Frequently Asked Questions - Geeli Mitti

Answers to frequently asked questions on natural building and permaculture.

The FAQ Handlers

We answer all your Frequently Asked Questions!

About Geeli Mitti

Tell me more about Geeli Mitti: Geeli Mitti is a leader in sustainable habitat design for ALL species. Habitat includes ecology, geography, inter-relationships, livelihood and beyond. To simplify, let’s just say ecological housing & sustainable design. Watch this somewhat old video to understand more about Geeli Mitti. Or check out the ABOUT US & MEDIA pages on Geeli Mitti's website.

About Geeli Mitti

What kind of community projects is Geeli Mitti running in the Himalayan region? Geeli Mitti's social projects are spread all over the country, working with the defence forces, BSF, police, prison inmates, animal shelters, slums and other govt. bodies plus NGOs. Specifically in the Himalayan region, Geeli Mitti works extensively in remote villages of Kumaun, Uttarakhand for livelihood, health, education and environment. Please read more at Community Initiatives.

Community initiatives in Uttarakhand

Where do the funds come from for Geeli Mitti's social initiatives? Geeli Mitti works very hard and ethically so that it doesn't have to rely on donations. Geeli Mitti's professional consultations and Geeli Mitti's workshops are geared to generate revenues that can be directly invested into supporting its social initiatives. Larger scale projects are further supported via CSR funds.

Social initiatives of Geeli Mitti

How can we stay updated on the latest happenings at Geeli Mitti? For visual inspiration, and day-to-day activities check out Geeli Mitti's Instagram and Facebook posts, especially the stories. For virtual tours, demonstrations, educational talks and tutorials, subscribe to Geeli Mitti's YouTube Channel. For upcoming workshops and events, register at the Karyashala section on Geeli Mitti's website.

Updates and latest happenings

Why do you have Kunwar Singh as the CEO of Geeli Mitti? Because Kunwar Singh is the original native inhabitant of this land and Geeli Mitti believes in upholding indigenous rights! For Kunwar, work and love for all is his dharma and he doesn’t plan to retire really. Respect! Don’t miss meeting the other team members at Geeli Mitti Family.

Kunwar Singh covered by News 18

I am from a media house and want to cover Geeli Mitti. Please do. The world needs to be inspired and motivated for positive action. Write to us at namaste@geelimitti.in with a few links of your work and what kind of story you are looking for. Also browse through the Media page, though Geeli Mitti has a lot of ideas to suggest on potential topics for coverage.

Get in touch for media coverage

About Natural Building

What is Natural Building? Just google it…seriously, because there is no short answer. There is tons of information in books & on the internet, FB groups & YouTube. But the best would be to visit us. Here’s a definition we’ve tried to make: 'Natural Building' is an umbrella term for structures built with locally sourced natural materials and incorporating sustainable systems. The focus is on simple construction techniques that anyone can learn, with materials that don't leave a heavy carbon footprint during manufacturing, transportation or construction.

Defining natural building

Why are natural material based buildings called ‘kachha’ (temporary) homes? There are a lot of things that are taught wrong and a core reason why myths have spread so widely about mud building. When a lie is said often enough, it gets accepted as the truth. So homes that can last centuries are called ‘Kachha’ and ones that last a few decades are called ‘Pukka’ (permanent). Kalyug hai Kalyug!

Kachha vs pukka homes

Then if natural buildings are so good, why isn’t society promoting and building them more than cement based homes? Well, daily exercise is good for us, and so is meditation and sattvic food, but how many do it? Rhetorics aside, the real reason here is the systematic replacement of natural buildings and spread of lies with extensive media, over decades, by the cement companies and those profiteering from it. All at the cost of our health and survival of the planet itself.

How cement took over natural buildings?

Isn’t cement also technically made from natural materials? It’s easily available and ready to use so why not use it? The major ingredient in cement is unsustainably mined lime, alumina clay, silica sand, and iron ore which is then processed chemically in a kiln at 1500 by burning fossil fuels. The cement industry is responsible for at least 7% of accounted carbon emissions, unaccounted levels of air & water pollution & over 5 lakh deaths annually. Then transported over 1000s of kms, used as concrete for toxic, energy-guzzling buildings. Only to have a life of 40 years & end up as non-biodegradable landfill. It’s available easily because companies & governments want you to keep buying it so that they can keep profiting. Environment & health be damned!

Why not to build with cement

Wow, that’s bad! So, is there enough expertise in the market to build with natural materials? Yes, humans have been building with natural materials for over 10,000 years. It’s in our very DNA. Quick fixes like cement and concrete are of course easier and more accessible today to find designers and contractors for. It’s a choice, whether or not your family and planet is worth the little additional effort and courage.

Building with natural materials

Isn’t the soil different in different places? Can any kind of soil be used for natural building? From a building perspective, all soils are a combination of clay, silt and sand in different proportions. In Geeli Mitti's popular soil class, we teach you how to identify soil composition and adapt this knowledge to apply techniques suitable to the kind of soil and materials available on your land. To learn more, register at Karyashala.

Learn how to build with your soil

How to do plumbing and electricals in a natural building? Exactly as you would do it in a typical cement building. Here's a curated playlist which includes 2 short videos specifically on plumbing and electricals in a mud home.

Plumbing and electricals in a mud house

Does wood come in the category of natural building? Isn’t cutting down trees not eco-friendly? Would you ask a bird to stop using twigs for its nest coz apparently wood is bad (but of course cement, fly ash and the likes aren’t)? Like food and clothing, shelter is a fundamental need for which all living beings tap into nature’s resources. But humans have exploited this privilege not just for their need, but to satisfy their greed. Wood should be used judiciously and sustainably ie from plantations that are decentralised and constantly replanted. RCC and iron cause a lot more environmental damage and devastation of forests than wood actually being used as wood. But that does not mean we should be building log cabins and wooden homes in hot or humid climates.

Using wood vs steel

Myths of Natural Building. Why you shouldn’t build with mud!

How long can mud buildings really last? Mud, clay or other such geological materials don’t have an end life so mud buildings can actually last forever, if people continue to live in them and take care of them. Concrete RCC homes on the other hand, only have a life of about 40-50 years. Go ahead and watch this video for more clarity- Why are Mud Houses more eco-friendly and sustainable than concrete?

Life of mud homes

Can mud buildings resist heavy rainfall? Wouldn’t mud get washed away in rains and collapse during a storm? Clay is pliable when wet, but dries up to become an extremely hard and durable building material. And no, it cannot get washed away. All that a mud home needs in a wet climate is to be built on a dry plinth and with a 3′ wide eave. ie, design according to the climate. Go ahead and watch this for more clarity- Why are Mud Houses more eco-friendly and sustainable than concrete?

Are mud homes appropriate for wet climates?

What about pests? Don’t natural buildings attract a lot of pests? No, there is no direct correlation between natural buildings and pests. First of all, there is no such thing as ‘pests’. Every living species has a crucial role to play in maintaining the delicate ecological balance. The problem of pests arises when that balance is disturbed. Anyway, let’s talk about the two most fretted pests – termites and rodents. We see termites and rodents in cement homes too. So it’s not a problem of building material but one of design and technique. A sound design, combined with appropriate techniques applied in the foundation and preparation of materials such as wood at the time of construction can take care of pests regardless of the material you’re building with. Hence the panic linked to mud homes attracting pests is not justified.

Termites in a mud house

I don’t think that mud homes can be built for the modern lifestyle and with modern appliances. Not sure why you think that but it is untrue. Mud homes can be built as per your aesthetic preference and with all modern appliances as desired, though you shouldn’t need A/Cs or heaters or humidifiers or dehumidifiers or air purifiers, with a well designed and built natural home. Watch - The 8 myths about Love and Mud.

Mud homes for modern lifestyle

Mud homes need 2ft thick walls and I don’t have such a big plot. It isn’t practical for cities. Mud homes can be 4.5” or 9” or any thickness as per need. It can be built on upper levels of existing homes and you can even build multi-storied homes so no, mud walls don’t need to be 2’ thick. Watch for more such myths- The 8 myths about Love and Mud.

Mud homes need thick walls

Doesn’t a natural building need more maintenance compared to a cement concrete building? No. How much maintenance you need has nothing to do with whether yours is a cement or natural home. It has everything to do with the quality of construction and building design. A well designed home built with quality materials and workmanship will need less maintenance. Simple.

Are mud homes high maintenance?

What about mud and lime? Isn’t mining of lime, and using precious topsoil for mud building harmful to the environment? What is worse? Using a locally available material to use it as it is in its natural form, or mining materials and changing its entire chemical composition making it non-biodegradable, causing a huge amount of pollution in the process, and releasing toxic gases into the atmosphere? The latter, which applies to toxic cement and fly ash, are being propagated illogically and falsely as eco-friendly materials. And contrary to popular belief, even for bricks you do not need to use agricultural topsoil. Definitely not for mud building.

Do natural building materials harm the environment?

Applying Natural Building - context and scope

So where can I build a home with mud and other natural materials? Anywhere and everywhere. Cities, villages, farms, rooftops, hot, cold, wet, dry climates…

Where to build an earthen home?

Can natural materials be used for retrofitting or expansion of my current house? Yes ofcourse. You can change your plaster, paints, flooring or even add an extra room on your terrace or backyard. However, we strongly recommend that you consult a structural engineer to get the building assessed for its load bearing capacity before planning any expansions.

Retrofitting and expansion of current homes

What is the cost of building with natural materials? Shouldn’t it be ‘dirt’ cheap since it is mud after-all? Sure, with your free labour, it will be even cheaper than dirt. And the added bonus is you’ll never need to go to a gym! Jokes apart, yes, using materials available on your land will be cheaper than buying them, however you still need to design your home and get skilled or unskilled labour to build it, both of which cost money. You can plan your home according to your available budget – the design, materials, time taken and labour decisions should be dictated by your budget. There is no fixed per sq ft rate that exists. A more detailed explanation is given here – Cost of building a Mud Home.

Cost of building a mud home

How to find skilled workers to build a natural building? We recommend learning more yourself first so you truly understand what natural building is and isn’t and essential good practices. That way you will not be misled by this cement industry nexus and will be confident of your own decision. You can join a workshop for this or learn by interning or self-study. Go ahead and lead the build yourself along with local labour or hire a professional. One of the advantages of doing a course at Geeli Mitti, is that you become part of a community of natural builders from across the country and globe and get access to professionals as well as skilled workers depending on where you’re based.

How everyone becomes a natural builder!

Does Geeli Mitti provide building services?

I want to build a customised mud home/resort/community. Can you build it for me? The first step towards Geeli Mitti getting involved is for you to come over for a workshop, no matter the duration. That would mean investing some time and money. We insist on people doing a workshop or interning long term with Geeli Mitti, before we consider taking up any project. It has proved to be an important step so that you know the possibilities, what it takes and are committed before getting started. It also establishes a mutually respectful relationship between us. A lot of our students (of every age group and background) started with the same apprehension and went on to build their own homes and businesses. Some needed additional help from Geeli Mitti while some didn’t. Building your home with natural materials is a beautifully transformative experience that must not be reduced to simply hiring someone to build.

Can Geeli Mitti build for me?

What if we still want Geeli Mitti to build for us even after attending a workshop? The Geeli Mitti Support Programme is open to all workshop alumni. Depending on the extent of support you need, you can opt for one of the three options below: 1. Consultancy: Set up need-based consultations and visits with us. 2. Design services: Have your home designed by us based on your requirements. 3. Design and project management: Get complete support from start to finish including consulting, design and execution. We can also connect you to our ex-students practising in your area with whom you can deal directly. Please note that Geeli Mitti does not take any responsibility or accountability for work undertaken by third parties.

Geeli Mitti consultancy and design services

Can you give me contacts of your students/architects who can build for me at my place? Yes, we can definitely connect you. But we would first ask you to come over to the Geeli Mitti CoE for a workshop, whether it is for 3 days or 3 weeks. This is important to first understand what natural building is all about and its possibilities and challenges. Once we are all talking the same language, it will automatically reflect in the work that comes of it.

