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Local, Sustainable Farming

location
2 - 4 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Fantastic 4.5  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Below average response rate


Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups

About the program

Volunteering can comprise of work like building, feeding the cows, weeding, gardening, mulching, fencing, mending, repair work, cooking, studio work.

The Farm Program consists of all farm related activities like: Composting, Weeding, Feeding and Tending the animals, Repair work, Mulching, Cooking, Washing, Building and Researching Sustainable Architecture, Cleaning, Watering the Plants etc.

A minimum of 6 Hours of active participation is required ...

About the program

The Farm Program consists of all farm related activities like: Composting, Weeding, Feeding and Tending the animals, Repair work, Mulching, Cooking, Washing, Building and Researching Sustainable Architecture, Cleaning, Watering the Plants etc.

A minimum of 6 Hours of active participation is required from volunteers to receive free meals, farm facilities and subsidized boarding costs. They are free to utilize the rest of their time as they please. 

We are a Farm community, Kitchen, Studio and Artist Residency ideal for people looking to experience a typical village life amidst nature and peaceful surroundings. We work in harmony with other small farmers of the region to build a healthy alternative where we strive to live sustainably and responsibly with each other. Ecological sustainability is the primary focus of our long term vision and as our village grows, we want to see this ideal take shape. Diversity is an important element for us and our village consists of individuals, families and an income sharing community.

We grow our own food, harvest honey, ferment local probiotics, preserve pickles, hot sauces, jams and dried products for sale in and outside the farm. The entire process is carried out by a small team (which will hopefully grow in the future) of local women ensuring sustainable livelihood means towards themselves and their families.

Our vision is to foster growth in our community and our environment through education and sustainable regenerative systems vis a vis farming and *other creative practices. Our farming design system stems from the regenerative principles of Permaculture and the patterns of nature.

Most materials used to build the project premises are natural yields from the surrounding areas like bamboo, stone, mud, thatch, straw etc or are reclaimed, upcycled, reused from things which would otherwise have been made into landfill, hence polluting the environment.

We welcome all kindred spirits who want to adapt a lifestyle of simplicity for a while alongside learning new experiences in the backdrop of a typical Nepali farm culture. We also invite artists, academicians, designers, architects, writers and all manner of creative people for a time and space away from their usual environment and obligations, to provide a time for reflection, research, presentation or production. We also allow them to explore and practice their art within our community, meeting new people, using new materials and experiencing life in a new location.


Typical day

A typical day at the farm begins at 8am when farmers and workers start their day in the fields comprising our farm premises as well as their own. Everyone goes wherever there is work to be done, working where it counts and that is how work is allotted to everyone. Work at the farm can vary everyday ...

Typical day

A typical day at the farm begins at 8am when farmers and workers start their day in the fields comprising our farm premises as well as their own. Everyone goes wherever there is work to be done, working where it counts and that is how work is allotted to everyone. Work at the farm can vary everyday but some things are routine like: Animals are fed (cows in our case) and milked, plants and vegetables are watered, harvest for lunch is picked depending on what is seasonal. Some of our community members work from their home as well, fermenting produce, making pickles, drying edibles or working on handicrafts. We break at 12pm-1pm for lunch and resume work after that. We call it a day at 5pm when everyone goes back to their respective homes. Tea is served around 5:30 pm on our farm premise after which everyone is free to do whatever they want until 7pm which is dinner time. We screen a movie for guests and volunteers after dinner for those who are interested to watch.

Volunteers are not required to work the entire day. A minimum of six hours of work a day is required out of them. They are free to do whatever they want with the rest of their time.


Free-time activities

Activities In a Nutshell

Stay with us, explore the farm and the growing food forest, eat delicious, organic local food cooked with fresh produce from our kitchen garden, gorge on wood fired pizzas and fresh homemade bread, enroll for Nepali cooking classes, swim in the river or our in-house pool ...

Free-time activities

Activities In a Nutshell

Stay with us, explore the farm and the growing food forest, eat delicious, organic local food cooked with fresh produce from our kitchen garden, gorge on wood fired pizzas and fresh homemade bread, enroll for Nepali cooking classes, swim in the river or our in-house pool under the night sky, paint, write, read books from our collection, laze and bask in hammocks under the warm sun,walk through the village, milk a cow, churn butter, pickle jackfruit, pitch a tent or just sleep in all day . It’s not a luxury…it’s an experience!

