Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 5 (IANS): Automobile manufacturers Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M Ltd.) kick-start the Spice Challenge here Friday in association with JK Tyres.

The TSD (time, speed, distance) rally is currently in its third season and will see participation from over 40 vehicles from the Mahindra stable, manoeuvring the challenging route of more than 500 km in two days, finally ending in Kochi Sunday. The race is part of the Challenge series of motorsport events that was launched in 2011.

The driver and navigator are expected to keep a track of time in tandem with the distance. Unlike extreme rallying, TSD doesn't require special training, opening up to a larger number of enthusiasts.

The rally will start here and will make its way through the serene backwaters of Alapuzha, the green rolling tea estates of Vagamon to end at Kochi. En route, the participants will navigate highways, B roads, rough road stretches, experiencing the rains and spice gardens in the backdrop.

At the end of the first day, the participants will stay in the houseboats at Alapuzha.

With a total prize purse of Rs.5 lakh, the event is being held exclusively for Mahindra owners and has been approved by the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI).