India
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Nameste workawayers, I hope this finds you well.
My name is Dhanraj and together with my family, we run an eco-lodge offering customizable safari tours in the Little Rann of Kutch in Gujarat. The eco-lodge is located next to a lake and the property attracts over 70 species of birds and is nestled in a green and very quiet environment.
The accommodation here is in the form of eco-friendly cottages that each has a private bathroom. In total, we have 17 cottages and around 20 local staff members.
We also have a number of side projects working to improve the lives of those living in the local communities.
Due to the nature of our work, we ideally prefer long-term volunteers (many of our past workawayers have stayed months longer than intended), however, we can absolutely accommodate shorter stays as well (minimum stay: two weeks).
It is of huge benefit if you have good knowledge of birds as many guests come to this region specifically for birdwatching. Otherwise, an interest in wildlife and the ability to pick up bird species quickly will be satisfactory. This will allow you to accompany guests on safaris enhancing their experience as our staff members are not fluent in English. However, we do need help with a variety of tasks, so in case nature and wildlife do not have your biggest interest, it is not a problem :)
Charity Work
Art Projects
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Teaching
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Hospitality/Tourism
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
As the eco-lodge is located nearby the Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary you will have the opportunity to visit the park regularly. A great opportunity to visit and photograph wildlife and explore the real authentic life in Gujarat. There are also tours to visit the fascinating nomadic tribes which are famous in this area of Gujarat. As the lodge supports a school for children from the age of 14 to 18 years you have the opportunity to experience a local village school. You could visit the school to teach them English, computer skills, etc., and in exchange learn Hindi.
The lodge also has its own horses. If you are interested in horses, you could learn about the local breed and help in horse riding safaris. As we are closely connected with the local artisans you have the opportunity to see, learn and photograph local bead jewelry-making, basket weavers, and textile producers.
Gujarat is famous for its embroidery and we have many women doing this in our region.
We are looking for volunteers for a minimum stay of two weeks who are flexible and have good interpersonal skills. We are open to single travelers and couples.
Looking also for long-term volunteers, it is possible to combine your online studies or online home office while volunteering with us.
Duties may include;
- Meeting and greeting guests
- Allocating and inspecting rooms
- Digital marketing including updating the website, maintaining Instagram presence, and visual design as needed
- General Maintenance / DIY
The work is extremely flexible and varies day-to-day in response to guest numbers. Some days you may have lots of free time, other days may be busy with many guests arriving.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Hindi: Fluent
This 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.
In exchange for your assistance, we are able to provide safe, clean accommodation with an attached bathroom and all meals. Our food is traditional Indian cuisine and is cooked in-house.
We are located a 20 minutes drive from two reasonably sized towns.
- Dasada: good for onward transport to other regions in Gujarat
- Patdi: good for ATM's and shopping.
HOW TO GET HERE:
The capital of Gujarat is Ahmedabad which is only 2 hours from the eco-lodge.
Transport from Ahmedabad:
- Take a bus to Dasada where collection can be arranged.
- Take a bus to Viramgam and from Viramgam you can catch a bus to Dasada, where collection can be arranged.
The train station Viramgam is 45 km from the lodge and is well connected with local transportation.
Transport from Viramgam:
- Take a bus or taxi to Dasada where collection can be arranged.
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
We have decent internet connection as we are based in a village but we have good speed. We have 4 g. connection
This host can provide space for campervans.
More than two
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
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Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
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