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WWOOFER’s
Exclusive for WWOOFER’s
Bio-village Eco-tourism
NATURE RETREAT CENTRE
FUN FROLIC & EXPERIENCE AT ORGANIC FARMS
Locations for the guests:
1. Maa Malati Nature Farm
K. K. Puram,
Vill. Barethi, PO Katwar,
Distt.-Jaunpur, UP, INDIA -222165
Location-
The organic farm is located in northern central region of INDIA; Surrounded by
agricultural fields and containing a small forest, a fishing pond, a small lake
in the vicinty, Barethi is a small hamlet in the district of Jaunpur. One of the
areas where our Organic Farms are set.
Facilities and features- Barethi has ponds, small lakes and a forest which can
be used for activities such as boating and hiking. There are many small villages
nearby but the atmosphere is very quiet, perfect for people who want to get away
and take a break from city rush, and bad civilization.
Accommodation-
The guests are made to stay in a cottage close to the forest. All rooms are
non-Air conditioned. The toilet is common and the guests can stay in single or
double bedrooms.
En-tourage & sight seeing :
Pick and drop facility available by car to & fro from Rail and air terminals or
for sight seeing etc on actual cost (Per Km or Per day basis).
However a guide shall cost Rs.200 per day (If accompany for sight seeing)
Earn while you learn programme:
An exclusive opportunity of earning equivalent at par with other workers working
at farm shall provided to WWOOFER’s for their actively participation in seasonal
agricultural operation on every task accomplished.
Overview:
The district Jaunpur's notable history dates from 1388, during which period the
Sultan of Delhi Feroz Shah Tughlaq appointed Malik Sarwar, a eunuch, as the
governor of the region. The Sultanate was weakened by the 1398 sacking of Delhi
by the Mongols under Timur, and Malik Sarwar then declared independence. He and
his adopted son founded what came to be known as the Sharqi dynasty. During the
Sharqi period the Jaunpur Sultanate was a strong military power in Northern
India, and on several occasions threatened the Delhi Sultana
Jaunpur was then a major center of Urdu and Sufi knowledge and culture. The
Sharqi dynasty was known for its excellent communal relations between Muslims
and Hindus, perhaps stemming from the fact that the Sharqis themselves were
originally indigenous converts to Islam, as opposed to descendants of Persians
or Afghans. Jaunpur's independence came to an end in 1480, when the city was
conquered by Sikander Lodhi, the Sultan of Delhi. The Sharqi kings attempted for
several years to retake the city, but ultimately failed.
Although many of the Sharqi monuments were destroyed when the Lodhis took the
city, several important mosques remain, most notably the Atala Masjid, Jama
Masjid (now known as the Bari (big mosque) Masjid) and the Lal Darwaza Masjid.
The Jaunpur mosques display a unique architectural style, combining traditional
Hindu and Muslim motifs with purely original elements. The old bridge over the
Gomti River in Jaunpur dates from 1564, the era of the Mughal emperor Akbar. The
Jaunpur Quilla, a fortress from the Tughlaq era, also remains in ruined form.
Jaunpur district was annexed into British India based on the Permanent
settlement of 1779, and thus was subject to the Zamindari system of land revenue
collection. During the Revolt of 1857 the Sikh troops in Jaunpur joined the
Indian rebels. The district was eventually reconquered for the British by Gurkha
troops from Nepal. Jaunpur then became a district administrative center.
Modern Jaunpur district shares the underdevelopment of most of Eastern Uttar
Pradesh. There are currently no major industries operating in the city, and
traditional industries such as perfume making have become increasingly unviable.
Under initiatives of UP government, an Industrial Area has been set up in
Sathariya region of the district to promote industrial growth and expansion.
Land is being allotted to budding industrialists and government has plans to
help people of this region more and more industries.Although with past three
years Jaunpur city have noticed a big co-operate presence in financial services
as well as in the organized retail sector,and Big leap is accepted to be
achieved within few years as the city will emerge as most booming city in this
part of India.
Politically, Jaunpur is divided between the Samajwadi Party (SP) which tends to
represent the interests of the Backward Castes and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP)
which tends to represent the interests of the Scheduled Castes, though other
political parties too have a significant presenc. Jaunpur has a very high
concentration of colleges as compared to the most other districts in U.P. It has
more than 20 undergraduate colleges and 130 colleges up to high-school (twelfth
grade - called "Intermediate" in the local system).
