Annual Events
Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society (KATPS) organizes several annual adventure sports events, including the Malabar River Festival, Paragliding Festival, Surfing Festival, and MTB Kerala. These events showcase Kerala's potential as a global hub for adventure tourism, attracting enthusiasts and professionals from around the world while boosting local tourism and economy.
Malabar River Festival
The Malabar River Festival is set to enhance Kerala's reputation as a top destination for adventure tourism. This event aims to spotlight Kerala's potential for adventure sports, particularly whitewater kayaking, and attract international attention. The festival will take place in Thusharagiri, Chalipuzha, and Iruvarinjipuzha, providing a platform for both local enthusiasts and professional kayakers to demonstrate their skills.
Organized by the Adventure Tourism Promotion Society (ATPS), District Tourism Promotion Council, and Kozhikode District Panchayat, with technical support from the Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association, the festival is expected to significantly boost tourism in the Malabar region. This initiative is part of Kerala's broader strategy to appeal to adventure seekers, further solidifying the state's position as a global hub for adventure tourism. The Malabar River Festival aims not only to promote white-water kayaking across peninsular India but also to bring substantial tourism and economic benefits to the region.
Paragliding Festival
The paragliding festival event was jointly organized by KATPS under the Department of Tourism and the Idukki District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), with technical support from the Paragliding Association of India.
The festival aimed to position Kerala as the top destination for adventure tourism, making it one of the largest aero festivals in the country. Paragliding is an exhilarating experience—one that many may hesitate to try at first, but once in the air, the thrill makes landing seem far less appealing. This excitement and passion define the adventure sport, which was showcased at the event organized by the Adventure Sports and Sustainable Tourism Academy (AASTA) and Kerala Tourism in Wagamon. The four-day International Paragliding Festival drew large crowds, with many traveling from distant locations to Kolahalmedu in Vagamon to witness the sport, which is rapidly gaining popularity in Kerala.
Surfing Festival
The inaugural International Surfing Festival in Kerala, held at the picturesque Varkala beach, concluded successfully after three thrilling days. This landmark event highlighted Varkala's growing reputation as a premier surfing destination in India. Featuring 65 participants from various regions, the festival brought together surfing enthusiasts and professionals. In the Under-16 category, Kishore Kumar claimed the championship, with Tain Arun and Prahlad Sriram taking second and third places. Kamali P. showcased her exceptional skills to win the Women's Open category.
Organized by the Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society (KATPS) and the Surfing Federation of India, the festival set a high standard for future sports events in the region. The participation of numerous athletes and spectators underscored the rising popularity of surfing as both a sport and recreational activity in Kerala. The event also spotlighted young athletes' talents, boosting Varkala's appeal as a hub for adventure sports.
The festival's success demonstrated Kerala's capability to host international sporting events, further enhancing its diverse tourism offerings. Local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and shops benefited significantly from the influx of visitors, providing an economic boost to the region. The well-organized event received widespread praise, ensuring that similar festivals will continue to attract tourists in the future. This achievement reinforces Kerala's commitment to developing adventure tourism and positioning itself as a top global destination for surfers.
MTB Kerala
Mountain biking in Kerala is an exciting adventure sport that has drawn international cycling champions to explore the state's stunning terrains. MTB Kerala, an initiative by Kerala Tourism in collaboration with the Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society (KATPS), is an international mountain bike challenge and the first race in India to be included in the Cycliste Internationale MTB championships.
The scenic trails and winding paths of Kerala provide the perfect backdrop for a cycling challenge, offering an unparalleled, refreshing experience. Visit Kerala to immerse yourself in the thrill of mountain biking.
In addition, Kerala offers a variety of challenging tracks, providing adventure enthusiasts with the opportunity to experience the sport at its best.