Tea Plucking in the Himalayas

Surround yourself with a green tea plantation in the Kangra valley of Himachal Pradesh - an oasis of peace and nature. Here, you decide whether and how active you want to be, picking tea!

The landscape in the Kangra valley of Himachal Pradesh in the Himalayas of India is heavenly - framed by high snowy mountains, there are densely forested green hills with occasional rustic wooden facades and roofs of handsome old farmhouses standing out between the fir trees; on the hills, the golden Buddhist temple of exiled Tibetans shines in the sun from afar. Crystal-clear rivers cut through the valley in wide, natural paths, from which protrude large smooth rocks washed by the water. Next to this, geometrically precise terraces of green rice fields are applied filigree.

The air of this landscape is incredibly fresh and invigorating . At the same time, the sun is strong with year-round maximum values during the day of between 20 to 30 degrees.

The valley and the higher mountains give an ideal climate for tea cultivation , but also for tropical fruits.

Tea Plantation

You can live on a 20-acre private plantation, created by the British in 1848, where you either simply rest in this pure and refreshing Garden of Eden or join the plantation workers in picking tea and harvesting other fruits, such as mango, passion fruit, jackfruit, lychees, figs, strawberries and blackberries, as well as flowers. How active you are, depends entirely on yourself.

The local workers will tell you important facts about picking tea. In the tea factory, you learn about the processing of tea leaves.

You stay in a rustic house in the middle of the plantation where full boarding is provided.

The small town of Palampur is easily accessible; the plantation owners drive there to make purchases and other things almost daily and you can join them.

There is no real rainy season in Palampur, there is a little rainfall in July; the rest of the year is relatively dry. From November to March, nights can be cold with temperatures below 10 degrees.

Stay on a tea plantation in the Himalayas

Minimum Duration: 3 Days
Maximum Duration: 1 Year
Language Requirements: English
Location: Palampur, Himachal Pradesh
Accommodation: Rustic house on the plantation

Price: In Tab "Rate"

About Tea

In China and Japan, it is believed that tea is the "elixir of immortality" and a "nectar of the gods". There are several legends about the origin of tea. According to one, in 2737 BC the Chinese emperor Shen Nung accidentally discovered the miraculous plant when some leaves of a nearby tree fell into his kettle. Shen Nung noticed the encouraging and therapeutic values of those miraculous leaves and started to propagate the drink from that moment on. The Chinese actually believe that most of their botanical and agricultural knowledge comes from Shen Nung. Another Chinese legend has it that a herbal healer began to write down his knowledge of more than 84,000 plants, but he died when he had only 62000 plants listed. But then a miracle happened, and on his grave grew a plant that united the values of all the leftover 22000 plants - and that was tea.

The commercial cultivation of tea in India was started in 1778 by the East India Company, led by the English botanist Sir Joseph Banks. Today, 89% of the world's tea production comes from the 3.376 billion kilograms (2005 data) from Asia; India, with 28%, is the world's largest producer of tea.

The tea plant is actually a tree that lives up to 100 years. If you do not support it, it is 12-15 meters high, but the plants are usually pruned to a height between 1 and 1.5 meters and shaped as a kind of bush, so that picking the leaves is easy. Due to permanent plucking, the bushes are permanently kept in the vegetative phase, ensuring sustainable harvesting. Depending on the season, every 9–13 days, the new-grown leaves and buds are usually plucked by women, based on the rule: "two leaves and a bud“, which means to pluck the two youngest leaves and one bud to ensure the best quality of tea. An experienced tea harvester plucks approximately 30 kg of tea leaves per day. To produce 1 kg of tea, 4 kg of tea leaves are needed. A single tea plant can produce 70 kg tea per year.

In addition to picking the tea leaves and buds, further responsibilities at the tea plantation include cutting the bushes (Pruning), lace trim (Tipping), fertilisation (manuring), as well as the maintenance of shade trees (mostly silver oaks); the temperature, humidity and soil quality are ideal at the tea plantation.

Teas are categorized into three main classes: Green tea is not oxidized, Oolong tea is partially oxidized and black tea is fully oxidized. A special feature is white tea and instant tea (water-soluble tea).

For the production of green tea, the freshly picked leaves are exposed to a high temperature to stop the oxidation. This is done with steam or by roasting in a pan. After the heat-induced inactivation of oxidation enzymes, the leaves are rolled and dried to a residual moisture content of 2.5-3%.

In the traditional production of Black tea, which accounts for about 76% of global tea production, tea leaves are picked through the 5 stages: first they must "wither" (withering) to be soft and tender. Then, they are spread on drying racks and dried under air blowing about 12-16 hours, thereby losing much of their moisture. The next step is called "maceration“ which has the purpose of breaking the leave's cells in order to make the cell sap get in contact with oxygen. For 45 minutes, the leaves are being rolled in several tandem rotary or reciprocating sifters. The next step is the fermentation for which the macerated leaves are spread in layers for 2 – 3 hours at a temperature of 25 – 30 degrees and moisture of 90%. During this process, the leave's colour changes from green to copper and develops the characteristic tea flavour. Afterwards, the tea leaves need to be dried again, which takes 10 – 25 minutes in modern drying machines. Finally, the tea particles need to be sorted into different categories of sizes and fibers and flakes need to be removed. That results in three grades of tea: complete leaves, broken leaves, and dust. Within these levels, experts make further differences. The levels do not define the quality of the tea.

Rate

Convert EUR to USD, GBP, CAD, AUD and other currencies.

First Week:

1 Person: 400 EUR

2 Persons: 250 EUR per person

Each additional week:

1 Person: 200 EUR

2 Persons: 130 EUR per person

Price includes:

* One-time transfer from/to Dharamshala Airport

* One-time transportation to location

* Accommodation with meals (Indian food) in a rustic house at the tea plantation

Extras

Other Projects That Might Interest You:

These projects are suggestions for alternatives that may interest you or those that could be chosen as COMBINATIONS. The combination of projects in different organizations is often possible and usually cheaper than two individual bookings. Please contact us to know more! Check out our other listings in the areas of "World Learner" and "Active Travel" at your travel destination to make your stay even more interesting.

Travel Health Insurance

We recommend the following travel insurance that is meant specifically for participants of internships, volunteering, language study, working holiday, and courses abroad. It is available for travelers of all nationalities and usable for all countries, except your home country. You can also add a journey liability insurance.

Just click on the link, fill in the form and you will get a confirmation email.

Himalaya

Photo Gallery: Himalayas

Maheshu (Shimla), Palampur, Dharamshala

Landscapes of Himachal Pradesh in the Indian Himalayas are perhaps the most impressive of all over India - framed by majestic snow-capped mountains of the Himalayan mountain range, are fresh valleys such as the Kangra Valley.

The region is sparsely populated and characterized by natural forests, meadows, steep inclinations and small-scale agriculture. There is also a limited amount of tourism, particularly by Delhi urbanites, who come here over the weekend to do hiking, meditation or rock climbing; also by foreign tourists who proceed deeper into the Himalayas, visiting Dharamshala, the place where the exiled Tibetans and the Dalai Lama live or visit the Chail Conservation Area, which is only 20 km away. You will find pure and fresh mountain air in breathtaking mountain scenery.

It is possible to travel to < strong>Maheshu by train from Delhi, whereby the last part of the way through the mountains will be traversed using a historical narrow gauge train, the Kalka Shimla Hill Railway, which is a UNESCO world heritage.

Palampur is a small town in Kangra Valley in the state of Himachal Pradesh, at an altitude of about 1300 m, about 470 km from Delhi. Also known as the "tea capital of north India", Palampur is a popular travel destination for nature and outdoor enthusiasts, with countless streams and rivers coming down from the mountains into the valley and alternate with tea plantations and rice fields in a unique scenic beauty. There are also many ancient temples and buildings from the British colonial period.

Dharamshala, which is also situated in the Kangra valley, about 60 km from Palampur, lies at an altitude of 1450 m and is home to many Tibetan exiles, of which the Dalai Lama is the most famous. Again, there are many Buddhist and Hindu temples here.

In the area of Palampur and Dharamshala, you can do many outdoor sports like hiking, climbing, paragliding, rafting, mountain biking, etc.

The people in the Himalayas are usually modest and reserved. They are financially quite poor; as they often have inherited land and have to rely on agriculture for income, they migrate for a higher standard of living, more than many other Indians, into overpopulated cities.

The country's population speaks Hindi. People with better education, usually speak good English.

Rishikesh

Located at the foot of the Himalayas, Rishikesh is a famous pilgrimage town. The Ganges flows by the town, which features not only by mythological significance as a holy river, but also with clear water and scenic beauty. The Ganges leaves the Himalayas from here, and then continues to flow through the plains of northern India to the Gulf of Bengal.

In Rishikesh, there are a number of temples and ashrams (religious hostels), both historical and built in recent times. The city attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists, both from India, as well as from western countries. It is home to several yoga centers, in keeping with an age old tradition. Rishikesh therefore, has the reputation of being the "yoga capital" of the world. Hindus believe that meditation in Rishikesh, as well as a dip in the holy river Ganges, leads them closer to salvation (Moksha).

Our Coordinator in the Himalayas

Our coordinator in Maheshu, Dharamshala and Rishikesh is Vikas and his team from the Chrysalid Oudoor Camps. In Palampur, we work with Atul, a guide.

Getting There

Getting to the sites at the Himalayas

Shimla (Junga):

You book your flight to New Delhi (DEL). For the projects in Chrysalid camp in Shimla, you travel further by train. We send you a transfer from New Delhi Airport to Delhi railway station. From there, you take the train to Kolka (daily at 7:40 and 17:25). In Kolka, you step into the historic UNESCO World Heritage train "Himalayan Queen" ( connection is only possible with the morning train from Delhi). You disembark in Kandaghat. This train ticket is included in the price, but we have to book several weeks before your arrival! In Kandaghat, you will be picked up and taken to your accommodation. If you take the evening train, you will be picked up in Kolka and transferred to your accommodation. If you have to stay a night in Delhi, hotel and transfer costs together will be approximately 40 EUR.

Palampur, Dharamshala:

The easiest way is to travel by flight to Dharamshala (DHM) - the airport is called Gaggal Airport. There, you will be picked up and taken to your accommodation in Palampur and Dharamshala.

Alternatively, you can fly to New Delhi (DEL) and then travel from there by bus. Transfers to the bus station and the bus tickets are included in the cost. The bus to Palampur takes about 8 hours, and about 11 hours to Dharamshala. At the respective bus stations of Palampur and Dharamshala, you will be picked up and taken to your accommodation.

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Learning Ayurveda in Cochin/Kerala

Kerala, in South India, is the home of Ayurveda. As World Learner, you can learn in Fort Cochin, Kerala, the practical applications and the traditional knowledge of Ayurveda in individual classes (small groups are also possible) by Dr. Giriraj.

Dr. Giriraj gives private and group lessons to Ayurveda beginners and advanced practitioners including different kinds of massages such as Uzhichil, Marma and Siro Dhara, Thakra Dhara, Pizhichil and Kizhi (massage using bundles of leaves), Njavara Kizhi (massage with bundles of rice), Nasyam and Udwarthanam, as well as the appropriate and traditional use of healing herbal steam bath..

