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Description
Our Ecovillage is a shining example of sustainable living in India, earning accolades from renowned international organizations, including the United Nations 🌍. It holds accreditation from the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), the UN Council for Biodiversity (UNCBD), the UN Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC), and the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). In addition, this place has been honored with numerous national and international awards 🏆 for its outstanding contributions to sustainability.
Why You'll Love our Ecovillage
We're a spiritual eco-community nestled in the scenic hills of Palghar district, Maharashtra, India. Our mission is to create a sustainable and harmonious living environment that nourishes the body, mind, and spirit. Our ecovillage is nestled in a lush, serene landscape that offers a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Visitors are captivated by the natural beauty of the surroundings and the sense of tranquility that permeates the area.
In exchange for your contributions, we offer:
🏡 Comfortable accommodation in our eco-friendly cottages
🥗 Delicious Vegetarian Meals: Enjoy nutritious meals prepared with love and care.
🕉️ Opportunities for Spiritual Growth: Embark on a path of self-discovery and spiritual enrichment. Engage in holistic yoga practices and explore various spiritual disciplines that promote inner peace and personal development
🌍 Global Connections: Connect with like-minded individuals from across the globe, fostering
meaningful relationships
Our Community
Our vibrant community consists of individuals from diverse backgrounds, all united by a common vision of sustainable development and spiritual well-being. Key members of our community include:
⦿ Organic Farmers: They work tirelessly to maintain our organic farms, which produce a variety of fresh, wholesome foods. Their efforts ensure that our community and visitors enjoy nutritious meals sourced directly from our lands.
⦿ Spiritual Practitioners and Yoga Teachers: They guide our guests on a journey of self-discovery and inner peace, offering yoga and meditation sessions that enhance personal growth and well-being.
⦿ Ayurvedic Cooks and Healers: Adding a special touch to our community, these skilled individuals prepare nutritious, satvik meals and offer healing therapies that rejuvenate both body and soul.
⦿ Sustainability Educators: These passionate individuals lead our educational programs, teaching visitors about eco-friendly living practices, renewable energy, and water conservation. They inspire our guests to adopt sustainable habits that can make a positive impact on the planet.
⦿ Goshala Caretakers: Our animal shelter is home to cows, horses, and other animals. Our caretakers ensure that these animals receive the love and care they deserve, emphasizing the importance of compassion and respect for all living beings.
⦿ Volunteers: Our volunteers play a crucial role in various projects, from waste management and community service to cultural exchange programs. Their contributions help us maintain a thriving and supportive community.
the Ecovillage is more than just a place to visit;
it's a transformative experience. Workawayers will not only enjoy the serene beauty and cultural richness of our location but will also have the opportunity to engage in meaningful activities that promote sustainability and spiritual growth. Join us in our mission to create a better world for future generations.
At the EcoVillage, we proudly employ around 200 staff members, primarily locals, who are essential to our community. They excel in various roles, including administration, accounting, bookings, kitchen services, gardening, housekeeping, and as knowledgeable tour guides, ensuring a memorable experience for all our visitors.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Charity Work
Art Projects
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Hospitality/Tourism
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Here are some skills and takeaways that volunteers can expect:
1. Holistic approach to sustainability: Understand the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and spiritual aspects of sustainability.
2. Cultural immersion: Experience Indian culture, traditions, and cuisine.
3. Personal growth and self-awareness: Develop greater self-awareness, confidence, and emotional intelligence.
4. Networking opportunities: Connect with like-minded individuals from around the world.
5. Practical skills for sustainable living: Gain hands-on experience with sustainable practices that can be applied in daily life.
6. A sense of community and belonging: Feel part of a vibrant community that shares your values and passions.
7. Inspiration and renewed purpose: Leave with a renewed sense of purpose and inspiration to make a positive impact in the world.
1. Skills and Knowledge Sharing
🌿 Sustainability Initiatives: Beyond organic farming, the ecovillage involves volunteers in various sustainability projects, such as waste management, water conservation, and renewable energy utilization. These projects provide practical knowledge and skills that can be applied to personal and professional efforts towards building a more sustainable future.
