Neil Ransom, CEO of Siamaya Chocolate, will be joining on the Rickshaw Run with the painted Siamaya rickshaw during September 2024! He will be driving up the West Coast of India from Kerala in the south to Jaipur in the north, trying to visit as many Cacao Farms and Chocolate makers on the way. This adventure is not just about thrills — it's also a mission to make a difference.
The Adventurists have teamed up with Cool Earth to raise funds to empower communities, protect rainforests, and fight the climate crisis.
Follow his exciting journey, and join us in our effort to save the planet. We’ll keep you updated right here on the blog!
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Getting Ready - driving test
Starting the trip!
When started leaving Kochi on the way to Coimbatore, Neil and his team visited this small Bean To Bar chocolate company from locally sourced cacao beans from rolling hills of Idukki, Kerala, named Rakkaudella.
The night in Coimbatore was awesome, enjoying the rickshaw ride and some good food!
Not only did Neil enjoy the good food there, he also found a bean to bar chocolate maker in Coimbatore that makes very fun Indian flavored chocolates, including a mango lassi.
Next day was through Ooty the tea planting area and down through the Bandipur Tiger Reserve where they saw wild guar (Buffalo) and elephants. They had to load the rickshaw into a truck because rickshaws not allowed to drive through the park.
From the national park, the next day they drove through Moore to a town, called Hassan and stopped at a Burger King drive-through late at night. In the store, Neil met up with his friend David who runs Naviluna Chocolate company and saw his amazing new café and factory.
Here are some photos from Naviluna Chocolate cafe and factory:
Trip from Hassan down to Goa is their longest day driving of 490km. All rickshaws are converging on Goa. The driving was exhausted but the team still had fun and enjoyed good food, rain, and crazy roads.
Arriving in Goa and went around looking for some chocolate makers and found a premium toffee company named TARVOTI that is making local toffee covered in chocolate and it’s delicious!
Then they left Goa to Chiplun on Highway 66. The road was under construction the whole way so super bumpy. Got some modifications done in town and met some of the local kids.
Enjoyed this super nice view at Chiplun!
Finally reached the destination!
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https://www.justgiving.com/page/siamayachocolate
