"This is the real secret of life - to be completely engaged with what you are doing in the here and now. And instead of calling it work, realize it is play." - Allan Watts
We humans have built with mud for centuries, but we have forgotten this ancient art in modernity. This workshop will not only empower you to learn how to make cob and mud plasters, it will playfully release any stress you may be carrying in your body and mind. You'll be learning directly from the mud magicians of our times- the Santhal village team of Dularia, who remember the secrets of eternity.
THIS WORKSHOP IS FOR YOU IF…
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YOU'D LIKE TO LEARN THE BASICS OF MUD BUILDING
You're curious about the craft of making cob and mud plasters and would like to make a start on this journey. You'd love to learn from indigenous communities and gain from their deep-rooted vernacular skills and knowledge.
YOU WOULD LOVE TO IMMERSE IN NATURE, CONNECT WITH LIKE-MINDED PEOPLE & INDIGENOUS CULTURES
You would love to spend a few days immersing in the beauty of a permaculture farm, meet other people on a conscious journey, and interact with Dularia's indigenous tribal community.
YOU'D LOVE TO MOVE FROM MIND TO BODY AND GET YOUR HANDS DIRTY
You're keen to move from being trapped in theory and thoughts in your mind to going into action with an immersive experience, where you can use your hands, feet, and whole body!
YOU' RE SIMPLY NEEDING A PAUSE
Life may have been hectic and you're simply looking for a meaningful pause. time for yourself, and de-stress with something that brings you back to the present moment.
MEET YOUR GUIDES
Dularia's village team
Dularia's indigenous community, including members of the Santhal tribe, are experts at the craft of mud building, that they have been practicing for centuries. In this workshop, you'll get to learn directly from the village women and men, who build their own homes, plaster and maintain them on a regular basis. This will not be a theoretical space, but rather, a practical deep-dive into the craft.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
HOW TO MAKE COB AND MUD PLASTERS
VARIOUS TYPES OF VERNACULAR MUD BUILDINGS
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Hands-on practice in mixing mud with other natural ingredients to make cob
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Building simple structures like bench seats with cob
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Applying different types of mud plasters in layers
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A tour of different types of mud buildings present in Dularia and the surrounding villages
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Advantages and dis-advantages of the various mud building techniques
“I came to Dularia to learn natural building and ended up learning all about how truly sustainable you can be. I learnt how to play with various natural materials in the indigenous context. I met an incredible group of people, and ate the most scruptious food. It was the highlight of my year!”
— Saumya, Interior Designer
FOOD & ACCOMMODATION
We have 3 options for accommodation:
1
Our gorgeous Earthhome (can be shared among four people, available on a first-come, first serve basis)
2
In a tent with bedding provided, pitched in the middle of our food forest. Shared showers and toilets are available on the premises.
3
Any of the surrounding guest-houses. Two options are Panchabati Resort ( 850 m away from Dularia) or Khoai Village Resort (2.7 km away from Dularia).
Meals consist of wholesome vegetarian food containing fresh vegetables and greens harvested from our farm, and cooked on our wood-fired stove in the Santhal tribal or local Bengali tradition. We serve two big meals plus fruit, tea and snacks to keep you well-fed and energized for the tasks of the day.
PRACTICAL DETAILS
DATES
​Feb 17 - 21, 2026
Arrival is suggested on Feb 16 by 5 pm latest, and departure is at 10am on Feb 21.
Last date for registration: Feb 01, 2026
PARTICIPANTS
Min 4 - Max 8
Book your spot soon as limited places are available! This is an intimate program where you'll meet like-minded people on an intentional, nature-loving journey and get plenty of personal attention from your facilitators.​​​
COST
Tuition fees: INR 15,000/-
Includes taxes, excludes food & accommodation. To book your spot, a non-refundable deposit of INR 5,000/- will be required.
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Food: INR 4,500/-
Includes all meals. Vegetarian meals using local tribal and Bengali recipes will be prepared using organic ingredients from the farm.
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​​​Accommodation:
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In a tent with bedding provided (4 spots available): 1500/-
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Shared stay in our Earthhome (only 4 spots available, first-come, first serve basis): 5,000/-
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For homestays outside Dularia please enquire with them directly​​
All inclusive prices, including food and accommodation:
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In a tent: 21,000/-
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In our Earthhome: 24,500/-
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In the homestay of your choice: 19,500/- plus accommodation expenses.
DAILY SCHEDULE
This is a rough schedule that can change based on the activities planned for the day.
8:00 - 8:30: Breakfast (optionally tea/coffee)​
9:00 - 12:30: Morning session. These sessions will cover the core content of the course and be hands-on​
12:30 - 14:30: Lunch and personal time​​
14:30 - 17:00: Afternoon session. These sessions will cover the core content of the course. All content will be hands-on. Afternoon tea & snacks will be served.
18:00 - 18: 30: Dinner
18:30 - 21:00: Bon-fire, songs, sharing, relaxation. Participation is optional
21:00: Suggested bed time!
WHERE WE'RE LOCATED
Dularia is located in a rural setting, just ten kilometers away from Shantiniketan, which has been recently recognised as a UNESCO world heritage site for its historical and cultural value. This makes it all the more attractive to visit Dularia and to take a few days extra to visit the surroundings.
HOW TO REACH US
The closest train stations to Dularia are Prantik and Bolpur stations, and the closest airport is Durgapur.
If you want to come by flight, you could fly into Kolkata airport, followed by either a train journey from Howrah/ Sealdah stations to Bolpur/Prantik stations, or take a 4-hour taxi ride directly to Dularia. Alternately, you could fly into Durgapur airport, followed by a 2-hour taxi ride to Dularia. Kolkata has several more flight options than Durgapur does, so both airports have their advantages/disadvantages.
If you want to arrive by train, you can come to Bolpur/Prantik stations, and then take an electric rickshaw (Toto) to Dularia. There are better and faster train connections to Durgapur train
