How Team Building Activities in Kerala Can Transform Your Workplace.

Imagine this: your team returns from a team building activities session in Kerala. They are not just sporting a tan, but they are buzzing with renewed energy, a stronger sense of bonding, and a newfound problem-solving spirit. 

This blog delves into the power of team building activities in Kerala, exploring how seemingly fun games and challenges can translate into a more productive and positive work environment back at the office.

The Lasting Impact of Team Building

While team building activities are undeniably enjoyable, their true value lies in the lasting impact they can have on your team's overall dynamics and performance. 

Here is how a well-designed Kerala retreat can transform your workplace:

• Enhanced Communication: Activities that require collaboration and problem-solving, like raft building or snake boat challenges, hone communication skills within teams.  Participants learn to articulate ideas clearly, listen actively, and work together towards a common goal.  This improved communication translates seamlessly into the office, leading to smoother project execution and reduced misunderstandings.

• Inter-Department Collaboration:   Team building activities break down departmental silos and encourage cross interaction between departments, who might not typically work together.   Through shared experiences and challenges, a sense of bonding and trust is fostered.  This translates into a more collaborative work environment where teams are more likely to support each other, share ideas openly, and celebrate each other's successes.
  

• Improved Problem-Solving Skills:  Many team building activities are designed to test creativity and problem-solving skills.  By working together under pressure to overcome challenges, teams develop a more strategic approach and a knack for thinking outside the box.   This translates into improved problem-solving skills in the workplace, allowing them to tackle challenges efficiently and find innovative solutions.
  

• Heightened Morale and Engagement:  Engaging team building activities in the stunning backdrop of Kerala can significantly boost employee morale.   The experience itself is rejuvenating and creates positive memories.  Employees who feel valued and invested in by their company are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and productive at work.

Kerala: The Perfect Backdrop for Transformation

Kerala's unique charm goes beyond its captivating landscapes and rich cultural heritage.  The serene backwaters, pristine beaches, and lush hill stations provide the perfect backdrop for team building activities that are both exciting and inspiring.  

Aktivate can curate a customised team building retreat that incorporates the ideal mix of activities, cultural immersion, and relaxation, ensuring a truly transformational experience for your team.

Exciting Team Building Activities

Team building activities in Kerala are not just about fun and games; they are an investment in your team's success.  

Aktivate brings you a selection of fun team building activities for employees, designed to foster collaboration, communication, and a healthy dose of competition, perfect for your next corporate retreat:

1. Raft Building

Challenge your team's creativity and problem-solving skills with a thrilling raft building competition.  

We provide them with a variety of materials like barrels, planks, ropes, and paddles.  The goal?  To work together and build a functional raft within a set time limit. 

Encourage teams to  strategize, delegate tasks, and think outside the box.  Once the rafts are built,  a race across a designated section of the calm backwaters will determine the champions.  This team building activity for employees, promotes teamwork, communication, and a dash of friendly rivalry.

2. Snake Boat Challenge

Kerala's iconic snake boats are world famous and are traditionally a symbol of teamwork and cultural pride.  

Aktivate can organise a friendly snake boat challenge, where multiple teams compete against each other.  Each team will be assigned a pre-assembled snake boat and a local coach with professional oarsman,  to provide basic paddling instruction.  The challenge lies in synchronising their paddling strokes to the rhythm of the drums and manoeuvring the boat swiftly across the water. 

This exhilarating and unforgettable activity fosters communication, coordination, and a sense of camaraderie as teams work together towards victory.  Post this team building game, your corporate Instagram account will be flooded with images from this snake boat challenge.

3. Cooking Contest

Take your team on a delicious team building adventure with a Kerala-inspired cooking contest.  Divide your team into groups and take them on a guided tour of a local spice plantation.  

Here, they can learn about the diverse spices that have made Kerala famous.  Following the tour, each team will be presented with a mystery basket of fresh, local ingredients and a selection of traditional Kerala recipes.  

The challenge? To recreate the chosen recipe within a set time limit, while incorporating their newfound knowledge of spices.  