Join the Geeli Mitti family

Can you hold a training workshop at my land and in the process my home/resort gets built for me? Can we? Yes we can, but why would we? The Geeli Mitti Centre of Excellence (CoE) has been designed and built to be able to provide the highest standard of training in natural building, permaculture and appropriate systems for sustainable living. There are sample structures and demo sites at the campus. We are fanatically passionate about the quality of teaching and knowledge being imparted and hence, don’t do workshops at random sites. Instead, we encourage you to come to the CoE. It’s the same as going to the best University anywhere in the world, not expecting them to come to someone’s house and teach.

Geeli Mitti Centre of Excellence (CoE)

I want to build an eco-friendly community like you. Can I set up a franchise of Geeli Mitti at my place? How can you help? Geeli Mitti is an ideology shaped by the vision of our founder and sustained by the passion of several people who are a part of it. It cannot be replicated with a monetary investment and SOP. We suggest that you visit us, get inspired, become part of the family, and then go on to create your own unique space and community that is a reflection of your vision and passion, rather than trying to duplicate Geeli Mitti.

Meet the Geeli Mitti team

About Geeli Mitti Workshops

I want to enrol for the next workshop, where can I get the details? Just visit Upcoming Events to check for workshops and register online.

Enrol for a workshop

I am not an architect or an engineer. I have no experience in building. Can I still attend a workshop at Geeli Mitti? Our courses are made for EVERYONE, particularly for those without a background or formal training in architecture or engineering. Building is a primal instinct and it is our mission to revive this inherent wisdom to build one’s own shelter in every human who comes in contact with us. What can possibly be more empowering!

Anyone can build!

Does Geeli Mitti design and conduct customised courses for Architecture college students and school children? Yes, this is our core competency as a training institution. We offer a plethora of specialised courses for both architecture and regular school and college students as part of our Study Tours programme. Here’s a video from a week-long workshop we curated for 100+ design students from Gujarat - Study Tours at Geeli Mitti. Go ahead and download our Study Tours Brochure too for more information. And then write to us at namaste@geelimitti.in with your requirements.

Study Tours at Geeli Mitti

I don’t have land and I don’t know what I want to build yet. Should I still come for a natural building workshop? Yes, regardless of whether you own land or not, natural building is an invaluable skill that is worth acquiring. Infact, if you’re feeling stuck in life and waiting for a sign from the universe, perhaps our workshop is just the answer for you! Here’s a few ways how you can benefit: Explore a career in the booming natural building industry. Get inspired and prepare yourself for your future dream. Learn to identify what kind of land and home you want for yourself. Find your tribe! Become part of a like-minded community of people, make lifelong friends or even find a life partner! Get fit and lose weight. Experience the beauty of community living. Learn other aspects of sustainable living – our workshops are not just about building, but about a choice of an alternate sensible way of life.

Reasons to attend Geeli Mitti workshop

How do I know which workshop is best suited for me? Long Workshops (2 to 4 weeks) If you want to get in-depth knowledge about natural building and hands-on practical experience, explore a career in natural building or even hire an architect to build a natural home, we highly recommend a long workshop. Short Workshops (3 to 5 days) If you don’t have the time, then opt for a short workshop. It’s a packed bootcamp. Weekend Visit If you’re still unsure, consider a one-day or weekend visit wherein you can get a tour of our systems and structures and experience a night in a natural building before deciding whether you want to walk down this path and how you want to engage with us. Check out Karyashala for upcoming workshops to join. Internships

Workshops, visits and internships at Geeli Mitti

What if I want to organise a retreat at Geeli Mitti? Energy-efficient natural buildings, water and waste management systems, organic farms and a vibrant rural community, all guarantee a fun-filled and meaningful experience at Geeli Mitti, without disturbing the delicate ecological balance of the region. So whether it is a Yoga Wellness retreat or a Corporate offsite or a Music/Dance festival or a Family/Friends get-together, fill out a request at https://geelimitti.in/curated-events/ (Curated Events).

Retreats at Geeli Mitti

What if I want a custom workshop curated for my friends/ NGO/ company? Same as above. We are quite good at curating customised workshops according to the group demographics and interests. Just fill out the request form at https://geelimitti.in/curated-events/ (Curated Events).

Custom workshops

Decided to join a Workshop but have questions

Can I work remotely for my office during the workshop? Yes. But you have to decide how you want to manage your time in between breaks. Please note that Geeli Mitti doesn’t have broadband internet services in this area as cables haven’t been laid yet. Hence, you will have to rely on your mobile sim hotspot or dongle.

Working remotely from Geeli Mitti

Can I attend the workshop partially? No. Either you’re all in or you’re out.

Attending workshop partially

Can I get my friend/partner for the workshop who will stay with me and not participate in the workshop? Ideally not, but exceptional situations can be discussed.

Bringing a friend for the workshop

I have small children, can I bring them along? Principally, we are not against it, but to ensure that you get the best out of the workshop, it is important that you also bring help, as you will not be able to manage both. We’ve had parents managing and attending the workshop on turns, so that’s an option worth considering. Also we sincerely request you to ensure that your children do not disturb the rest of the group during sessions.

Parents attending workshop with children

I have a friendly dog with me, can I bring her/him along? Geeli Mitti loves animals, but our 4-legged residents can be a bit moody and territorial and there are also predators from the forest around. Definitely better to leave behind with family and friends. If that’s not an option, consider booking a cottage for yourself and your furry.

Bringing pets for workshop

Are all your workshops residential or can we stay elsewhere ? Yes, all our workshops are residential. Geeli Mitti's workshops are like a bootcamp, and we adapt to every group to pack in a lot into a very short duration. We don’t hold back on sharing knowledge and our prerogative is to equip people with as much knowledge and confidence as we possibly can. This means working late nights, starting early in the morning, offline conversations and debates in the free hours, QnA sessions and so on… all of which are an extremely valuable part of the entire experience. Also, the community living experience is as much a part of the learning, as the formal sessions. Therefore it is important to be on-campus and make the most of your time at Geeli Mitti. Staying somewhere else will just not work.

Teaching spaces and dormitories

Can I make payment for the workshop in instalments? No. However, there is an option to make an online payment with your credit card and convert it into EMIs.

Payment options

What is the cancellation policy for the workshop? Geeli Mitti has a strict zero cancellation policy and fees are non-refundable. Geeli Mitti's workshops are usually Sold Out, which means we close registrations as soon as slots are full and refuse several people thereafter to hold your seat. When you cancel a seat, a seat that could’ve been filled is wasted and someone is denied a valuable opportunity. Plus, it is a complete financial loss for us. Geeli Mitti does however allow you to send someone else in your place. In special cases, we can also agree to adjust your fees against a future workshop or retreat within the same financial year and provided we had a minimum of 1 month advance notice.

Cancellation policy for the workshop

What all essential things do I need to carry for the workshop? The CoE is located away from tourist hubs and shops, so that you are here for only one purpose – to learn. We are fully equipped to look after all of your accommodation, food and basic first aid needs. We circulate an orientation note to all our workshop participants well in advance detailing a list of essentials you need to carry which includes things like appropriate clothing (depending on which time of year you’re visiting), toiletries, a torch, medicines, a water bottle, walking/hiking shoes, slippers, a hat or scarf, mosquito repellant, a camera and binoculars etc. The nearest market is in Nainital which is an hour away. We have a system of taking special requests for items that you may need or have forgotten, usually fulfilled in a day or two.

Essentials for the workshop

Can I get some preferred food during the workshop? Geeli Mitti offers simple vegetarian meals, cooked in-house with ingredients that are mostly locally sourced. The kitchen is always working overtime to feed so many people who are ravenous all the time. It is hence very difficult for us to accommodate special dietary needs. You can bring along what you need though to manage by yourself.

Vegetarian meals at Geeli Mitti

I want to attend the workshop with my family, can we get a discount? We encourage families to attend the workshop together so that you can be equally involved in building your home. We understand that the cost can double-up if there’s only one earning member. We do offer a family discount on a case-to-case basis. Also, most of our workshops are free for children below 9 years.

