India is, often, showcased as one of the most unsafe countries to travel to; especially for women. The global media channels and travel forums use the number of fact files and figures to back their claim. Interestingly, however, those who have been to India, have a different opinion altogether.
According to most of the travelers to India, their experience was outstanding, amazing, and safe; and this comes from a lot of solo women travelers to India as well.
While even the dark image that the global media has ever tried to paint for India couldn’t stop volunteers and travelers from across the globe to explore this incredible nation, there are certainly a few aspects about traveling to India that could be risky.
Volunteering India gives you a list of reasons as to why tourism in India must come with a statutory warning.
1. You might forget the taste of hamburgers
The Indian cuisine is known for its tangy flavors created by rich use of spices. The variety and style of Indian cooking will make you go weak on your knees on every bite you take. Be it the world known chicken tikka or any regional specials, food in India will certainly make it for one of the most gorgeous memories of your trip.
2. You might get spoiled by the hospitality
When volunteering in India, you’d come across different shades of life that people are living in the country. You’d come across different religious practices, different languages, attires, and more. But, there are a few things you’d see running common in everyone (almost); hospitality is one of them. It might come across as privacy infringement or over friendliness, but eventually you’ll realise that this is a normal tendency and a habit in people to have concerns about their guests. You are a guest in their country, and they’ll do whatever it takes to keep you comfortable.
3. Your taste in music might change… completely
Indian music is worldwide popular for its heavy use of sophisticated acoustics and variation in vocals; especially the classical music. And before you could even think of coming out from the hypnosis of classical Indian music, the Indian folk music will be ready to blow your mind away. Soon, the ‘Tablas’, ‘Veenas’, ‘Sitar’, etc. are the only sounds you’d want to hear. Bye-Bye Bieber! (That could very well be a song)
4. All you may want to play now is cricket
Two of the most influential things in India are Bollywood (the Indian film industry) and Cricket; the unofficial national sport of the country. Cricket is one game in India that is loved, played and preferred by people from all ages, religion, and gender. This is one of the most influential things in India that brings the entire country together. While volunteering in India, this could be the second most helpful asset in your arsenal to create a great bond with the locals; first, of course, is the Bollywood.
5. You might get a tan… for free
India, for most parts of the year, experience a hot climate. The level of heat in India is pretty significant; so much so that, getting a tan is no big deal in the country. What you might be paying hundreds of dollars for, back home, you can get it for free in India. Leave for exploring the city, or shopping, in the morning, and by the time you come back to your accommodation in the evening; congratulation! You just got yourself tanned for free.
6. You will surely miss the many festivals
India is a country of many religions, which gives a series of culture and traditions to the nation. It is a known fact that there is no dearth of local festivals in India. For every month in the entire calendar year, there are at least 3-4 major festivals that are celebrated in some part or the other part of the country. And guess what comes along with these festivals? Holidays! With so many cultural festivals to celebrate all year round, you might get into a habit of expecting holidays and festivals every month. Could end up in disappointment back home.
7. You might find it hard to leave the country after volunteering in India
A typical volunteer program in India runs from 2 weeks to several months. While volunteering in India, you will be experiencing a lot of everything mentioned in above pointers. And together, all these will become an integral part of your daily life. After living a vibrant life in India, it would be difficult to bid adieu to such an incredible country and its people. It would be hard to part away from the many friends you made during your trip. It would be tough to accept that there will be no more sharing laughs with kids at the project, and gossiping with fellow volunteer mates at the accommodation. Leaving India has been difficult for all those who have been here, and it might as well be for you.
So, now you know. These are some of the factors that can make a volunteer trip to India a ‘risky’ affair. It is not for nothing, for a country that witnesses millions of international visitors every year… EVERY YEAR! India has always attracted international travelers and is certainly one of the most incredible countries to visit.
Volunteering in India takes the experience of traveling in India several notches up. To book your spot, contact at info@volunteeringindia.com. Ready to take the risk!?