Off-roading in Chennai

What’s the point of your SUV if you aren’t really roughing it out? Yes, you most certainly can’t go full throttle within city limits, so how about going off-roading? This Saturday, Terratigers is organising SUV Off-Road Excursions near Mamallapuram. The duration is around six to eight hours and the location is a secret. Expect sand, slush, rocks and gravel tracks. The Off-Road drive is over 15 kilometres of open terrain, so there won’t be any cafés or restrooms. Refreshments and lunch will be provided onsite.

The unit started as Jeepthrills in 2005, founded by Anjan Cariappa, Uday Bhan Singh, S Srivardhan and Arkaprava Datta. In 2009, the Chennai Chapter adopted Terratigers as the nickname. “The idea was to get jeep and 4x4 enthusiasts on a common platform to develop recreational off-road driving in India,” says Datta. Terratigers has been organising The Palar Challenge since 2006. “In 2012 we got a large number of SUVs (Scorpio/Pajero/Fortuners) so we started the SUV off-road excursions, with a more family friendly and relaxed course,” he adds. Chennai is responsible for the popularity of recreational off-road driving in India as people here are very interested, says Datta. In the upcoming event, participants will go through a course that comprises climbs, drops, rock crawling, sand driving and will also get to learn vehicle recovery techniques. “The SUV Off-Road Excursions has two formats: Open Terrain, where people have to get their own 4x4 SUVs with Low Range Gearbox, and Closed Terrain (held at The Farm on OMR) where people can get vehicles such as Hyundai Creta, Renault Captur and Jeep Compass. We also provide vehicles in the Closed Terrain for people to drive off-road. The dates for the Closed Terrain have not yet been finalised.”

Apart from local registrations, people from Bengaluru, Coimbatore and Hyderabad have also signed up. “The ideal participants are active and healthy men and women who are inclined to outdoor adventure activities,” says Datta.

Registrations for the event are open till 10 am on May 12. The registration fee is ₹1,000 per head and free for kids. Participants should assemble at Motel Mamalla at 9.30 am and carry hats/caps, sunglasses, outdoor clothes, sports shoes, water bottles and snacks. For details, call 7200666657.