Description

Once again we have managed to captivate the world through a sublime third edition of the Lanka Challenge. In 2012 we plan to continue our meaningful adventure by taking you deeper and deeper into the heart of the country and its people.

The Lanka Challenge is by no means an easy affair; contestants will embark on a true test of character, resourcefulness, endurance and navigational stupidity. It is a real maker of men and a genuine quest for wonder woman. So prepare yourself to patch up your three-wheel mean machine in the most extreme of weather conditions, marooned in the most remote of locations and wearing the most ludicrous of outfits.

Get ready to once again traverse the spicy island of Sri Lanka! Our humble steeds will be awaiting to explore the wild East and less traveled North. Be prepared to experience even more remote, scenic and challenging roads! Our social projects, now involving the Tamil speaking areas, will reach a broader audience and our eco-friendly initiatives will continue to grow whilst touching many more lives.

We call on all travel aficionados in search of unique and meaningful experiences, who are willing to make a difference and savour every last drop of what this enigmatic nation has to offer. We will ensure that your contributions leave a positive footprint on the local community and everyone touched by this event.

...Sri Lanka - the island of endless diversity; you are beautiful, sweet and gentle, exotic and interesting, simply fascinating - we adore you...

Highlights

* The Plan

Lanka Challenge dates (start to finish): 31st August to 11th September 2012
Number of nights: 10 Nights (includes 1 night of camping)
Number of days: 11 Days (includes 2 rest days)
Estimated number of teams participating: 24 teams
Estimated number of Travel Aficionados: 54 people
Estimated total km's traveled: 1,100km's

The Lanka Challenge is supported by the Sri Lankan Ministry of Tourism & the Sri Lankan Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB). Through our event we intend to promote tourism, help the local communities and show the new face of Sri Lanka to the world. In 2009 & 2010, we managed to get some excellent international exposure which created positive publicity for the country and its people. Lets see what we can achieve this year!

* The Ride

Standard issue Indian made, Sri Lankan modified Auto-Rickshaw.

This three-wheel mean machine is by far the most awkward yet enjoyable drive ever designed by mankind. The humble steed can adapt to almost every single surface, climate, situation, idiotic driver and use (or abuse on certain occasions). It defies the law of gravity and doesn't believe in simple logic.

An auto-rickshaw is generally characterized by a sheet-metal body or open frame that rests on three wheels, a canvas roof with drop-down sides, a small cabin in the front of the vehicle for the driver (called an auto-wallah in some areas), and seating space for three in the rear. They are generally fitted with an air-cooled scooter version of a two-stroke engine, with handlebar controls instead of a steering wheel. The triangular form of the auto also makes maneuvering easy, with the front single wheel negotiating the available gap, and the rear two wheels forcing a larger space.

Auto-rickshaws are light vehicles and only two or three people are required to fully lift one off the ground, which may be necessary when one breaks down and it probably will.

Auto-rickshaws have a top-speed of around 50 km/h (about 31 mph) and a cruising speed of around 35 km/h (22 mph).

* The Challenge

The Lanka challenge is NOT a Race - it's a Challenge! The format of the Challenge has been put together in such a way that speed should not be your number one priority. The Lanka Challenge is a combination of timed legs and challenges. The winning team is determined by the total accumulated Challenge time minus the total time deductions resulting from challenges successfully completed...

My Leg Time - My Challenge Time Deductions = My Result (Total Time)

The team which completes each leg in the shortest possible time and successfully completes applicable challenges will win the leg and wear the notorious yellow sarong and jersey on the following days' leg.

The Lanka Challenge is broken up into different driving legs (as per the route). Each team will be given a road map book and daily navigational sheet which they must use to navigate from the beginning to end of each leg. Warning - No GPS's allowed!

Each day there will also be a number of challenges that will need to be completed by each team. The challenges will be made out of adventurous, cultural & ecological activities and will involve the local community. In some instances, teams will compete against each other and in others they will need to work together in order to achieve a common goal. In addition to this, teams will also need to successfully complete different picture and video challenges.

* The Reward

The team that finishes the Lanka Challenge in the least amount of total time and successfully completes the most amount of challenges, will be declared winners and have the most prestigious title in the world for one whole year: "The Lanka Challenge Champions". Apart from receiving the most unique trophy in the world, the winners will also receive 2 return tickets to Colombo courtesy of our prize sponsor Sri Lankan Airlines - the National carrier of Sri Lanka.

Travel Types

• Camping
• Eco Tours
• Heritage Tourism
• Homestay
• Off Road / 4X4 Driving
• Tours
• Volunteering

Cost in US$:

1,950 per person (team of 2) 1,800 per person (team of 3)

Program Fees Include:

* Lanka Challenge Team of 2

- Hire and use of 1 Tuk Tuk for the duration of the Challenge
- Accommodation for 2 people (11 nights) in Dbl or Twin rooms
- Half Board (11 Breakfasts and 11 Dinners)
- Challenge Logistics (Mechanics, Ambulance, Support team)
- Welcome Pack (Sim, Map, T-shirt, Bag, Phrase book, Navigational sheets)
- 10 % contribution to our Meaningful Travel projects

* Lanka Challenge Team of 3
- Hire and use of 1 Tuk Tuk for the duration of the Challenge
- Accommodation for 3 people (11 nights) in Dbl or Twin rooms
- Half Board (11 Breakfasts and 11 Dinners)
- Challenge Logistics (Mechanics, Ambulance, Support team)
- Welcome Pack (Sim, Map, T-shirt, Bag, Phrase book, Navigational sheets)
- 10 % contribution to our Meaningful Travel projects

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Other

LARGE Minority's Mission Statement

LARGE minority is passionate about all its destinations, they have all had troubled pasts and the team is proud to participate in their development. Whether it is Sri Lanka, Cambodia or Colombia, LARGE minority sets up projects with local communities to make a real, sustainable improvement to their lives. In Cambodia, the group funds a water pipeline project, which will benefit more than 1,000 members of the Chambok Community. In Sri Lanka, LARGE minority works with people displaced by the internal conflict. The latest Colombian escapade - More Local - will fund a sustainable water management system for an Amazonian community. Traveling and exploring is a privilege, which carries a responsibility, so LARGE minority contributes towards reforestation programs and incorporates eco-friendly initiatives in everything it does. For everyone involved, LARGE minority is more than a simple travel company. It exists to offer you an invitation on the ultimate road trip and provide you with life-changing experiences.

Year Founded

2009