India Community Development
From $1,569 Land Only (trip code: INCD) Minimum 16 days
From $1,569, 16 days, India
Trip Highlights
- Visit India’s most famous gem; the Taj Mahal!
- Immerse yourself in local life and experience what it is to be in one of Asia's fastest growing economies.
- Make a real difference to the lives of local people.
- Spot tigers on safari in Rajasthan or Visit Himachal’s Golden Temple.
Trip Summary
See full itineraryWhat's included?
- Arrival airport transfer in Jaipur
- Accommodation
- Local transport at project locations
- Orientation on arrival
- All Meals - 3 meals a day
- On site assistance
- Extensive pre-departure information
- Assistance in setting up local support for volunteers
What's not included?
- Flights
- Tourist Visa
- Personal insurance cover
- Any Excursions
With community development in India you will get a chance to bring a new lease of life to the local community by helping out with a whole host of labour and social development projects.
You can get involved with anything from much-needed restoration work to increasing awareness of HIV/AIDS. As well as taking in the sights of the stunning Himachal Pradesh region you’ll gain a unique insight into local life and even get the chance to try your hand at Indian cooking!
When do I want to go?
Showing all departures (38)
| Dates of Departures | Program Option | Price (Land Only) | Trip Status | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thu, 15 Mar 2012 | Himachal Project - 2 weeks | $1,619 | Available | Book now | |
| Thu, 15 Mar 2012 | Rajasthan Project - 2 weeks | $1,569 | Available | Book now | |
| Thu, 15 Mar 2012 | Himachal Project - 3 weeks | $2,039 | Available | Book now | |
| Thu, 15 Mar 2012 | Rajasthan Project - 3 weeks | $1,949 | Available | Book now | |
| Thu, 12 Apr 2012 | Himachal Project - 2 weeks | $1,619 | Available | Book now | |
| Thu, 12 Apr 2012 | Rajasthan Project - 2 weeks | $1,569 | Available | Book now | |
| Thu, 12 Apr 2012 | Himachal Project - 3 weeks | $2,039 | Available | Book now | |
| Thu, 12 Apr 2012 | Rajasthan Project - 3 weeks | $1,949 | Available | Book now | |
| Thu, 10 May 2012 | Himachal Project - 2 weeks | $1,619 | Available | Book now | |
| Thu, 10 May 2012 | Himachal Project - 3 weeks | $2,039 | Available | Book now | |
| Thu, 7 Jun 2012 | Himachal Project - 2 weeks | $1,619 | Available | Book now | |
| Thu, 7 Jun 2012 | Himachal Project - 3 weeks | $2,039 | Available | Book now | |
| Thu, 5 Jul 2012 | Himachal Project - 2 weeks | $1,619 | Available | Book now | |
| Thu, 5 Jul 2012 | Himachal Project - 3 weeks | $2,039 | Available | Book now | |
| Thu, 2 Aug 2012 | Himachal Project - 2 weeks | $1,619 | Available | Book now | |
| Thu, 2 Aug 2012 | Rajasthan Project - 2 weeks | $1,569 | Available | Book now | |
| Thu, 2 Aug 2012 | Himachal Project - 3 weeks | $2,039 | Available | Book now | |
| Thu, 2 Aug 2012 | Rajasthan Project - 3 weeks | $1,949 | Available | Book now | |
| Thu, 30 Aug 2012 | Himachal Project - 2 weeks | $1,619 | Available | Book now | |
| Thu, 30 Aug 2012 | Rajasthan Project - 2 weeks | $1,569 | Available | Book now | |
| Thu, 30 Aug 2012 | Himachal Project - 3 weeks | $2,039 | Available | Book now | |
| Thu, 30 Aug 2012 | Rajasthan Project - 3 weeks | $1,949 | Available | Book now | |
| Thu, 27 Sep 2012 | Himachal Project - 2 weeks | $1,619 | Available | Book now | |
| Thu, 27 Sep 2012 | Rajasthan Project - 2 weeks | $1,569 | Available | Book now | |
| Thu, 27 Sep 2012 | Himachal Project - 3 weeks | $2,039 | Available | Book now | |
| Thu, 27 Sep 2012 | Rajasthan Project - 3 weeks | $1,949 | Available | Book now | |
| Thu, 25 Oct 2012 | Himachal Project - 2 weeks | $1,619 | Available | Book now | |
| Thu, 25 Oct 2012 | Rajasthan Project - 2 weeks | $1,569 | Available | Book now | |
| Thu, 25 Oct 2012 | Himachal Project - 3 weeks | $2,039 | Available | Book now | |
| Thu, 25 Oct 2012 | Rajasthan Project - 3 weeks | $1,949 | Available | Book now | |
| Thu, 22 Nov 2012 | Himachal Project - 2 weeks | $1,619 | Available | Book now | |
| Thu, 22 Nov 2012 | Rajasthan Project - 2 weeks | $1,569 | Available | Book now | |
| Thu, 22 Nov 2012 | Himachal Project - 3 weeks | $2,039 | Available | Book now | |
| Thu, 22 Nov 2012 | Rajasthan Project - 3 weeks | $1,949 | Available | Book now | |
| Thu, 20 Dec 2012 | Himachal Project - 2 weeks | $1,619 | Available | Book now | |
| Thu, 20 Dec 2012 | Rajasthan Project - 2 weeks | $1,569 | Available | Book now | |
| Thu, 20 Dec 2012 | Himachal Project - 3 weeks | $2,039 | Available | Book now | |
| Thu, 20 Dec 2012 | Rajasthan Project - 3 weeks | $1,949 | Available | Book now | |
What will I be doing?
-
Your role as a volunteer (2 weeks)
Your role as a volunteer: 2 weeks
Destination info
This project is based in the desert lands of Rajasthan and the hill state of Himachal. Both regions are home to some of India’s most stunning treasures including the Thar Desert and the city of Jaipur in Rajasthan and McLeod Ganj, home to the Dalai Lama and the Great Himalayan National Park in Himachal. There’s more than enough natural beauty to keep you busy in your spare time and plenty of markets, forts and temples to feast your eyes on!
- Location: Delhi
Your help is needed to improve public facilities and increase awareness of important social and healthcare issues in some of India’s poorest areas. Your day to day itinerary will depend on the needs of the village you are working in. The programme is generally split into two main areas; social development and labour work, your daily tasks may include:
Labour work projects
- Restoration and decoration of Anganwadis/Balwadis (day-care centres)
- Restoration and decoration of the village primary school
- Painting and decoration of school interiors
- Preparing sports facilities for basketball, badminton, court and football.
- Plantation of flowers, ornamental plants and trees at school campus
- Repairing houses of Below Poverty Line families
- Restoration and decoration of village community facilities with participation of the villagers.
- Motivating teams of children from the village to clear garbage, plant trees etc.
- Construction of dustbins (follow up action is intended to create hygiene awareness amongst children)
Social development work
- Importance of nutrition and balanced diet
- Awareness about hygiene and health care issues
- IDD (Iodine Deficiency Disorders) awareness campaign
- Importance of breast feeding
- Precautionary measures against HIV infection
Volunteers staying for 2 weeks will also be able to set off on the following inclusive excursions:
Rajasthan volunteers: You will be taken on a two- day/one-night excursion to Ranthambore National Tiger Reserve, which includes two tiger safaris.
Himachal volunteers: You will go on a two-day/one-night trip to Amritsar, the holiest town of Sikh religion. Visit the Golden Temple and border closing ceremony, between India and Pakistan, at Wagah.
Volunteers staying for 3 weeks will be able to take part in the inclusive excursions below:
Rajasthan volunteers: You will set off on two- day/one-night trip to the Hindu religious town of Pushkar, where you can enjoy a camel ride in the spectacular desert surroundings.
Himachal volunteers: You will be taken on a two-day/one-night excursion to McLeod Ganj, home to the Dalai Lama and base of the Exiled Tibetan government (for three -week participants only).
Trip Notes Download
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Additional Information & FAQs
Minimum age
18 years old
Accommodation
You will be staying at a local facility in your allocated area, sharing with no more than one other volunteer. As you will be working in impoverished areas there will be no shower, however, you will have access to bucket baths of hot water.
Meals
Most meals are included and will consist mainly of vegetable and sometimes fish curries, Indian breads, rice and fruit.
Travelling at Altitude
If you choose to volunteer in Himachal, parts of your trip will go above 2800 metres / 9200 feet where it is common for travellers to experience some adverse effects on your health due to the altitude. Please see further information on Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) and High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE).
Advice & Safety
Throughout your programmes you will have the support and guidance of the programme co-ordinator and team. You will be provided with competent assistance and help with any questions or advice you may need during your stay.
You will be assigned a personal travel advisor who will co-ordinate your programme with you. Feel free to contact them at any time before you go, or when you are on your travels.
In addition, you will have access to a 24 hour emergency contact number so you can contact one of our UK staff at any time should you need to.
FAQ
1. How much spending money will I need?
We recommend that you take around £70 per week
2. What type of clothing do you recommend I take with me?
Whilst volunteering you will need clothes that cover your shoulders, mid-rif and length should be to at least your knees.
3. How will I wash my clothes while I'm away?
All washing will have to be done by hand, so either bring some washing powder or buy some from a shop near to your project.
4. Can I do both options year round?
You can do the Himchal option year round, however, the Rajasthan option does not run over the summer months as it is far too hot in the desert.
5. Do I need a visa to visit India?
You will need to obtain an Indian Tourist visa before you leave the UK
6. How high is the trekking in Himachal?
The trek will take you through the foothills of the Himalaya and normally reaches a height of 3200 metres.
What will I see in India?
16 photos
What other travellers thought
I've done this trip
Write reviewMatthew O'shea, 2nd Jun 2010 - 24th Jun 2010
Meeting new people, seeing the childrens' reaction to the Beautification work, visiting homes in Community visits which would be difficult to do travelling on your own.
Rewarding, Fulfilling, hugely enjoyable,
Yes
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