Adventure

This phase is an extreme physical and mental challenge that requires team work and develops leadership and inner strength in everyone and gives us a better understanding of what we can achieve with real determination.

10-week

• The Raleigh trekking group conduct a 19-day adventure phase in Kerala, guided by Kalypso Adventures, our adventure partner. The first stage incorporates 14 days of arduous trekking at altitudes of up to 2,500m. The route begins in Kerala, just inside the border with Karnataka at Marayoor in the Erivikulam National Park. They climb up into the Western Ghats, summiting India's second highest peak outside the Himalayas and head south west following the mountains through the tea estates of Munnar. At the end of the trek they reach the Periyar River - home to the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, where they construct bamboo rafts and paddle west downstream for 2 days, camping overnight.
• Raleigh India undertakes a brand new 19-day trek through the thick forests of the Brahmagiri and Talakaveri Wildlife sanctuaries in Karnataka State. It takes trekkers through 200 km of virgin dry tropical forest over steep mountainous terrain. Camps are made in the protective encampments used by forest rangers to keep elephants and tigers out at night. Breaking form the forest the group trek for the final days through savannah grassland and banana plantations to a beach on the Arabian sea; where they spend their final day on India's west coast before catching an overnight train back to the expedition field base at the end of the adventure phase.
• If Kerala is ‘God's own Country' then this must be the Garden of Eden - so says the description of Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in the Lonely Planet guide. This is the setting for Raleigh India's latest adventure phase which involves trekking, cycling, rafting and surviving. Over 18 days, participants will circumnavigate the region, summiting three different peaks, reaching 2100 metres in height. Despite Kerala's international fame, Wayanad remains a well kept secret and Raleigh groups are amongst the first to venture into the forests here. Wayanad has the largest population of elephants in India and even tigers can be found here. You will certainly get the sense that you are exploring places few have tread before. Linked by three separate and challenging cycle legs, the route will guide you through Wayanad's vibrant green countryside; punctuated by rice paddies, coffee, tea and spice plantations which all add to the medley of green. The ascents may be tough, but the down hills are incredible, the elation matched only by the stunning scenery. Teams also have a chance to develop and challenge their skills when they undertake a 24 hour survival challenge. Doing away with their tents and camping kit, you/they will learn how to fend for themselves in the jungles of Southern India.

5-week Adventure challenge
During the 5-week expeditions, groups conduct adventure projects together at the end of the expedition. Over 8 days they compete against one another in a circuit of adventure activities and group challenges. These activities may include cycling, trekking, survival, kayaking and more! Part of the challenge lies in the surprise. Scores are awarded for each event. On the final day groups meet up in a central camp to complete a final group challenge which will complete the adventure phase.