Program Location
Program Duration
Starting Program Cost
Summer Volunteer Program in India has been designed for those who are looking for meaningful travel and volunteering experience for a short duration of 3 weeks.
Covering the cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Dharamshala and the Golden Temple City of Amritsar - the trip encompasses all important experiences offered by Northern India. As you’ll travel to India, you’ll get to know the land is much more magical than it appears in the pages of books and novels.
In this project you will experience:
PROGRAM DETAILS
Duration: 3 weeks (With an option of add-on Goa Beach Week)
Arrival in Delhi - On the Program Starting Date.
Working hours: 4-5 hours, 5 days (Monday to Friday)
Weekends: Travel/Sightseeing included in Cost
When you choose to volunteer in Delhi, we make sure that your altruistic journey is comfortable and enjoyable. As a VolSol volunteer, you will not have to worry about the airport pick up, your accommodation or your stay.
Airport Transfer
Volunteers are picked up from the Indira Gandhi International Airport by a member of the local coordinating team in Delhi. Pickup will be provided between 6:30am - 10pm on the program start date. Participants already in country or arriving early can also be picked up from a designated meeting point decided beforehand as well.
Accommodation
While volunteering in Delhi you would be staying at our Volunteer home base in South Delhi. The accommodations are neat and clean and provide volunteers a home away from home experience. Our homes are equipped with wifi internet, filtered drinking water, geysers, air conditioning, satellite television, modern toilets and comfortable beds. The homes are close to useful amenities like banks, ATMs, currency ex-changers, restaurants, cafes and shopping arcades. All placements are around 10 - 30 minutes from the homes and volunteers travel to the placements everyday and come back home in the evenings.
Orientation
A half day orientation will be provided by our staff on the next day after your arrival. We cover areas like culture, greetings, locations, transportation etc. Start your volunteering experience by taking the 1 week Language & Culture Orientation Program in Delhi.
Meals
Indian food is famous around the world for its diverse flavours, colors and aroma. While staying at the homes, you would be provided with freshly cooked breakfast and dinner, we have cooks at the home who prepare meals for the volunteers. A sample of the meals you can expect are mentioned below.
Breakfast - Parantha, Bread, Tea (chai), Jam, Butter, Porridge etc.
Dinner - Dal (lentils), vegetable, rice, roti (indian bread), pickle, yogurt may be provided along with some sort of curry.
For lunch volunteers usually eat somewhere close to their placement at a local restaurant, our coordinators would show you around at the time of orientation. This also gives you a chance to eat a variety of food that India has to offer. You would be able to have a comfortable lunch for around $3-$4.
During Your Free Time
During the free time volunteers can visit the local markets, visit internet cafes and the different restaurants in Delhi and try out the different Indian cuisines. During weekends volunteers visit the neighboring states of Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh. Our specialised Travel Desk can help you to book tours to any part of India or to neighbouring countries like Nepal or Sri Lanka.
Day 1 (Saturday) - Arrival
You will be picked from the Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, on the starting date and will be transferred to your accommodation. Pickup can also be arranged from any hotel where you might be staying in, if you are in Delhi from before.
The timings of the pickup are from 6.30 in the morning to 10.30 at night.
Meals will be provided but that actually depends on the time of your arrival.
Day 2 (Sunday) - Short Orientation and Delhi Sightseeing
Post breakfast, participants will get an orientation about the city, the project itinerary and general information about the entire trip ahead. After this, they will be taken for an extensive tour of the city and visit historical monuments like Qutub Minar, India Gate, Lotus temple and Humayun's Tomb. Lunch will be provided enroute.
For dinner, volunteers will get together and try to know each other through engaging conversations and ice-breaking sessions.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3 (Monday) - Day 7 (Friday) - Volunteer Work and Explorations
Volunteer work begins on Day 3.
All volunteers will be taken to the local project location in Delhi where everyone gets to work with street kids in Delhi. Activities will include teaching them, playing with them and decorating the center for more positive vibes,
Volunteers can adopt their own creativity to make the experience fun-filled and enriching for the kids. Catching hold of a few local phrases will help you during your entire stay, so try learning some from the kids.