There are many major educational institutions in Jaunpur City which are famous
through out the nation. there is also a Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya situated 21
km south from the district headquarter on Lumbini - Duddhi Road in Katghara
Village near Mariahu Tehsil.
AZADARI of JAUNPUR
Reaching Barethi
Rail
Jaunpur is well-connected with all major cities of India thanks to Indian
Railways, it has three major railway stations namely Jarauna and Janghai
Junction, Shahganj Junction (SHG). Mughalsarai, Varanasi and Allahabad railway
stations are also easily reachable from here, Godaan express is a daily train to
Mumbai (erstwhile Bombay) from JNU; Shramjeevi, Sadhbhawana and Farakka Express
are daily trains to Delhi. A passenger train "AJ" daily runs from Allahabad to
Jaunpur and back.
Road
Barethi is well connected to Lucknow(280 Km.), Varanasi (75 Km.), Allahabad (90
Km.) NH-56, SH-36 are the roadways connecting all major cities to Barethi.
Air
Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport or Varanasi Airport [(IATA: VNS)] is
just 45 Minute drive from Jaunpur city on NH-56 (National Highway - 56),
numerous domestic and international flights are accessible.
Rulers
Sharqi Dynasty
• Malik Sarwar Khwaja-yi Jahan (1394-1399)
• Malik Qaranful Mubarrak Shah (1399-1401)
• Ibrahim Shams-ud-Din (1401-1440)
• Mahmud Shah (1440-1458)
• Mohammed Shah Bhikan Khan (1458)
• Husain Shah (1458-1483)
Landmarks
Religious
• Famous Dargah of Kwaja Hamza Chisti Rahmatulla Allai.
• Historical Dargah & Khanquah of Hazrat Deewan Mohammad Rasheed Rahmatulla
Allai.
• Temple of lord Shiva in Trilochan Mahadeva at Trilochan
• Temple of Maihar Devi
• Temple of Sheetla Devi
• Temple of Baba Mukteshwardham, Biloi
• Nau Baba Dham, Biloi
• Birth of the promised Mehdi (Syed Muhammed Jaunpuri) Besides the grand Sharki
period mosque
• Religious places like 'Sadar Imam bara', Panje Shareef, 'Kadam Rasool' near
Railway Station
• Atala Mosque
• Bari Mosque(also known as Jama Masjid of Jaunpur)
• Achala Devi Temple (Sipah)
• Temple of Bade Hanuman Jee (Near Rasmandal)
• Gurudwara (Rasmandal)
• Temple of Baba GauriShankar Dham,Sujanganj
• Ma Ambe Dham, Basrahi, Sujanganj
• Jai Bajrang Bali Dham Baghari Kalan Merha Jaunpur
• Hardasi Mai, Hadasipur, Chandwak (Kul Devi of Raghuvanshi of Dobhi Jaunpur)
• Karshoolnath Dham
• Garibnath Dham Janor
Historical
Jaunpur Atala Masjid. Jaunpur Jama Masjid
• Shahi Fort situated at Manik Chauk Road.
• Jhanjari Masjid (Sipah)
• Shahi Bridge situated at Olandganj.
• Named as Shiraaj-e-Hind
• Atala Maszid
• Badi Maszid
• Lal Darwaza
• Haweli of Raza Saheb
• Pond of Raja Saheb
• Tomb of Firuz Shah Tughlaq
• Chaturbhooj temple Murkha,
• Bajrang Bali mandir BajarangNagar, Jaunpur
Jaunpur is also famous for...
• Lusur ki Barbhi, Madhupur
• Imartee/Imirtee (a sweet like jalebi made from urad lentil, (especially that
of Beniram's)
• Jaunpuri mooli/radish which can grow up to four feet long.
• Atom Bomb - a mouthwatering sweet from Sujanganj. It is made of dry fruits
stuffed in Chhenna. For its big size (diameter ? 3 inches) and really good
taste.
• Dohara - one of the famous Paan-masala like stuff which is made using supari
(betel nut), kattha and opium water.