Family discount

This is my life’s dream and I really want to do this, but I am running short of funds. Can you help? We are firm believers and practitioners of focussing on the solutions and making things happen, if we want it badly enough. Here are some suggestions for financing your workshop fees: Work & save up just like you would for a fridge, TV, mobile phone, vacation, home, wedding etc. Beg, borrow or steal from family or friends and pay them back later. Crowdfund. Register online via a credit card and convert it into EMIs. Apply for a scholarship (when available). Please note that our decision is purely based on merit and need and is final once declared. Apply for a long term internship. Internships are a great way to learn on the job, but be prepared to invest a minimum of 6 months and work very very hard. Write to us with your CV and a good cover letter, highlighting your work, skills, reasons for applying and how you can contribute at Geeli Mitti.

Financing your workshop fees

More workshop-ish questions, but not really

Is it a good idea to build my home with volunteers? Wouldn’t it be cheaper? If you are an expert who can manage the build independently and handle a team of amateurs, train them and correct mistakes, then go ahead and build with volunteers. However, if you want quality and efficiency, it is always better to build with a trained team and hired labour. If you live in a country where labour is very expensive then it might be cheaper, but not otherwise.

Building with volunteers

I can offer you space for conducting the workshop and in the process you build my home/farmhouse for me. Would you take it up? It has taken Geeli Mitti years to set up a Centre of Excellence with all the facilities required to impart the highest standard of teaching to our students. You’re asking us to come all the way to your space instead, recreate the set-up that we already have, compromise on our quality of teaching, and also build for you. Why? I don’t see any good reason for doing that. Yes, we do conduct workshops sometimes in locations other than our headquarters, but these are at Geeli Mitti's sister concerns or community institutions set up for this purpose. We are extremely picky about where our workshops are held and strictly do not conduct workshops on private property.

See the Geeli Mitti Centre of Excellence (CoE)

Can you conduct your workshop in my city? Nainital is too far for me. Geeli Mitti has invested several years to set up this Centre of Excellence, offering the highest standard of teaching with specialised live demonstrations and ample opportunity for hands-on work. It is for this unparalleled experience that you can’t get anywhere else, that our participants travel to Geeli Mitti from all over the world. A student goes to his Guru or to an institution to learn. It shouldn’t be the other way around. The same rules that apply to any prestigious institution apply to Geeli Mitti as well. So if you’re genuinely interested in learning, you’ve got to make the effort to come.

What a hands-on building workshop looks like

I don’t have time to attend the workshop. Is there an online training option? There is enough fantastic theoretical information already available online and in books, and there’s no added value in us re-creating it. What we offer is hands-on experience that cannot possibly be accomplished remotely. It is the practical aspect of the workshop, the formal and informal interactions and debates between participants and the entire community living experience that grooms you with the confidence to follow through on your journey as a natural builder. So yes it would perhaps be easier and more lucrative for us to offer online courses, but we have made a conscious decision not to.

What a hands-on building workshop looks like

I think your workshop is very expensive. How dare you? Would you tell Harvard or IIM-A that they’re too expensive, instead of earning your place there? We believe that if you want the best, you must be prepared to pay for it, or willing to work for it at least. Our prices are actually calculated to be as economical as possible, without compromising on the essentials.

Here are some suggestions that we have all used at some point in our life and what several of our students have done in the past and continue to do, for financing their fees or anything else: Work & save up just like you would for a fridge, TV, mobile phone, vacation, home, wedding etc. Beg, borrow or steal from family or friends and pay them back later. Crowdfund. Register online via a credit card and convert it into EMIs.Apply for a scholarship (when available). Please note that our decision is purely based on merit and need. Apply for a long term internship. Internships are a great way to learn on the job, but be prepared to invest a minimum of 6 months and work very very hard. Write to us with your CV and a good cover letter, highlighting your work, skills, reasons for applying and how you can contribute at Geeli Mitti.

In all the years of our teaching, not a single person who has expressed genuine intent to learn has been turned away for lack of funds. We are firm believers and practitioners of focussing on the solutions and making things happen, if one wants it badly enough.