Dr. Giriraj runs his own Ayurveda Centre. He has studied at the most renowned medical college of Kerala and has more than 30 years of experience as a practicioner and teacher of Ayurveda. In Cochin, he has an excellent reputation for his Ayurveda skills.

In our video in the Tab "Cochin", we briefly feature Dr. Giriraj.

Ayurveda

Ayurveda, an ancient Indian way of healing, known as the oldest health system of the world, originally comes from Kerala/South India. Ayurveda has its origins in a collection of scripts (the "Samhitas“), which had been written in India between the 7th century B.C. and 1000 A.C. The scripts aggregated a wide medical knowledge of eight independent medical fields: internal medicine, toxicology, surgery, ophthalmology, paediatrics, ENT, gynaecology and obstetrics. The effects of healing plants, various therapies and illnesses, prostheses and operations were being documented in the form of rhymes and singings. The "Caraka Samhita“ for instance, which is named after its author "Caraka“, systematically compiles diseases by detailed diagnostics and describes more than 500 plants with medical properties. The healer Caraka lived between 1000 – 700 B.C.

Until the 13th century, Ayurveda has been the acknowledged medical wisdom of India with a remarkable high level of knowledge for that time. However, from the 13th century it has been prohibited by the emerging Islam and later by English colonisation. The English denounced Ayurveda as irrational superstition and replaced the ancient Indian knowledge with western medicine. However, Ayurveda has been further practised secretly and most of the ancient healing knowledge has been kept alive to present times.

In the eighties of the 20th century, a new consciousness developed for the old Indian heritage and the Indian scholar "Maharishi Mahesh Yogi“ initiated the revival of Ayurveda. Indian and western scientists were able to retrieve the original meaning of the old texts and transferred it into modern contexts.

Ayurveda is not just a healing system for the sick. It is based on the understanding that the key for a long, healthy and fulfilled life lies in the balance between all powers within the human being - between body and soul. In this, Ayurveda is closely related to Yoga.

According to the philosophy of Ayurveda, a disease emerges as soon as the powers within the human being are out of balance. The "doshas“ must be in balance for health, well-being, and physical and mental fitness. The "Doshas“ are the three energies "Vata“, "Pitta“ and "Kapha“, which regulate the important mental and physical functions of the human being. Due to negative impacts such as emotional trouble, unhealthy lifestyle, adverse climatic conditions, etc. the natural balance of these energies gets disturbed and diseases are the consequence.

Ayurveda offers various treatments to settle the original balance and heal diseases. These include massages and purification, nutrition and a balanced lifestyle.

Massages are the main practical method for healing and invigorating the system of body and mind: Nerves and organs are being slackened, joints and the immune system strengthened, blockades and tensions eased. There is a variety of Ayurveda treatments for particular symptoms and complaints.

Dr. Giriraj runs a small clinic, where he treats both locals and tourists, as well as offers spa massages in the heart of Fort Cochin. There are other Ayurvedic practitioners helping him.

Dr. Giriraj teaches you both in his clinic and in a small factory on the outskirts of Cochin, which manufactures ayurvedic medicines. Giriraj works there as a consultant.

With Dr. Giriraj, it is possible:

To take private lessons (also for small groups) in Ayurveda for 2 hours daily, Monday to Saturday.

This course is aimed more at beginners. For advanced Ayurveda, we recommend an internship at the Ayurvedic spa Kayakalp in Palampur.

Minimum Duration: 1 week
Maximum Duration: 4 weeks

Language Requirements: English
Location: Cochin/Kerala, India
Accommodation: Guesthouse

Price: In Tab "Rate"

Rate

Convert to USD, GBP, CAD, AUD and other currencies

Costs for the months of April to October:

1 week

1 Person: 560 EUR; 2 Persons: 440 EUR per person (Double Room; Single Occupancy: + 20 EUR)

Each extra week

1 Person: 290 EUR; 2 Persons: 240 EUR per person (Double Room; Single Occupancy: + 20 EUR)

For all other months:
Plus 20 €/Person/week

Charge for rooms with air conditioning: 60 € per week per room

The price includes:

Course 6 times a week, 1.5 hours each of private lessons with Dr. Giriraj
Accommodation as booked in guest house in Fort Kochi without meals
Airport transfers from/to Cochin International (COK) for arrival and departure

Please contact us if you are interested in accommodation of higher standards.

You can also combine yoga, Kathakali, cooking lessons and Kalaripayattu with Ayurveda. Please contact us for a customised quote!

Accommodation

Accommodation in Cochin

Guest House in Cochin:

You will be accommodated at one of two Guest Houses of middle standard, which belong to the same family and which are located next to each other in a quiet residential area of Fort Cochin, two minutes to walk from the "Maritime Museum". Most rooms have a private bathroom. There is a cleaner once a week and WiFi internet. The rates vary slightly during the year, depending on the season. You can book breakfast for an additional around 80 Rs./day. At one of the Guest Houses there is also a small kitchenette that can be used from participants living in both Guest Houses.

Bed sheets are provided but you should bring your own towels.

Extras

Other Projects That Might Interest You:

Malayalam-Learning:

Malayalam is the language of Kerala. Although there are many people with good knowledge of English (much more than Hindi), it is always helpful to have a basic knowledge of Malayalam. You can take lessons (5 times a week for 2 hours each) with a single teacher. Classes are held in Fort Cochin, on the terrace of your property. Just mark in the registration form, "Language Training Required", and let us know your desired number of hours.

The price for 10 hours of lessons: 50 EUR.

Travel Health Insurance

Just click on the link, fill in the form and you will get a confirmation email.

