With a message to go plastic negative, the phoenix event will also follow Covid safety protocols giving boost to tourism activities in Kerala

The seventh edition of Chaliyar River Paddle will be held from November 12 to November 14, 2021, with a message to go plastic negative. The three-day paddling event organised by Jellyfish Watersports in association with Kerala Tourism promotes an eco-friendly watersports experience that connects younger and grownups to the waters. The 68-km paddle will start from Nilambur, located on the foothills of Western Ghats in Malappuram, and conclude at Beypore in Kozhikode district where the river meets the Arabian Sea.

The event naturally promotes rivers, their beauty and authentic Malabar cuisine. Local music bands will join hands to promote their talent and offer a relaxing evening to the paddlers. Food will be catered by the best local restaurants such as Calicut Paragon. Covid-19 safety protocols will be followed throughout the event and a Covid-19 vaccination certificate is a prerequisite to participate in the event. 

This year, given the situation, this event will be promoted as a phoenix event to boost tourism activities in Kerala. The event will offer an expedition, camping, and a source to the sea-paddling experience using kayaks, SUPs, rafts and this year on the third day, the organisers are introducing sculling (rowers) and dinghy sailboats making it a wider range of non-motorised, human-powered watercraft used.

“Chaliyar River Paddle has been focussed on saving our rivers from urban pollution and promoting recreational kayaking for everyone. It is a plastic negative event, hence the paddlers will help clean the river while kayaking. We have partnered with a local NGO, which will provide the participants with collection bags and carry the waste to their recycling and waste management facility. They will also educate participants on proper segregation, responsible consumption, and waste management. It is all about getting the Kerala tourism sector to bounce back from the Covid-19 pandemic along with spreading awareness about the environment and particularly the rampant plastic pollution in the river,” said Kaushiq Kodithodika, Founder, Jellyfish Water Sports.