Rebuild Hampi: Architecture

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Overview

Hampi’s architecture showcases marvelous applications of skill, tact, and workmanship. Be it The Ruins, The Virupaksha Temples, or The Musical Pillars of Vitthala; each structure adds something unique to the charm of the city in ruins. But there is more to that! Help transfer that rich heritage through designing traditional homestays and stalls and kiosks for bazaars,’ using your own approach, or get inspired by Hampi’s architecture to create something new!

If you are an architecture fanatic, then you are in heaven amongst Hampi’s gorgeous ancient sites and authentic community. Moreover, weekends are free for you to explore various hotspots in South India with your new gang!

We believe architecture to be one of the most difficult disciplines, and such we recommend participants to have prior knowledge and experience. School leavers aspiring to be architects are welcome to join this role too!

Fast Facts

Language – Kannada, Telugu, Hindi & English

Currency-Indian Rupee
(1 USD= 75 Indian Rupees)

Famous For -historical ruins, temples, tourism

Delicacies -Ragi mudde, idli & dosa

Highlights

Creative freedom to provide out-of-the-box solutions for tourism development through designing homestays and other local premises
Use your knowledge and experience to tackle issues in sanitation while assisting local entrepreneurs with designing their business premises
Experience the authentic lifestyle with your host family while immersing in cultural exchange
Catch a break while exploring Goa, Bangalore, Gokarna, and other weekend getaways with fellow volunteers
Be part of a long term project centered around rural development based on sustainable tourism while developing professionals skills

Where Does Your Money Go?

Volunteering Roles and requirements

Opportunities Available

Architects

Architects, here is a chance to test your skills in a completely different way! Study Hampi’s culture and heritage which goes way back to the 11th century and provide your creativity as means to realise Hampi’s potential.

Women of Hampi

This particular project offers you freedom of expression, by allowing you to renovate existing Hampi houses into homestays and cafes based on an in depth study of the local culture and heritage and recommendation by the owners.

Santhe Market

Architecture fanatics will love this project. You get to design stalls and kiosks that are going to be set in the Santhe Market. Using your own skills, you will make a difference in the lives of many.

Rebuild Hampi

Impact

Sustainable Development- The Continuity

The Vijayanagara Empire had a huge sense of affection for pristine architecture. It would be a great honour to please them, as we use architecture to develop the city they love.

Equip, not cater- Skills that last

Reconstructing a homestay from a traditional house is something very unique for these inhabitants to see. Hence, with such diverse initiatives, equip the locals with the skills necessary to build better lives.

Women’s empowerment- Urgent need

Initiatives like ‘Women of Hampi’ put women and architecture in a single space and leads to their empowerment. All that is required is for such initiatives to be completed as per targets.

Education- Foundation

Whether its ‘Women of Hampi’, or the ‘Santhe Market’; there is a lot to learn and to teach. Such initiatives provide a unique platform where the locals can learn the underlying architectural concepts and can use it later in their lives.

Orientation and Support

At every step, we are there to help. We provide enough support so that you can make an impact in this community. From the host families to the project leaders, everyone is extremely experienced and would be glad to assist you in any problems you face

24x7 Emergency Support

For any problems, we are available via our helpline number. Social media and ever present on the ground team

Ground team and host family

Our ground team led by a project leader along with your host family will help you in settling in your home

Efficient Monitoring

Trained Personnel to assist you in your assignments, provide constant feedback, and monitor your progress

Orientation

You will be provided with both pre and on arrival orientation to give you a detailed idea about the project and your individual roles

Efficient Safety and Health facilities

Fully equipped with emergency kits, and access to local hospitals nearby in case of any emergency

Training

Special training and guidance to be provided so that you are equipped to change Hampi’s society for the better.

Orientation

You will be provided with both pre and on arrival orirantion to give you a detailed idea about the project and your individual roles.

Efficient Safety and Health facilities.

Fully equipped with emergency kits, and access to local hospitals nearby in case of any emergency

Usual day while volunteering

Look forward to what the day has to offer. Wake up in the ancient habitat of Hampi as you are served breakfast at 8:30. Freshen up, and get ready. By 9:30, join your fellow voluntourists for an exciting day. Get greeted by Novoto executives, as they take you to the common site for the work.

Showcase your Architectural skills as you work towards constructing a historical market from scratch, along with putting a unique twist on traditional houses by converting them into homestays.

At noon, we make a stop for lunch and refreshments. After lunch, we continue with the project-specific work. Enjoy your day.

After 5 PM, the evening is kept free for a range of independent activities with fellow voluntourists. Occasionally, there shall be organised social events in the evening.

Finally, dinner is provided by the homestay. Rest and think about the fond memories created.

Cultural Exchange and weekend getaways

At Novoto, we aim to transform the perspective of voluntourism from one of humanitarian relief to one of cultural exchange. We believe that the impact of cultural exchange is more powerful than simple humanitarian relief

Enriching homestays

Your accommodation takes the form of verified local homestays.. Explore Hampi, live like the locals.