Cochin

Check out our video on Cochin!

In this video, you see our volunteers, Sophie and Claudia in Cochin and our coordinator, Antonio. Also featured are some activities that you can do in and around Cochin.

Kerala - the Land of the Coconut Palms:

In Malayalam, Kerala means "Land of the coconut palms". This tropical state in the south west of India is strong in traditions and culture. Ayurveda, the Kathakali, and Kalarippayat (probably the oldest martial art of the world), all come from Kerala. The society of Kerala however, has also been shaped by the trade and cultural exchange facilitated by sailing vessels on the Indian Ocean. As early as in the 4th century, traders brought Christianity and Islam to Kerala and therefore, these two religions have far more followers in Kerala than in other parts of India: around 55% of Kerala's population are Hindu, 25% Muslims and 20% Christians.

Kerala is very attractive and interesting for travelling, offering tropical beaches and islands, house boat tours on the "backwaters", impressive mountains (such as the tea plantation area of Munnar) and National Parks, as well as a rich cultural heritage.

Cochin - Historic Port Town

The coastal city of Cochin, with around 600,000 inhabitants, spreads over several islands and peninsulas which are all connected via bridges. Ferries can easily bring you to the other parts of the city. An important island is Fort Kochi, the historic old town, where you will be accommodated. In the past, Fort Kochi was an important Indian Ocean port. The Chinese in the 13th century, the Portuguese in the 15th century and the Dutch in the 17th century left their remains. The town of Fort Kochi with its old courtyards, walls, churches and palaces, has a compelling flair which attracts cultural and wellness tourists; therefore there are many restaurants, hotels and guest houses, handcrafts and esoteric shops, as well as events. At night, it is particularly safe in Fort Kochi, as the Indian police operates its own "tourism police station" with a quirky police uniform museum. The modern and big city part of Cochin is Ernakulam, which is situated on the mainland and has a railroad station, many offices and large shops. Vypin Island is popular for beaches.

Our Coordinator in Cochin

Our coordinator in Cochin is Antonio.

Recreational Activities in Cochin

As a tourist destination, Cochin offers many ways to spend your spare time. These include the famous boat trips with houseboats on the "backwaters", which is available as day trips or as a multi-day offers, in which case you sleep on the boat. A beautiful multi-day trip and a welcome climate change, is also a visit to the tea plantations in the mountains of Munnar. There are several beaches in the area of Cochin, where you can swim.

In Cochin itself, there are many places for Ayurvedic massages, demonstrations of the traditional theater "Kathakali", the martial arts "Kalaripayattu" and folk dances and music performances (as "World Learner", you can even learn these), as well as take yoga or cooking lessons. In Ernakulam, there are large shopping malls and many shops with great deals; Fort Cochin has many tourist shops and a large number of restaurants and cafes. In the late afternoons, locals, Indian tourists and foreign tourists gather on the beach promenade of Fort Cochin to see the sunset.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are there fixed start dates for the project, which I must adhere to?

No, you can arrive at any date and you can hence, plan your trip according to your availability and the prices of flights. We can pick you up from the Cochin airport even at night.

Can I stay longer at my accommodation after my volunteering/internship or arrive earlier?

Yes, this is possible and we will give you our best rates. Just let us know when you arrive and leave and we will let you know the costs.

During my stay, can I travel around the country?

Of course, you can do this - most of our participants do so. However, when the travel destination is too far away, it may not be possible over a weekend; these, we would recommend you keep for before the projects begins or after the completion. You could even plan these out during holidays. Even with an internship visa, it is possible to travel around India.

When is the rainy season and can I travel to India during this time?

The monsoon begins in early June in Kerala, Mumbai, in mid-June and the Himalayan region, early to mid-July and ends in September. The Thar Desert in Rajasthan (location Setrawa), barely gets rain during the monsoon and Jodhpur is rather dry.

During the monsoon, it usually rains heavily for several hours every day. As a result, there are often floods in the streets of the cities, because the drains cannot absorb the amounts of water. An internship or volunteering is possible during the monsoon, and the only nuisance will probably be wet clothes and shoes, which are often difficult to dry because of the high humidity. You might want to carry a few extra shoes and a change of clothes with you (or buy them locally). You can even buy an umbrella or a raincoat locally. An advantage to traveling during the monsoon, is that the fares are cheaper and accommodation during the off season is cheaper.

Can I travel to India as a young woman alone? The media constantly reports of rape - how high is the risk?

For decades, India has been a safe country for women and now the impression, given by the media, is that the number of rapes has skyrocketed and India is unsafe for women. More cases are coming into light now, as women previously would not speak about rape, but are now empowered to do so. Compared to the number of cases in relation to the huge population of India (almost twice as many as the whole of Europe), even if projections of unreported cases are included, there is much less rape than in many other countries. There are 2 cases that happen per 100,000 inhabitants in India (in comparison: Central Europe: 8.1 cases; 14.7 cases in Latin America; 28.6 cases per 100,000 population in the US).

Of course you have to be careful as a woman, as far as the style of dressing and dealing with local men are concerned. In schools, boys and girls are often strictly separated and many young men have no experience in dealing with women who are not their own mother or sisters; your behavior, based on dealing with Western men, might be misinterpreted as “easy” or “loose” behaviour.

Will I be the only volunteer/intern in the project or in Cochin?

The total number of participants that participate simultaneously with an organization depends on the size and activity of the organization and responsibilities of volunteers/interns. We try to avoid too many volunteers/interns in an organization at the same time. It may be that you are alone in your work site, but usually there are, throughout the year, other participants in Cochin, who you can meet in your spare time, if you desire so.

What vaccinations do I need?

