Auto rally kicks off from Kochi

The Kochi-Gangtok Autorickshaw Rally, covering 4,000 km, was flagged off from here on Monday.

The charity rally, aimed at promoting adventure tourism in Kerala, has been organised by UK-based The Adventurists. In all, there are 70 teams from 20 countries, with each team comprising 1 to 4 members.

The teams have no set route, no professional drivers, no back up or support and will face some of the toughest driving conditions in the world.

The participants are in the age from 18-66 years and come from all walks of life including students, stock brokers and retirees.

Tom Morgan, founder of The Adventurists and Rickshaw Run, said so far at least £70,000 had been raised by the teams for charities.

Kerala tourism department secretary Venu said the state was becoming a base for adventure tourism. “We already have bicycle rallies, trekking tours and a paragliding fest. The autorickshaw run is an added product to attract soft adventure tourists,” he said.

The teams are expected to finish in Gangtok, Sikkim, on April 10.