Is the workshop worth the investment?

I want to volunteer during the workshop to learn natural building so I don’t have to pay. Like anywhere else, volunteering at Geeli Mitti means doing whatever work is given to you. This could range from writing, setting-up logistics, handling guests and photography, to cooking, cleaning bathrooms and repair jobs. Volunteers are expected to contribute as per the need of the hour. As a volunteer you will not have the time to attend the workshop. If you want to attend the workshop, join like a participant.

Volunteering during the workshop

Permaculture

What is Permaculture? The word, Permaculture (Permanent Culture) was coined by two Australians, Bill Mollison and David Holmgren. It borrows from indigenous wisdom across the world as well as modern developments and concepts. At its essence, Permaculture is a design science for creating productive ecosystems.

What is permaculture?

Is Geeli Mitti a permaculture farm? Yes and no. Geeli Mitti is much beyond a permaculture farm as the term is typically understood. The campus is set-up to offer high quality international PDC (Permaculture Design Certificate) courses and demonstrate permaculture practices and principles.

Geeli Mitti- a permaculture demonstration farm

How can we do a PDC course with Geeli Mitti? Check out our Upcoming Events calendar for a PDC course and register online. Due to its popularity, the seats get sold out very fast.

Permaculture Design Course (PDC) at Geeli Mitti

I don’t live in the mountains. Should I do a permaculture course at Geeli Mitti? The Geeli Mitti PDC course is extensive and designed to be applicable for all climatic zones. With any permaculture course, what matters most is the teachers and the content. We equip you to think holistically and implement solutions, to ask of a problem - What can be done about it. Plus, the breadth of the diversity of work experience of Geeli Mitti on-ground is hard to match.

About Geeli Mitti’s PDC course

Stay / Visit / Volunteer / Intern

I am looking at working from the mountains WFH, can you tell me the rate of your cottages? The Geeli Mitti CoE near Pangot, Nainital typically offers accommodation only for workshop participants and retreat guests, as well as our volunteers and interns. However, we have now started offering stays through our partner firm, Tales To Live. So you can book magical mud-based structures in Geeli Mitti and other locations, for short, mid and long-term stays.

Book a stay at Geeli Mitti

I love the work you are doing, how can I come and contribute? You can either make a financial or material contribution or give your time as a volunteer. We are who we are because of the fantastic souls who choose to support us continuously. Being a volunteer at Geeli Mitti means contributing to anything and everything that we need at that given point of time. This could range from writing, setting-up logistics, handling guests and photography, to cooking and cleaning bathrooms. The minimum time commitment we expect is one week and acceptance is as per our discretion. As a volunteer, you are expected to work for min. 5 hours a day, 5 days a week. There is a nominal charge of 360 rupees per day or $5 per day for international volunteers. Please write to us separately at namaste@geelimitti.in mentioning your skills and interests and available time period, we will get back to you with details of projects where we could use your help.

Volunteering at Geeli Mitti

I want to intern at your place. What can I expect and how can I apply? Internships are a great way to learn on the job, but be prepared to invest a minimum of 6 months and work very very hard. Write to us with your CV and a good cover letter, highlighting your work, skills, reasons for applying and how you can contribute at Geeli Mitti.

Internships at Geeli Mitti

I am in Nainital for a vacation and just want to come and see Geeli Mitti. We have opened up a day visit programme at Geeli Mitti on Sundays. This includes a guided tour, tea, lunch and Q n As. Book Sunday Visit. (https://geelimitti.in/geeli-mitti-events/day-visit-farm-tour/).

Sunday visit at Geeli Mitti

Reaching (out to) Geeli Mitti

Can you describe the location of Geeli Mitti? Geeli Mitti CoE is located just a 40 minute drive away from the famous tourist town of Nainital. We are within the Naina Devi Bird Conservation zone, a region spread across 111.9 sq kms, that is home to over 200 species of rare and endangered birds and dense temperate broad-leaved forests. Our farm is about a 15 minute uphill walk from the main road, one of the reasons why it is so peaceful. We’re surrounded by picturesque mountain views and lots of scenic hiking trails, with a gurgling freshwater stream that runs around the campus.