Attractions in and around Gorubathan are the famous Gorumara Wildlife Sanctuary, Fafarkheti, Fagu Tea Garden, the popular destination of Lava, the ancient ruins of Dalim Fort originally built by the Lepcha Kings and the Neora Valley National Park which is 5kms north of the region . The community is placed at a distance of 90 km from Kalimpong, 96 km from Darjeeling and 59 km from Siliguri and 72 kms from the IXB and is accessible by shared taxis, buses and private vehicles.

We also like to have fun, relax, watch movies, play some music and just hang out. So come join us and see what life is like at the Petrichor Community!


Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (basic level)

Criminal Background Check

required

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Other Skills

Relevant experience is preferred.People who have volunteered in farms before or interested to experience life in a rural farm, learn and participate in local cooking procedures and wellness food.

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 08:00 - 17:00

What's Included

What's Included

Services by Petrichor Farms

3 meals and accommodation and utilization of our property and facilities are included. Transportation, Internet Charges, Toiletries are not included. This is the price for the basic Volunteer Package which involves staying in 2 person tents with on camp beds.

Accommodation

A 10ft x 10 ft camp/tent fitted with two beds, mattresses, pillows and sleeping bags, side table and rugs for 2 persons per tent.

Food & Beverages

Vegetarian organic food is available.

Internet Access

Limited access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Airport Pickup at Bagdogra Airport

An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport (IXB) in Bagdogra. We assist you to find cheap flights to India. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for India provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in India you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for India. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

2 weeks (min. stay) 249€
4 weeks (max. stay) 449€
Average fees 118€/week

Program fees

118€ per week 2 - 4 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

2 - 4 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with Petrichor Farms during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

Petrichor Farms

Fantastic 4.5 rating (5 reviews)

Agency - founded in 2014

Verified by Volunteer World

  Below average response rate

Coordinated by

Sweta

About the project

Our current project is a cob structure installation to house a library and activity center for the community.

Meet your organization

We are a Farm community, Kitchen, Studio and Artist Residency ideal for people looking to experience a typical village life amidst nature and peaceful surroundings. We work in harmony with other small farmers of the region to build a healthy alternative where we strive to live sustainably and responsibly with each other.

Ecological sustainability is the primary focus of our long term vision and as our village grows, we want to see this ideal take shape. Diversity is an important element for us and our village consists of individuals, families and an income sharing community.

Most materials used to build the project premises are natural yields from the surrounding areas like bamboo, stone, mud, thatch, straw etc or are reclaimed, upcycled, reused from things which would otherwise have been made into landfill, hence polluting the environment.

5 reviews · rating4.5

Ien Halsted rating4.6

2016 at Local, Sustainable Farming

Petrichor I learned from my visit to the farm means: the smell of the earth when it rains. The farm is nestled within a community of farms all implementing permaculture and organic farming techniques so as to offer an experience fully integrated with nature. The structures and accommodations are all ...
Catherine rating4.6

2014 at Local, Sustainable Farming

My boyfriend and I spent one of the best days ever at Petrichor with the ultra cool and artsy Sweta. It is such a refreshing experience to be surrounded by nothing but beautiful serene nature for miles and miles around and to relax to the sounds of crickets and birds as you sit by the fresh water ...
Olive Burbank rating4.4

2016 at Helping with art and handicraft work

This quiet, jungly paradise carries a sweet lull among its greenery and the hearts of our hosts. Sweta, Sidharta and the extended family of Petrichor are the people you hope to meet when imagining friends you haven't met yet. This is a place of 'coming home'. To learn, to grow, to create. To be ...
Petrichor is such a relaxing, inspiring and creative place to be. Sweta and Sidhartha (and all of their staff) go out of their way to create a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. Me and my partner stayed here for a couple of days. We wanted to stay as cheaply as possible, so Sweta offered us an ...
Petrichor Delight! Wonderful greeting and big smiles all around! The farm is beautiful, our studio was exactly as we pictured it, charming, clean and cozy. The Farm is a site to behold, your heart is planted deep down into the soil when you hear of the wonderful community involvement that is taking ...

Location

Asia > Southern Asia > India > Darjeeling

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