Namaste.4 Day, 3 Night Trip

ME to WE India Immersive Volunteer Trip: Araveli Cottages and Tented Camp

Join us on a journey to rural India! Immerse yourself in Rajasthan's vibrant culture and breathtaking landscape, and leave more than a footprint behind—leave a positive impact.

Surround yourself with the sights and scents of a culture rich in history, traditions and beauty. Travel from the hustle and bustle of city life in urban Udaipur to the calm and serene rolling hills of rural Rajasthan. As you travel to your home-away-from-home at our bespoke Araveli Cottages and Tented Camp, you will see vibrantly coloured saris dotting the hillsides of the Aravalli Mountains. Find yourself immersed in in India's raw, untouched beauty.

• Connect with community members by learning about their daily lives• Participate in a sustainable international development project• Explore the hills of the Aravalli Mountain Range & experience many of India’s age-old traditions led by your local guide

TRIP AT A GLANCE – ITINERARY SUMMARY

ITINERARY OVERVIEW ACCOMMODATIONS

DAY 1Begin your journey as you travel to our bespoke Araveli Cottages and Tented Camp, a two-hour drive northeast of Udaipur. After a quick lodge orientation, enjoy lunch before learning a few words of Hindi. Afterward, visit a local community to see development projects that are underway.

Araveli Cottages and Tented Camp

(All Inclusive)

DAY 2

Take in the sunrise with an optional morning yoga session. Following breakfast, spend the morning with the women of the community and learn what daily life in rural India is like.After lunch, you will have the opportunity to meet a local farmer and hear about his agriculture challenges. Then, return to the project site where you will participate firsthand in a sustainable development project.

Araveli Cottages and Tented Camp

(All Inclusive)

DAY 3

Optional sunrise nature walk with your ME to WE guide exploring the local flora and fauna.Return to the project site and continue making progress on your community project.After lunch, unwind and try your hand at traditional crafts like tie-dying and block-printing. Connect with a community member as you join a women's or men's circle to hear their personal stories and participate in meaningful discussions.

Araveli Cottages and Tented Camp

(All Inclusive)

DAY 4Optional light yoga at sunrise overlooking the Aravalli Mountain Range. Depart with your driver to your next destination.

Departure

(Breakfast)

A property designed with authentic Indian décor and royal Rajashtani flair,Araveli Cottages and Tented Camp offers delightful spaces to recharge andrefresh after a day of exploration and cultural immersion. Our well-appointedprivate cottages, luxury tents, generous indoor-outdoor shared spaces, andcontoured landscapes will enhance the overall experience of your adventure.Take in spectacular views of the pink-hued Aravalli mountains from thecomfort of your private veranda. Each accommodation is complete with hotand cold running water, electricity, flush toilets, comfortable beds, and isfurnished with unique Indian fabrics and art.

Food will be a special feature of your stay, you will be introduced to the exoticflavors of Indian through a variety of culinary styles: from Gujarati (pepper andcardamom-based cuisine), to Goan (lighter, and often made with coconut), toa range of “street foods” or smaller dishes often eaten by locals, hand-craftedin our own kitchens. We can also accommodate any dietary needs andrestrictions.

ACCOMMODATIONS AND DINING

Build.

3 night Araveli lodge experience: detailed itinerary

*Please note that this itinerary is subject to change. Details of specific trip inclusions/exclusions are listed below.

Make Your Way to Araveli Cottages and Tented CampEnjoy the stunning landscapes of Rajasthan province en route by road to Araveli, be met by your ME to WE local guide.

Introduction and OrientationSettle in to your private cottage or luxury tent and take a tour of the glorious gardens throughout this pristine property. Your ME to WE guide will help you become acquainted with Araveli, discuss the trip itinerary and start getting excited. Your journey has only just begun!

Learn about the WE Villages development model. Our local staff work with rural villages and regional governments to support, teach and empower people within five pillars of impact:

1. Education: Quality primary education2. Water: Safe/clean drinking water and sanitation systems3. Health: Sanitation & health care services4. Food: Agriculture and food security5. Opportunity: Alternative income projects

Hone Your Hindi Learn some key introductory Hindi phrases in preparation for your interactions with the community members. From “Namaste” (a respectful greeting) to “Aap kaise ho?” (“How are you?”), you will soon be testing out your new skills as you head into the village for the first time.

