India has drawn travelers for thousands of years: merchants, pilgrims, explorers and, today, volunteers. If you have always wanted to go, volunteering is one of the best ways to do it. You see the country from the inside, live alongside local people and give your time to work that matters to them.
This guide covers everything you need to know about volunteering in India in 2026: why to go, how to choose a program, what it costs and what is included.
Why volunteer in India?
- It’s affordable. One price covers your accommodation, meals, airport pickup and local support, and day-to-day costs in India are low.
- You see India as it is. You live in a neighborhood, take the Metro to work and eat where local people eat, not just in tourist spots.
- The culture is extraordinary. Weekends take you to the Taj Mahal, the forts of Jaipur, the Golden Temple in Amritsar and the ghats of Varanasi.
- You travel responsibly. Your time supports projects run by local people, and part of what you pay goes to them.
- You meet people from everywhere. Volunteers come from all over the world, and many leave with friends for life.
- It strengthens your CV. International volunteering shows employers and universities that you can adapt and take responsibility.
Whether you are a high-school student on summer break, a gap-year traveler or a professional taking time out, volunteering in India is a trip you will talk about for years.
How to volunteer in India
Choose an organization with its own team on the ground, projects it visits regularly and clear rules for working with children and vulnerable adults. Then pick a program that suits your skills and the time you have.
Volunteering India is based in New Delhi. We work with local NGOs, schools, shelters, women’s centers and a hospital in Delhi and Jaipur, and our coordinators meet every volunteer at the airport, run their orientation and are on call day and night. Programs run all year: from one week to 18 weeks in Delhi, and one week to 12 weeks in Jaipur.
Which volunteer programs are available in India?
Street children program, Delhi
Our most popular program. You help the staff at shelter homes and non-formal education centers with informal lessons in English, numbers and general knowledge, games, art and sport. Activity-based teaching works best, and with the coordinator’s permission volunteers sometimes join outings to the zoo or a museum.
Two-week mini break, Delhi and Agra
For people short on time. Eight days with children at shelter homes and day-care centers in Delhi, a guided tour of Delhi’s monuments and a day trip to the Taj Mahal, all planned for you.
Childcare and elephant rescue, Delhi, Agra and Jaipur
Fifteen days across the Golden Triangle. A week at children’s projects in Delhi, three days helping the keepers at a rescue center for elephants near Agra, and sightseeing in Agra and Jaipur. The elephants are cared for by trained keepers and vets; there is no riding or performing anywhere on the trip.
Childcare in Jaipur
Afternoons at a shelter home for vulnerable children in Jaipur: homework help, English practice, arts and crafts and plenty of play, alongside the shelter’s carers.
Women’s empowerment, Delhi
Community centers in some of Delhi’s poorest neighborhoods teach women and teenage girls spoken English, reading and writing, computer skills and trades such as sewing and beauty work. Most volunteers teach spoken English to young women aged about 17 to 20; if you have a vocational skill, you can share it.
Medical internship, Delhi
For pre-med, medical, nursing, dentistry and physiotherapy students. You join a private hospital in Delhi, shadow doctors and nurses, and rotate through the departments you choose, from emergency, critical care and the general wards to surgery, orthopedics and radiology. The internship is observation-based.
We also run teaching, slum schools, women and girls and construction and renovation programs in Jaipur, special needs care in Delhi and a Hindi and culture week. Planning a summer trip? Read our summer volunteering guide.
What does it cost, and what’s included?
Programs start from $495 for one week, with your booking deposit included. Every program page shows the full price for each length of stay. Your price covers:
- Pre-departure information and help before you travel
- Airport pickup on your start date
- Orientation, and your first trip to the project with your coordinator
- Accommodation for your whole program
- Meals: breakfast and dinner Monday to Saturday in Delhi, three meals a day in Jaipur
- Your placement, and support from our team at any hour
- A certificate of participation, if you ask for one
Flights, your visa, travel insurance and weekend trips are extra. See what’s included for the full list.
What our past volunteers say
4.5 from 64 reviews
The projectEye-Opening and heart wrenching experience working with the poor runaway or abandoned boys at the shelter. Despite their plight, boys were happy, friendly, smart. Most with great potential. The staff working at shelter give boys an opportunity they would otherwise not get for return to families, or training for jobs or futher education. I have such admiration for those staff working there. It was an inspirational place.
Read the full review
Before the tripGood information, prompt and efficient contact.
ArrivalNo Problems, smooth pickup and transfer to home.
Food and accommodationHome stay was very comfortable. host family made everyone feel welcome and part of the family life and celebrations (diwali) with us. they were always supportive and the meals were outstanding. It was a home away from home!
Our teamRajiv was a friendly and supportive coordinator. He had a wealth of knowledge of Indian culture, hostory and way of life, here which he shared with us constantly. He was very organised and always there to sort out any problems.
Would you recommend us?YES!
Kate Wood, AustraliaStreet children
The projectI loved the kids that i worked with ! The staff was also helpful. Especially i would say the biggest challenge was the language barrier.
Read the full review
Before the tripAll of the questions that i asked were answered.My emails were always returned.
ArrivalGood.There was someone there to greet me on my arrival with my name sign.
Food and accommodationHost family were very nice.Meals were great especially.The family was very kind to me and were generous enough to let myself and other volunteers participate in their families Diwali celebration.
Our teamHe was very helpful and kind. I felt like i could talk to him.He answered any question that i asked.
Would you recommend us?YES
Sarah Hearld, USAStreet children
Take your time and choose the program that suits you best. Your contribution will make a real difference to someone’s day, and the trip may well change the way you see the world.
Questions? Email info@volunteeringindia.com and our team will get back to you. We look forward to welcoming you to India.