Day 6 - This will be one of the most memorable experiences for all volunteers. One of the most beautiful temples in the city, volunteers will get to visit the Akshardham Temple and witness the fascinating water show. The USP of this temple is its breathtakingly beautiful architecture.
Meals Included : Breakfast and Dinner
Day 8 (Saturday) - Transfer in overnight coach to Palampur - A picturesque Himalayan town
Volunteers can use the day time for shopping and exploring the city.
Buy some souvenirs from the famous shopping streets of Delhi like Paharganj Market, Dilli Haat, Janpath and many more.
Make sure you come back on time to board the bus for Palampur at night.
Meals : Breakfast and Dinner
Day 9 (Sunday) - Arrival In Palampur, Dharamsala
Breathe in the pristine surroundings of Himalayas as you arrive at the hill town. Located in the lap of mountains, the accommodation in Palampur is absolutely cosy with a splendid view of the Himalayan ranges.
The coordinators will acquaint you with the city and then take you for a tour of the local markets. All necessary information about the ATMs, shopping centers and the volunteer work will be given.
Day 10 (Monday) - Day 14 (Friday) - Volunteer Work In Palampur
Volunteer work in Palampur will begin from Day 10. The responsibilities will include working in a day care center for kids in the morning. The beautiful Himalayan surroundings will be an ideal setup to volunteer, work outdoors and enjoy with fellow volunteers.
During evenings, you can play badminton, visit the local market, check out the monasteries, binge on some local food and experience countryside living in India.
A complimentary yoga class during the week is also included in the trip.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 15 (Saturday) - Triund Trekking - Weekend Travel
One of the exciting highlights of the trip is trekking in the Himalayas.
Along with other volunteers, you will head towards Mcleodganj from where you will take up the 10 KM long Triund trek. Lunch and bottled water will be given before starting the trip. Camping and dinner overnight. A moderately difficult trip, the exhaustion you’ll have when climbing will be totally worthy once you get the view of the beautiful Himalayan snow clad mountains.
Meals Included : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 16 (Sunday) - Return to Mcleodganj After The Trek
Sunday morning, you will return to Mcleodganj after having your breakfast. Take rest during the day time and then visit the well known temple of Dalai Lama.
Dinner at any of the rooftop restaurants in the city for a perfect end to your trip in the mountains.
Meals Included : Breakfast
Day 17 (Monday) - Visit the Golden Temple In Amritsar
After breakfast in Mcleodganj, you will be then taken to Amritsar, to visit the Golden Temple. You will also see the Jallianwala Bagh (a grim reminder of the British colonial rule in India). A view of the illuminated Golden Temple is also on the cards during the trip. Make the most of your free time in Amritsar by tasting the local food and also you can try eating at the ‘langar’ inside the Golden Temple.
Meals Included : Breakfast
Day 18 (Tuesday) - Return To Delhi And Proceed To Agra
This is a day of the journey as you first reach Delhi via train and then go to Agra via the Taj Expressway (fastest and smoothest highway in India).
Check in at the hotel and rest for the night for an early morning visit to the Taj Mahal the next day.
Day 19 (Wednesday) - THE TAJ MAHAL / Agra to Jaipur
Well, the monument of love and one of the most beautiful wonders of the world, Taj Mahal, finally welcomes you to its majestic view. Early morning getting ready episode might tire you after all the traveling but the minute you’ll see the epitome of love, all of the toils will vanish in the wink of an eye!
Post the memorable sightseeing experience at the Taj Mahal, we’ll take you to Jaipur, the royal and beautiful pink city of India.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 20 (Thursday) - Sightseeing In Jaipur & Cultural Evening
On this day, you will get to visit the amazing City Palace in Jaipur. A centuries-old fort that beautifully brings out the ancient Hindu architecture overlooks a beautiful lake - Lake Maota. After, City Palace, you explore more such heritage sites of the Pink City. In the evening, at around 7 pm, we would take you for a cultural evening, where you can enjoy live folk music and a traditional Rajasthani dinner.
Meals: Breakfast/Dinner
Day 21 (Friday) - Visit Amber Fort and return to Delhi
After breakfast, you will visit the historic Amber Fort. On the way to the fort there will be a photo stop at the beautiful "Hawa Mahal" (Palace of Winds). Amber fort is a symbol of the grandeur of Rajput rule in India. After visiting the fort, you will be returning to Delhi.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 22 (Saturday) - Travel back home or Join Goa Beach Week Extension!
Extra Beach Week In The Party Capital Of India, Goa.
An ideal way to end your summer escapade - a complete party panorama in the most happening beach town of India.
Endowed with lip smacking food and affordable drinking options, all you need to do in Goa is take a shack, sit back and relax. Make sure that you’re relaxed enough for the evening parties in Goa, for which it is especially known for!
Although the tour is unguided, but all tickets, accommodation and morning meals are included in it along with sightseeing and transfers.
Let’s take a look at the Goa itinerary.
Day 1 (Saturday) - Leave for Goa
A great way to see the different cities of India as the train will pass through 8 Indian states! Just put your earphones on and enjoy the visual treat.
Day 2 (Sunday) - Arrival In Goa
Reach Goa the next morning. You’ll be picked from the station and dropped at the hotel. Check in and prepare yourself for the non stop party!
Day 3 (Monday)- Tour of North Goa And Panaji
An extensive sightseeing tour of North Goa and Panaji to acquaint you with the city and enjoy its exhilarating and Portuguese colonial beauty.
Day 4 (Tuesday) - Day 7 (Friday) - Let Your Hair Down In Goa
Just enjoy the beach life, get tanned, drink the most affordable beer and let party fever engulf you. This time is all yours, and you can switch on the craziness!
Departure On Day 8 (Saturday)
Depending on your returning plans, we’ll drop you to railway station or airport. It is highly recommended to book your flight back home from Mumbai.
The transfers in Goa will be in a comfortable but non air-conditioned vehicle. Itinerary can be altered due to operational reasons.
Breakfast is included in hotel during your stay in Goa.
Cost of Beach Week - $400
| Program Duration | Program Fee | Registration Fee | Total Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Weeks | $1100 | $225 | $1325 |
| 4 Weeks | $1500 | $225 | $1725 |
| Extra Week | $120 | $225 | $120 |
Note: You will be required to pay USD 225 / GBP 185 / AUD 320 / EUR 220 as an Application Deposit which is part of the program fees mentioned above, at the time of application to confirm your spot.
A 4% international banking fee is charged at the time of payment
| Months | 2023 |
|---|---|
| June | 24 |
| July | 0115 |
| August | 05 |
People from which countries can join the volunteer programs offered by Volunteering India?
We welcome people from any part of the world to join our programs irrespective of which part of the world volunteers belong from outside India. Majority of our volunteers are from USA, UK, Europe and Australia.
Are there any necessary requirements to participate in the Delhi volunteer programs?
Below are the necessary requirements to participate in the India volunteer projects :
Will I get an airport pickup facility?
Volunteering India representative would be there to receive you at the airport, holding placards, displaying your name. You’ll be picked up from the airport and taken by a car to your accommodation. Volunteers need to send us their arrival information at least 10 days in advance so that we can facilitate your airport pickup.
Can I volunteer as part of a group?
Yes, you are welcome to take part in any of the India Volunteer Programs as part of a group. We welcome families, friends, high school students, college/university and corporate groups to volunteer together in the Indian programs.
Does Volunteering India helps with Visa?
All enrolled participants are provided information about the appropriate Visa requirements for India in the pre-departure manual. You can also contact your pre-departure point of contact to know more about the Visa requirements.
What are the recommended airlines to fly to Delhi?
The Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi is connected with all major airports across the globe and flights are easily available. Some of the major flight carriers operating direct flights to Delhi are :
British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Air India, Jet Airways, Etihad Airways, United Airlines, Swiss Air, KLM Dutch Airlines, Lufthansa, Austrian, Air France, Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways and Finn Air.
How safe is India and Delhi in particular?
India is a country of diverse cultures and practices. and Delhi being the capital city is home to varied ethnicities. Like in any new foreign country, participants are advised to follow the guidelines specified by the project coordinator to enjoy their Indian experience fully. The program coordinators are always ready to help and give helpful safety tips. During the first day of the orientation, you will be given safety guidelines and will be informed about the do's and dont's.
What immunizations/vaccinations will I need ?
All participants are recommended to consult their physician or travel doctor before traveling to India. To view the general list of vaccinations recommended for your travel to India, click here.
Do I need to buy health insurance?
Yes, for all participants, it is mandatory to have a valid travel medical insurance for their trip. Volunteers have the option to purchase Travel and Medical Insurance at a nominal extra cost from Volunteering India. To provide the best option to our participants, we offer comprehensive insurance coverage in collaboration with a leading insurance provider.
If you already have a valid Travel and Medical insurance, you can email us a copy of the same. It is also advised to bring along the Insurance documents during your trip.
I want to know more about accommodation and food arrangements?
Volunteers are provided accommodation in a volunteer house or in a homestay (on request) accommodation managed by the local coordinating team. Two meals a day (Breakfast and Dinner) are provided to the volunteers from Monday - Saturday.
On Sunday, volunteers eat out and explore the different gastronomical delights that Delhi has to offer. Accommodation is shared amongst volunteers on the ‘same gender sharing’ basis rooms. Air conditioning facility is provided during the night in the volunteer home accommodations. Wifi internet is also available for volunteers’ convenience. Some volunteers are also provided accommodation in the project premises itself. For example - volunteers working in orphanage project can be provided accommodation in the project premises itself in a separate room that is allotted for volunteers. All meals will be provided to the volunteers in that case.
Can vegetarians be accommodated?
Yes, that is not a problem at all. In fact, volunteers are served vegetarian meals at the accommodations in India.
Would I have free time during my program ? Can I do sightseeing during my program ?
Volunteers work from Monday - Friday and have their weekends free for sightseeing. You can utilize this time to visit local markets of Old Delhi, Janpath or simply visit the Central Park (Garden) and Connaught Place. During the weekend, you have the option to take a short trip to Jaipur and Agra, and the Golden Triangle tour. Strategic placement of Delhi also allows you to take quick weekend trips to Palampur in Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh in Punjab as well as Amritsar. There is a lot to do and explore, and the local Delhi office team would happily assist you in making travel plans and arrangements for short trips.
Are there more expenses once I arrive in Delhi?
Your program fee does not cover your personal expenses. You will need to provide for yourself your personal expenses, such as bottled water, local transport, telephone, shopping, sightseeing etc. However, you should carry around $50-60 per week for your basic personal expenses. This amount can vary and you would need a higher amount if you go on different weekend trips out of town.
For how many hours will I volunteer every day?
Depending on the project, elected volunteers will work during the week from Monday- Friday. You will have weekend off so you can travel on weekends. However, volunteers need to be flexible, open minded and understand that work requirements can change as well on certain occasions.
What if I do not speak the local language? Would that interfere with my volunteering experience?
Do not worry, all the coordinators can speak and converse in English. Most of our participants are non-Hindi speakers and they’ve never had any problems while communicating. Like we say, love is expressed better through actions than the language.
To add to the project experience, you can also join the Language and Orientation Week in Delhi before beginning the program. It's an optional week, besides that we recommend participants to brush up their Hindi skills (learn basic terms and phrases, greetings) before traveling.
Where can I change my money in Delhi? Are there ATMs in Delhi?
On arrival at the IGI airport, you can change your foreign currency to Indian Rupees (INR) at the money exchange counters. India has a modern banking system and all the major credit and debit cards are accepted without any problems. ATMs are available in plenty and you will be shown the nearest ATM from the accommodation as well.
To know about the necessary items that you should pack before setting out for India, Click Here.
To know more about the things to do in Delhi while volunteering, Click Here.
