Profile information
Host is looking for help immediately
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
6 Oct 2025
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 15 days
Feedback
89
Facebook verified
Email verified
Badges (4)
Details
Description
Namaste,
I’m Amal, the founder of Offgrid Origins, a movement dedicated to creating Sacred Spaces where people can reconnect with nature, community, and themselves.
Right now, we are based at — our first offgrid hub in the lower Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India.
Here, we are experimenting with:
- Offgrid Living: natural building, compost toilets, community cooking, eco-building.
- Sacred Space Creation: meditation circles, movement, storytelling, and energy work.
- Sustainability & Regeneration: farming, planting, soil care, forest gardening.
- Community & Self-Sufficiency: cooking together, repairing, creating, and sharing skills.
About this project:
The Farm project is an upcoming organic farm, a creative platform for alternative learning, education, and lifestyle. It is a center for ecological awareness and a space for cherishing Mother Earth. An initaiative to demonstrate sustainable living in practice, to develop a way of growing food with a combination of ecological understanding and indigenous knowledge, and to bring people together for an exchange of ideas and practices that ensure sustainability and well-being.
We believe in a holistic mode of learning that promotes understanding and cherishing our place as a part of a conscious planet and community of soil, water, air, plants, animals, forests, and all life forms and peoples.
We love to see new smiling faces at the farm, and everyone interested in farming, living off-grid and community-based is more than welcome here.
this project is now the pilot project of Offgrid Origins, and every volunteer who joins us contributes to a larger vision of building a global network of alternative lifestyle hubs, a cohesive ecosystem, and an indigenous platform that connects seekers, travellers, and hosts of regenerative spaces across the world.
Volunteers' Contribution:
At present, this project is being executed single-handedly. We need the right people with the necessary skill set and resources for community building here. The contribution given by a volunteer is $5 per night. We prefer that everyone who is coming to the farm stay for at least a month. So that it will be beneficial for both sides. If one month is not possible, the minimum stay is 3 weeks.
For any volunteer who cannot commit for a minimum of 3 weeks, visitors/group tours will be charged per decision of the farm steward by day of interest; contribution depends on the reason for coming, as we host alternative lifestyle and education workshops, retreats and transformational experiences here.
LOCATION: The farm is about four kilometres deep in the jungles of the Smanora Range from the nearest roadhead in Do Gaon, a small settlement located on the Haldwani-Nainital road.
Nearest railway station – Kathgodam (10 kms)
Nearest airport - Pantnagar (40 kms)
Nearest city - Haldwani (15 kms)
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
Hospitality/Tourism
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
House sitting
Interests
Charity work
Videography
Sustainability
Self development
LGBTQ
Culture
Farming
Performing arts
Writing
Plant care
Photography
Music
Hitchhiking
Gardening
Cooking & food
Books
Art & design
Fitness
Cycling
Dancing
Yoga / Wellness
Outdoor activities
Nature
Mountain
Hiking
Adventure sports
Camping
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Travellers have multiple avenues to get involved in executing the larger vision of Offgrid Origins and participate in multiple projects across the world on a case-by-case basis for the right volunteer.
Help
We are looking for long-term volunteers. Interested, aligned, and skilled volunteers can contact us for more information.
The project, once a vibrant eco-farm, had been dormant for a year.
A few months ago, I moved in to take on the stewardship of this land and bring it back to life. Here, we are building the pilot hub for Offgrid Origins, a movement to create sacred spaces, regenerative communities, and an alternative lifestyle ecosystem that can inspire the world.
This is not just another farm. It is a living laboratory where we are:
- Redeveloping the land for food forests, regenerative farming, and self-sufficiency
- Building offgrid infrastructure — treehouses, mud homes, rainwater harvesting, compost toilets
- Designing spaces for meditation, movement, and inner work
- Developing a platform to connect seekers, creators, intentional communities, and sacred space hubs globally
We are looking for skilled, passionate, and visionary volunteers who want to contribute to something far bigger than just day-to-day work.
You could help us by bringing your expertise, ideas, and hands into areas like:
- Farming & Permaculture – food forest design, soil care, planting, composting
- Earth Builders & Treehouse Creators – mud building, bamboo, carpentry, natural construction
- Tech & Digital Support – web development, platform MVPs, design, social media, storytelling
- Creators & Visionaries – artists, facilitators, healers, community designers, storytellers
- Community Builders – people with skills in group facilitation, conscious living, and intentional communities
We are inviting you to co-create the foundation of a global movement. This is a space where the impossible becomes possible, where ideas are tested on the ground, and where everyone contributes with their hands, heart, and spirit.
