PRAVEEN JAYAKARAN
The Malabar River Festival is India’s largest whitewater kayaking event, held annually in the stunning river systems of Kerala’s Malabar region. Attracting professional kayakers and adventure enthusiasts from across the globe, the festival has become a premier platform for showcasing the skill, endurance, and thrill of whitewater sports in India. Taking place in the monsoon season, when the rivers are at their fiercest, the event challenges participants with intense rapids, fast-moving currents, and rugged natural obstacles.
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The festival is divided into multiple categories, including freestyle kayaking, downriver time trials, and boater cross, catering to both professional athletes and amateur paddlers. The highlight of the festival is the International Pro category, where elite kayakers battle it out in extreme conditions, navigating through class IV and V rapids. The Malabar River Festival is not only a celebration of whitewater kayaking but also an opportunity to experience the beauty of Kerala’s lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and strong community of adventure sports enthusiasts.
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With its growing reputation, the Malabar River Festival has placed India on the global kayaking map, drawing international attention and helping foster a local kayaking culture that values environmental sustainability, teamwork, and adventure.
Highlining is an extreme sport where athletes walk across a narrow, tensioned line suspended at great heights, often between mountains, cliffs, or canyons. Unlike slacklining, which is typically done close to the ground, highlining exposes participants to significant heights, making it both a physically demanding and mentally intense activity. The line, made of synthetic webbing, sways with the movement of the athlete, requiring exceptional balance, focus, and control. Participants are secured with a harness and leash to prevent falls from becoming fatal, though the thrill of walking across vast open spaces remains a core attraction of the sport.
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Originating from climbing and slacklining communities, highlining has evolved into a unique adventure sport that pushes the limits of human balance and courage. The combination of athleticism and mental discipline required for highlining makes it not only a test of physical skill but also a meditative experience, as athletes must maintain focus and composure in the face of extreme heights. Practiced in some of the most stunning natural landscapes, the sport allows highliners to connect deeply with nature while exploring their personal boundaries.
Mountain biking in Avahalli State Forest with Manik Taneja is an exhilarating adventure through one of Bangalore’s lesser-known green spaces. Located on the outskirts of the city, Avahalli offers an exciting mix of rocky trails, dirt tracks, and forested paths, making it a perfect spot for mountain biking enthusiasts seeking both challenge and tranquility. The rugged terrain of the forest, with its combination of steep climbs and fast descents, provides an ideal setting for riders to test their skills, whether they are seasoned bikers or newcomers to the sport.
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Manik Taneja, a well-known figure in India’s kayaking and outdoor adventure community, brings his passion for exploration and his expertise in outdoor sports to the biking experience at Avahalli. His guidance ensures that riders not only enjoy the technical aspects of mountain biking but also learn how to navigate natural obstacles and embrace the freedom that comes with riding through the forest. With Manik’s leadership, biking in Avahalli becomes more than just a physical challenge—it’s an opportunity to connect with nature, build endurance, and appreciate the beauty of Bangalore’s untamed landscapes.
Bharath Gowda is an accomplished rock climber and climbing coach based in Bengaluru, India, renowned for his expertise in various climbing disciplines. With years of experience in the sport, Bharath has honed his skills on both natural rock faces and indoor climbing walls, becoming a prominent figure in the Indian climbing community. His passion for climbing has driven him to explore some of the most challenging routes across the country, earning respect for his technical proficiency and dedication to the sport.
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As a climbing coach, Bharath is committed to nurturing the next generation of climbers, offering guidance and training to individuals of all skill levels. He focuses on building strong fundamentals, safety practices, and mental resilience, ensuring that his students develop not only as climbers but also as well-rounded athletes. Bharath is actively involved in organizing climbing events and workshops, fostering a sense of community among climbers in Bengaluru. His contributions to the sport extend beyond coaching, as he advocates for the growth and recognition of climbing as an exciting outdoor pursuit in India.