🐄 Goshala (Cow Sanctuary): The ecovillage's Goshala offers a unique chance to engage with traditional methods of cow care and sustainable agriculture. Volunteers can learn about the integral role of cows in sustainable living, and importance of compassionate cow protection. This experience enriches their understanding of ecological balance and the cultural significance of cows in sustainable communities
🌱 Nursery (Plant Cultivation): Engage with the nursery at the ecovillage, where participants can learn about plant cultivation, seed propagation, and biodiversity. This hands-on experience provides insight into maintaining ecological balance and promotes an appreciation for the role of plants in sustaining life. Volunteers can take these practices back to their communities, fostering greener spaces and enhancing local biodiversity.
🍲 Annakshetra (Food Distribution Initiative): Engage , an initiative that focuses on preparing and distributing satvik and sanctified food to rural communities. Workawayers can participate in this noble service, gaining insights into the logistics of large-scale food distribution and understanding the importance of community support in achieving food security. This hands-on experience highlights the impact of serving nutritious meals to those in need, promoting a culture of sharing and care.
📱 Social Media Engagement: Volunteers have the opportunity to engage with social media initiatives, creating content and promoting the ecovillage's initiatives. This role helps in building digital communication skills and amplifying the message of sustainable and spiritual living to a broader audience.
👩🍳 Kitchen Duties: Workawayers can participate in the preparation of daily meals, learning about sattvic cooking methods. This hands-on experience not only provides culinary skills but also introduces the principles of preparing nutritious, balanced meals that are an integral part of a healthy, mindful lifestyle.
🧘♂️ Yoga & Meditation: Participants can learn yoga and meditation, deepening their practice and understanding, which they can share with others.
2. Learning from Different Cultures
🌍 Cultural Exchange: Hosting international guests enables the local community to learn new languages, customs, and perspectives, enriching the cultural tapestry.
🤝 Community Interaction: Engaging with Workawayers from diverse backgrounds fosters a sense of global community and understanding, promoting cultural exchange and mutual learning.
The Ecovillage not only provides a space for personal growth and learning but also encourages a collaborative environment where cultural exchange thrives, benefitting both the visitors and the local community.
3. Additional Opportunities Beyond the Volunteer Program
While engaging in the main volunteer activities at the EcoVillage, you have the chance to explore a variety of enriching experiences outside the regular program:
🧘♀️ Workshops & Classes: Dive into yoga, Ayurveda, and sound healing workshops to deepen your knowledge and practice. These learning experiences not only enhance personal growth but also provide interaction with the community.
🕊️ Spiritual & Cultural Events: Participate in spiritual workshops and enjoy cultural events like the Rath Yatra and International Yoga Day to immerse yourself fully in the local traditions and celebrations.
🌱 Sustainability & Social Impact: Engage in workshops on organic farming, water conservation, and eco-friendly practices as part of the village's sustainability initiatives. Additionally, contribute to social impact projects, such as women's empowerment and rural development, to make meaningful connections and impact.
These activities offer a holistic experience of sustainable and spiritual living, allowing you to further immerse yourself in the unique offerings of the EcoVillage.
Help
As a volunteer you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a unique blend of spirituality, sustainability, and community living. Join us in our daily activities, such as:
🌾 Organic Farming and Gardening: Engage in sustainable agriculture practices to
nurture our thriving gardens.
🐮 Cow Care and Dairy Management: Participate in compassionate cow protection and dairy operations.
🏗️ Eco-Friendly Construction and Maintenance: Contribute to sustainable building projects
and maintenance activities.
🧘♀️ Spiritual Practices: Immerse yourself in yoga, meditation, and kirtans to deepen your spiritual journey.
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Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Hindi: Fluent
Marathi: Fluent
Tamil: Fluent
Telugu: FluentThis host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information.