NOTE for Volunteers:
* Farm work: watering, planting, composting, mulching, caring for saplings
* Construction: helping in mud building, treehouse making, bamboo or wood work
* Kitchen: chopping, cooking, firewood management, cleaning up together
* Cleaning & upkeep: keeping common spaces, bathrooms, and living areas clean
* Creative contributions: photography, journaling, content creation, skill-sharing circles
* Quiet reflection: meditation, journaling, nature walks
* Cooking is done together as a community on firewood
* Meals are vegetarian, simple, and wholesome, prepared with local produce.
* Life here is slow and mindful. We encourage Workawayers to be present and fully engaged in both the work and the silence in between.
* Respect for nature is central: mindful use of water, zero food waste, composting, and leaving no trace.
* Expect bucket showers, compost toilets, and the occasional dance in the rain.. it’s all part of the experience.
* Electricity and internet are limited — evenings often mean conversations, music, or simply sitting under the stars.
* No drugs, alcohol, or disruptive behavior on the farm.
* Respect each other’s space, silence, and the collective rhythm.
* Adaptability is key: weather, tasks, and plans may shift daily, and flexibility is part of the adventure.
* Treat tools, land, and resources with care. Everything here is shared.
In short: Volunteering at this project will not be a luxurious but instead, a deeply enriching experience. It asks for your hands, your heart, and your willingness to step out of convenience and into connection.. with nature, with community, and with yourself.
Life here is simple, raw, and deeply rewarding. Every day unfolds in sync with the land, the weather, and the flow of the community.
If you are looking for an experience that blends living off the grid, deep inner work, and pioneering the future of human community, then this is for you.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Hindi: Fluent
Malayalam: Fluent
Marathi: Fluent
Tamil: FluentThis host offers a language exchange
Interested in learning Spanish, French, German and Russian.
Accommodation
The accommodation consists of a 100-year-old traditional farmhouse made of mud which now has new floors and roofing. It is simple, traditional, and rustic, consisting of two dorms where we sleep on mattresses on the floor. Additionally, we have one individual room, a community hall and an off-grid kitchen.
What else ...
We are particularly keen on long-term volunteers who have experience of working on a farm/permaculture or low-impact offgrid & natural building or have carpentry/electrical/plumbing experience and alternative sustainable/solar technology knowledge.
In your free time, you might:
- Take long walks through the forest and nearby trails
- Explore local villages, interact with warm-hearted Himalayan families, and taste traditional foods
- Meditate by streams, journal in nature, or simply rest in silence
- Join evening circles for storytelling, music, fire gatherings
- Practice yoga, movement, or your own creative expressions on the land
- Stargaze under some of the clearest skies you’ll ever see
We encourage Workawayers to see their free time not just as “breaks”, but as moments of self-discovery in nature.
Beyond the farm, Offgrid Origins also designs transformational travel experiences, curating journeys into the Himalayas that trace the footsteps of mystics, masters, and ancient wisdom. These are not tourist trips but sacred journeys that weave exploration, inner work, and community.
As a volunteer, you’ll get a glimpse into this vertical of our work and, in some cases, may even join or support these journeys. They are an extension of the same ethos you experience at this project: living consciously, walking gently, and connecting deeply.
Being here means you are part of something large.. A growing network of sacred spaces and experiences across the Himalayas (and eventually the world).. all tied together by the vision of Offgrid Origins.
See you soon!
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
At present, we are solar powered with minimal electricity consumption. Daily power consumption is limited to 2 hours per person, used for charging 2 devices at a time. We do not have wifi yet, but we have 5G internet reception from regular telecom network providers.
Can possibly accept pets
Owners are solely responsible for taking care of their pets.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
My animals / pets
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (46)
He first observe everything and follows all the house rules very perfectly. Where ever help was needed Cesar never said no. No matter he knew it or not he but the best part about him is he is eager to learn things and do it properly. From kitchen, cooking, cleaning, collecting dry wood… read more
During my stay in the farm, we took care of the plants, we cooked with fire Indian dishes, we spent time in the forest collecting wood, sometimes some tracks, even night tracks. There are a lot of… read more
He observed and obeyed farm rules very nicely. Helped every where what was required.
