From the laid-back beaches of Goa to the madness of Mumbai, Bollywood to Bengal tigers, India has it all. For those who wanting to experience true authenticity, The Adventurists offer something unique

There are huge parties at the start and the finish line, but during the journey, you’re on your own.

Travelling the length of India in rickshaws, the Rickshaw Run covers nearly 3000km of India’s west coast, starting in Cochin and finishing in Jaisalmer. There is no set route for entrants, with the only two obligatory rules being to ‘get off the tourist trail’ and ‘experience the real India’.

Driving in rickshaws means sticking to major roads isn’t advisable and breakdowns in random places way off the beaten track are inevitable. Driving such massive distances often means the world passes by in a blur, but do it in a rickshaw – traditional vehicles well received by the locals – and you are properly absorbed in every situation you encounter.

There is no set route for entrants, with the only two obligatory rules being to ‘get off the tourist trail’ and ‘experience the real India’.

There are huge parties at the start and the finish line, but during the journey, you’re on your own.  The Adventurists ethos is all about your independence. ”… planning your own route gives you the freedom to go at your own pace and take in the sites that interest you. Want to look for tigers, rhinos and elephants in the nature reserves? Go for it. Want to check out hilltop temples and hidden yoga retreats? Why not? Prefer a local homestay? Good call. The rickshaw is the perfect tool to take you to your definition of adventure.”

Pointers given before you set off teach you some basic mechanics. The first two days of the Run are spent test driving. Afterwards you will be able to start, turn and stop your rickshaw and change from one gear to another without stalling. Once you’ve got the hang of your trusty ride, you can also customise your vehicle by adding sparkly hubcaps.

Team Hindianna Jones and their colourful rickshaw

All of the 85 rickshaws, which carry up to three people, are ‘pimped up’ with teams given the opportunity to create their own designs back home.

The stories that come back from the Runs speak of glorious sunsets over the Ganges, over sexed cows bonding with locals over moustaches, racing around go-cart tracks, traditional festivals or lazy afternoons teaching local children to play golf.

Participating teams have raised over £2,500,000 for charity since the Rickshaw Run’s launch in 2006.

The Rickshaw Run has three planned editions in 2020; one in January, one in April and another in August. For more details visit www.theadventurists.com/rickshaw-run, where you can also find out about Rickshaw Runs in the Himalayas and Sri Lanka.

Participating teams have raised over £2,500,000 for charity since the Rickshaw Run’s launch in 2006.

  • There will be three Indian Rickshaw Runs in 2020, the first in January, second in April and third in August
  • Cost: £1995 for a team of up to three, which includes:
  1. A rickshaw, pimped to your own design
  2. All the necessary paperwork to drive the vehicle
  3. Test driving, launch party and finish party
  4. A jerry can, a few key spare parts plus the tools to change them
  5. Two weeks of adventuring in a rickshaw