Accommodation
We aim to provide volunteers with comfortable and secure accommodations that align with our values of sustainable living and community engagement. Here’s what volunteers can expect:
Accommodation for Volunteers
1. Shared Dormitory-Style Rooms: Volunteers are accommodated in shared dormitory-style rooms within the ecovillage campus. These facilities offer an opportunity for volunteers to live in a communal setting, fostering friendships and collaboration.
2. Separate Facilities: We ensure separate accommodations for men and women to respect privacy and comfort.
3. Provision of Bedding: Each volunteer is provided with a mattress, bed sheet, pillow, and blanket, ensuring a comfortable stay throughout their volunteering period.
Cleanliness and Security
⦿ Hygiene Standards: The accommodations are regularly cleaned and maintained to high hygiene standards to ensure a pleasant and healthy environment for all volunteers.
⦿ Secure Environment: We offer a safe and secure living environment, with all necessary measures in place to protect the well-being of its residents.
Food and Dining
⦿ Complimentary Meals: Volunteers are provided with three nutritious vegetarian meals daily. These meals are prepared with care and devotion, offered as Prasadam (sanctified, karma-free food).
⦿ Cafés for Additional Needs: For those with specific dietary preferences, a variety of cafés such as Shrinathji Café, Ayurveda Café, and Govinda’s Café are available where additional food can be purchased.
Customization and Special Requests
⦿ Flexible Arrangements: While specific dietary needs may not be accommodated within the provided meals, the variety available in the cafés ensures that most preferences can be met.
⦿ Accommodation Requests: We strive to accommodate specific requests regarding room arrangements, especially for couples volunteering together, based on availability.
Our Ecovillage is committed to providing a nurturing environment where volunteers can focus on their service, personal growth, and cultural exchange. The accommodations are a reflection of our dedication to comfort, community, and sustainable living.
What else ...
The Ecovillage offers a unique opportunity for Workawayers to immerse themselves in a lifestyle that integrates sustainability, spirituality, and community living. Here are some additional insights and suggestions to enhance your experience:
Activities and Exploration
1. Local Exploration: During your time off, explore the serene surroundings of the Sahyadri Mountains. Take nature walks, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, and discover the beauty of the Ecovillage’s landscapes.
2. Cultural and Spiritual Activities: Engage in daily spiritual activities such as meditation, yoga sessions, and devotional singing (kirtans) that are part of the community's routine, providing insight into the practices of bhakti yoga.
3. Volunteer Programs: Participate in various programs including organic farming, community outreach, and sustainability projects. These activities not only enrich your knowledge but also strengthen community bonds.
4. Visit Nearby Attractions: Plan trips to nearby villages, to gain a deeper understanding of the local culture and traditions.
Transportation
⦿ Getting Around: Although we offers a secluded haven, transportation options are available for exploring nearby regions. Utilize local transport facilities or join organized group trips for a convenient travel experience.
Lifestyle and House Rules
1. Community Living: The ecovillage thrives on the principles of simple living and high thinking. Embrace a lifestyle that minimizes material excess and focuses on personal growth and community welfare.
2. Dress Code: In keeping with the spiritual environment, modest clothing is appreciated. This includes covering shoulders and knees, especially during community activities and within sacred spaces.
3. Respectful Conduct: Maintain a respectful demeanor towards the community’s practices and traditions. This includes refraining from using substances like alcohol, non vegetarian food and tobacco and avoiding loud music or disruptive behavior.
4. Environmental Stewardship: Participate in maintaining the cleanliness and sanctity of the ecovillage by disposing of waste responsibly and supporting eco-friendly practices.
The Ecovillage is a place where Workawayers can find a meaningful balance between work, learning, and spiritual reflection. By joining the community, you contribute to a legacy of environmental stewardship and cultural richness, while discovering new aspects of personal and collective growth.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
Digital Nomads - Wi-Fi Access: While we provide limited Wi-Fi access primarily for seva-related purposes, digital nomads can use their own mobile data to stay connected. This environment offers an opportunity to work in a peaceful setting while participating in community activities. - Quiet Spaces: There are designated areas within the ecovillage where nomads can work quietly, allowing them to balance productivity with personal growth.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
My animals / pets