It’s ok to have cultural difference specially at a place where people come from all around the world, but the important thing is when both sides are open… read more
Photos
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(4.9)
Communication:
(5.0)
He first observe everything and follows all the house rules very perfectly. Where ever help was needed Cesar never said no. No matter he knew it or not he but the best part about him is he is eager to learn things and do it properly. From kitchen, cooking, cleaning, collecting dry wood… read more
During my stay in the farm, we took care of the plants, we cooked with fire Indian dishes, we spent time in the forest collecting wood, sometimes some tracks, even night tracks. There are a lot of… read more
He observed and obeyed farm rules very nicely. Helped every where what was required.
It’s ok to have cultural difference specially at a place where people come from all around the world, but the important thing is when both sides are open… read more
It was a journey of learning with nature, about nature and also about myself. There were really fun times and so much beauty. Animals all about and a great opportunity to put your hands into the soil.
the forest and farm feel like a sacred place (they are) there is something extremely… read more
During the stay I learned a lot about different farming techniques and how to nurture the… read more
Vlatka and Pankaj welcomed me with open arms and hearts, after few days it felt like family… read more
We wish to see her again in farm.
If we say least he came at our… read more
The farm is at a very beautiful place. It is surrounded by forest and on feels… read more
You can spend time in the garden: cleaning land, planting crops... You can also help them with cooking or developing projects,… read more
Very responsible, super mature according to her age. She helped us in watering, cooking. Most importantly she was willing to contribute for every task in front of her.
We highly… read more
Hearing birds singing in the morning, admiring countless plants and flowers, remembering how to appreciate the blessing of silence in a place in the middle of himalaya are priceless ; but what will be the most significant will be the beautiful people that we had as hosts here.
Vlatka and Pankaj taught us a lot,… read more
Always ready to do heavy work and makes sure to finish work till the end.
We highly recommend Jonaton to all the host out there.
Though Sebastien stayed for 11 days. But we had a great time with him.
His smiling face always keep positive energy around. He helped everything which was required.
We highly recommend all the host out there to have Sebastien. We would love to see Sebastien again in farm soon.
Lots of love.
They are truly friendly, they know how to make you feel comfortable and how to explain what you have to do. And working on the farm was always pleasant.
It was an… read more
We have learned how to make different salads. No matter it was light work of doing muddying malls or heavy work of bringing… read more
I recommend everybody to go there who really likes pure peacful nature, a wild and simple lifestyle back to the roots, and to those nature lovers who want to help protecting the forest.
you will be able to learn so much in this… read more
Thank you for your feedback. You make us feel so special. Having you in our farm was a awesome time. We enjoyed every single second with you. The way you are open for communication, making other people smile around you. Working with open heart for every thing asked in front of you.
You had back pain then also you gave your best… read more
A lot of cultural exchange took place in my… read more
I learned new stuff every day, connected myself to the nature and deepened my meditation. You guys always have a place in my heart. Best regards
xx
Cooking on the fire and the simple lifestyle gave me much time to appreciate the clean air and reflect on life. Thanks… read more
It was a pleasure having you in our farm. You helped in every area where we required the support.
SPECIALLY GETTING MULCH FROM JUNGLE AND TAKING CARE OF PLANTS
The… read more
Thank you so much for choosing our farm. Your visit to India was too short and in that period you decided to spend some time with us.
Thank you for helping our in all department getting wood, mulch pine cone from jungle.
The way you cooked Ravioli was fantastic,… read more
I spent a week at the Himayalan farm project with my friend Valeria and we really felt like home. We didn't have experience on farming before and we learned a lot from them about the permaculture. The work to do in the farm depends on the days but they are always trying to organize it based on the preference of each volunteer,… read more
Having you in farm was a pleasure. We have to say you are one of the most hard working volunteer we ever had in almost 2 years. Everything you started you finished till the end. There is no NO in your attitude.
Very positive, very kind. We were lucky to had you in our farm.
For… read more
Best of luck for your farm.
We had a awesome time with you in farm. You helped in every single way.
Special thanks for transporting applies from main road to farm through the trek of 4km.
Your chai was not so bad actually, only a bit less sugar was there.
Hope to see you in farm again, but for longer time.
Lots of love Pankaj and… read more
First of all thanks a lot for accepting our invitation for such a short period of time. Having both of you was a pleasure.