Aktivate can arrange for experienced chefs to judge the competition based on taste, presentation, and teamwork in the kitchen.  This group activity is a fun and a flavourful way to encourage collaboration and cultural immersion.

4. Beach Olympics

Indulge your team in some fun team building activities on the beaches of Kerala with a customised Beach Olympics event.  

Aktivate can design a range of games that are both fun and challenging, suitable for all fitness levels.  These can include beach volleyball tournaments, sandcastle building competitions, three-legged races, and obstacle courses.  

These team building games on the beach, encourage teamwork, strategic thinking, and a healthy dose of laughter and friendly competition.  

It is a perfect way to break the ice, promote bonding, and get your team moving in a relaxed beachfront setting.

5. Tug of War

A timeless team building activity, the tug-of-war is a simple yet effective way to encourage teamwork and a competitive spirit.  In Kerala this is a traditional game is called Vadamvalli and played very competitively, during the Onam festivities

Divide your team into two opposing groups and provide them with a sturdy rope.  The goal is for one team to pull the rope across a designated line, overpowering the opposing team.  

This seemingly simple group activity requires effective communication, synchronised pulling, and strategic positioning to emerge victorious.   The tug-of-war is a great way to promote bonding, a sense of accomplishment, and friendly competition within your team.

Prominent Hotel Properties in Kerala for Outdoor Team Building Games:

Kerala offers a diverse range of accommodation options, from luxurious resorts to charming backwater houseboats. 

When choosing a venue for your team building retreat, consider the specific activities you have planned and the overall experience you want to create for your team. 

Here are some prominent hotel properties in Kerala that cater well to outdoor team building events. You can click on the names and check out the official websites of these resorts.

The Leela Kovalam, Kovalam

Kumarakom Lake Resort, Kumarakom

The Coconut Lagoon, Alappuzha

Lake Palace Resort Alappuzha

Le Meridien, Kochi, Kochi

Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty, Kochi

Bolgatty Palace, Kochi

Nihara Resort & Spa, Kadamkudy, Kochi

Cherai Beach Resorts, Kochi

Indriya Sands, Kochi

Club Mahindra Munnar

Vythiri Village Resort, Wayanad

Points to Ponder Before Choosing a Venue:

• Consider the group size and budget: In Kerala, accommodation options range from luxurious resorts to budget-friendly homestays. Choose a venue that can comfortably accommodate your team size and adheres to your budget constraints.
  

• Accessibility: Think about the ease of access to the venue. If your team is flying in from other parts of India or abroad, consider the proximity to airports and availability of transportation options.
  

• Amenities: While all team building activities might not be possible at all locations, some of them could be possible.  Also, many resorts offer additional amenities like swimming pools, spas, and fitness centres that your team can enjoy during their downtime.
  

By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose the perfect hotel property in Kerala to host your team building retreat and create an unforgettable experience for your team.

The Aktivate Advantage

By incorporating exciting team building games into your Kerala retreat, you can create a memorable and enriching experience for your team.  These activities go beyond just fun and games; they foster collaboration, communication, problem-solving skills, and a sense of bonding that will translate into a more effective and high-performing team back at the office.

Aktivate understands that a successful team building experience goes beyond just the activities. We provide comprehensive support, including:

• Venue Selection: From beautiful backwater resorts to luxurious hilltop getaways, we will find the perfect venue  that complements your chosen team building activities.
  

• Logistics Management: We handle all the logistical aspects, including transportation, team accommodation and equipment rentals, ensuring a seamless and stress free experience for your team.
  

• Customisation: We can tailor the team building activities to your specific needs and goals, ensuring they are both enjoyable and effective.  
  

• Professional Support :  We can also bring in professional outbound specialists, who can manage and offer you post activity reports and recommendations.  

Contact Aktivate today and let our team of experts curate a customised program of team building games in Kerala that perfectly aligns with your company's goals and creates lasting memories for your team.

You can reach us on:  +91.9847534570 or write to us at:  subhash@aktivate.in