Kerala's Leading Whitewater Kayaking Festival Makes a Comeback
The Malabar River Festival is set to make a vibrant comeback with its 11th edition, scheduled from July 24 to 27, 2025, promising a dynamic mix of adventure and competition in the scenic waters of Kozhikode. Taking place along the stunning Chalipuzha and Iruvazhinjipuzha rivers near Thusharagiri, this international kayaking spectacle continues to strengthen Kerala’s standing as a premier adventure tourism destination in India.
Jointly hosted by the Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society (KATPS), the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), and the Kozhikode District Panchayat—with expert coordination from the Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association (IKCA)—the event draws top-tier and aspiring paddlers from across the globe year after year.
The 2025 festival will feature two primary divisions: the Open and Amateur Categories. The Open Category is tailored for seasoned kayakers with Class 3 or higher skills and includes high-stakes competitions like the Kayak Cross and Downriver Time Trial, offering cash prizes and comprehensive participant services. The Amateur Category, meant for paddlers with Class 2 experience, provides a relaxed, non-competitive platform for learning and participation in a nurturing environment.
Combining institutional backing, breathtaking natural landscapes, and international appeal, the Malabar River Festival is more than a sporting event—it’s a celebration of Kerala’s riverine heritage and a powerful tool for promoting responsible, high-value tourism to less-explored destinations.
Online registration for the 2025 edition will open soon on the official Kerala Adventure Tourism website: www.keralaadventure.org.