What we learnt on the India's Cup 2018. The India's Cup rally is one of the most exciting events on the Travel Scientists' calendar. We love rickshaws (and bulls!) but as we continually discover in our many other exciting events, sometimes you can't beat a car! This event is designed to test our cars, and participants, to the maximum, in order to experience as much of South India's diversity as we can possibly fit in a couple of weeks. We think we (and our brave teams) did a good job. Here are some of the highlights: Fantastic Cars Any vehicle is accepted the India's Cup. However: the more classic, and the less suitable, the better. This time though, the field were all in Hindustan ambassadors; a real classic of Indian roads, this made for an interesting blend of fitting in and (as a group) standing out. Most importantly, they took teams 2700 kilometers, from Chennai to Goa (with a lot of detours in between). Most of the Time... One thing about these cars: they are... temperamental. Especially on hot, long days, with drivers who aren't used to this unique vehicle. It took some getting used to, and quite a few pit-stops along the way, but by the end of the trip our teams had learned to love them like family (fault air-con included...). Amazing Scenery We saw some of South India's most remarkable places, like the 'Venice of the East', Alleppey, pictured above. Other highlights included the tea fields of Ooty and, of course, the beaches of Goa. So Much History Being India, of course, there were also many historic sights to see. We even had an excellent guide Deepa, pictured here showing participants around the incredible ruined city of Hampi. The Sea Temple at Mamallapuram and the Chinese fishing nets of Kochin will
What we learnt on the India’s Cup 2018. The India’s Cup rally is one of the most exciting events on the Travel Scientists‘ calendar. We love rickshaws (and bulls!) but as we continually discover in our many other exciting events, sometimes you can’t beat a car! This event is designed to test our cars, and participants, to the maximum, in order
This year's Rickshaw Challenge Classic Run was as successful as ever. From Chennai all the way down to the tip of Southern India, the Rickshaw Challenge Classic Run was filled with laughter and adventure. Teams traveled almost 1000 km, experiencing the region's incredible food, fascinating history, and stunning scenery. There were challenges too: the busy Indian roads, rickshaws breaking down and, of course... hangovers. Forty-six participants (from ten different countries!) took part, and since everyone was together for New Year's Eve and the 10th anniversary of the Travel Scientists, there was always a reason to celebrate! Here are some of the best memories of this year's Rickshaw Challenge Classic Run: The incredible costumes "Bonkers Award" winners The Cock and Pullet were always making people laugh with their outfits, but they weren't the only ones... It's always great to have outfits, rickshaw design, and team name all match! And everybody enjoys a team who stand out from a crowd! Practice makes perfect Driving over 500 miles in an auto tuk-tuk can be daunting experience, but training in Chennai prepared all the teams to face the Indian roads. But breakdowns happen... Of course, rickshaws are temperamental beasts. Luckily, the boys from Chennai Garage boys are always ready to fix any problem in no time. Making friends Even with policemen! Lots of friends Here is Jale from Team Magic Bird, the Classic Run overall winners, meeting the locals in one his team's many different outfits! There are always smiling faces on the road Even if they don't have seat-belts... The stunning scenery The Classic Run takes teams to some great places to relax. ... and enjoy the view. All the history A trip to India wouldn't be
This year’s Rickshaw Challenge Classic Run was as successful as ever. From Chennai all the way down to the tip of Southern India, the Rickshaw Challenge Classic Run was filled with laughter and adventure. Teams traveled almost 1000 km, experiencing the region’s incredible food, fascinating history, and stunning scenery. There were challenges too: the
Kicking off on the 29 December 2014, 21 teams made up of 48 participants from 14 different nationalities began their journey in Chennai and revved down the Coromandel Coast in South India to Trivandrum in auto rickshaws. With the tail end of a cyclone to battle in the first few days, the teams didn’t get the easiest start on their journey along the coast to Pondicherry, but with some spectacular costumes and a whole load of enthusiasm - everyone kept their spirits and and got to know their trusty three-wheeled steeds on the first leg of their journey. From Pondicherry to Thanjavur the terrible Indian country roads linking up small villages between ancient temple towns made the Rickshaw Challenge live up to its name. Many teams got lost on the way and had to get rescued by Princely, the trip manager, and we actually had over 20 breakdowns on the way to Thanjavur. Before the teams could kick back and bring in the New Year in Madurai, and welcome in the 9th year of the Rickshaw Challenge, they had to tackle the road ahead, which was not without its own drama. One of the teams, Dukes of the Green, who became infamous on the Rickshaw Challenge Classic Run 2015 for their crazy antics. The participants of the Classic Run 2015 saw in the New Year in Madurai, where everyone got the chance to drink in heavy rain after tail end of a cyclone which came back to haunt everyone after leaving Pondicherry. However, most of the Challengers made it to the famous, brightly coloured Meenakshi Amman Temple the day after, even though most people partied late into the night! Once everyone recovered from the toughest days of the Classic Run and the New Year’s festivities, it was time to go
Kicking off on the 29 December 2014, 21 teams made up of 48 participants from 14 different nationalities began their journey in Chennai and revved down the Coromandel Coast in South India to Trivandrum in auto rickshaws. With the tail end of a cyclone to battle in the first few days, the teams didn’t get