Our Info - PDF that you get as a participant, gives detailed information on health care. Also refer to Recommended Vaccinations

Where will I live?

In the tab "Accommodation", you see the housing options.

Does my accommodation have internet facilities?

Yes, the accommodations in Cochin provide wifi at no additional cost.

How can I do my laundry?

Watch our video about Cochin (in the tab "Cochin"). In it, our coordinator, Antonio shows us a laundry service, where the clothes are washed by hand. For a pre-decided price per garment (fixed price for trousers, tops, towels, underwear, etc.), your clothes will be collected from your accommodation and neatly ironed and returned the next day.

Can I cook in the accommodation?

Yes, you can cook at the shared accommodation.

I am a vegetarian. Can I get vegetarian food?

Yes, India is a paradise for vegetarians. Almost all restaurants are clearly marked, whether they are vegetarian ("Veg") or not ("Non-Veg"), and there are separate menus. About 40% of Indians are vegetarians.

What language skills do I need?

You should be able to understand and make yourself understood in English.

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Learning Kalaripayattu Martial Arts in Kerala

Originally from South India, the 5000 year old martial art 'Kalaripayattu' is often seen as the origin of all martial arts, yet rarely taught outside Kerala. Many movements of Kalaripayattu go back on animal movements that people appropriated long ago to defend themselves against wild animals. We offer lessons by a Kalaripayattu master in Cochin, Kerala. You learn with local athletes, early in the mornings and in the afternoons, on the grounds of a temple.

Knowledge of other martial arts such as judo, karate or Kung-Fu is a plus, but not required.

As a holistic teaching, Kalaripayattu is also connected with the teachings of Ayurveda and Yoga , which you can learn at the same time in Cochin. Please contact us for a customised quote!

Kalaripayattu

Kalarippayat is a south-Indian martial art or "art of war“, which is originally from Kerala and which is still actively being taught nowadays in South India. The martial art had a large impact on Ayurveda and yoga due to its understanding as a holistic teaching. Kalarippayat does not only target at body strengthening or training of fighting movements and defense methods, but is a doctrine for the whole body, the soul and the sensuous perception, so for the human being in its entirety.

Existing for over 5000 year, Kalarippayat is the origin of various other if not all Asian martial arts, such as judo or karate. Kalarippayat actually is meant for self-defense and is not an aggressive weapon-related technique intending battle on the first hand. In principal, Kalarippayat is practised without any weapons, but it is possible to use knives, sticks and other objects as simple extensions of the body. Kalarippayat is taught in a traditional „Kalari“, which is partly a kind of school, temple and sports hall. Its construction is follows certain traditions: it needs to be aligned east-west and in every corner of the rectangular building, a Hindu God needs to be placed.

The Kalarippayat scholar needs to train and develop four basic qualities. These are "Manakarutha“, the mental power which develops the desired inner tranquility, self-confidence and thus the goal of self-control and non-violence, "Maikaruth“, which is speed, elegance and power as mental and physical qualities, "Ayudakarutha“ which gives a fair knowledge of weapons and their use, and "Anakakruth“ which targets at precision in defense and attack.

The martial art also includes elements of the Indian art of yoga, just with a completely different focus: The Kalarippayat scholar shall not focus on contemplation as it is taught in classic yoga, but use it to extend his sensuous perception to a maximum. Furthermore, Kalarippayat does not teach any static positions, but consists of extremely dynamic movements. Training of the sensual perception besides physical training is of utmost importance in the tradition of Kalarippayat due to the understanding that the maximum knowledge of the own body and total self-perception are the basics for every martial art. „Fighters“ are trained to handle their own as well as other's aggressions and to absolutely control their emotions. This is due to the traditional understanding of the Kalarippayat as a training to gain complete non-violence and balance.

The actual historical origin of the fighting movements goes back to the imitation of animal movements, which people adopted for self-defense 5000 years ago. That is why many of the training movements in the Kalarippayat art refer to animal postures. Since it is regarded as an art of movement and owed to the concentration on body awareness and precision, Kalarippayat is also used for the training of dancers for instance at the Kathakali theatre. Kathakali is an Indian dance and theatre tradition, which aims at expressing dramaturgical themes and myths by dance, gestures, facial expressions and movements, supported by meaningful costumes and facial paintings, and which requires a disciplined and high body consciousness.

You learn Kalaripayattu at a local Kalari in Cochin with local athletes. Both men and women perform Kalaripayattu. A teacher gives you a mix of individual and group lessons in the morning and early in the afternoon. Knowledge of other Asian martial arts such as judo, karate or Kung-Fu is a plus, but not mandatory.

Kalaripayattu-Learning:

Private lessons (also for small groups) in Kalaripayattu for two hours daily, Monday to Friday.

Minimum Duration: 1 week

Language Requirements: English
Location: Cochin/Kerala, India
Accommodation: Guesthouse

Price: In Tab "Rate"

Rate

Convert to USD, GBP, CAD, AUD and other currencies

Costs for the months April to October:

1 week

1 Person: 295 EUR (Single Room); 2 Persons: 240 EUR per person (Double Room; Single Occupancy: + 20 EUR)

Each extra week

1 Person: 165 EUR (Single Room); 2 Persons: 120 EUR per person (Double Room; Single Occupancy: + 20 EUR)

For all other months:
plus 20 €/Person/week

Surcharge for room with air conditioning: 60 € per week per room

The price includes:

Participation in Kalaripayattu early in the mornings (6-7 a.m.) and lessons in the late afternoon (approx 5-6 p.m.) with local athletes and champions who instruct you individually
Accommodation as booked in guest house in Fort Kochi without meals
Airport transfers from/to Cochin International (COK) for arrival/departure.

