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| One of the best maps(NATPAC) on waterways, found on the web. |
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| Entrying Vayalar Kayal from Vembanad lake, using Chengadayar, Chertala. |
1. Do I solo or do I do it with a partner?
My choice would be to do it with a partner, as its fun to be with people and have some company especially when you are paddling the open expanses of the backwaters. Then, this also have challenges. Whom do I partner with? A lot of folks I know are interested to join, but have never tired kayaking or those who have, dont have a love for the big push! When I discussed this plan with Vishal Koshy, he too felt that going solo would be better as rookies would bring their own challenge. Vishal suggested that I write this blog and hopfully someone who is genuinely interested to make the trip may read it and would be interested to partner.
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| Google earth....excellent maps for navigating the canals of Kuttanad. |
2. What is the purpose of this expedition?
I intially thought of doing this trip for the sense of achievemnet it brings and also as a tribute to the thousands of rice-boat-men, who plied their 'kettuvallams', on these waters and beyond, for thousands of years. I have shared one of my memorable meeting with a pair of 'rice-boar-men', in my previous post. Today, there are very few of these men, who are not finding fresh takers from the new generation, compouded by competition by other means of transportation. When I met Kasimka and Arjun, the 2 rice-boat-men, whom I met at KV Jetty, I was transformed by their comradierie and adventure that stretched back 4 decades.
Vishal also shared that that this effort that I plan should have a social message. Something that will benefit the society, a cause that is close to my heart. I thought about it and decided on 1 big theme....saving the waterways and the natrual resource - Water. I intent to partner with the following state departments in sponsoring the trip - Kerala Water Authority, Kerala transportation, Kerala forest & Kerala Tourism. I hope to support the cause of water/nature conservancy as I take breaks during the day and make night halts.
4. How many days will I take to cover 205 Km?
Based on my previous expereince, where I have covered a maximum of 40Km in a day...taking aim at 30-35 would be the best....this will also give me enough time to integrate the social cause that I want to bring to the expedition. The entire route of 205 km..should be completed in 6 days....will it happen?...lets watch and see.
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| One of my best shots, Changanacherry to Pulinkunnu. |
I agree that I am not doing anything new....Its not as audacious as going around the world on a kayak. For an ant a kilometer is an expedition....for me..its the same....I have not done anything bigger than 50km...to do it 4 times and cover the entire stetch of the NW3's 205 Km...is a big step....and hence an expedition.
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| Off the Alapuzha-Changanacherry canal. |
6. What will the expenses be like and what are my plans to meet it?
The overall cost I have in mind is around 2Lakhs, where 1Lakh would go for the gear and the other for my stay! What stay : If I am lucky to get a partner who will join me, I would prefer a tent. If I make the trip solo...I will have to look for resorts that dot the entire stretch of NW3, which in Dec is expensive, being the peak of the tourist season!
The plan is to ask for sponsorship for Govt. departments and corporate houses; giving space on the kayak to place their logo's. I have a few of my customers and few corporates focused on travel, that I plan to approach for sponsorship.
The plan is to ask for sponsorship for Govt. departments and corporate houses; giving space on the kayak to place their logo's. I have a few of my customers and few corporates focused on travel, that I plan to approach for sponsorship.
I WELCOME IDEAS...IF YOU HAVE ANY OR WANT TO PARTNER IN THIS "EXPEDITION" , PLS CONTACT ME!