Thank you Japhet for doing most of the fencing work, making bread and guava Jam.
Lottie we already missing the food how you cook. It was so yummy.
Wish to see you in… read more
Having you in farm for 2 weeks was wonderful time.
Your positive vibes makes everybody feel happy.
We miss your special way of cooking.
Hope to see you in farm again.
The environtment is amazing!
Thanks for the experience:)
Having you in farm was a wonderful experience.
Your attitude of never say no to work is awesome, whether its cooking, working in fields, collecting seeds, painting etc.
As a volunteer you are a perfect one.
Hope to see you again in farm.
The location is beautiful, 1.5h hike from the nearest village right in the jungle. There are monkeys around as well as leopard (I never met one face to face!) , deer, variety of birds and other wild animals. The has different trees, plants and herbs like banana, guavas, cinnamon as well as lemon grass, ginger,… read more
V&M
Vlatka and Pankaj are lovely people, who make you feel home. The sound of pankaj making chaaaai is still in my ear:))
The work exchange was mostly about cleaning fields, preparing new beds, planting, watering, getting firewood from jungle and helping cooking. I learned a… read more
Having you in farm for one month was absolute pleasure.
Your positive energy makes the environment so good. Your attitude of never say no is fantastic which help other people also who are next to you. Thanks for all the work done by you in our farm and making it more beautiful.
And yes we miss… read more
This is an upcoming farm so you will learn about starting a farm and living together and sharing and being with nature and cooking and budgeting your ingredients since you're off grid. It is way up off the road, be prepared :D but it's so nice to… read more
We wish him well in his travels and hope to have him back real soon.
Namaskaar. We hope you are good wherever you are.
Selma is a very wonderful person both in heart and soul.She has been an asset to the Farm. She is always smiling and really really volunteer for any work. Cooking is her specialty. We all miss her every day and looking forward to join us soon in the near future.
Selma, we wish you all… read more
made tremendous contribution. They fave some original ideas. They are an asset and I recommend them without any reservation to any one.
James & Anil, The Farm now belongs to you. You are always a part of it.
Best wishes,
Peace,
Hari
He is methodical in planning and execution. He can undertake any task without ant reservation. He was loved by all.
Josh you are an asset. This Farm now belongs to you, where ever you are in this global village.
Love, peace and Eternal bliss,
Hari
you find us amazing because you are an amazing guy. God bless you.
Yugo has been a very very productive and hard working volunteer. He will be an asset to any organization. We miss him a lot. He is unassuming and has some really original beautiful ideas. Yugo, please do remember that the Farm now belongs to you, wherever you are in this… read more
our dear volunteer. You have been an excellent volunteer partcipating in every activity.
Juin is a lovable person and we had some really good time with him.
Juin the Farm Project belongs to you, wherever you are and you are always welcome. You will always have a warm place reserved for you.
Love and hugs from Himalayan Farmer and team.
And eat what you grow creates such a beautiful feeling..
I'll be back soon guys!
Namaskar.
I have no words to express my thanks for your immense and unmeasurable contribution to the farm. There is no work, however difficult, which two of you can not do. Richa ( my daughter) says she would like her daughter Juneili to become like you and I feel there can be no better way to measure your efforts and work at… read more
it was great to have you. Both of you were an asset and contributed immensely. As said at the time of your departure, the Farm now belongs to you - it is your Farm and please take care of it.
Kum Kum and Richa too remember and thank you. We all pray for all the best in your life and may your dreams be fulfilled.
Love and hugs… read more
love and hugs all the way from Himalayan Farmer. Both of you have been a great asset . You brought and gave so much positive energy, throughout your stay.
You contributed immensely and this Farm now belongs to you, wherever you are in this globe . You are always welcome to the Farm. I personally miss you both a lot. It is… read more
Oliver, we find you a some what rebellious young man ( admiration ) with a very sustainable vision for the humanity and the Planet Earth.
From the time of his arrival to the time of departure his contribution to The… read more
She is very methodical, hard working, full of zest, zeal and initiative. He is a budding artist, has very good knowledge of Yoga, techniques of making video and photography.
She won… read more
Both Kum Kum and I miss her as an intimate member of our family.… read more
thank… read more
My wife Kum Kum and I will miss her and will keep doors of our home and heart always open to her.
This is to correct an error in earlier write… read more
