What can I do in the weekend?
Tiruvannamalai is about half an hour from PCTC by bus. It is a Hindu pilgrimage town. At the foot of sacred Arunachala Hill is the vast, ancient Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Temple (16-17th century), dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, with intricately carved gopurams (towers). Sathanur Dam, a stunning engineering marvel, is located at a distance of 30 kilometres from the city of Thiruvannamalai on the Thenpennai River. The Sri Ramana Maharishi ashram is a very popular ashram among foreigners.
Gingee is approximately an hour away from Tiruvannamalai by bus. It has a remarkable 15th century Vijayanagar fort with much to explore, it is well off the beaten track, very peaceful and in beautiful surroundings. The landscape is made up of man sized boulders piled on top of each other, to make huge mounds.It is Called the ‘Troy of the East’ by the British.
Pondicherry is 3 hours by bus and offers faded elegance, a beachside promenade and fine food with its French influence. See the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and the Ghandi memorial. Auroville, located close by, has a pleasant beach which is suitable for swimming.
Chennai is 4 hours away by bus, and it is good to stay with other volunteers to get to know the city. Places to visit include Fort St. George, St. Thomas Shrine, The Government Museum and Marina Beach, which is the 2nd longest urban beach in the world! You can also visit the many malls for shopping and pan Asian food. East Coast road is also known for its beaches, surfing and other adventure sports.
The charming city of Mysore does a brisk trade in its silks, sandalwood and Jasmin. On the outskirts of the city is the Srirangapatnam, Maharajas Palace, Silk factory, Sandalwood Oil factory. Famous also for its yoga.
Make sure you visit Bangalore at the weekend to avoid the traffic. Places to visit Cubbon park, government museum – one of the oldest in the country, K Venkatappa Art gallery, Lal Bagh Gardens, Bull temple and various other temples.Bangalore Palace is inspired by Windsor castle. Bangalore is famous for its shopping and its nightlife.
Where is the nearest ATM?
There are cash machines: one in Nayudumangalam (3kms from the center) and more than 10 in Tiruvannamalai.There are a couple of them around the bus station -16 kms from Kariyandal.
Where can I go shopping for food and clothes?
There are several grocery shops in the village where many day-to-day products can be obtained. A wider selection is available at Tiruvannamalai in the many supermarkets. There are stores that sell branded clothes in Tiruvannamalai.
Where is PCTC?
Kariyandal, the local village, has a population of 2000. It has a majority Hindu population (70%) and also a large Christian community, It contains two schools: the Government primary and The Mary Immaculate Matriculation School. Kariyandal is made up of four discernable parts. The village proper north of the Centre, Kondam comprising of houses located on either side of the main road running past the Centre which is largely populated by settlers from other villages, and the Sri Lankan refugee part located south of the Centre. Finally, the gypsy settlement situated east of the Centre and another settlement near the railway track of local people.
What is the weather like?
The climate in southern India shows only slight seasonal variations. Temperatures and humidity remain relatively high all year round. Rainfall is likely in the months of April to September occasionally and the Monsoon Season(October) has only marginally more precipitation than at any other time. The highest temperature in summer could reach 42 C.( April and May)
What will I be eating?
Food is provided by the cooks. Breakfast is likely to be idly (rice dumplings), puri (fried naan), semia (a noodle dish), or pongal (rice mash). You can also have bread and jam for breakfast. At lunchtime it is sambar (vegetable sauce), rassam (pepper water), a vegetable dish (cabbage, beetroot etc), appalam (pappadom) and rice. The evening meal will be similar to lunch, though it may be accompanied by a bread (paratha or chappati). If you have difficulties with the food, you can talk to the person responsible, and can be easily sorted out. The kitchen for the volunteers is provided with Gas, a stove and a refrigerator.
What type of electrical sockets do you use at the centre?
There are two and three pin sockets. You can also bring one international adapter, a European adapter with two pins work.
Where will I be staying?
The accommodation consists of two very nice rooms, both large enough to sleep two, with an en-suite bathroom attached with a western style toilet and a shower. You will be provided with a matress, pillow and a sheet.
What is the role of the volunteer?
PCTC will give you an excellent insight to life and work in rural Tamil Nadu. Xavier will talk to you about your role during the first week on the project and once you have settled in. He likes to identify your skills and where they will be best utilized on the project, whilst also developing new skills. Your experience will be challenging but you will make a real contribution to the people around you. New volunteers are viewed as a ‘breath of fresh ideas’ so there is plenty of scope to indulge your interests. You have the choice of helping on the nearby farm where they have fruit trees, paddy, cattles and lots more. Or you can work with the disabled children who attend PCTC on a daily basis.
How do I get to PCTC?
The nearest airport is Chennai, and then you will have to take a bus from Chennai to Tiruvannamalai (4 hours). You can reach PCTC from Tiruvannamalai by bus to Kondam (pronounced Quandam). The best technique is to ask every bus in the bus stop, although the ones you are looking for are travelling to Vellore. Number 225 is the most regular bus travelling to Kondam and it takes around 25 minutes. The 226 does not stop there. You can also catch an Auto rickshaw from outside Tiruvannamalai bus station for around 250 – 300 rupees.