Volunteering in India

VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS IN INDIA

Fascinating and spiritual, two words that define the incredible country of India and that call the attention of everyone who visits it.You can learn about these traditions and many more by volunteering in India.

India is a big country and has wonderful things, but for all its splendour, there is also a lot of need. So, if you want to be part of the team and part of the experience, we encourage you to check out our volunteer programmes in India.


CHILDCARE IN ORPHANAGES

Many children in India need affection, love, attention and quality education. The programme aims to provide adequate care and attention to the children.

Volunteers are always welcome in volunteer programmes with children in orphanages in India. We need volunteers who are willing to do their bit. The volunteer can be involved in all programmed activities such as:

  • Support in the teaching of subjects such as: mathematics and English.
  • Organisation of didactic and educational games.
  • Collaboration in the areas of dance, singing and drawing.
  • Support in health and hygiene awareness programmes.
  • Assisting the orphanage staff in daily tasks in areas such as: cooking, cleaning and food distribution.

Open all year round. Monday to Friday from 4 to 5 hours approximately during the day.

We recommend arriving on Friday for a good introduction to the programme and the culture.

  • Minimum age: 18
  • Maximum age: None
  • Copy of CV required: No
  • Qualifications required: Basic English and Certificate of Offences
  • Participants under 18 must be accompanied by parents

In this programme you can go from 1 week and it has a cost with the donation included:

WeeksCost
1490€
2610€
Additional120€

WHAT DOES VOLUNTEERING IN INDIA OFFER?

  • Orientation and induction to the project or programme
  • Jaipur’s Airport pick-up
  • 24/7 support from the Adventure Volunteer team
  • Programme monitoring and evaluation
  • Certificate of weeks spent volunteering
  • Tax certificate to be deducted in your income tax return
  • Guidance, advice and management in the choice of the programme
  • Liability and volunteer insurance
  • Accommodation during your volunteering stay
  • 3 meals during your volunteering period.
  • 24/7 support from the local organisation
  • Orientation and induction to the project

WHAT IS NOT OFFERED IN VOLUNTEERING IN INDIA?

  • Flight to India
  • Visa if required
  • Vaccinations, if required
  • Internal transport or excursions
  • Travel or excursions within or outside the country
  • Travel medical insurance with Covid coverage
  • Beverages, special diets or meals


ELEPHANT CONSERVATION AND CARE

This beautiful project offers volunteers the opportunity to collaborate with elephants in a responsible and sustainable way. The project is located in a rural area where you are immersed in nature. The main objective is to provide a safe and caring environment for elephants that have previously been used for tourism or other forms of labor.

The Elephant Care Volunteer Project was launched to address the mistreatment of elephants used for tourism or other forms of labor in India. Many of these elephants suffer physical and emotional trauma, and the project aims to provide them with proper nutrition, medical care and social interaction with other elephants. The project also aims to educate the public about elephant welfare and conservation and to promote responsible tourism practices.

Volunteers for the elephant care project can participate in a variety of activities that promote elephant welfare and conservation. These may include:

  • Feed and water the elephants: Volunteers will help prepare food and water for the elephants and may have the opportunity to feed them directly.
  • Bathing and grooming elephants: Volunteers will help bathe and groom the elephants, which helps keep them clean and healthy.
  • Cleaning and maintenance of elephant facilities: Volunteers will help clean and maintain elephant enclosures and other facilities.
  • Participate in educational programs: Volunteers will have the opportunity to learn about elephant conservation and welfare, and may also help educate the public through outreach programs.
  • Veterinary assistance: Volunteers can help with basic veterinary care, such as cleaning wounds and administering medication (depends on the elephant you are working with).
  • Support for research on elephant behavior and welfare: Volunteers may have the opportunity to assist in research projects that aim to improve our understanding of elephant behavior and welfare.
  • Participate in cultural activities: Volunteers may also have the opportunity to participate in cultural activities, such as cooking classes or traditional music and dance performances.


Overall, the project offers a unique opportunity for volunteers to learn about elephant welfare and conservation while making a positive impact on the lives of these magnificent animals. Remember, it’s not just about working with the elephants, but also about supporting the local community and promoting sustainable tourism.

Open all year round (ask about local holidays). Hours from Monday to Friday. About 3, 4 hours per day.

We recommend arriving on Friday for a good induction to the program and culture.