Community Welcome Experience the warmth of a community welcome as you gather with students and villagers who will be directly impacted by the work you are doing. In accordance with Hindu tradition, you will partake in a Poja – a traditional Hindu prayer ceremony to mark the beginning of an auspicious event. Every new initiative begins with a blessing to ensure the success and prosperity of the work being undertaken. Learn about the village and the community project that you will be helping with, and discover how your efforts and the work of WE Charity will make a meaningful impact on the lives of children in the community and their families .

Welcome Dinner

All of our food is prepared by the renowned Chef “KK”, local to the area, who is passionate about sharing traditional cuisine and explaining the story behind each dish. Please note western options will be available at every meal.

Day 1

Connect.

Light Sunrise YogaBegin your day as many locals do with some (optional) light morning yoga. The discipline first originated in ancient India, and is an invigorating and refreshing way to start each day. See how your postures and meditative abilities improve along the course of your stay! We will also offer a great alternative activity: Discover Your Dosha! In this session, you will learn about doshas: the three fundamental bodily humours.

A Day in the LifeSpend the morning connecting with local women. Join them on a walk through their village to share in their daily activities, such as collecting water, feeding animals and making chapatti.

Lunch and Jhapki

Return to Araveli for a delicious, freshly prepared lunch followed by Jhapki, which is Hindi for “siesta.” In keeping with local tradition, we will take a short rest from the hot midday sun before returning to the day’s activities in the cooler afternoon hours. Take in the sights and sounds of your beautiful surroundings while enjoying a cup of chai, engage your local guide in meaningful discussion. You can also ask us about optional activities available during this time.

Farm visit and Volunteering

In the afternoon, meet a local farmer to explore agriculture projects in the region and the challenges they're addressing. Next, join local community members to volunteer on a sustainable development project, such as laying the foundation for a new classroom.

Dinner and Dance Performance From Local Dance TroupeEnd your day with a delectable meal and colourful performance that will showcase local folk dance traditions.

Optional Nature HikeTake in the beautiful foothills of the Mewar region by exploring the flora and fauna on foot with an expert local guide.

Project BuildingContinue your work volunteering on a WE Villages project.

Lunch and Jhapki

Indian Artisan ActivitiesThis afternoon, take time to unwind as you participate in age-old artisinal traditions, immersing yourself in the local culture. Under the guidance of local artisans, try your hand at various art forms, such as tie-dying and block-printing.

Women’s or Men’s CircleGather with local community members to gain fuller insight into what is important to women and men of rural Rajasthan. Discover the parallels and differences with your own lives as you interact with one another.

Dinner

Day 2

Day 3

Recharge.

Light Sunrise Yoga

Farewell Breakfast Say alavida (“goodbye”) to your new friends at Araveli. Indulge in a special farewell breakfast before setting off for your final day in the region.

Optional ActivitiesAsk your guide about our selection of activities and excursions available for you to enjoy during your final day with us, such as a visit to Kumbhalgarh Fort, a local cooking class or a walk in a neighbouring village.

Depart AraveliTransfer to your onward journey. āpa aura surakṣita yātrā dhan'yavāda—thank you, and have a safe journey!

Optional Activities at AraveliIf you are looking for a more active stay with us at Araveli, you may want to take advantage of our optional activities. Please ask your ME to WE facilitator about adding these activities onto your itinerary:

• Daily light yoga sessions • Nature walks in the valley of the Aravalli Mountains, exploring

the local flora and fauna• Morning village walk exploring the neighboring countryside

Alternative activities are also available upon request. Extend your stay in India to allow for more volunteer time, and additional cultural activities such as:

• A cooking class with Chef KK• A Mewari art class• A tour of the Catfish Temple or Kumbhalgarh Fort

Our Signature ServiceEvery ME to WE trip includes your major expenses and is designed to keep the trip running smoothly and worry-free. You will be guided by an in-country facilitator for the entirety of your trip–an invaluable resource and source of local knowledge. As well, a large team on the ground will work to ensure your comfort and safety at all times.

Day 4:

INCLUSIONS & PRICING

2017 Rate USD Per Person

Araveli 3 nights/

4 daysExtra Night

7 nights/8 days

Araveli Cottages & TentsAdult Sharing

$1,375 $425 $3,075

Araveli Cottages & TentsAdult Single

$1,675 $525 $3,775

Youth (16 or under) - Sharing $1,275 $325 $2,875

Inclusions

• Ground transportation to and from Udaipur and throughout the programme • Water, soda, local wine,

spirits and beer at Araveli • 3 meals a day for every night at Araveli • Daily activities with Me to We guide •

All taxes

Exclusions• Travel Insurance • Gratuities are not expected but

appreciated, and are shared among all staff. We humbly suggest $10-15 per adult per day