Malabar River Festival: One of the biggest kayaking events of the country, the Malabar River Festival, began at Meenthullippara in Kuttiady Puzha at Chakkittapara here on Thursday with freestyle kayaking on day 1. The 4-day fest, organised by the Kerala State Tourism Department, will be inaugurated at 11.30 am on Friday at Chalippuzha River in Pulikkayam. 14 international kayakers from 8 foreign countries are competing in different events. Participants from Russia, Italy, Spain, France, Germany, New Zealand, Norway and Nepal have already reached Kozhikode days before the fest, said Paulson Joseph Arakkal, the convenor of the Malabar River Fest. 

Events to enjoy
The Kayak Cross open category event is held on Friday and its amateur category event will be held on Saturday. It's an event in which multiple paddlers race on waters to test their agility and speed, over a short, obstacle-filled course. The Downriver Race, a time trial over a longer course in which paddlers race over a set distance navigating waves and rapids, will be held on Sunday. It will decide who are the 'rapid raja' and 'rani' of the events. 

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How to reach?
From Kozhikode Railway station, head to the town hall road to reach Mananchira, to enter the Kannur road. Take a right from the Nadakkavu Police Station area to reach Wayanad Road. From there, head to Pulikkayam via Kozhikode Civil Station - Kunnamangalam - Koduvally - Thamarassery - Kodenchery route. The event is held at Pulikkayam Junction.  
Other scenic spots
The Thusharagiri Waterfalls, Pookode Lake, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Meghamalai, Pathankayam and Kakkayam are a few of Kerala's picturesque spots around the Malabar River Festival venue. Check weather updates, restrictions and local news before heading to the spots as entry rules can vary depending on climate conditions. 

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