Two weeks, planned from start to finish, for people who want to volunteer in India but can’t stay long. You spend eight days with children at shelter homes and day-care centers in Delhi, see the city’s monuments on a guided tour and take a day trip to the Taj Mahal.
At a glance
- Eight days with children at shelter homes and day-care centers in Delhi.
- A guided tour of New Delhi and a day trip to the Taj Mahal, already arranged.
- A free Sunday to explore on your own.
- Open from age 17, with no experience needed.
- Starts on two Sundays a month; you arrive on a Sunday and leave on the second Saturday.
The two weeks, day by day
- Day 1, Sunday: we meet you at Delhi airport and take you to the hostel. There is time to change money and buy a local SIM card nearby.
- Day 2, Monday: orientation on the program, the city and staying safe. The rest of the day is free.
- Day 3, Tuesday: a guided tour of Qutub Minar, the Lotus Temple, Humayun’s Tomb and India Gate.
- Days 4 to 6: volunteering with children at a shelter home or day-care center.
- Day 7, Saturday: a day trip to the Taj Mahal in Agra, including a look at how the marble inlay work is made. Back in Delhi by evening.
- Day 8, Sunday: a free day. Volunteers often take the Metro to Akshardham or shop at Janpath and Dilli Haat.
- Days 9 to 13: back with the children for a full week.
- Day 14, Saturday: time to head home.
What you’ll do with the children
- Take informal classes and lead songs, stories and games.
- Help staff prepare and serve the children’s meals.
- Brighten up the center with charts, paint and paper decorations.
- Teach simple lessons on health and hygiene.
- Run music, art and craft activities.
Working responsibly
Center staff stay responsible for the children throughout. You support them and are never left in sole charge.
Every volunteer shows a clean background check before starting, and we don’t place volunteers in orphanages.
Eight days is not long, so the best thing you can bring is energy and a few ready-made activities: a song, a game, a craft that needs nothing more than paper.
A typical day
- 9am: Breakfast at the hostel with the other volunteers.
- 9:30am: Head out by Metro and auto-rickshaw. Your coordinator shows you the route on the first day.
- 10am: Arrive at the center for lessons, songs and games.
- 12:30 to 2:30pm: Lunch break, usually a thali or a plate of chole bhature at a dhaba near the project, at your own cost.
- Afternoon: Craft, art or helping the staff with the children’s meals.
- 4pm: Finish and travel back. The rest of the day is yours.
- 7pm: Dinner at the hostel.
Every project keeps its own rhythm, and hours move with school holidays, festivals and the weather. Your coordinator confirms your times at orientation.
Your base in Delhi
Home is a hostel in the south of the city that we share with volunteers from other projects, so you are rarely short of company for dinner or a weekend plan. The Metro is a few minutes’ walk away, which puts your project and most of Delhi within easy reach, and the Lotus Temple and Khan Market are close enough for a first evening out.
You share a room with volunteers of the same gender, cooled by air-conditioning in the hot months. If you would like a room to yourself, ask when you apply and we will price it for you.
The kitchen serves vegetarian Indian food at breakfast and dinner from Monday to Saturday. Lunch on project days is your own, usually from a dhaba or cafe near your project, and Sundays are free for exploring the city’s food.
Meals follow the plan: breakfast and dinner at the hostel on most days, plus lunch on the Taj Mahal trip. Days 1 and 8 have no meals.
Good to know
- Bedding is provided. Bring your own towel.
- Drinking water is filtered for you; bottled water outside is up to you.
- Do your own washing, or hand it to a local laundry for a small charge.
- Tell us about any special diet before you arrive.
- Alcohol and drugs are not allowed at the accommodation.
What your price covers
- Pickup at Delhi airport between 8am and 8pm on Day 1.
- Orientation, and your placement with a local coordinator.
- Two weeks at our base in South Delhi.
- Meals as planned, including lunch on the Taj Mahal day.
- The guided Delhi tour and the Taj Mahal day trip, with transport.
- Support from our team at any hour, and a certificate of participation if you ask for one.
Not included
- Monument entry fees
- Lunch on volunteering days
- Your transfer back to the airport (we can arrange it at extra cost)
- Flights, visa and travel insurance
- Metro and auto-rickshaw fares to the project, and personal spending
Before you apply
- You are 17 or older on your start date (under-18s need a consent form signed by a parent).
- A clean criminal background check, issued within 12 months of your start date, because you will work with children or vulnerable adults.
- Travel and medical insurance for your whole stay. Your own policy is fine.
- An open mind, patience and reasonable health. Tell us about any medical condition before you travel.
What volunteers say
4.5 from 15 reviews
The projectYes, it was a challenge but I really enjoyed every day. The kids and the staff at the placement were so kind.
