Things to Know
Getting to the venue
Traveling solo to the venue? You have two convenient options from Kodaikanal town: take a cab (approximately ₹400 one way, as of Dec 2024) or hop on a bus from the Kodaikanal bus stand, which departs every hour for Vilpatti village. Once you arrive at the Vilpatti bus stop, refer to our map for easy walking directions to the venue.
Driving Directions and Parking
If you plan to drive to the venue, please follow the map for driving directions from Kodaikanal. To ensure a smooth arrival, kindly notify us in advance, as car park spots are limited, and reservations are required. We'll be happy to reserve a spot for you.
Transportation Arrangements
If you selected our transportation assistance option when booking your festival pass, we'll be in touch soon to finalize the details. Please note that the cost of transportation will be billed separately, in addition to your festival pass fee. We'll provide you with more information on the transportation costs and arrangements shortly.
Venue Terrain and Accessibility
Please note that our venue is located in a hilly area with steep slopes. We want to ensure that all attendees have a comfortable and safe experience.
If you have any mobility concerns, kindly inform us in advance so we can make necessary arrangements to accommodate your needs.
Luggage Guidelines
Due to the uneven and rough terrain, we recommend that you bring only backpacks or bags with sturdy straps. Suitcases with wheels are not suitable for our venue, as they will be damaged on the rough paths. Your cooperation will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all.
Zero Tolerance Policy on Substance Abuse
ŪRU is committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for all attendees. Forest officials and cops rigorously enforce laws prohibiting illicit substance use.
Please be aware that:
- Any use of recreational drugs is strictly prohibited.
- If found using illicit substances, you will be required to leave the festival premises immediately.
- ŪRU and the venue disclaim all responsibility if you are found using recreational drugs by forest officials.
BYOA (Bring Your Own Alcohol) Policy
Please note that we are not licensed to sell alcohol at the festival. If you wish to drink, kindly bring your own alcohol and mixers. The nearest liquor store is 8 km away from the property. We encourage responsible drinking and respect for the space.
Important Details:
- We cannot arrange transportation to the liquor store.
- Please bring your own drink glasses.
- Mixers, ice cubes, and drink glasses will not be available at the property.
We prioritize your safety and the well-being of our community. Unruly behavior due to intoxication will not be tolerated. Let's enjoy responsibly and respect the space we share.
Smoking Policy
To ensure a safe and comfortable environment for all, we have designated specific areas for smoking cigarettes. Please note the following guidelines:
- Smoking is only permitted in designated smoking areas.
- Please familiarize yourself with the designated smoking area.
- Properly dispose of cigarette butts in the provided bins.
Important: Smoking is strictly prohibited inside cottages and adjacent camping areas.
We appreciate your cooperation in respecting our smoking policy and maintaining a clean and safe environment for everyone.
Quiet Hours Policy
To ensure a peaceful coexistence with our neighbouring villages, we kindly request that you refrain from playing loud music or making excessive noise after 9:00 PM.
As we're situated near several small villages, we're committed to being respectful of their rules and way of life. Your cooperation in maintaining a quiet atmosphere during evening hours is greatly appreciated.
Thank you for helping us be considerate neighbours!
Leave No Trace Policy
We're committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and preserving the natural beauty of our venue. To help us achieve this goal, please follow these simple guidelines:
- Minimize your waste whenever possible.
- Dispose of waste in the designated bins.
- Segregate your waste to facilitate recycling and composting.
- Let's work together to leave the property in the same condition as when we arrived – or even cleaner!
Your mindful actions will help us protect the environment and ensure a sustainable future for our festival. Thank you for your cooperation
Ticket Transfer Policy
If you're unable to attend the festival, you can transfer your ticket to someone else. To do so, please email us at urufestival@gmail.com with the following information:
- A copy of your ticket
- The name of the person you're transferring the ticket to
Please note that ŪRU Festival will not be responsible for any financial obligations or arrangements between you and the ticket transferee. The transfer is solely between you and the new ticket holder.
No Refund Policy
This Festival is a labour of love, which love has also translated to financial investment from all our visitors through purchase of tickets. It is made possible only through immutable planning and arrangements made months in advance. Thus, no refund upon cancellation of tickets or failure to attend, regardless of the underlying reason, can be provided.
However, the Festival Organiser reserves the final right to grant leniency based on extraordinary situations, and leniency in favour of any one visitor does not accrue a right or parity in favour of others.
Embracing the Spirit of Camping
At ŪRU, we invite you to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with nature and each other. Our camping festival is designed to be an immersive experience that fosters community, creativity, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
Please keep in mind that this is a camping festival, and while we'll do our best to ensure a memorable experience, we can't replicate the comforts of city life or the luxuries of a 5-star hotel. We encourage you to embrace the simplicity and beauty of nature, and to be an active participant in our community-driven festival.
Medical Assistance and Emergency Response
Your safety and well-being are our top priority at ŪRU. We're equipped to handle medical emergencies with:
- A fully stocked first-aid kit on site.
- On-call medical professionals available for immediate assistance.
- A designated cab and driver on standby to transport you to the nearest hospital in Kodaikanal town, if needed.
Rest assured, we're prepared to respond quickly and effectively in case of a medical emergency
Important: Leeches and Insects on Site
Due to recent heavy rainfall, the festival venue is currently home to a higher number of leeches and insects. Please don't worry if you encounter any in your room - simply alert our organizers or venue staff, and we'll safely remove them.
To minimize encounters
- Wear socks and closed-toe shoes when outdoors
- Carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer with you
If you find a leech attached to your skin:
- Remain calm
- Spray a small amount of hand sanitizer on the leech, and it should detach
Your safety and comfort are our priority. If you have any concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us."
Connectivity and Digital Detox
We invite you to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature and each other. Please note that:
- Jio and BSNL networks have decent coverage in the area.
- Vodafone and Airtel networks have intermittent coverage.
- There is no Wi-Fi available at the property.
In case of emergencies, you can use the landline phone at the property. We encourage you to view this weekend as an opportunity to take a digital detox, relax, and rejuvenate in the beautiful surroundings.
Meals and Refreshments
Your festival pass includes delicious vegetarian meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, except for Sunday, April 13th, when only breakfast is included.
Additionally, our on-site chai hut offer a variety of refreshments, including non-vegetarian options and hot beverages. Please note that these items are available for purchase directly from the venue.
Cash and Payment Information
Please note that the venue does not have ATM or UPI facilities. To ensure a smooth experience, kindly bring sufficient cash to cover any additional expenses, such as:
- Meals and snacks from the on-site chai hut
- Refreshments and beverages
- Any other incidentals
We recommend carrying enough cash for the duration of the festival to avoid any inconvenience.
Valuables and Personal Belongings
Please be mindful of your personal belongings and valuables during the festival. We recommend packing light and leaving expensive items at home.
Important to note:
- You are responsible for the safety and security of your belongings.
- Safety lockers are not available on site.
- Tents cannot be locked, so please keep a close eye on your belongings.
To ensure a worry-free experience, consider leaving valuable items at home and bringing only what you need.