• Perfumes, or Itra in Urdu language
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2. Location
Madhyanchal Chhaya
Near Hind Angels School, Hamirpur Road,
PO & TO Rath Distt.-Hamirpur, UP, INDIA-210431
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| Guest House |
Thatched Hut |
Rath:
A small town of Central plateau region of India named as Bundelkhand, Rath
offers many interesting and fun activities.
Facilities and features- The rough terrain of Rath and the fierce rivers provide
a good scope for white water rafting. The guest houses and the accommodations
will have additional amenities like gaming services, Television, air
conditioners, etc.
Accommodation- The guests can either choose to stay in air conditioned or
non-air conditioned rooms in the guest house or can choose to stay in small and
furnished huts as their choice.
En-tourage & sight seeing :
Pick and drop facility available by car to & fro from Rail and air terminals or
for sight seeing etc on actual cost (Per Km or Per day basis).
However a guide shall cost Rs.200 per day (If accompany for sight seeing)
Earn while you learn programme:
An exclusive opportunity of earning equivalent at par with other workers working
at farm shall provided to WWOOFER’s for their actively participation in seasonal
agricultural operation on every task accomplished.
 The nearest airport is Khajuraho which is connected to Delhi & Agra with regular
flights.
 The nearest railheads are Mahoba (64 km) and Harpalpur (94 km). Jhansi (175 km)
and Satna (117 km) are convenient railheads for visitors from Delhi, Mumbai,
Calcutta, Chennai, Agra & Varanasi.
 Khajuraho is connected by regular bus services with Mahoba, Harpalpur, Satna,
Jhansi, Gwalior, Agra, Jabalpur & Bhopal.
Hamirpur – Geography
Location, Boundaries
The district lies between Latitude 2507'N & 260 7' N. and Longitude 79017'E &
80021'E including Mahoba district. Hamirpur is bounded by districts Jalaun (Orai),
Kanpur and Fatehpur in north, Banda in east, Mahoba in south and Districts of
Jhansi and Jalaun on the West.
Area
According to the Central Statistical Organization the district covers 4,121.9
sq. km.
Hills
In the south numerous outcrops of gneiss rocks, tending to cluster into low
ranges. Surrounded by uneven broken tracts and covered for the most part with
stunted jungle are succeeded by a more level tract in which the hills grow
sparser. Now approximately all hill area has come under newly created district-Mahobha.
Rivers
Yamuna : This river forms north boundary of the district. The river first
touches the district at the village Haraulipur in tehsil Hamirpur, where it
forms a sudden loop. Flowing then east to Jamrehi Tir, it curves abruptly south
to Sikrohi and then continues south-east part Hamirpur to Baragaon where the
Betwa joins it.Its length in Hamirpur district is approximately 56 km.
Betwa: This river flows along the north-western border of the District from the
point where the Dhasan joins it to the village of Kuprat separating tehsil Rath
from district Jalaun. It enters the district near the village of Beri and flows
separating tehsils Rath and Maudaha from tehsil Hamirpur. Its length in Hamirpur
district is approximately 65 km.
Other rivers lying in the district are Dhasaan, Barma, Ken, Chndraval and
Pandwaha. These rivers are used for irrigation purpose. A dam named Swami
Bramhananad Dam (Moudaha Dam) has been constructed on the river Barma.
Climate
The Climate of the district is characterized by an intensely hot summer, a
pleasant cold season . The summer season from March to about middle of June is
followed by the south-west monsoon season from mid-June to the end of September.
October and first half of November constitute the post-monsoon period. The cold
season is from mid-November to February.
Temperature
May and the beginning of June are generally the hottest period of the year and
maximum temperature in May is about 430 C and minimum about 280C. The heat
during the summer is intense. The maximum temperature on individual days
sometimes reaches 450C or more. During Cold season minimum temperature sometimes
drops down to about 2 or 30C.
Nearest Tourist Attraction:-
Khajuraho
(An eternal expression of love)
In the temple architecture of India, the Khajuraho complex remains unique. One
thousand years ago, under the generous and artistic patronage of the Chandela
Rajput kings of Central India, 85 temples, magnificent in form and richly
carved, came up on one site, near the village of Khajuraho. The amazingly short
span of 100 years, from 950 AD - 1050 AD, saw the completion of all the temples,
in an inspired burst of creativity. Today, of the original 85, only 22 have
survived the ravages of time; these remain as a collective paean to life, to joy
and to creativity; to the ultimate fusion of man with his creator.
