Kerala, known as ‘God’s Own Country,’ is taking bold strides to establish itself as a leading global adventure tourism hub. The state is gearing up to host three spectacular international adventure sports championships in February and March 2025, bringing together athletes and enthusiasts worldwide. The events include the International Surfing Festival, the International Paragliding Festival, and the Mountain Terrain Biking (MTB) Championship.
Tourism Minister Shri P. A. Mohamed Riyas remarked, “Kerala has always been a pioneer in showcasing unique tourism offerings. These world-class events not only position us as a top-tier destination for adventure tourism but also provide a significant boost to the state’s tourism industry.”
Adventure Awaits: A Breakdown of Upcoming Events
1. International Surfing Festival (February 27-28, Varkala)
The International Surfing Festival will be held at the pristine beaches of Varkala in Thiruvananthapuram district. Supported by the Surfing Federation of India and the International Surfing Association (ISA), the event is set to attract surfers from across the country to compete in categories such as:
- SUP Technical Race
- Paddle Board Technical Race
- SUP Surfing
The event aims to position Varkala as a major surfing destination in India. “This championship is not just a competition; it’s a gateway for water sports enthusiasts to experience the thrill of surfing and embrace the vibrant culture associated with it,” said Minister Riyas.
2. International Paragliding Festival (March 19-23, Vagamon)
Set against the stunning backdrop of Vagamon in Idukki, the International Paragliding Festival will be India’s largest aero sports event. Approximately 75 gliders, including 40 international participants from 25 countries—such as France, Italy, the United States, and Australia—will compete in this highly anticipated festival.
The event’s highlight will be the Vagamon International Accuracy Cup 2025, which promises to feature the best paragliding pilots from around the globe. Uniquely, this will also mark the world’s first Top Landing event, setting a new benchmark in paragliding championships. The Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), the Aero Club of India, and Orange Life Paragliding School will provide technical expertise for the festival.
3. Mountain Terrain Biking Championship (March 28-30, Wayanad)
The eighth edition of MTB Kerala 2025 will take place in the picturesque town of Mananthavady in Wayanad. With a challenging 5-kilometer track situated at an altitude of over 3,000 feet, the event will test the skills of cyclists navigating muddy, rocky, and puddled terrains.
The championship will attract elite cyclists from 25 countries alongside amateur participants from India. The event’s inclusion in the global MTB calendar by the Union Cyclist International (UCI), headquartered in Switzerland, further cements its stature as a premier international competition.
KATPS, in collaboration with the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) Wayanad and the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), will oversee the organization of this event.
Training and Skill Development in Adventure Tourism
Recognizing the growing importance of adventure tourism, the Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society (KATPS), in association with the Kerala Institute of Tourism and Travel Studies (KITTS), is launching specialized training programs. These initiatives aim to enhance the workforce’s expertise in the adventure tourism sector.
The programs include:
- Adventure Activity Assistant Training (7 days)
- Adventure Activity Supervisory Training (8 days)
- Nature Interpreter Training (8 days)
The first batch of 25 candidates will begin training in January 2025 at Thenmala, with subsequent batches planned for Wayanad and Idukki. Training fees are INR 14,000 for Adventure Activity Assistant and INR 16,000 for Supervisory categories. Details and application forms are available on the KATPS and KITTS websites.
Hospitality Course Opportunities
In addition to adventure tourism, KITTS is offering a free Front Office Associate course under the Central Government’s ‘Hunar Se Rozgar’ initiative. This program targets individuals above 18 years of age with a minimum qualification of Class 12. Participants will benefit from:
- Stipend and uniforms
- On-the-job training
- Government-approved certification
Interested candidates can visit the KITTS official website or apply directly to the Director, KITTS, Thiruvananthapuram.
Driving Kerala’s Global Tourism Aspirations
These events and initiatives underline Kerala’s commitment to diversifying its tourism portfolio. Adventure sports have become a significant draw for domestic and international travellers seeking unique and thrilling experiences.
Minister Riyas concluded, “With a perfect blend of natural beauty, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and strategic global partnerships, Kerala is poised to become an unparalleled destination for adventure enthusiasts.”
For more information, visit the Kerala Institute of Tourism and Travel Studies (KITTS).
Written by: My Thanh Pham