Muziris Paddle, the two-day kayaking expedition organized by Jellyfish Watersports in partnership with Muziris Heritage Project (under the Kerala Tourism) was successfully completed on January 4 and 5, 2020. 70 paddlers participated in the event flagged off by V.R.Sunilkumar, MLA, Kodungallur and K R Jaithran, Municipal Chairman, Kodungallur from the Muziris port (Kotturpuram Jetty in Kodungallur district) and ended at Bolgatty Island in Kochi.
The starting point – Muziris, once a bustling seaport and the heart of the historic spice route used to be the key trade point between southern India and the rest of the world. The region is dotted with numerous monuments of a bygone era that is more than 3,000 years old. Participants also get an opportunity to visit the legendary Muziris heritage sites on the way – Manjumatha Church, Pallipuram Fort, and Sahodaran Ayyappan Museum. Paddlers covered an overall distance of 40 km traversing through backwaters.
The first day they covered a distance of 20 km with several fun breaks, stopping by at Shravanam Greens Home-stay, Kedamangalam, Ayyampilly for night camping. All rejuvenated, they started the paddle again next morning covering the remaining 20 km.
“This one of a kind 2-days leisurely paddling event that has been bringing together domestic and international tourists, promoting the heritage location, local culture, and cuisine. Above all, it is encouraging watersports in Kerala, a refreshing way to combine travel with the message of water conservation” – P.M. Noushad, MD, Muziris Heritage & Kerala Tourism
This year international paddler Sandy Robson who has 3 big accolades in her kitty – First person to circumnavigate Srilanka, the only woman to kayak through the coastline of India and Australian Geographic Adventurer, 2017 joined us. Louise Nolan, the Thames kayaker and Active 360 coach was also a part of the expedition, keeping the spirits high on the waters.
“We think it’s a great idea to combine watersports with conservation. For 6 years we have been promoting water sports activities like kayaking, SUPing, sailing, and canoeing, by bringing together people from all walks of life and ages. Professional paddlers to un-experienced and from kids to senior citizens. You preserve what you love, and paddling lets people build a strong bond with water bodies, with nature” Kaushiq Kodithodi, Founder Jellyfish Watersports
It was great to watch first-timers learn the skills from expert trainers and guides and complete the paddle, packed with energy. The package includes Kayak rental, expert guidance, camping gears, lifeguard support, night camping, team activities, and food and refreshments.
With the support of the sponsor Muziris Heritage Project and partners – Shravanam Greens Home-stay, KTDC Bolgatty Island. Ocean Blue Marina, KWSO, Nedungaad Kudumbashree group, RK Homestay in Vypin and the amazing paddlers, the expedition was concluded.