Learning local customs

Have lunch with the hardworking farmers, relax with kids at the banks of The Tungabhadra river, and attend the evening Aarti at Virupaksha Temple

Authentic local food

Whether it is Ragi Mudde, or dosas, make sure that you try the local flavours. You’ve got travel experience, and so does your palate.

Explore Hampi

Tourism is Hampi’s chief value proposition. The city in ruins, Tungabhadra river, Virupaksha Temple, Matanga Hill; all of these and more await you.

Engage in discussions

Wondering why we believe so much in the power of cultural exchange? Participate in meaningful discussion with both locals and fellow volunteers from around the world to broaden your horizon.

Weekend getaways

There is no dearth of weekend getaway destinations from Hampi. Travel to Gokarna for surfing, Hyderabad for its biryanis, Panaji for its beaches, or Goa to party it up.

Inclusions and Exclusions

What’s Included?

Pickup from Bangalore airport

Airport Pick-up (Up to two days before your trip)

Qualified project leader and community orientation

24x7 support and backup

3 meals a day

On weekends, only Breakfast is served

Accommodation with local host families

Travel Allowance for volunteer-related work

Access to working space and necessary equipments

Achievement Letter

Exclusions

Personal expenses

Weekend getaways

Meals apart from those provided by your host family

Discretionary gratuities for local help

International flights

Visa

Travel insurance

Drop off to Bangalore airport

Can be arranged on request

FAQ

Are flights included in my trip?

International flights booked for arrival/ departure have not been included in our travel fee. It must be purchased separately.
However, in case of any inquiries, you can contact us.

Which flight should I take?

There are multiple international flights landing in Bangalore. We will be picking you up from the Bangalore airport.
During departure, you can catch a train to Bangalore or transportation to the airport can be arranged on request.

What do I do about the visa?

You will be required to obtain either an Indian E-Visa (you can check your eligibility here – httpss://www.visahq.co.uk/) or apply in person at your nearest Indian Embassy prior to your travels.

What are the extra costs that I should keep in mind?

The project has been curated with the most observant prior due diligence. Any additional expenses individuals incurred during the tour are at their own discretion, such as any shopping and souvenirs they might wish to purchase, additional meals and activities not not provided by your host family and weekend gateways

What do I carry?

For the volunteering project of two weeks, you would be better off with a light packing. Carry comfortable footwear and light clothes. Make sure you carry the essentials- your passport, VISA, flashlights and Indian currency.
Oh also, leave some room in your suitcases. You never know what you might like to buy here!

Is tipping included?

No, tipping has not been included in your travel plan. It’s up to you to decide the amount for the same. We totally respect your discretion.

Who are my fellow volunteers?

We very much believe in privacy. Hence, we are sorry that we cannot reveal their names. However, we have a wide range of travellers from all over the world who you will meet on your first day.

How do I contact, in case of an emergency?

No need to worry! We have our on-ground team for your assistance. Besides that, you can get in touch with us through our social media handles on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can also call us directly on our helpline.

Can I join a trip late, or extend my stay?

As much as we would LOVE you to join us, it will be difficult for us to accommodate you in an already on-going trip.
Good news? You are more than welcome to extend your stay, but the expenses for the same have to be taken by you.

Does Novoto provide me a travel insurance?

Unfortunately, no. We leave that to your discretion to book travel insurance of your choice.

Will there be any showcase?

Definitely! Your entire experience would be well-documented in the form of videos, and also in other means as approved by the group.

What’s the weather like?

April to September is summer in Hampi where temperatures are generally pleasant around 40 C. From October onwards the temperatures start going down averaging around 25 C during the day.

Initiatives in Architecture

Initiatives in Architecture available

Women of Hampi

You have come here to experience Hampi. Why stay in a hotel, when you can experience the traditional lifestyle of the ‘Kishkinda-vaasis’? This initiative is focused on converting the local households into homestays; with the main objective of upscaling local tourism and helping the stay-at-home women hone their skills in hospitality and entrepreneurship.

Professions provided:

Architecture

A lot of exciting work awaits! You will be required to study the local culture and traditions of Hampi.Using your new-found knowledge of local architecture, you will get to redesign existing houses and other facilities to convert them into homestays and cafes!

Design and Art

With your skills and unique viewpoints, you will be able to assist locals realise their visions for their properties. You will be beautifying their establishments, thus making businesses more appealing from a hospitality and tourism perspective.

Business Development

A huge opportunity for business-related fields! Individuals will help homestay owners by assisting in their daily business operations in addition to formulating sustainable business models. Think of it as your own startup

Hospitality

The entire project is primarily based on developing the tourism industry, which hospitality skills are at the core of. You will provide training in this field to the locals. Not to mention, personal development.