Why did the Chandelas choose Khajuraho or Khajirvahila - garden of dates, as it
was known then - as the site for their stupendous creations? Even in those days
it was no more than a small village. It is possible given the eclectic patronage
of the Chandelas and the wide variety of beliefs represented in the temples,
that they had the concept of forming a seat of religion and learning at
Khajuraho. It is possible that the Chandelas were also believers in the powers
of Tantrism; the cult which believes that the gratification of earthly desires
is a step closer to the attainment of the infinite. It is certain however, that
the temples represent the expression of a highly matured civilization.
Yet another theory is that the erotica of Khajuraho, and indeed of other
temples, had a specific purpose. In those days when boys lived in hermitages,
following the Hindu law of being "brahmacharis" until they attained manhood, the
only way they could prepare themselves for the worldly role of 'householder' was
through the study of these sculptures and the earthly passions they depicted.
The creators of Khajuraho claimed descent from the moon. The legend that
describes the origin of this great dynasty is a fascinating one: Hemavati, the
beautiful young daughter of a Brahmin priest was seduced by the moon god while
bathing in the Rati one evening. The child born of this union between a mortal
and a god was a son, Chandravarman. Harassed by society, the unwed mother sought
refuge in the dense forest of Central India where she was both mother and guru
to her young son. The boy grew up to found the great Chandela dynasty. When he
was established as a ruler, he had a dream-visitation from his mother, who
implored him to build temples that would reveal human passions, and in doing so
bring about a realization of the emptiness of human desire. Chandravarman began
the construction of the first of the temples, successive rulers added to the
fast growing complex.
THE TEMPLES
The architectural style of the Khajuraho temples is very different from the
temple prototype of that period. Each stands, instead of within the customary
enclosure, on a high masonry platform. Combined with the upward direction of the
structure, which is further accentuated by vertical projections, the total
effect is one of grace and lightness, reminiscent of the Himalayan peaks. Each
of the chief compartments has its own roof, grouped in such a way that the
highest is in the centre, the lowest over the portico, a triumph of skill and
imagination in recreating the rising peaks of a range.
 The temples of Khajuraho are divided into three geographical groups: Western,
Eastern and Southern.
The Western group is certainly the best known, because it is to this group that
the largest and most typical Khajuraho temple belongs: The Kandariya Mahadev.
Perfectly symmetrical, it soars 31 km high. Though the four temples that stand
at the corners of the main shrine are now in ruins, the main shrine has an
exquisitely carved entrance arch with a multitude of themes. Celestial beings,
lovers serenading musicians... movements captured in stone, frozen in time, yet
retaining a quality of warm, pulsating life. The very stone seems to have taken
on the living, breathing quality of the carved figures.
Beyond the archway of the Kandariya Mahadev, lie the six interior compartments;
the portico, main hall, transept, vestibule, sanctum and ambulatory. The
ceilings are particularly noteworthy and the pillars supporting them have
intricately carved capitals. The transept's outer walls have three horizontal
panels showing deities of the Hindu pantheon, and groups of lovers, a pageant of
sensuousness, vibrantly alive.
 Also in the western group is the Chaunsat Yogini, the only granite temple in the
Khajuraho group. Dedicated to Kali, it is also unique in being quadrangular in
plan. Only 35 of the original 65 cells remain and no image of Kali has survived:
not surprisingly, since this is the
earliest surviving shrine of the group dated to 900 AD.
Another Kali Temple (originally dedicated to Vishnu) is the Devi Jagadambe
Temple.
 North of it facing eastward to the rising sun, is the Chitragupta temple,
dedicated to the sun-god, Surya. The image of this powerful deity in the inner
sanctum is particularly imposing: 5ft high, and driving a seven-horsed chariot.
The group scenes depicted are equally spectacular: royal processions,
elephant-fights, hunting scenes, group dances. The lavish lifestyle of the
Chandela kings and their court is here in all its pomp and glory.
