best if the trains
In the past few years, Thusharagiri in Kozhikode has turned into a haven for paddlers. During the monsoons, renowned international kayaking competitions are held here. The white, frothy waters get spotted with colourful kayaks, upping the spirit of adventure enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the daredevils of Kerala are making the best use of the monsoons to satisfy the adventure junkie in them.
Check out some of them:
Monsoon walks
For those who love their regular strolls, there is nothing more joyful than a light drizzle giving them company. ‘Monsoon Walk,’ a recently launched event in Munnar, aimed to let walkers experience just this! Nature conservation initiatives and games like tug of war were also organised alongside, adding fun to the events.
Mazha Nadatham, a similar event held at Ramakkalmedu and Wagamon, also opened new vistas for nature lovers. Mazhayatra, an annual 15 km walking event held in Wayanad is another such eagerly awaited event in the State. A similar Mazhayatra was held in Athirappilly this year, for hikers to enjoy the rain forests and adjoining rivers of the area.
Monsoon biking
For those who want an excuse to ride bikes, Kerala monsoons give many. A casual search on the internet opens before you numerous stories of motorcyclists from across the country, who have had an ‘experience of a lifetime’ monsoon biking in the State. Vrooming through the green environs and rubber plantations caressed by the chilly weather, sipping a cup of piping hot tea at roadside tea stalls with snacks … Monsoon biking is all about such little yet memorable moments, say the bikers. For many of them, the trips are also about discovering the country and your inner self. Many travellers also return with stories of discovering the State’s many secluded-yetstunning spots.

Kayaking
Held at various parts of the State, the most popular kayaking event is the one held at Thusharagiri rapids in Kozhikode, and on the waters of Iruvanjippuzha and Chalippuzha, as part of Malabar River Festival. It’s apparently renowned as Asia’s biggest white water festival! Internationally renowned paddlers have been flying down to Kerala to be part of this event, which has been growing in popularity over the years.
Monsoon cycling
Wet weather cycling has been a thing of joy among adventure lovers of the State for quite a while. Not only do they embrace the sport for fun, but also to support some valid causes. For instance, a Paravoor-based group recently conducted a 260 km long cycling trip to Munnar with the message — Save the Western Ghats. Various clubs also conduct guided monsoon cycling trips in various parts of the State, especially to rain-kissed hill stations like Wagamon and the bird sanctuary in Thattekad.
Off-roading
The muddy and rocky terrains of Wayanad and Idukki often dare the adventure enthusiasts to take their four-wheelers for a spin with one challenge in mind — to drive as far as possible in the set route. Annual events held during the season often see a huge turnout with expert drivers maneuvering the jeeps through water, steep slopes and deep ruts.
Rafting
If group activity is your cup of tea, rafting through the rough patches of Tejaswini River in Cherupuzha, Kannur could just be what you are looking fo
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