Please contact us if you are interested in accommodation of higher standards.

You can combine Kalaripayattu with lessons in Yoga, Kathakali, cooking and Ayurveda. Please contact us for a customised rate!

Accommodation

Accommodation in Cochin

Guest House in Cochin:

Bed sheets are provided but you should bring your own towels.

Extras

Other Projects That Might Interest You:

Malayalam-Learning:

The price for 10 hours of lessons: 50 EUR.

Travel Health Insurance

Just click on the link, fill in the form and you will get a confirmation email.

Cochin

Check out our video on Cochin!

In this video, you see our volunteers, Sophie and Claudia in Cochin and our coordinator, Antonio. Also featured are some activities that you can do in and around Cochin.

Kerala - the Land of the Coconut Palms:

Cochin - Historic Port Town

Our Coordinator in Cochin

Our coordinator in Cochin is Antonio.

Recreational Activities in Cochin

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are there fixed start dates for the project, which I must adhere to?

No, you can arrive at any date and you can hence, plan your trip according to your availability and the prices of flights. We can pick you up from the Cochin airport even at night.

Can I stay longer at my accommodation after my volunteering/internship or arrive earlier?

Yes, this is possible and we will give you our best rates. Just let us know when you arrive and leave and we will let you know the costs.

During my stay, can I travel around the country?

When is the rainy season and can I travel to India during this time?

Can I travel to India as a young woman alone? The media constantly reports of rape - how high is the risk?

Will I be the only volunteer/intern in the project or in Cochin?

What vaccinations do I need?

Our Info - PDF that you get as a participant, gives detailed information on health care. Also refer to Recommended Vaccinations

Where will I live?

In the tab "Accommodation", you see the housing options.

Does my accommodation have internet facilities?

Yes, the accommodations in Cochin provide wifi at no additional cost.

How can I do my laundry?

Can I cook in the accommodation?

Yes, you can cook at the shared accommodation.

I am a vegetarian. Can I get vegetarian food?

What language skills do I need?

You should be able to understand and make yourself understood in English.

BOOK NOW OR INQUIRE!

BOOK / INQUIRE!

Learning Kathakali theater and dance in Cochin/Kerala

Kathakali is a magnificent traditional dance and theater form of Kerala. The stories from Hindu mythology and Puranas are represented by facial expressions, gestures, and movements.

A singer and percussionist accompany the wordless representation of the actor. An integral part of pre-coded facial expressions are the hand and body movements that are familiar to the local audience. Only in this way can the performance be "read".

You can learn Kathakali - the dance and the make up/costume in Cochin.

It usually takes about 6 months for beginners to learn a complete role for the performance of a Hindi poem. Participants with experience in theater or dance can often learn much faster.

Kathakali

About Kathakali

Welcome to the land of ancient Maharajas, marvelous palaces and profound spirituality of the holy cities of Shiva, Rama and Krishna! While the golden evening sun sets into the horizon, divine figures rise from the depths of the Arabian Sea accompanied by exhilarating spicy scents, intensive melodies and rhythmical movements of dancers. They float, they swing, they love, argue and cry in an art form that is more ingenious and colourful than any other form of drama – Kathakali, the splendid theatrical dance of Kerala.

Kathakali literally means “story-telling by pantomime”. It is based on the union of literature, music, drama and painting and combines drama, dance, music and tradition. It was originally developed as an entertainment for rich Maharajas and feudal families of the 15th century. Later, also Hindu temples were chosen as performance locations, and Kathakali finally became a theatre for the people. Still today, in Kerala Kathakali performances are popular for young and old. A typical performance takes some 8 – 10 hours, from the evening to the early morning hours.

The actors don’t speak - the performances are completely based on facial expressions, movements and gestures of the actors. The topics of Kathakali are usually taken from Hindi legends and “puranas” where heroic fights between gods and demons are common themes. The characters arise from three spheres: the world of gods, the world of demons and of the human world. A singer and some percussionists accompany the pantomimic performance and the actual plot is being sung in narrative style including dialogues in Malayalam language.

The actors make use of encoded facial expressions and hand and body movements that are familiar to the local audience which is therefore able to “read” the performance. There are for instance nine basic facial expressions which stand for love, contempt, pathos, anger, valour, fear, disgust, wonder and peace.

Another characteristic feature of Kathakali are the extravagant costumes and painted mask-like faces. Applying the Kathakali make-up is a slow transformation of the actors from mortal beings to immortal divinities and demons. This metamorphosis takes place in front of the audience and takes around 2 – 3 hours until the actors are fully costumed and painted. By use of natural pigments such as manayola, the actor is being transformed step by step into a legendary creature. With the enormous head-dress as a part of the costume, the actor further adopts a height beyond human nature. Every figure has a characteristic facial painting and a particularly made costume.

There are some main characters in Kathakali which are being featured regularly: “Pachcha” are heroic figures such as divinities and other positive figures that are dressed with bright green colours standing for a good character. "Chuvanna Thaadi" are mean figures craving for power – the colour black is chosen for them which has negative connotations in Indian mythology. They may as well carry red moustaches symbolizing fury. “Kari” are dangerous man-eaters or witches, also painted in negative black, whereas “Minukku” rather define noble characters such as women and wise men in light colours such as yellow. Traditionally, Kathakali is only performed by men. Even female acts are played by male actors wearing the specific female costumes and facial paintings.

The actor also does makeup himself. The colors yellow, indigo and black for the make-up are obtained from stone, which is ground and mixed with coconut oil. Indigo and yellow produce green. The white makeup is made from rice paste.