 Similar in plan to the Kandariya Mahadev is the Vishwanath Temple. Lions flank
the northern steps and elephants the southern, leading up to the temple. Within,
there is an impressive three headed image of Brahma. The exteriors are profusely
carved.
Facing the shrine is a Nandi Temple with a massive, 6 ft high Nandi bull.
 Since the first few Chandela rulers were devotees of Vishnu, there are some
important Vaishnavite temples in the Khajuraho group, the finest of which is the
Lakshmana Temple. The lintel over the entrance shows the trinity of Brahma,
Vishnu and Shiva, with Lakshmi, Vishnu's consort. The sanctum is richly carved
and has a three-headed idol of Vishnu's incarnations, Narsimha and Varaha.
 The boar incarnation also appears in another Vaishnavite shrine, the Varaha
Temple. The statue here is a mammoth 9 ft high one, its surface covered with
figures from the Hindu Pantheon.
 The Khajuraho temples are no longer living places of worship, with a few
exceptions. The Matangeswara Temple for example is still a place of worship.
Dedicated to Shiva it has an 8 ft high lingam. South of this temple is the open
air Archaeological Museum, which has a beautiful displayed collection of statues
and friezes collected from the area: the remains of long vanished temples.
 Hindu and Jain temples make up the Eastern Group, which lies close to the
Khajuraho village. The largest Jain temple, Parswanath, is in this group.
Exquisite in detail, the sculptures on the northern outer wall make this temple
perhaps the finest in the group. The themes of these carvings are the timeless
ones of every day, mortal activity.
 A woman sits bent pensively on a letter, a
lovely young girl removes a thorn from her foot, the master craftsmen of Khajuraho display here their deep understanding of the trifles that make up a
human life. Within, the sanctum has a throne, which faces a bull : emblem of the
first tirthankara, Adinath. The actual image of Parswanath from which the temple
derives its name was installed as recently as 1860.
 The other Jain temple in this group is the Ghantai Temple. Though almost in
ruins now, it still bears evidence of its original splendour. Particularly,
arresting is the frieze which depicts, in graphic detail, the 16 dreams of
Mahavira's mother and a multi-armed Jain goddess riding on a winged Garuda.
North of Parswanatha is the more modestly sized Adinatha Temple.
 The three Hindu temples in the Eastern Group are the Brahma, Vamana and Javari
Temples. A double row of apsaras, celestial nymphs, adorn the outer walls of the
Vamana temple. A variety of sensuous attitudes: languid, provocative,
mischievously inviting, give credibility to the theory that Khajuraho's erotica
were meant to test the devotees who came to worship their gods at the temples.
 5 km from the Khajuraho village, lies the Southern Group of temples. The fine
Chaturbhuj Temple in this group has a massive intricately carved image of Vishnu
in the sanctum. Duladeo Temple, another of the southern group, is a little away
from the road to the Jain group of temples.
 Though remains of temples belonging to the Khajuraho group have been discovered
at Jatkari, 3 km away and even at Maribag in Rewa, it is at the 3 main groups
that the imperishable glory of Khajuraho, the sensuous celebration of life, the
aspiration towards the infinite, remains.
Dhubela Museum
57 km. Located on the bank of a lake, the museum houses a wide variety of Shakti
Cult sculptures. There are different sections on garments, weapons and
paintings.
Rajgarh Palace
25 km. A picturesque 150 year old palace. Now being converted into a heritage
hotel.
Ranguan Lake
25 km. Ideal angling and picnic spot.
Benisagar Dam
7 km. Picnic spot.
Raneh Falls
20 km. A beautiful picnic spot on the river Ken.
Pandav Falls
34 km. On Panna road. A scenic spot.
Orchha,
Medieval legacy in stones
Orchha's grandeur has been captured in stone, frozen in time, a rich legacy to
the ages. In this medieval city, the hand of time has rested lightly and the
palaces and temples built by its Bundela rulers in the 16th and 17th centuries
retain much of their pristine perfection.
Orchha was founded in the 16th century by the Bundela Rajput chieftain, Rudra
Pratap, who chose this stretch of land along the Betwa river as an ideal site
for his capital. Of the succeeding rulers, the most notable was Raja Bir Singh
Ju Deo who built the exquisite Jehangir Mahal, a tiered palace crowned by
graceful chhatris. From here the view of soaring temple spires and cenotaphs is
spectacular.
