Orientation
The programme starts with arrival in New Delhi airport where you are met and taken to a hotel. At the hotel you will have time to relax and refresh. The following day after breakfast, you will travel by deluxe bus to Jaipur. This will take five hours and is the capital of Rajasthan. In Jaipur, you will stay with a local Indian family during a three-day orientation that covers issues such as: Indian history and culture, volunteering and community development and introduction to Hindi. The orientations also include time for sight seeing and shopping. One excursion includes an afternoon visit to Amber Fort, the old city and an elephant ride (if permitted). Following your orientation you will then head to Agra for your over-night visit to the Taj Mahal before heading to the volunteer camp to start your volunteer project.
Accommodation and Meals
Volunteers have access to clean and comfortable but simple rooms with attached bathrooms. The maximum occupancy of any room is three, but double occupancy is the norm. All bathrooms include a western flush style toilet and tap for showering. Indian showering may be an interesting experience for you. They have bucket showers. So basically you fill a bucket of water and use a jug to pour the water over you. It takes a few days getting used to but it’s fine, all part of the cultural experience. Besides from your personal space, volunteers benefit from a dining area where they eat food prepared by our staff, a kitchen where they can cook special meals, a common area for relaxing, watching movies and holding cultural workshops. There are also Internet and phone facilities.
Free Time
You will have loads of free time to explore the area. There are free excursions to Jalsalmer, the Taj Mahal and you can join a camel safari and a tiger safari too.
When not working or participating in a workshop or excursion, our volunteers have plenty of time to relax and pursue their own hobbies. Some volunteers tour the local countryside, others read, write, play volleyball or even plan excursions to local points of interest. Most Friday evenings, volunteers arrange a small party or get together to celebrate the end of the workweek.
Project Support
Throughout your stay in India you will have the support and guidance of a Camp Manager and their team. They will provide you with competent assistance and help you with any questions or advice you may need during your stay. The staff will be on hand throughout the day.
In addition, we will provide you with a 24 hour emergency contact number before you depart, so that you can contact one of our UK staff at any time should you need to.
Project Age Limit
Minimum 17 years old with parental consent form.