  • Minimum age: 18
  • Maximum age: None
  • Copy of resume required: No
  • Qualifications required: Basic English
  • Participants under 18 years of age must be accompanied by parents
  • Good physical condition

In this program you can go from 1 week and it has a cost with the donation included:

WeeksCost
1495€
2745€
ADDITIONAL WEEK250€

WHAT DOES VOLUNTEERING IN INDIA OFFER?

  • Orientation and induction to the project or program
  • Airport pick-up from Jaipur airport
  • 24/7 support from the Adventure Volunteer team
  • Program monitoring and evaluation
  • Certificate of weeks spent volunteering
  • Guidance, advice and management in the choice of the program
  • Volunteer and liability insurance
  • Accommodation during your volunteer stay
  • 3 meals during your volunteering
  • 24/7 support from the local organization
  • Orientation and induction to the project
  • 1 hour transportation to the project on the observation day
  • Project visit and induction
  • Transfer to Jaipur airport at the end of the project

WHAT IS NOT OFFERED IN VOLUNTEERING IN INDIA?

  • Flight to India
  • Visa, if required
  • Vaccinations, if required
  • Internal and local transportation or excursions
  • Travel or excursions within or outside the country
  • Travel medical insurance with Covid coverage
  • Beverages, special diets or meals

TEACHING AND TUTORING

Access to education for some children and young people is limited, especially in areas where socially excluded families live in slums. Support children with your knowledge and skills and discover a unique culture.

Your participation and support in the volunteer programme is vital for the development of the activities carried out. The volunteer’s work consists of supporting and facilitating the children’s learning by carrying out the following activities:

  • Conducting mathematics and English classes.
  • Supporting teachers with teaching methods.
  • Helping children and young people to develop their communication skills through drawing, painting, music or dance classes.
  • Creation of didactic and fun low-cost school material for the realization of lessons and workshops in classes.

Open all year round, except from 12 to 23 August (school holidays). Opening hours Monday to Friday from 9.00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Around 3, 4 hours per day in the mornings.

We recommend arriving on Friday, in order to get a good introduction to the programme and the culture.

  • Minimum age: 18
  • Maximum age: None
  • Copy of CV required: No
  • Qualifications required: Basic English and Certificate of Offences
  • Participants under 18 must be accompanied by parents

In this programme you can go from 1 week and it has a cost with the donation included:

WeeksCost
1490€
2610€
Additional120€

WHAT DOES VOLUNTEERING IN INDIA OFFER?

  • Orientation and induction to the project or programme
  • Jaipur’s Airport pick-up
  • 24/7 support from the Adventure Volunteer team
  • Programme monitoring and evaluation
  • Certificate of weeks spent volunteering
  • Tax certificate to be deducted in your income tax return
  • Guidance, advice and management in the choice of the programme
  • Liability and volunteer insurance
  • Accommodation during your volunteering stay
  • 3 meals during your volunteering
  • 24/7 support from the local organisation
  • Orientation and induction to the project

WHAT IS NOT OFFERED IN VOLUNTEERING IN INDIA?

  • Flight to India
  • Visa if required
  • Vaccinations, if required
  • Internal transport or excursions
  • Travel or excursions within or outside the country
  • Travel medical insurance with Covid coverage
  • Beverages, special diets or meals

SUPPORT AND EDUCATION FOR ADOLESCENTS

The volunteer programme in India in support of women has been set up to support the basic education and skills development of women living in rural areas, slums, villages and particularly excluded women.

Being a volunteer in the women’s volunteer programme in India, you should be aware that the new and old India still have differences in their reflections. However, change starts with initiatives such as supporting education.

The project aims to provide opportunities through volunteers like you and me, who can contribute their knowledge and help these people, mainly these women. This support will help women to believe more in themselves and have more autonomy.

Some of the activities in which you will be involved as a volunteer are (will vary according to time and needs):

  • Conducting and teaching English classes.
  • Give office automation classes.
  • Conduct workshops on self-esteem, self-confidence and emotional skills.
  • Participate in recreational workshops (games, songs, cooking).
  • Support in the design and elaboration of textile products that can be useful for commercialisation.
  • Participate in handicraft workshops.
  • Involvement and participation in sports (yoga, gymnastics).
  • Carrying out health camps, medical check-ups and raising awareness of healthy practices.

Open all year round, Monday to Friday from 15:30 p.m. to 18:30 p.m. and some mornings for teaching.

We recommend arriving on Friday for a good induction to the programme and the culture.

  • Minimum age: 18
  • Maximum age: None
  • Copy of CV required: No
  • Qualifications required: Basic English and Certificate of Offences
  • Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian

In this programme you can go from 1 week and it has a cost with the donation included:

WeeksCost
1490€
2610€
Additional120€

WHAT DOES VOLUNTEERING IN INDIA OFFER?

  • Orientation and induction to the project or programme
  • Jaipur’s Airport pick-up
  • 24/7 support from the Adventure Volunteer team
  • Programme monitoring and evaluation
  • Certificate of weeks spent volunteering
  • Tax certificate to be deducted in your income tax return
  • Guidance, advice and management in the choice of the programme
  • Liability and volunteer insurance
  • Accommodation during your volunteering stay
  • 3 meals during your volunteering period.
  • 24/7 support from the local organisation
  • Orientation and induction to the project

WHAT IS NOT OFFERED IN VOLUNTEERING IN INDIA?

  • Flight to India
  • Visa if required
  • Vaccinations, if required
  • Internal transport or excursions
  • Travel or excursions within or outside the country
  • Travel medical insurance with Covid coverage
  • Beverages, special diets or meals


MEDICAL CARE

We collaborate in the medical and health volunteering programme in India. Where, together with the medical team, you can treat and help children and young people from vulnerable communities in India.

One of the main functions of a medical volunteer in India is to support the local medical team. If you are a volunteer who is studying health care or has a background in first aid, the chances of supporting in more specific areas will be greater.

The areas where volunteers are needed are:

  • General medicine and general surgery
  • Orthopaedics
  • Gynaecology and Obstetrics
  • Paediatrics
  • Otorhinolaryngology
  • Ophthalmology
  • Urology
  • Neurosciences
  • Dentistry
  • Plastic surgery
  • Physiotherapy
  • Radiology and Diagnostics
  • Pharmacy
  • Cardiology

If you are inexperienced, the doctors will indicate which activities you can support, as there are many different situations and cases.

Open all year round, from Monday to Friday (4 or 5 hours approximately during the day). There are two shifts, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, the volunteer decides together with the local coordinator and according to the needs the most appropriate one.

We recommend arriving on Friday in order to get a good introduction to the programme and the culture.

  • Minimum age: 18
  • Maximum age: None
  • Copy of CV required: Yes
  • Qualifications required: Basic English, criminal record and training completed or in progress in health care

In this programme you can go from 1 week and it has a cost with the donation included:

WeeksCost
1490€
2595€
Additional150€

WHAT DOES VOLUNTEERING IN INDIA OFFER?

  • Orientation and induction to the project or programme
  • Jaipur’s Airport pick-up
  • 24/7 support from the Adventure Volunteer team
  • Programme monitoring and evaluation
  • Certificate of weeks spent volunteering
  • Tax certificate to be deducted in your income tax return
  • Guidance, advice and management in the choice of the programme
  • Liability and volunteer insurance
  • Accommodation for the duration of your volunteering placement.
  • 3 meals during your volunteering
  • 24/7 support from the local organisation
  • Includes transport from home to the clinic
  • Orientation and induction to the project

WHAT IS NOT OFFERED IN VOLUNTEERING IN INDIA?

  • Flight to India
  • Visa if required
  • Vaccinations, if required
  • Internal transport or excursions
  • Travel or excursions within or outside the country
  • Travel medical insurance with Covid coverage
  • Beverages, special diets or meals

What are the requirements to volunteer in India?

Volunteers are an important pillar for the development of the volunteer programmes in India where we collaborate. To participate in some of the programmes you don’t need to be an expert, with these minimum requirements you can participate:

  • 18 years of age or older
  • Willingness to do a variety of jobs
  • Communicative, participative and committed person.
  • Good conduct and respectful of the people you are working with and the community
  • Be aware of the culture and customs of the country you are working in
  • Ability to work in a team

Where will I be during my volunteering in India?

The volunteer projects in India take place in Jaipur, India.


When can I volunteer program in India?

All volunteer projects in India are open all year round.

Teaching projects are closed during holidays and public holidays, please check availability.

For more information, questions or assistance with a colleague of our team you can contact us via phone or Whatsapp here.

The steps to follow to register are as follows:

  • Fill out the form to reserve your volunteering.
  • Wait for our confirmation of availability.
  • Make a 1st donation for the registration to the Adventure Volunteer association.
  • You will receive an email with the volunteer agreement to be completed by you.
  • You will return to us by email all the requested information and you will be able to purchase the flight.
  • A few weeks before you start you will receive information from the local organization.
  • Now you only have to pack your suitcase, you have a whole team that will make everything easier for you and you will be in contact at all times, so you don’t have to worry.

REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

To be part of the volunteer programs in Sri Lanka, it is not necessary any specific training and it is only required:

  • To be of legal age (possibility minor with guardian or parents).
  • To be a participative and committed person.
  • Be respectful of people, culture and customs.
  • To know how to adapt and work in a team.
  • Criminal record certificate for social work.
  • Sign cooperation agreement and interview with our team.
  • Appropriate clothing for the destination.
  • Knowledge of English.

VOLUNTEER ACCOMMODATION IN INDIA

Volunteers are accommodated in a volunteer house in central and outlying areas of Jaipur.

Volunteer accommodation in India

WHAT DOES THE ACCOMMODATION OFFER?

  • Bed in a shared room with other volunteers.
  • 3 meals during your stay in the volunteer program.
  • Laundry area to wash clothes by hand.
  • Wifi.
  • Use of common areas.

Meals usually include the following:

  • Breakfast, tea/coffee + bread or Poha or Indian Paratha.
  • Lunch and dinner, you will have 2 types of Indian vegetables + Roti (Chapati’s) + Rice + Yoghurt + Pickles.
  • Usually there is always a fruit basket that you can use at any time.

A very important thing to keep in mind is that toilet paper is not commonly used in India. The volunteer must carry or purchase it on his own. You can find them in supermarkets.

HOW IS THE ARRIVAL AT THE DESTINATION?

Upon arrival in India, Jaipur International Airport (JAI), you will be welcomed by the local coordinator every Saturday.

Depending on the time you arrive, you will be given an orientation, where you will be briefed on the basic rules of the house and the place. In addition, the program activities in which you will participate will be explained to you.

VISA FOR INDIA

To enter India it is mandatory to have a visa. They have a maximum duration of 60 days. The procedure can be done through the official web page of the e-Visa.

ealizas the payment (50 € more or less) and proceed to send it to your email. It may take some time for the email to arrive, since they must first confirm the payment.

If your application is accepted, the word Granted should appear on the status page. You must print this authorization and carry it with you throughout your trip.

SECURITY IN INDIA

India is considered a safe country. But nothing is perfect, and as in many countries of the world, it is necessary to take certain precautions and to know how to manage in certain areas.

Tourist areas are generally safe, but we still recommend that you keep these details in mind:

  • Notify your coordinator, in case you are going on an excursion.
  • Have your coordinator’s phone number and the address where you are staying.
  • Avoid giving out information about the place where you are staying, the project and your fellow volunteers.
  • Do not bring anyone who is not from the organization to the volunteer’s house.
  • Avoid risky areas in every place you visit.
  • Travel frugally in your daily transfers and on your excursions.
  • Avoid drawing attention to yourself with jewelry and accessories.
  • If possible, avoid taking out your cell phone in public places.
  • Try to use the country’s safe transportation services.
  • Avoid walking alone on unfamiliar streets.
  • Never take someone you do not know in an unfamiliar vehicle or in your own vehicle.
  • Do not drink any beverage whose origin you do not know.

The financial contribution is divided into two parts:

  1. The registration fee, which you will donate to the Adventure Volunteer association. This contribution has a tax benefit of 80% which you can deduct in your income tax return.
  2. The remaining part of the cost of the programme will go to the partner organisation that we will send on your behalf as a substitute or you can hand it in directly to the project.
WEEKSALL SOCIAL PROJECTSELEPHANT PROGRAM
1 490€495€
2 595€ 745€
3 730€995€
Additional160€250€

WHAT DOES VOLUNTEERING IN INDIA OFFER?

  • Welcome at the Jaipur airport
  • Accommodation for the duration of your stay
  • 3 meals during your volunteer placement from Monday to Sunday
  • 24/7 support from the Adventure Volunteer team
  • Programme monitoring and evaluation
  • Orientation and induction to the project
  • Accident and liability insurance
  • Tax certificate
  • Certificate of weeks spent volunteering
  • Guidance, advice and management in the choice of the programme

WHAT IS NOT OFFERED IN VOLUNTEERING IN INDIA?

  • Flight to India
  • Visa
  • Travel medical insurance
  • Internal transport or excursions
  • Travel within or outside the country
  • Vaccinations, if required
  • Mineral water
  • Departure tax
  • Personal sightseeing
  • Beverages, diets and special meals
  • Bottled water

How to book a volunteering in India?

STEP 1

Once you fill in the form to the programme, we will verify everything and confirm your place within 24 hours.

STEP 2

You pay the registration fee within 7 days, then your place will be guaranteed and you will be formally part of the family.

STEP 3

We send you the volunteer guide, compulsory insurances and the international volunteer agreement.

CLIMATE

In India you find a climate typical of tropical areas, in which dry and very hot periods alternate with monsoon rains.  

  • December to February (winter), the nights and early mornings are cool and the days have a pleasant temperature.  
  • April the heat begins to be intense and intensifies until the month of June.
  • June comes the monsoon rains. The temperature is very pleasant and the landscape is full of beauty.  
  • September the monsoon rains begin to disappear and the days become sunny and the temperatures are warm, but pleasant.

CURRENCY

The official currency in India is the Rupee.  1 Euro = 90.08 Rupia india (April 2023).

  • You can make the change in your country before traveling in your bank or withdrawing money through credit cards in India.

FLIGHTS

Your flight must have as its final destination the Jaipur International Airport, where you will be transferred to the accommodation, according to organization and information given by the coordinator of the volunteering in India.

  • Flights range from € 500 to € 800 approximately.
  • You can find good deals on flights on google flights or skyscanner.

TOURIST SITES

MUMBAI OR BOMBAY

Financial capital of India and one of the largest megacities in the world. The dimensions and the explosion of life that occurs in its streets justify its visit. In this beautiful city you can observe, as nowhere else, the encounter between east and west. Among the visits we recommend:

  • Colaba area, still overflowing with the colonial heritage left by the British.  
  • Elephant Island, a world heritage site, with its cave-temples carved into the rock.
  • Largest open-air laundry in the world
  • The most modern Mumbai strolling at sunset along the Marine Drive boardwalk and especially walking its streets.

BHANDARDARA

It is a magical enclave, surrounded by spectacular mountains on the banks of the artificial lake created by the English to build the Wilson dam. Around the lake you can visit:

  • Villages belonging to tribal groups, surrounded by rice paddies.
  • You can see first hand what life is like for the original people of India or Adivasi.
  • Amruteshwar Temple From there you can also make a beautiful trek to the fort of Ratangad. Not far from there is the impressive Sadhan Valley canyon.

NASIK

This is one of the oldest holy cities in India. In the old town you can admire how the traditional constructions were. The epicenter of the city is Ramkund, crossed by the sacred Godavari River, known as the southern Ganges. Around this area there are many temples, some of incalculable historical and artistic value.

To get to Nasik by local bus, it is a journey that takes about an hour and a half. On Nasik road we find the nearest railway station to Sangamner, from where you can travel almost anywhere in central and northern India.

TAJ MAHAL

Located in the city of Agra, it is considered the best mausoleum in the world and one of the seven wonders. It is not just a building, it is made up of 22 small domes, which symbolize the years that the construction lasted. On the main building we can appreciate the great dome that is the Crown of the palace.

Its immense patio, with its marble pond and the various gardens and fountains highlight its beauty. The Taj Mahal is a magical place, which will surely surprise you.

ELLORA AND AJANTA IN AURANGABAD

The city of Aurangabad is about five hours by bus from Sangamner. One of the reasons why everyone visits Aurangabad is because it is the starting point to visit one of the main artistic and cultural treasures that India has, the caves of Ellora and Ajanta. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.  

Ellora is located about 30 km (~18 mi) from the city and can be visited in one day along with the impressive medieval fortress of Daulatabad.  

When is the best time do a volunteering in India?

India is a very large country, so it is difficult to determine the best time to travel to India. We can say that the ideal time depends on the area you are interested in visiting.

In general, you can go in both summer and winter, only in winter you should be aware of the monsoon (overflowing rivers) that occurs in some parts of India.

Can you travel to India without knowing English?

It will be a bit difficult to communicate with people if you don’t know English, which is the language most used by tourists. Pack a dictionary in your suitcase or practice it before you travel.

How safe is do a volunteering in India?

India is considered a safe country, its people are very friendly, especially to foreigners, but security guidelines must still be maintained as in any other country in the world.

Do I need a visa to volunteer in India?

This varies depending on your nationality. Most citizens of different countries can obtain a tourist visa to visit India. Check with the Indian Embassy in your country for the steps to be taken.

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