Kerala gears up for four major international adventure championships in 2024

Thursday, January 11, 2024

Kerala gears up for four major international adventure tourism events in 2024, including paragliding, surfing, mountain biking, and kayaking.

This year, Kerala is set to become a prominent destination in global adventure tourism by hosting four major international events, as announced by Tourism Minister Shri P A Mohamed Riyas. The state’s tourism department is gearing up for global competitions in activities like paragliding, surfing, mountain biking, and whitewater kayaking at various renowned tourist sites.

During a press briefing, Minister Riyas revealed the finalized schedule for this year’s events. The first event, the ‘International Paragliding Competition 2024’, will take place from March 14 to 17 at Vagamon, Idukki. This festival, known as India’s largest aero sports adventure event, will witness participation from over 100 acclaimed gliders from both national and international circles.

Participants from over 15 countries, including paragliding champions and globally recognized riders, are expected. The event will span four days and feature competitors from countries such as France, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, Australia, the USA, the UK, Nepal, and various Indian states including Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Sikkim, Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, and Arunachal Pradesh. The paragliding events will include Mini XC, Spot Landing at Top Landing Spot, Mini Acrobatics Show, Hike and Fly, Ground Handling, and Thermaling. The Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society (KATPS) and Idukki District Tourism Promotion Council, with technical support from the Paragliding Association of India, are organizing the event.

Following this, the International Surfing Festival will take place at Varkala from March 29 to 31, marking the first national surfing championship of the year. Surfing athletes from across India’s coastal regions will compete in various categories. The festival aims to establish Kerala, particularly Varkala, as a top surfing destination in India and globally. Competitions will include events like SUP Technical Race, SUP Long Distance, SUP Sprint Race, Paddleboard Technical Race, Paddleboard Long Distance, and SUP Surfing. This event is a collaborative effort between the International Surfing Association, KATPS, Thiruvananthapuram DTPC, and the Surfing Federation of India.

The 7th International Mountain Cycling Championship (MTB Kerala-2024) is scheduled from April 26 to 28 at the Priyadarshini Tea Plantation in Mananthavady, Wayanad. The track, five kilometers long and situated at an elevation of 3000 feet, will host a cross-country race covering various terrains. Cyclists from 25 countries are expected, along with competitions for Indian amateur cyclists. This event is recognized by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), the international governing body for cycling, and will include categories like International Cross Country XCO (Elite Men), National Cross Country XCO (Elite Men and Women), and Intermediate Cross Country XCO (Elite Men and Women). The Tourism Department, KATPS, Wayanad DTPC, and the Cycling Federation of India are organizing this championship.

Finally, the 10th Malabar River Festival will be held from July 25 to 28, featuring kayaking competitions like kayak slalom, boater cross, and downriver races on the Chalipuzha and Iruvanjippuzha rivers. This event, renowned for its exceptional organization and audience engagement, is a joint effort between KATPS, Kozhikode DTPC, Kozhikode District Panchayat, and the Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association. Tourism Secretary K Biju and KATPS CEO Binu Kuriakose were also present at the announcement.

« Back to Page

• Adventure Travel Trade Association Joins Forces with Premier Travel Media for Special Edition Publication

• How Adventure Tourism Redefines Global Travel Industry with Unique Experiences

• New UK travel advice can boost Sri Lanka tourism

• Le Boat launches 2024 summer family boating vacations: Adventures await

• Under Canvas announces first California location: luxury camping near Yosemite set to open in 2025