Program Location
Program Duration
Starting Program Cost
A 2-week volunteering and travel project that gives the best of both worlds, The Childcare and Elephant Volunteering program is a truly rewarding and engaging opportunity for all participants. Starting in Delhi, the capital city of India, the trips takes all volunteers to the ‘Golden Triangle’ of India which includes, Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. With extensive city tours that encompass UNESCO World Heritage Sites and also a wonder of the world - The Taj Mahal. With volunteering days with underprivileged children in Delhi and lending a helping hand to the rescued elephants in Agra, the two weeks constitute everything an impactful, responsible and rewarding journey abroad is made up of.
Volunteer Program Schedule
Duration: 2 weeks
Arrival in Delhi - On Sunday, before the Program starts.
Minimum Age Requirement - 17 years
Volunteering India assures to make these 2 weeks absolutely perfect and memorable for the participants.
Our in-country coordinator will make sure to orient you and help you during your stay in India.
Airport Transfer
Upon arrival at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, volunteers will be greeted by a member of the local coordinating team in Delhi. Scheduled pickup services are available between 8am and 8pm on the program start date. Participants who are already in the country or arriving early can also be picked up from a predetermined meeting point. If you arrive outside scheduled pickup hours, we can arrange for pickup at extra charges.
Accommodations
Participants in Delhi are provided accommodation at a conveniently located hostel in South Delhi. Located at just a five-minute walk from a Metro station in South Delhi, the hostel offers easy access to iconic landmarks like the Lotus Temple and Khan market.
The hostel has spacious dormitories and private rooms that are perfect for a cosy stay. Whether you're lounging in our cosy common area or enjoying a hearty meal at our in-house cafe, every aspect of your stay is designed for comfort and convenience. Additionally, the hostel has an open outdoor area, which is ideal for connecting with fellow travellers.
All rooms in the hostel are airconditioned. While bedding is provided, you should bring your own towels and toiletries.
Upgrades to private single or double rooms are available at extra charges.
Orientation
A comprehensive half-day orientation session will be conducted by our staff on the day following your arrival. The orientation covers essential topics such as culture, greetings, locations, transportation, and other details outlined in your trip itinerary.
Meals
Renowned worldwide for its diverse flavors, Indian cuisine takes center stage during your volunteering experience. Indian vegetarian meals will be provided at the hostel itself.
Free Time Activities
During their free time, volunteers are encouraged to explore local markets, heritage monuments and dine at different restaurants in Delhi to savor the rich variety of Indian cuisines. Delhi has a lot to offer and there are plenty of things to do and see in the bustling capital city.
Day 1 (Sunday) – Arrival at Delhi and transfer to accommodation
Upon arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, our coordinator will welcome you and then take you to your accommodation. Take some time off to relax and overcome jet lag. Later you can have a walk around the accommodation or select from one of the optional activities for the day.
Meals – Dinner, subject to arrival time
Day 2 (Monday) – Orientation
Enjoy your breakfast at the accommodation, which will be followed by a detailed orientation session. In this session, our program coordinator will give you all the information about your program and schedule. Rest of time is free for leisure activities or for optional tours.
Meals – Breakfast and dinner
Day 3 (Tuesday) – Delhi city tour
Today, after breakfast, we will take you for a city tour of Delhi. You will be visiting some of the most famous places in the capital; such as Qutab Minar, Lotus Temple, Humayun’s Tomb and India Gate. You can have lunch at a local restaurant (at own cost).
(Meals – Breakfast and dinner)
Day 4 (Wednesday) to Day 6 (Friday) – Volunteering in Delhi
You will be volunteering in Delhi for 3 days. Volunteers will be working in the Street Children or the Child Care Project in Delhi. Under this project, volunteers take informal education classes with the children, play games with them and introduce them to different new activities.
Volunteers work at the various contact points or shelter homes, being run by various organizations, which serve as day care centers for these street children. They can assist in providing love, care, basic literacy, recreation and most importantly spend time with them and shower affection on them.
Meals – Breakfast and dinner
Day 7 (Saturday) – Free day
This day is free to roam around in Delhi and visiting places of interest. If your placement is open on Saturday you can also go to the placement.
Meals – Breakfast and dinner
Day 8 (Sunday) – Delhi to Agra, visit Taj Mahal
Early morning we will transfer you to the train station in Delhi and you will travel to Agra by air-conditioned train. Upon arrival at Agra, our representative will transfer you to the accommodation booked for you. After getting refreshed you will visit Taj Mahal. After the visit to Taj Mahal, you can see how the marble inlay work is done and you can buy gifts. You can have lunch and dinner at the hotel or at a local restaurant nearby.
Meals – Breakfast
Day 9 (Monday) – