Volunteering Details
Viswadarsanam opens its doors to visitors offering them the chance to experience an alternative lifestyle and live within a traditional Keralan family. Most guests find this a most enlightening experience, far from the tourist crowd. During this time, we ask that you help in any way you can to the development and maintenance of the centre. Volunteers are our biggest need. We need administrative volunteers for planning and implementation of long and short-term projects such as nature camps and green health programmes. These volunteers would also help with international correspondence, computer work, preparing newsletters, booklets, leaflets and handbooks. Volunteers can get involved in alternative lifestyle projects, including herbal medicine, yoga, meditation and Kerala cooking. There is also an opportunity to teach English to local students.
Living conditions
Volunteers will receive good home-cooked vegetarian food (fish and egg included) and basic accommodation at the centre. Single accommodation can be arranged if available. There is electricity, running water for washing and safe drinking water from a spring-fed well. Tent accommodation can be arranged for those interested. Volunteers should bring a sleeping bag and if possible a raincoat and a mosquito net. There is a half hour power cut everyday, so a torch is also essential. The weather is warm all year round with two major monsoons.
At the centre, there is internet and telephone access, for which volunteers will be charged at reasonable rates. There is also satellite TV in the main house. Bicycles can be hired from the centre. The Village of Nariyapuram is close by; the small town of Kaipattoor is 2kms distant; and the district town is 8 kms distant. They are all easily accessed. Facilities include ATMs, banks, hospitals, post offices, internet café, many shops and markets.
Industries And Agriculture
The centre is situated in a rural area. The main crops are paddy, sugar cane, rubber, pepper, coconut, ginger and medicinal plants.
Entertainment
Guests will get the opportunity to relax and enjoy cultural events, meet local people, travel the country side and participate in nature trails. There are forests and rivers nearby. There is also plenty of opportunity to experience local fairs and festivals.
We can arrange sightseeing trips to the Western Ghats to explore the forests and plantations, short cycle rides, and handsome day walks in the country sides to give you a true sense of the sheer natural beauty of this magical country. We can also arrange ayurvedic massage and treatments, organize day trips to the beautiful keralan backwaters (explore backwaters in a country boat) and of course visit some of the most spectacular temples and its festivals. Some of those activities will incur an extra cost.
Calendar of Events
Year round there will be lot of activities and attractions in the area. Following are some general information and indications.
January – April: A good time for travel and outdoor expeditions. Climate mostly dry and temperatures varying from 24 degree Celsius to 34 degree Celsius. Expect a lot of colourful and vibrant local fairs and temple festivals. At Viswadarsanam: Outdoor Nature School activities, discussions and seminars at the centre. Earth day celebrations in April
May - August: End of summer and the Tropical monsoon starts early in the month of June. July to beginning of August will be monsoon season. There will be rain and shine and you can enjoy the magical tropical monsoon, good food and relaxation. Good time for Ayurvedic treatments. At Viswadarsanam: annual day and World Environment Day events at the Centre. Tree planting programs, upkeep and maintenance of herbal and organic vegetable garden.
September - December: The harvest festival season. Onam, the regional festival of Kerala, and expect a lot of cultural events, fairs, festivals and boat races. Climate mostly dry and occasional rains in the evenings, temperature range from 26 degree Celsius to 30 degree Celsius. At Viswadarsanam: conservation concert, Outdoor Nature School activities, seminars, discussions, preparations for the National Environmental Awareness Campaigns.
How To Reach The Center
Location: 110 km north of Trivandrum, 150 km south of Cochin. Nearest airports: Trivandrum or Cochin. Nearest railway stations: Chengannur or Thiruvalla. Nearest bus stations: Pandalam or Pathanamthitta. With advance information we can arrange good-value transport to the centre from the nearest airport, rail or bus station.
Costs
| Pounds | US Dollars | |
| One week | 75 | 150 |
| Two weeks | 150 | 300 |
| One month | 300 | 600 |
Included in these costs are a donation to the work and development of the centre, foods and accomodations. The most valuable resource at Viswadarsanam is the commitment made by volunteers who share the ideals of conservation and simple living. Come and join us.
Registration
Please send the registration form to viswadarsanam@yahoo.com