Life at RUCHI
Physical Environment
Himachal Pradesh is located between the hot plains of Punjab and Haryana, and the huge Himalaya of Ladakh and Tibet. RUCHI is located, and works, in the southwesterly Himachal Pradesh districts of Solan and Sirmour, an area of government-owned forest and small, privately owned farms.
The main RUCHI complex is associated with the nearby Bandh village. Although Bandh is unlikely to be located on any atlas/map, it was added to WikiMapia in 2007 by a TOTEM volunteer (www.wikimapia.org/#y=30958916&x=76917300&z=15&l=0&m=h&v=2). Nearby towns that may be found on a common atlas/map include Kasauli, Chandigarh and Solan. The latter two are approximately two hours drive from the main RUCHI complex, while Kasauli is closer. The local area is very hilly, with spectacular views across valleys dotted with villages and terraced farmland. The RUCHI complex is located at an altitude of 900 metres.
Climate-Weather
|
Months |
Mean
max. |
Mean
Min. |
Average |
|
January |
18.69 |
4.27 |
11.46 |
|
February |
19.45 |
5.95 |
12.78 |
|
March |
23.51 |
9.77 |
16.80 |
|
April |
29.06 |
15.06 |
22.16 |
|
May |
31.07 |
18.73 |
25.19 |
|
June |
32.21 |
20.61 |
26.28 |
|
July |
29.92 |
21.70 |
25.75 |
|
August |
29.08 |
19.02 |
25.04 |
|
September |
29.42 |
18.62 |
23.88 |
|
October |
27.57 |
13.33 |
20.36 |
|
November |
24.07 |
7.88 |
15.93 |
|
December |
14.18 |
5.36 |
13.11 |
Rainfall: The average annual rainfall is around 984.48 mm (Data: 2001) out of which 60% is received during monsoon months (June to August). Little rainfall is also received during January, February and March.
Accomodation
For, TOTEM VIP volunteers: Each volunteer will get a twin bedded room and will be shared with another volunteer, with an attached bathroom. Bedding is provided.
OTHER volunteers/visitors: Dormitories with 4-5 beds will be available. Toilets are common.
Food&Water
Breakfasts consist of either an Indian dish (Two-minute noodles, sweet porridge, parathas - potato chapatti) or western style foods such as toast and cereal. It is possible to obtain western style spreads such as jams, peanut butter and marmite. Breakfast is generally served between 8.00 and 9.00.
Clothing&Footware
Clothing required will be based on the time of year of the visit. It is best to check the climate information above, and bring clothing according to your needs. Indian style clothing is not a necessity, but as a general rule, volunteers should dress conservatively.
Transortation
It is best to discuss your transport arrangements from Delhi to the RUCHI complex with RUCHI management prior to your arrival in India.
Language
The predominant language in the State of Himachal Pradesh is Hindi. English speaking Indian people are fairly common in the larger towns; however this is very uncommon in the rural areas in which RUCHI is situated.
Money
The Indian currency is the Rupee. The Rupee is divided into 100 Paise, but these are rarely used. Very little money is required at RUCHI, except if you wish to purchase items from the local stores in Bandh, Patta, etc.
What to bring
With an interest in the RUCHI program, it is likely that many volunteers may have background experience or information that may be of interest and use to the RUCHI program, and volunteers are encouraged to share new ideas with RUCHI staff. Therefore it is useful to bring along any relevant hard copies of information (e.g. data CDs, books, research, etc.) should baggage permit.
The above information is relevant for your stay at the RUCHI complex, and does not include any optional travel/sightseeing/shopping you may wish to do. Good quality guidebooks such as Lonely Planet and Rough Guide provide excellent information on what travel gear to pack for such occasions. However, below is a list of useful items, specific to your stay at RUCHI.
Highly Recommended
- Travel Guidebook such as Lonely Planet
- Walking/hiking shoes - particularly with good grip
- Sandals/jandals - Excellent for hot weather, and around the RUCHI complex
- First aid kit - A travel doctor can make recommendations specific to India
- Small day pack - Good for daily visits to villages
- Water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Clothing to suit the current climate - Check the climate information, and email RUCHI staff or previous volunteers
- Cards/games/books/mp3 player etc. - Useful for passing the time in the evening
- Electrical adapter - Indian electrical plugs are the three round-pin type (220-240V)
- Photos from home to show staff/locals - There is a strong interest in family structure, your country's scenery and statistics
- Hindi phrasebook
- A small collection of songs to sing - The local people love to sing and dance, and it is a lot of fun to join in
Security
The District in which RUCHI is located is generally considered safe. The local people are friendly, and interested in you, and will provide a great deal of respect.
However, there are some simple precautions and common sense that should prevail, and RUCHI staff will brief you on these upon arrival.