Micro-enterprise initiative

Are you an avid follower of the world of business? Have you ever seen an entrepreneurial success story and thought, “Damn, I wish that was me.”? Well, here’s your chance. One of the goals of this initiative is to infuse a sense of entrepreneurship within the community by developing microenterprises at the grassroot level, as well as working with existing businesses.

Roles provided:

Business Development

Individuals with business-related backgrounds will create case studies, and provide solutions to existing businesses with slow growth, in addition to developing new grassroots level micro-enterprises.

Design and Art

Unleash your creative side in order to help local artisan businesses develop diverse product offerings. Create authentic products, train the locals, set up the working process, and ultimately help these creative businesses with a range of offerings.

Power up Hampi

Just like most of rural India, Hampi too suffers from irregular electric supply and power cuts. This initiative is aimed at improving the electrical supply in Hampi while moving towards renewable energy. Let’s modernise Hampi the clean way.

Professions provided:

Engineering

While the objective is to tackle the shortage of electrical supply, it is important that the current electricity is substituted by the adoption of renewable energy.The opportunity to mix traditional core engineering and emerging technologies is huge!

Electric Autos

The most common mode of transport in Hampi are autos (tuk-tuk). Certainly a fun way to get about, but not particularly eco-friendly. This initiative hopes to replace the autos running on conventional energy with more sustainable options. t We also aim to encourage women into employment.

Professions provided:

Design and Art

Responsible for adding the finishing touches to the vehicles! Use your imagination to increase the face value of these ‘fun rides’; take your most creative ideas and turn them into reality.

Engineering

Time to put your skills to the test! Follow appropriate engineering techniques to design, assemble and build electric autos and their charging units. You will also use your technical knowledge to train the drivers to charge and maintain these units.

Clean Hampi

Open defecation, unregulated dumping of waste, no waste management system. Nobody likes that. Through this initiative, let us tackle the problems relating to sanitation and hygiene. Educate the masses through awareness campaigns, building technologies and any other tools that you have to offer.

Professions provided:

Design and Art

Travel back in time, as you witness an outdated sanitation map which was designed back in 2006 by the United Nations. Implement the plan, and upgrade if required. Become a part of a widespread plan to repaint the village walls and raise awareness for better sanitation.

Engineering

Apply what you learned at college and from your various mentors as you work towards improving the sanitation system. Implement new ideas or improve conventional ones like waste composting, biogas power generation, reducing vehicle emissions.

Education

Individuals with a background in education and teaching will be responsible for leading outreach campaigns for health and hygiene awareness. You will need to do this through unique educational methodologies so that there is a lasting impact amongst the local community.

Agriculture Project

The history of agriculture dates back thousands of years, when its development transformed our hunter-gatherer ancestors’ way of life. But recent years have seen a fall in Hampi’s agricultural output due to inadequate resources and practices. This initiative is aimed at improving agricultural output and productivity using technology and new business models.

Roles provided:

Business Development

You will conduct historical case studies of the farming industry as a whole, and learn about the slowdown in the local industry. Draw up new models, routes to market and sustainable supply chains.

Engineering

Responsibilities will involve building a variety of different agricultural technologies. Anything from soil composition systems, to water conservation structures for farmers such as grassed waterways, grade stabilisation structures, flood prevention dams, terraces, animal waste and housing facilities.

Agriculture

Individuals with experience in agricultural science are essential for this project to succeed. You will introduce newer and more efficient methods of organic farming which will ensure sustenance farming in addition to boosting income from agriculture.

Education Transformation

This initiative aims to create a new model of education in the government schools to encourage practical learning, creativity, and overall development by focusing on both the students and teachers.

Roles provided:

Design and Art

We need artists and designers to provide students with lessons on art and design in the form of workshops and after school lessons. Additionally, you will also be beautifying school premises to encourage creativity and holistic development.

Education

With your experience, training, and passion for education, you will be responsible for equipping the local teachers with new teaching and monitoring techniques to improve their proficiency. You will also encourage the students to take up extracurricular activities and promote wellness through various ‘‘outside the classroom’’ programs and activities.

Santhe Market

Add colour to the evenings of Hampi! Santhe,’Moon market’; is an initiative to bring back a local evening bazaar selling local handicrafts and cuisine, with the view of adding more to Hampi's tourism potential.

Professions provided:

Business Development

Whether you are an economist, a banker, a consultant, or a student, use your analytical, marketing, and business development skills to create a model for this initiative, all while making sure that the participating businesses reap the benefits.

Architecture

Architecture fanatics will be responsible for consulting with the local community based on their business interests and sustainably design food, crafts and other stalls and kiosks items that showcase local heritage and culture.

Design and Art

A great opportunity to show your creative flair! Through this initiative, you will help the participating creative businesses by developing a wide variety of authentic products, in addition to designing their stalls and kiosks.