Guidelines for Guests at Urvi
Welcome to Urvi Earth Centre. We are happy to host you and offer you a space to immerse yourself in the community’s way of life. However, Urvi is not a retreat, resort, or tourist destination—it is a self-sufficient spiritual community dedicated to meditation, compassion, and awareness of one’s own ego.
Urvi thrives through the everyday efforts of its members, and while we ensure a comfortable stay, we do not provide conventional hospitality services. Guests are expected to integrate into the daily rhythm of Urvi and actively participate in its community practices.
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1. About Urvi
Urvi is a self-sufficient and spiritual community focused on exploring human consciousness and ego. It was founded on the principles of love and free will, aiming to create a healing space for physical, psychological, and spiritual transformation. The community members live in harmony with nature, practicing a meditative lifestyle that values silence, solitude, communal gatherings, creativity, play, and work.
Urvi is not a retreat, resort, or tourist campsite. Alcohol, smoking, drugs, and loud music are strictly prohibited.
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2. Integration into Urvi’s Lifestyle
• Guests at Urvi are not treated as visitors but as temporary members of the community.
• You are free to spend the day as you like, but participation in certain gatherings is mandatory. This includes:
• Meal Gatherings – Guests must be present on time for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• Daily Circle – A communal gathering held every day, fostering connection and reflection.
• Community Work – Guests are required to contribute up to 2 hours per day to community tasks, such as farming, cleaning, cooking, or maintenance.
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3. Respecting Urvi’s Guidelines
• Silence & Mindfulness – Urvi is a space for meditation and self-inquiry. Please maintain silence or speak in low voices at all times, except during designated recreational activities, discourses, and community work.
• Minimal Phone Usage – The use of mobile phones should be minimal to maintain a mindful environment.
• Community Living – Urvi thrives through the collective efforts of its members. We encourage guests to participate in daily tasks when extra hands are needed.
• Gift Economy – Urvi operates on a gift economy, and guests can consider donating items such as books, games, hammocks, tents, solar lamps, kitchen utensils, plants, seeds, etc.
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4. Food, Accommodation & Basic Facilities
• Guests will be provided with shared tents (2-3 people per tent), bedding, and two blankets each.
• Urvi operates on solar power. Electricity should be used sparingly (e.g., for charging mobiles/laptops).
• The community serves a vegetarian diet, with eggs available on some days. If you have any food allergies, please inform us in advance.
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5. Environmental Responsibility
• Urvi follows an eco-friendly lifestyle and encourages the use of biodegradable products (soaps, shampoos, toothpaste, detergents, etc.) to maintain soil health.
• Guests must avoid bringing disposable plastics and are required to take back any non-biodegradable waste they generate.
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6. Health & Safety Considerations
• Remote Location – Urvi is deep inside a forest and does not have emergency medical facilities nearby. Guests must take full responsibility for their own health, sickness, and accidents. While members of Urvi will try to help in whatever way possible, their capacity to provide medical assistance is limited.
• Wildlife & Pets – Urvi is home to Raja, a Belgian Malinois, and other animals. While Raja is friendly, he may jump on people if he senses fear or restlessness. Visitors should remain calm around him, and if uncomfortable, maintain distance.
• Children – Urvi’s infrastructure is not equipped for children. Parents must ensure their children do not disrupt the peaceful environment.
• Leeches & Rainy Season – During the rainy season, leech bites are common, especially while hiking or near waterfalls. To prevent bites:
• Apply sanitizer or salt on your feet.
• If bitten, do not panic. Stretch the skin around the leech and flick it away or apply sanitizer directly to remove it.
• Clean the bite area with water and apply antiseptic.
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7. Travel & Arrival Timing
• Urvi is deep in the forest and requires a 1.5 km trek into the valley. Guests must be prepared for the walk.
• Guests must arrive before 3 PM, as reaching the centre becomes difficult after that time.
• The route via Munnar and Vattavada can be crowded during the holiday season—plan accordingly.
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8. Prohibited Substances & Behavior
• Alcohol, smoking, drugs, and any intoxicating substances are strictly prohibited.
• Loud music and disruptive behavior are not allowed, as they interfere with the meditative environment.
• Guests who violate these rules will be asked to leave immediately without exception.
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9. Documentation Requirement
• Guests must bring a photocopy of a valid proof of identity when they arrive at Urvi.
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10. ​Cancellation Policy
We understand that plans can change. To be fair to all participants and to ensure we can offer your slot to someone who is committed, our cancellation policy is as follows:
1. Cancellations Made one week before the event date, you will receive a full refund.
2. Cancellations made within one week of the event date, a 25% deduction will be applied, and the remaining 75% will be refunded.
3. Cancellations made within 3 days of the event date, a 50% deduction will be applied, and the remaining 50% will be refunded.
This structure helps us plan better and offer your place to someone who is fully ready to participate. Thank you for your understanding.