How to reach Geeli Mitti?

How do I get there? There are several ways to get here depending on where you are travelling from. See the page Get in Touch (https://geelimitti.in/get-in-touch/) to figure out what is most convenient for you.

We tried calling you at the given number +91 9540937144 but no one answered. What to do? Please understand that Geeli Mitti is always working on-ground, physically, with our hands, in remote areas and don’t have a dedicated call-centre kinda person to answer calls. While we try our best to take turns to handle the phone and other communications, it gets quite taxing and we end up missing calls sometimes. In case you don’t receive a callback within a day, please bear with Geeli Mitti, call again or follow-up via email or whatsapp.

Send us your query on email

I called and asked to speak to Shagun maam, but the phone was not handed over to her. Hmm, Shagun ma'am dreams about becoming completely incommunicado and taking sanyaas. Shagun ma'am hates the mobile with a little less passion than her passion for sustainability and nature. And yet at least 4 hours of her never-ending days go on just calls and conferences. So, no, she doesn’t feel obliged to answer every call, unless it truly needs her. If you really want to touch base directly, come to her lair as a student or post a handwritten letter the old-fashioned way. We’ve heard that works.

Send us a WhatsApp message

Join / Invest / Collaborate

I would like to invest in the projects that you do. How to go about it? The natural building industry is growing at a very fast pace and we believe that the future belongs to this space. Geeli Mitti usually has multiple projects running concurrently. Write to us at namaste@geelimitti.in with the quantum of investment you’re looking at and Geeli Mitti will suggest viable options and ventures.

Invest with Geeli Mitti

I have a few ideas for potential collaboration and want to discuss it. Write us an email at namaste@geelimitti.in with your ideas and proposal. Geeli Mitti is flooded with queries, please allow a few days to respond.

Send collaboration request to Geeli Mitti

Can I apply for a job at Geeli Mitti? Geeli Mitti is run by interns and ex-students who eventually become part of the core team. It’s an organic process, and we choose to keep it that way. Geeli Mitti prefers not to hire directly until the person has had a chance to experience the unique Geeli Mitti culture. To apply for interning or volunteering, please visit the page Join Us (https://geelimitti.in/join-us/).

Send your CV to Geeli Mitti

We would like to cover you on our news? Geeli Mitti is working in a field where the media can play a significant role in spreading awareness. Please write to us at namaste@geelimitti.in with details of what you would like to cover and an example of your past coverage or write up. To see some of Geeli Mitti's media coverage please go ahead and visit the Media page (https://geelimitti.in/media/).

Geeli Mitti in media

In and Around Geeli Mitti

What kind of wildlife can be spotted near Geeli Mitti? Geeli Mitti is surrounded by mixed oak forests that are home to langurs, jungle fowl, pine martens, barking deer, civet cat and a wide variety of snakes. And ofcourse, there’s a chance you might spot the evasive leopard, if you’re lucky or unlucky, however you want to see it! Occasionally, we do spot some weird humans too who don’t seem native to around here.

Watch the creatures at Geeli Mitti here

What are the possibilities of treks and hikes from Geeli Mitti? There are plenty of options for people of all fitness levels. In fact, going on hikes and walks whenever they get a chance, is one of the most preferred pastimes of our participants. If you’re a bird watching enthusiast, do bring your binoculars, as Geeli Mitti is located inside the Naina Devi Bird Conservation Zone which is home to more than 200 species of rare and exotic birds.

Treks and bird watching at Naina Devi Bird Reserve

Are the dogs at Geeli Mitti friendly? I am afraid of dogs and contemplating coming to Geeli Mitti. Considering that Kunwar Singh is the CEO, and his core team is 100% dog, I’m not quite sure how to address that question. If you have an absolute panic for adorable four-legged creatures like me, you definitely should not come. The dogs here can be a little boisterous and playful but they’re very friendly. This is their home and they will not be tied or confined to make visitors comfortable.

Watch how the dogs built Jod-Tod Qila