Kerala is gearing up to elevate its position as a global adventure tourism hotspot with a series of high-profile international sporting events set to take place in February and March 2025. The state will host surfing, paragliding, and mountain cycling championships, attracting top athletes and adventure enthusiasts from around the world.
Upcoming International Adventure Events in Kerala:
- International Surfing Festival – February 27-28, 2025 | Varkala, Thiruvananthapuram
- International Paragliding Festival – March 19-23, 2025 | Vagamon, Idukki
- Mountain Terrain Biking Championship (MTB Kerala 2025) – March 28-30, 2025 | Mananthavady, Wayanad
These events are being organized by the Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society (KATPS), under the state’s Tourism Department, in collaboration with the District Tourism Promotion Councils (DTPCs).
Kerala’s Growing Adventure Tourism Scene
Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas highlighted that these global events will further strengthen Kerala’s status as a premier adventure tourism destination, attracting more tourists and bolstering the state’s economy.
“With Kerala’s natural landscapes and strong infrastructure, these championships will provide an ideal platform for adventure sports enthusiasts while contributing to the long-term growth of tourism in the state,” said the Minister.
Event Highlights and Participation Details
🌊 International Surfing Festival (Varkala, Thiruvananthapuram)
- Participants from across India will compete in events like:
- SUP Technical Race
- Paddle Board Technical Race
- SUP Surfing
- Technical Support: Surfing Federation of India & International Surfing Association (ISA).
- The event aims to position Kerala as a top surfing destination in India.
🪂 International Paragliding Festival (Vagamon, Idukki)
- India’s biggest aero sports event, attracting around 75 paragliders, including 40 international participants from 25+ countries, such as:
- France, Italy, USA, Spain, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Turkey, Sweden, Denmark, and Canada.
- Competition Highlight: Vagamon International Accuracy Cup 2025, featuring elite global paragliding pilots.
- Technical Support: Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), Aero Club of India & Orange Life Paragliding School.
🚴 MTB Kerala 2025 – Mountain Terrain Biking Championship (Mananthavady, Wayanad)
- Over 25 countries expected to participate.
- Cross-Country Cycling – a five-km-long track at 3000 feet above sea level, featuring rocky, muddy, and puddled terrains.
- Recognized by: Union Cyclist International (UCI), the global governing body for cycling.
- Organized in collaboration with DTPC Wayanad & Cycling Federation of India (CFI).
Training Programs for Adventure Tourism Workforce
To meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in adventure tourism, KATPS, in collaboration with Kerala Institute of Tourism and Travel Studies (KITTS), will conduct specialized training programs:
- Adventure Activity Assistant (7 days) – ₹14,000
- Adventure Activity Supervisor (8 days) – ₹16,000
- Nature Interpreter (8 days)
The first batch of 25 candidates will train in Thenmala, followed by sessions in Wayanad and Idukki. Application forms are available on KATPS and KITTS websites.
Free Hospitality Training at KITTS
Additionally, KITTS is offering a free Front Office Associate course under the Central Government’s ‘Hunar Se Rozgar’ program.
- Eligibility: 18+ years, 12th pass.
- Perks: Stipend, uniform, on-the-job training, and a government-recognized certificate.
- Apply at: www.kittsedu.org or send applications to Director, KITTS, Residency Compound, Thycaud, Thiruvananthapuram-14.
Conclusion
With these global adventure sports events, Kerala continues to establish itself as a world-class destination for surfing, paragliding, and mountain biking. Whether you’re an adrenaline seeker or a spectator, February and March 2025 are the perfect time to experience Kerala’s breathtaking landscapes and thrilling adventure tourism.
Further Insights:
