Exploring India, for one and all, is an experience of a lifetime and its intoxicating mix of colors and cultures, art and architecture, languages and landscapes can never fail to mesmerize a visitor. Being one of the earliest civilizations of the world, the country still has the impacts of its glorious past and has some of the most beautiful monuments in the world.
Volunteering India has crafted a 2 Weeks Special Program, named as “Golden Triangle Tour & Volunteering With Elephants“, which is perfect for those who are looking for a short term project in India. This program has a perfect balance of work and travel, designed for those who wish to visit the historical sights and know more about India’s rich historical background. The program has been aptly named, as it’ll take you around the 3 major cities – Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.
Participants will have to arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport, from where our country coordinator shall take them to the accommodation. A detailed orientation program will be conducted so that the volunteers get to know about the exact schedule and itinerary, and prepare themselves for the coming days.
Exploring Delhi:
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After the orientation session gets over, participants are free to explore the capital city. You can discuss your plans with our coordinator who’ll be more than happy to help you out. You can either visit the local markets and do some shopping (Don’t forget to use your bargaining skills) or head out for exploring the culinary treats that Delhi has to offer.
The journey in Delhi will continue on the next day as well. Participants will get a chance to visit the Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate and Lotus Temple. From the Sultanate Period to the British Rule and the Post-Independence Era, Delhi has evolved in several ways, yet the architectural relics will surely take you back in time as you’ll get to know about the taste of the rulers while observing the work of art.
Once the journey in Delhi comes to an end, you’ll have to prepare yourself for the exciting days ahead which you’ll spend with the adorable elephants.
Volunteering with Elephants:
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Elephants, as it is widely known, are extremely friendly animals and it would be a wonderful experience to spend time working with them. Participants joining this project will get to work at an Elephant Village near Jaipur in Rajasthan. This would be an incredible opportunity to travel to an Indian village and work with the mahouts (local caretakers of the elephants).
Being with the elephants, you’ll realize how beautiful the love of animals can be. There’s no language barrier, it’s all about connecting through the touch and emotions. Volunteers will have to take care of the elephants, feed them and help the mahouts while bathing them. Work will also involve cleaning the premises and preparing food for the elephants.
If you love kids, then you’ll surely enjoy the company of the children who reside in the village. They are the kids of the mahouts and they can tell you a lot of stories related to the elephants!
Take a tour of the entire village and know what simple living means in reality. The people you’ll meet here have merely any clue about the grandeurs and luxuries of the world, yet they are happy in their own ways. Perhaps your thoughts and ideas will be reshaped by the experience of volunteering at this Indian village.
Exploring Jaipur:
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During the weekend, you’ll get an opportunity to explore the city of Jaipur, that’s often called as ‘Pink City’. Your day will start by visiting the Hawa Mahal or ‘the Palace of Winds’. Built in the 18th Century, this building was essentially constructed for the women so that they can observe the streets and the festivals from the windows of this palace.
You shall visit the Amer Fort – one of the most popular forts in India. Located in the outskirts of Jaipur, this fort will give you an idea of the royal taste of the Rajput rulers. Later, you’ll also visit the City Palace in Jaipur on this day.
For dinner, you can visit Chokhi Dhani Restaurant, for an authentic Rajasthani meal and experience the folk culture.
Exploring Agra:
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‘The City of Love’, as it is popularly called, Agra is famous for the Taj Mahal, which is considered to be one of the 7 wonders of the world and a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site as well. If you visit India, it kind of becomes mandatory to pay a visit to the Taj Mahal – and it’s absolutely worthy!
Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife, Taj Mahal still stands as a symbol of love. You can also take a tour of the Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. You can notice the difference between the Mughal-style and the Rajput-style of architecture after your visit to Jaipur and Agra.
This short term volunteering program is perfect for students looking for a Winter Break/ Spring Break Project in India. Also, travelers who are interested in working with animals, as well as those who have a love for history, can join this project.
Volunteering India, being an India based organization, aims to provide affordable projects to all those who wish to travel to the country and contribute meaningfully. If you have any more doubts regarding projects, then you can drop us a mail at [email protected] and our Program Advisors will get back to you.