Complementing the noble proportions of their exteriors are interiors which
represent the finest flowering of the Bundela school of painting. In the
Laxminarayan Temple and Raj Mahal, vibrant murals encompassing a variety of
religious and secular themes, bring the walls and ceilings to rich life.
The origin of the Bundela dynasty in the 11th century is traced to a Rajput
prince who offered himself as a sacrifice to the mountain goddess Vrindavasini;
she stopped him and named him 'Bundela' (one who offered blood). The dynasty
ruled over the area between the Yamuna and Narmada rivers. Garhkurar, once
capital of the Bundela Rajas, fell to the Tughluqs just as that dynasty was
weakening. Into the vacuum that they left, the Bundelas again expanded, moving
their base to Orchha (meaning hidden). Raja Rudra Pratap threw a wall around the
existing settlement and began work on the palace building (c. 1525-31) and an
arched bridge to it. This was completed by his successor Bharti Chand (1531- 54)
who was installed in the Raj Mahal with great ceremony.
Orchha's fort complex, approached by a multi-arched bridge, has three palaces
set in an open quadrangle. The most spectacular of these are:
 Jehangir Mahal
Built by Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo in the 17th century to commemorate the visit of
Emperor Jehangir to Orchha. Its strong lines are counterbalanced by delicate
chhatris and trellis work, the whole conveying an effect of extraordinary
richness.
 Raj Mahal
Situated to the right of the quadrangle, this palace was built in the 17th
century by Madhukar Shah, the deeply religious predecessor of Bir Singh Ju Deo.
The plain exteriors, crowned by chhatris, give way to interiors with exquisite
murals, boldly colourful on a variety of religious themes.
 RaiParveen Mahal
Poetess and musician, Rai Parveen was the beautiful paramour of Raja Indramani
(1672- 76) and was sent to Delhi on the orders of the Emperor Akbar, who was
captivated by her. She so impressed the Great Mughal with the purity of her love
for Indramani that he sent her back to Orchha. The palace built for her is a
low, two-storeyed brick structure designed to match the height of the trees in
the surrounding, beautifully landscaped gardens of Anand Mahal, with its
octagonal flower beds and elaborate water supply system. Skillfully carved
niches allow light into the Mahal which has a main hall and smaller chambers.
 Chaturbhuj Temple
Built upon a massive stone platform and reached by a steep flight of steps, the
temple was specially constructed to enshrine the image of Rama that remained in
the Ram Raja Temple. Lotus emblems and other symbols of religious significance
provide the delicate exterior ornamentation. Within, the sanctum is chastely
plain with high, vaulted walls emphasizing its deep sanctity.
Laxminarayan Temple
A flagstone path links this temple with the Ram Raja Temple. The style is an
interesting synthesis of fort and temple moulds. The interiors contain the most
exquisite of Orchha's wall paintings. Covering the walls and ceiling of three
halls, these murals are vibrant compositions and cover a variety of spiritual
and secular subjects. They are in excellent state of preservation, with the
colours retaining their vivid quality.
 Phool Bagh
Laid out as a formal garden, this complex testifies to the refined aesthetic
qualities of the Bundelas. A central row of fountains culminates in an eight
pillared palace-pavilion. A subterranean structure below was the cool summer
retreat of the Orchha kings. An ingenious system of water ventilation connects
the underground palace with Chandan Katora, a bowl-like structure from whose
fountains droplets of water filtered through to the roof, simulating rainfall.
Sunder Mahal
This small palace, almost in ruins today is still a place of pilgrimage for
Muslims. Dhurjban, son of Jhujhar, embraced Islam when he wed a Muslim girl at
Delhi. He spent the latter part of his life in prayer and meditation and came to
be revered as a saint.
Chhatris (Cenotaphs)
There are 14 Chhatris or Memorials to the rulers of Orchha, grouped along the
Kanchan Ghat of the river Betwa.
Shahid Smarak
Commemorates the great freedom fighter Chandrashekhar Azad who lived and worked
in hiding in Orchha during 1926 and 1927.
Other places worth seeing are the shrines of Siddh Baba Ka Sthan, Jugal Kishore,
Janki Mandir and the Hanuman Mandir at Ochharedwara.
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