A professional actor of Kathakali needs to be capable of presenting hundreds if not thousands of legends and stories and to know exactly about the numerous pantomimic expressions and their right combinations. Hence, an intensive training and a high level of discipline as well as body control is needed. To wear the heavy costumes and hair garment which weigh around 30 kg in total demands physical fitness – training in muscle control and flexibility are essentials during the training of a professional actor, which is traditionally being started in early childhood at special Kathakali schools.

Kathakali Watching, Dance and/or Make-Up learning

At Cochin (Ernakulam) it is possible for you to learn the wonderful art of Kathakali in one of the leading Kathakali schools. However, the school expects that you are serious about wanting to learn it. Previous experience or skills of western acting, dance or other performing arts are certainly helpful if you want to learn Kathakali, but not a requirement. Men and women can participate; it is possible to start at any time.

You are going to be taught by your private teacher for 2 hours every day. The minimum duration of stay should be at least one month to gain basic insight and understanding. To fully learn the role of a Kathakali character and being able to perform a Hindi epos, a beginner usually needs around 6 months, depending on his individual speed. At the Kathakali school for instance, an American jazz percussionist was able to reach a level of Kathakali percussion in just one month which usually takes 6 months to achieve.

Subjects of the Kathakali training include learning the encoded facial, hand and body expressions as well as muscle control, giving massages for flexibility (only for men), Kathakali make-up and maintenance of the hand-made costumes.

Kathakali Lessons:

Private lessons (also for small groups) in Kathakali for 2 hours daily, Monday to Friday.

Minimum Duration: 1 week

Language Requirements: English
Location: Cochin/Kerala, India
Accommodation: Guesthouse

Price: In Tab "Rate"

In our video about Cochin (in Tab "Cochin"), you see a snippet of a Kathakali performance

Feedback from Mathilde from France

During 2 weeks I took lessons in kathakali make-up every morning. The afternoons I had to discover the surroundings.

During the first week, I got familiarized with the make-up technique and in the second week I learned one different make-up per day.

I also learned how to make different colors with mineral pigments. And how to use the glue made from rice mix.

In the evening, I have seen kathakali shows. It's really interesting to see the actors making themselves up, and the complete transformation on the stage during the show. The Kerala kathakali center was like a second home. Everybody is so welcoming.

Staying at Antonio's homestay is really nice. The people are so kind, nice room, and perfect breakfast! It was a pleasure to be there.

Kind regards,
Mathilde

Rate

Rate for months April - October:

Convert to USD, GBP, CAD, AUD and other currencies

1 week

1 Person: 295 EUR (single room); 2 Persons: 240 EUR per person (double Room; Single Occupancy: + 20 EUR)

Each extra week

1 Person: 165 EUR (single room); 2 Persons: 120 EUR per person (double Room; Single Occupancy: + 20 EUR)

For all other months:
Plus 20 €/Person/week

Surcharge for room with air conditioning: 60 €/week/room

The price includes:

Lessons 5 times a week for 2 hours each with a private teacher
Accommodation as booked in guest house in Fort Kochi without meals
Airport transfers from/to Cochin International (COK) during arrival/departure

Please contact us if you are interested in accommodation of higher standards.

You can combine Kathakali with Yoga, Kalaripayatt, cooking lessons and Ayurveda. Please contact us for a customised rate!

Accommodation

Accommodation in Cochin

Guest House in Cochin:

Bed sheets are provided but you should bring your own towels.

Extras

Other Projects That Might Interest You:

Malayalam-Learning:

The price for 10 hours of lessons: 50 EUR.

Travel Health Insurance

Just click on the link, fill in the form and you will get a confirmation email.

Cochin

Check out our video on Cochin!

In this video, you see our volunteers, Sophie and Claudia in Cochin and our coordinator, Antonio. Also featured are some activities that you can do in and around Cochin.

Kerala - the Land of the Coconut Palms:

Cochin - Historic Port Town

Our Coordinator in Cochin

Our coordinator in Cochin is Antonio.

Recreational Activities in Cochin

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are there fixed start dates for the project, which I must adhere to?

No, you can arrive at any date and you can hence, plan your trip according to your availability and the prices of flights. We can pick you up from the Cochin airport even at night.

Can I stay longer at my accommodation after my volunteering/internship or arrive earlier?

Yes, this is possible and we will give you our best rates. Just let us know when you arrive and leave and we will let you know the costs.

During my stay, can I travel around the country?

When is the rainy season and can I travel to India during this time?

Can I travel to India as a young woman alone? The media constantly reports of rape - how high is the risk?

Will I be the only volunteer/intern in the project or in Cochin?

What vaccinations do I need?

Our Info - PDF that you get as a participant, gives detailed information on health care. Also refer to Recommended Vaccinations

Where will I live?

In the tab "Accommodation", you see the housing options.

Does my accommodation have internet facilities?

Yes, the accommodations in Cochin provide wifi at no additional cost.

How can I do my laundry?

Can I cook in the accommodation?

Yes, you can cook at the shared accommodation.

I am a vegetarian. Can I get vegetarian food?

What language skills do I need?

You should be able to understand and make yourself understood in English.

BOOK NOW OR INQUIRE!

BOOK / INQUIRE!

South Indian Cooking Lessons in Kerala

In Cochin/Kerala, we offer cooking classes in South Indian cuisine. Teacher is Mrs. Meera, a housewife, who teaches in her home.

The cuisine of Kerala in South West India reflects the history and culture of this region, coined for over 2000 years by sailors and traders traveling from Syria, Portugal, Arabia, and Southeast Asia. Dishes from Kerala are Pathiri, meat, fish and vegetable curries, Biriyani and various chutneys. Due to the climatic conditions of Kerala, ingredients used like coconut, plantains or taros are unique when compared to other Indian states.

