The ideal time to visit AriseVillages is between November and March, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable. For those who can tolerate warmer temperatures, visits can be made as early as October or as late as April.

AV welcomes a wide range of visitors, including:
• Youth (ages 18 and above)
• Young adults
• Church groups of all ages
• Families
• Retired individuals or couples

AV can accommodate 7 to 10 people, depending on the size of your group.

To visit AV, you only need to book a flight to Kolkata. There are three options for your onward
journey:
1. Recommended Option: AV staff can meet you at the Kolkata airport, assist you with travel to the
train station, and accompany you on your journey to AV.
2. Alternative Option 1: AV staff can meet you at the airport and bring you to a hotel for your stay.
3. Alternative Option 2: You can navigate the journey from the airport to AV independently.
Regardless of the option you choose, AV will handle your train tickets and any necessary
transportation to bring you to AV from your last train station. If you need assistance with hotel
bookings or a guide for navigating Kolkata, we are happy to arrange that as well.
To ensure a seamless experience, please share your preferences in advance so we can customize your
visit to create a lasting and enriching experience.

AV offers comfortable rooms in a two-story building.
Upstairs: 6 rooms
Downstairs: 4 rooms
Facilities:
Running water
Two western-style toilets
One Indian-style toilet (downstairs)
One outdoor Indian-style toilet
Mosquito nets and repellents provided
Comfortable beds with mosquito nets (mosquitoes are less frequent in the winter)

AV provides a variety of activities to immerse you in rural Indian culture, including:
Visits to farmers’ markets
City walk and exploration
Temple visits
Village visits and interaction with locals
Local villagers offer lessons on:
Making leaf plates
Weaving palm leaf mats
Weaving jute cots
Weaving fishing nets
Introduction to spices
Introduction to cooking (authentic village specialties)
These activities can be customized to suit your interests. Feel free to let us know what you’d like
to experience!

Meals are lovingly prepared by Asha, AV’s founder, and her assistant chef. They ensure that the food
meets the highest hygiene standards and is flavorful yet suited to your spice preferences. We serve a
variety of authentic Indian meals.
Sample Menu:
Breakfast: Hot cereal, eggs, yogurt, tea or coffee
Lunch: Rice, vegetables, meat, daal (lentils), sweets
Dinner: Bread, vegetables, daal, herbal tea

The minimum stay at AV is 3 weeks. This is to ensure that you can fully immerse yourself in the AV
experience. However, longer stays are welcome, and AV can accommodate you for as long as your visa
permits.

Yes, your phone will work in India if you use an international plan or a local SIM card. For longer
stays (over 3 weeks), we recommend getting a local SIM card. If you need one, please contact AV in
advance, and we can arrange it for you.

Photography in India is generally welcomed, and many locals will even ask to take photos with you.
However, please be mindful of cultural sensitivities. Some vendors (e.g., tea makers or snack
vendors) may prefer not to have their photos taken. Always ask for permission before taking photos,
especially in more rural or private settings.

Clothing:
Pack (Nordic) summer clothing with light layers (sweaters, hoodies, and light pants are recommended).
Avoid white shirts/blouses. Long, lightweight slacks are essential.
Women should pack knee-length dresses/skirts, a scarf or stole to cover the head for temple and church
visits. If you don’t have these, AV can provide them.
Jeans are acceptable but may take longer to dry.
Sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and deodorant are essential.
Mosquito Protection: AV provides mosquito repellent and mosquito nets for sleeping.
Footwear: Comfortable, durable shoes are recommended for walking around rural areas.

Each bed at AV is equipped with a mosquito net, and mosquito repellent will be provided. While
mosquitoes are less frequent in winter, it’s always good to be prepared.

In the winter months, there are no snakes around AV.

Consult with your physician before traveling to ensure you are in good health and to discuss any
necessary medications.
General Health Guidelines:
Avoid street food, unsealed bottled water, and food from vendors on trains.
If you feel compelled to give to beggars, offer food like fruits (which you can easily buy
nearby).
Tea or coffee from vendors is generally safe if served in disposable cups.
For minor medical issues, AV provides a range of over-the-counter medications. We also have a doctor
on call. For serious emergencies, the nearest hospital is less than a kilometer away, and larger
medical facilities are available in the next city.

The stay is a 3 week package deal which includes:
Accommodation
Three meals per day
Clothes washing and cleaning services
Train tickets
Transportation charges in and around the town
Lessons provided by locals

Contact us for specific pricing that is determined according to your desired custom package.

At AV, we will work with you to customize a program that suits your interests and preferences. We
recommend discussing your desires with us to ensure that you get the most out of your stay.

Absolutely! AV even encourages all visitors to interact with the local villagers. They are eager to learn about your culture, and you will have the opportunity to share your experiences and perspectives as well.

Toggle ContentIf you wish to experience the real rural India, AV can provide you with an authentic and immersive
experience. Rural life in India is much different from urban life, with its own unique traditions,
crafts, and rhythms. Whether you’re interested in crafts, projects, or a gap year experience, we can
tailor your visit to suit your goals.

Please consult with your physician before your trip. AV does not have specific medication
requirements, but we do have a range of common over-the-counter medications available for minor
health issues.

Prepare for an experience that will challenge you mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Come with an open mind, a positive attitude, and a smile. Expect the unexpected, and be ready to
embrace the adventure.
We look forward to welcoming you to AriseVillages and creating an unforgettable experience!