HighlightEvery day when I met the kids. They were always so happy to see you. It was really my highlight. I will always remember Taj Mahal, a really good trip.
Read the full review
Before the tripThe pre departure booklet was really very good. If I didnt find the question I had in the booklet I wrote to the contact and got answered straight away.
Food and accommodationGood!! I liked the food and accommodation.
Would you recommend us?Yes, I would. Its a great organization. If you want to combine volunteering with some free time, this is a good place to be and what they offer.
Ina Eriksson, SwedenMini break
The projectYes, I really enjoy it. The placement is good for breakfast and dinner and nice roommates. And I like the children at my project; it's so fun helping them.
HighlightThe highlight was the good and warm feeling I get by helping the kids and realize that they like us and want us there. The trip to Taj Mahal was one of a kind and making new friends.
Read the full review
Before the tripI found it really good. Because of the good and serious answers we got every time we contact you, we felt secured to go to India through your organization.
Food and accommodationEverything has been good and I have liked the food that's been given to us.
Would you recommend us?Yes.
Our teamI think we got lots of help from every one there in Delhi and good things to know especially during the orientation. And there is always someone you can contact if you have questions.
Saga Renback, SwedenMini break
The projectI really enjoyed my placement. The children and staff were so welcoming and always had time to answer any of my questions.
HighlightMy highlight was working with the children and getting to know them. It will stay with me for a long time.
Read the full review
Before the tripI found the booklet very helpful, especially the section telling you what to bring. I also found the email responses to very prompt when I had any questions.
Food and accommodationThe accommodation was comfortable and the meals were always tasty. It was nice to have a variety of curries.
Our teamEveryone has been very kind and helpful.
Would you recommend us?Yes. It has been such and amazing experience.
Any comments and Suggestion you want to makeThank you very much for looking after us.
Seema Unadkat, United KingdomMini break
The projectYes, I did. The kids were absolutely wonderful and staff at the project center was great. I really appreciated to work together with them.
Highlight1) Work with Street Kids. 2) Akshardham Temple with musical fountain. 3) Iskcon Temple.
Read the full review
Before the tripPre Departure information were absolutely satisfactory and all my emails and questions were answered quickly.
Food and accommodationSimple but sufficient and I liked both.
Our teamFriendly and Helpful 🙂
Would you recommend us?Yes, Ofcourse!!
Any comments and Suggestion you want to makeIt was a great experience which I hopefully can repeat any time.
Karin Kapler, GermanyMini break
Questions volunteers ask
Is the Taj Mahal trip included?
Yes, the trip is part of the program. Entry tickets to the monuments are not included.
When can I start?
On any of the Delhi start dates below. You arrive on the Sunday and leave on the second Saturday.
I’d like to stay longer. What are my options?
Choose the Street children program instead. It works with the same kind of centers, and you pick your own length of stay.
Is it a good first trip to India?
Yes. The plan takes care of the decisions that make a first trip stressful, and you are with our team and other volunteers from the moment you land.
Can I do it with a friend or as a family?
Yes. Apply together and we keep you together. Everyone must be at least 17, and under-18s need a consent form signed by a parent.
How do I get home at the end?
Most people book a taxi or a ride app to the airport. If you would rather we arrange your transfer, ask when you book; it costs extra.
How much spending money will I need?
Less than you might expect. Lunch near your project, Metro and auto-rickshaw rides and the odd coffee cost little each day; Sunday meals out are cheap too. Budget more for weekend trips, monument tickets and shopping, which is where most volunteers spend their money.
Which visa do I need?
Most volunteers come on an Indian e-Visa, applied for online before you travel. Your passport needs at least six months’ validity after your return and two blank pages. Rules change, so check the official Indian government e-Visa website; we send guidance after you book and can write a supporting letter if you need one.
Do I need vaccinations?
There are usually no compulsory vaccinations for travelers from most countries, but keep your routine ones up to date. Travel clinics commonly recommend hepatitis A and typhoid, plus protection against mosquito bites. See a clinic six to eight weeks before you leave.
Is Delhi safe for volunteers?
Yes, with sensible precautions. You are met at the airport, you live where our team knows the area well, and orientation covers how to get around, what to wear and what to avoid. Use the Metro, pre-booked taxis or ride apps, keep valuables out of sight, and go out in groups at night. Our team can be reached at any hour.
What should I wear at the project?
Light, loose clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, and closed shoes. Cotton kurtas cost little at Delhi’s markets and are cooler than most Western clothes in the heat.
Can I stay longer or combine programs?
Yes. Delhi programs run for up to 18 weeks, and many volunteers start with the Hindi & culture week or add a placement in Jaipur. Tell us your plan when you apply and we line up the dates.
Can I come with a friend, partner or family?
Yes. Tell us who is coming when you apply and we place you together where we can. Ask us about group prices and which programs suit younger travelers.
