Getting greener on the transportation front is partly about reducing use of fossil fuel, partly about reducing the noise and particulates generated by motorized vehicles, and partly just the fun of alternative methods of getting around. Sometimes pedicabs are simple visions, other times elaborate hipsterisms.  The image above links to just one of the several companies peddling practical person-powered vehicles, now ubiquitous world-wide…

…except for in Kerala. There are old news stories about “much maligned” pedicabs facing opposition in other parts of India, but no stories explaining why we do not see these in our neighborhoods.

We are thinking about these as we prepare to open a new property in the section of Fort Cochin known as Mattanchery. Instead of adding to the sea of motorized rickshaws we would like to provide our guests with a quiet, softer carbon footprint form of transportation around town. Much as we have been doing with the wall at Cardamom County, we are welcoming suggestions from all corners about the design of such a vehicle.