Viswadarsanam is an environmental organization located in Kerala, South India, set amidst just over one acre of lush green vegetation. It attempts to tackle big world problems on a small scale, by promoting an alternative lifestyle on the family level that will benefit nature and conservation and in turn, benefit humanity.

Viswadarsanam was founded on June 5^th 1987, World Environmental Day. The aim of the centre is to promote a holistic and natural way of life, one in which is in symbiotic union with nature promoting sustainable development and leading to health, happiness and peace in society.

An Alternative lifestyle Experience

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.

We offer you the opportunity to experience an alternative lifestyle that will ultimately help to develop an eco-culture strong enough to impact on the main stream.

There are opportunities to participate in gardening, administration, manual work seminars and outdoor nature school activities. You may be able to teach English to local students. 

Trips can be arranged to such delights as the famous backwaters and other attractions. Bird watching, nature trails, trekking, scenic drives and good Keralan food are our specialities. So it is very much up to you what you want to offer and what you can get out of being at Viswadarsanam.

It is a place of great natural beauty and peace and many volunteers come back to visit again

Viswadarsanam is a center set in rural Kerala on a small area of land given over to conservation and education on environmental protection. The visitors are offered the experience of living on-site with a Keralan family sharing regional food, culture and traditions. The district capital Pathanamthitta is close by via bus. During your stay you will be working on numerous projects and tasks depending on the knowledge and skills you bring to the organization.

Our biggest need is for volunteers to commit sufficient time to grow a project. We need education specialists, business/marketing people, computer and creative professionals, administrative volunteers for planning and implementation. Also, gap-year students are warmly encouraged to come and work within the community as a way to experiencing and understanding how an environmental and self-sustaining project functions.

Volunteers will experience an alternative lifestyle at Viswadarsanam. A rich and rewarding working holiday, where your efforts will significantly enhance the environmental ‘greening’ within the community

Some  local experiences to enjoy e.g.:

·        Ayurvedic massage and treatments

·        Cultural events

·        Religious festivals

·        Meeting local people

·        Bike hire

Sightseeing trips to the backwaters of Kerala or trekking in the forest or the mountains can be arranged as required which will incur an extra cost to cover expenses.

CONTACT DETAILS

Viswadarsanam, Feny Land, Nariyapuram, Pin – 689 513, Pathanamthitta District, Kerala, India.

Phone: 0091 468 2350543/2353731; email: viswadarsanam@yahoo.com

Web: http://viswadarsanam.free.fr

Umesh Babu is the director at Viswadarsanam. He coordinates the centre’s activities and his wife, Janee Babu, looks after the food and accommodation.

HOW TO REACH THE CENTRE

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.

ACCOMMODATION AND LIVING CONDITIONS

Guests 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 in camping.  Guests should bring a sleeping bag and if possible a raincoat and a mosquito net.

Power cuts occasionally occur, so a torch is useful. The weather is warm all year round with two major monsoons. 

FACILITIES IN THE AREA

At the centre, there is internet and telephone access, for which guests will be charged at reasonable rates.  There is also satellite TV in the main house and 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, Pathanamthitta is 8 kms distant. They are all easily accessed. Facilities include ATMs, banks, hospitals, post offices, internet café, many shops and markets.

GEOGRAPHY

The centre is situated in a rural area with the Achankoyil river nearby. The surrounding farmlands contain crops including paddy, sugarcane, rubber, pepper, coconut, ginger and medicinal plants.

The most valuable resource at Viswadarsanam is the commitment made by its guests who share the ideals of conservation and simple living.  Come and join us.

“The greatest pleasure lies in simple living” – Mantra for greening the mind.

Viswadarsanam Contact Details

Viswadarsanam, Feny Land, Naripuram, Pin-689 513, Pathanamthitta District. Kerla, India

Phone: 91 468 2350543/2353731

e-mail: viswadarsanam@yahoo.com

website: http://viswadarsanam.free.fr