Welcome to Timbaktu

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Timbaktu - the “no where no where land” – “sarihaddu rekha” – “the last horizon” – “where the earth meets the sky”

Timbaktu - a forest, an inspiration, a place to come to, to recuperate in, to celebrate, to think, to act, to be…..

Timbaktu - was conceived of years ago

Timbaktu - was discovered in 1989 - a 32 acre barren piece of land, in throes of death, barely alive, worse than even the bare hills that surrounded it

Slowly, over time, this piece of land has been nursed back to health, people have come to live on it, the children have brought joy and wonder, the forest has begun to thrive, and with it have come the birds, the animals and all other creatures that make life a celebration – a community has begun to thrive

This community believes in celebrating life and all that goes with it, sustainable lifestyles, use of renewable resources, optimum use of available resources, respecting all beings, sheltering those in need – it is a space for learning and trying new ideas – ideas that will heal, that recreate, that bring life to the earth and its habitants

From this was born the Timbaktu Collective, a voluntary organisation, in response to the desperate situation in the drought hit villages of Anantapur district. The Collective now works in Chennekothapalli, Roddam and Ramagiri mandals of this district, in about 100 villages with about 30,000 people…….

At Timbaktu we have no dogmas. Yet all communities need to face practical, day to day matters head on, they have to have some codes of conduct, some basic ground rules if they are to survive, to grow and to live their romance. We urge you to please find out these and follow them to the best of your ability.

email: timbaktu@vsnl.com

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Timbaktu - Spaces, Norms, Facilities

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1. Food – the most important of all material things, is available at Mayasabha – the central Kitchen cum dining space – this located at the center of the Timbaktu. The practice is to serve oneself, rinse the plates and glasses after use in the sinks located outside and place them in the verandah.

Though some food is always available at the Mayasabha, it is essential that those who run it have prior information about how many people will eat which meals and for how long they will stay. They also need to be informed if certain people have any specific dietary needs. The person in charge is Bibi, however the practice is to inform the person who has organized your stay at Timbaktu. Visitors are expected to contribute Rs. 33/- per meal unless other arrangements have been made. Timing needs to be maintained for everybody’s happiness unless and until there is a separate programme and special considerations have to be made, the following is the usual schedule

Tea: 06:00 – 06:30 am - Available later if requested
Breakfast: 08:00 – 09:00 am
Lunch : 01:00 – 02:00 pm
Dinner: 07:00 – 08:00 pm

2. Accommodation – the next in order of importance unless you wish to sleep on the earth and under the stars, is available at various places :

• The Guest house (located north east of the Mayasabha) – is actually a large hut with two rooms – a bedroom and a living room and a toilet cum bathroom. Four persons can stay here comfortably. A hand pump is located nearby from where water may be brought to the bathroom. Visitors are expected to contribute Rs. 101/- per person per night of stay.

• Nelavanka (located a little distance away to the east) – is a beautiful house built by Nandita and Smarajit Ray along with Uzramma. When Nandita and Uzramma are not here they do not mind visitors using this space. One two bedroom and two large bedrooms are available here with attached toilets and bathrooms with running water. Visitors are expected to contribute Rs. 151/- per person per night of stay.

• Hexagon – is a multi-purpose activity space where meetings and trainings are held. It is located south west of the Mayasabha. It is also used as an accommodation space when there is a large group of visitors. This space may be used when it is not engaged. Common toilets and bathrooms are located just outside the Hexagon. Visitors are expected to contribute Rs. 51/- per person per night of stay.

It is expected that doors and windows will be kept shut when going out otherwise the dogs and birds will feel invited. Shoes/sandals may be kept inside during the nights or the pups may decide play with them. It is expected that the rooms will be left as they were found and plastic taken back to where they came from.

Bablu may be contacted regarding the use of these spaces.

3. School – Timbaktu houses a residential school. Visitors are welcome to spend time with the children and share their skills, stories and knowledge. Subba looks after this space and should be contacted to find out more about the school and what you may do there. Group programmes may be held at the school space during holidays, Subba may be contacted in this regard.

4. Toilets and Bathrooms – There are two sets of common toilets and bathrooms, one called Lahiri Ganjayiri, located east of Mayasabha, next to the road and the other called Surangam located directly south of the Hexagon. The Guest house has one toilet cum bathroom while Nelavanka has attached toilets in 2 rooms. Except in Nelavanka there is no running water available at these spaces only handpumps. There are buckets in the toilets and bathrooms for use. Visitors are expected to use water and not paper in the toilets. Hot water is available at Mayasabha on request.

5. Walking Path – a 1.5 km path has been made for those who like to walk in the wild. It begins behind the Hexagon, follows the base of the hills before returning to the school ground. All are welcome to use this, though it is best not to go there alone and without a torch during the nights as the wild animals may feel intruded upon.

6. Forest – is home to wild boars, sloth bears, foxes, peacocks, deer, porcupines and many many birds. One may catch glimpses of these denizens during the early and late hours of the day.

7. Lighting – all rooms / spaces have lights. Power is generated by the solar panels and stored in the batteries. This is a limited power source, if all lights are switched on at the same time there is an overload on the battery. It is expected that lights will be used only when required and will be switched off otherwise.

8. Water – Except at Nelavanka, Timbaktu does not as yet have running water, but it is equipped with several hand pumps located at various points. All water is potable. Drinking water pots are filled every morning. It is desired that the visitors use the handpumps.

9. Trash – all bio-degradable trash is accepted, non-biodegradable trash are avoided. It is expected that visitors will take their non-biodegradable trash with them when they leave (especially drinking water bottles) – this will help keep Timbaktu clean.

10. Transportation – usually atleast one vehicle goes to Chennekothapalli in the morning and returns in the evening. Transportation outside of these times can be organized if planned beforehand. Bablu may be contacted regarding this matter and in his absence Mary, Dinesh, Kalyani or Subba. The per km charge is Rs. 7/-. Visitors are expected to pay the drivers for the number of kms traveled – Receipt books are available with the drivers.

11. Communication – with the outside world is possible from the phone at Mayasabha (local and STD calls) only during meals times. Long distance calls (STD & ISTD) can be made from booths in Chennekothapalli and emails can be sent from the Timbaktu Collective office also in Chennekothapalli.

12. Shramadan (Voluntary Labour Contributions) - is appreciated, if one has the time and will to contribute. There are various regular activities going on at Timbaktu: school, kitchen, gardening, nursery, cattle care, composting etc… You are welcome to join in any activities of your liking, especially for those staying for extended periods.

13. Contributions – are always welcome, larger the better. Except for the school, Timbaktu receives no external funding. it is therefore important to raise contributions from those who use its services (for purchases, overheads and maintenance. Permanent residents of Timbaktu pay on a monthly basis.

Visitors are expected to contribute a minimum of Rs. 150 per day. Those who stay in the Guest house are expected to contribute Rs. 200 per day and those who stay at Nelavanka Rs. 250 per day. This will cover cost of food and accommodation. Bablu may be contacted in this regard unless there has been a separate discussion with any one of the permanent residents.

Timbaktu general info

email: timbaktu@vsnl.com

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welcome to timbaktu

Welcome to Timbaktu

Timbaktu - Spaces, Norms, Facilities