Usually, the maximum duration for this cooking course is 2 weeks, during which all the foundations of South Indian cooking are taught. If you have more time and want to learn even more, you can cook by yourself from the second or third week in the kitchen of a restaurant of high standards, which specialises in fish .

In our video in the Tab "Cochin", we feature Meera.

South Indian Cooking

For Indian cuisine, the use of numerous spices, herbs, vegetables and fruits as well as the widely spread vegetarianism is characteristic. Approximately 40% of the Indian population are vegetarian; particularly Hindu people belong to the higher castes strictly live as vegetarians.

The Indian cuisine however is just as diverse as the Indian subcontinent itself and there are huge differences from state to state. Varying ethnical and religious compositions of the states as well as different climatic conditions have their influence on the regional Indian cuisine.

The cooking style in Kerala of Southwest India reflects the history and culture of that region which has been influenced for over 2000 years by sailors and travelling traders. Today, only around half of the population of Kerala are Hindu. They have contributed the enormous variety of vegetarian meals. The remaining population consists of Christians (mostly with ancestors from Syria and Portugal) and Muslims who brought Arabian food such as pastries and meals with fish, meat and sea food into the cuisine of Kerala. Even commercial travelers of Southeast Asia have left marks in the cooking style of Kerala.

Kerala food

Due to the climatic conditions, the vegetarian cuisine of Kerala includes vegetables and fruits that are not commonly used in other Indian regions, such as pumpkin, plantains and taro. Meals such as "Pathiri", a rice pancake usually served with a meat curry, "Porotta“, a layered flat bread, and the Kerala versions of the traditional "Biriyani" curries are all based on cultural influences of Southeast Asia and Arab countries.

In Indian cooking, spices are essential. Pepper, chili powder, ginger, garlic and coriander are the most common spices that every Indian housewife knows how to use. Kerala is particularly famous for its black pepper and cardamom. Typically Kerala meals further make use of ginger, cinnamon, cloves as well as fresh curry leaves, coconut milk, tamarind and lime. The latter are being used to flavour the popular sour chutneys.

Cooked vegetable curries with rice are a typical South Indian lunch. They are usually being prepared with coconut oil. Instead of using plates, the curries and chutneys are often served on fresh green banana leafs. This is usually done in a very elaborated way called “Sadhya” during religious festivals such as "Onam”. Typical festival dishes which are being served this way include "Aviyal", a cream made from various vegetables, coconut, curd and sometimes fresh curry leafs, "Sambar", a lentil dish including tomatoes and spices such as Masala, and "Kaalan", which is made of yoghurt, coconut and a particular kind of vegetable for instance plantains or manioc.

Rice is an essential part of Indian food. Rice is being used in a large variety of dishes: as supplement to different vegetables and fruits, curries and fish meals, as soup, pastry, and even as sweet desserts. "Payasam" for instance is a dessert made from boiled rice with the addition of sugar, saffron, spices, pistachios and almonds. Even for breakfast rice is eaten in India: "Putt" is a piece of dough made from rice flour and grated coconut, it is usually being served with "Kadala", a black bean curry which is also popular in Sri Lanka. Besides rice, cassava (manioc) is a popular ingredient of South Indian cuisine.

We offer a cooking course at Cochin, Kerala with an Indian housewife who is going to give you an insight to the cooking of Kerala and South India. She can also pay special attention to your own interests. The maximum number of participants is 4 persons.

Usually, the maximum duration for this cooking course is 2 weeks, during which all the foundations of South Indian cooking are taught. If you have more time and want to learn even more, you can cook by yourself from the second or third week in the kitchen of a restaurant of high standards, which specialises in fish.

With Meera, it is also possible:

To take private lessons (also for small groups) in South Indian cooking for 2 hours daily, Mondays to Saturdays. You can tell us in advance the dishes that you are most interested in.

Minimum Duration: 1 week
Maximum Duration: 2 weeks (for longer duration, you can work in the kitchen of a restaurant of high standards)
Language Requirements: English
Location: Cochin/Kerala, India
Accommodation: Guesthouse

Price: In Tab "Rate"

You can also combine cooking lessons with Yoga, Kathakali, Kalaripayatt and Ayurveda. Please contact us for a customised rate!

Rate

Convert to USD, GBP, CAD, AUD and other currencies

Rate for the months April - October:

1 week

1 Person: 280 EUR (single room); 2 Persons: 220 EUR per person (Double Room; Single Occupancy: + 40 EUR)

Each extra week

1 Person: 180 EUR (single room); 2 Persons: 140 EUR per person (Double Room; Single Occupancy: + 40 EUR)

For all other months:
Plus 20 €/Person/week

Surcharge for room with air conditioning: 60 €/week/room

The price includes:

Lessons 6 times a week for 2 hours each with Ms. Meera
Accommodation as booked at a guest house in Fort Kochi without meals
Airport transfers from/to Cochin International (COK) during arrival/departure

Please contact us if you are interested in accommodation of higher standards.

You can combine Cooking Lessons with Yoga, Kathakali, Kalaripayatt and Ayurveda. Please contact us for a customised rate!

Accommodation

Accommodation in Cochin

Guest House in Cochin:

Bed sheets are provided but you should bring your own towels.

Extras

Other Projects That Might Interest You:

Malayalam-Learning:

The price for 10 hours of lessons: 50 EUR.

Travel Health Insurance

Just click on the link, fill in the form and you will get a confirmation email.

Cochin

Check out our video on Cochin!

In this video, you see our volunteers, Sophie and Claudia in Cochin and our coordinator, Antonio. Also featured are some activities that you can do in and around Cochin.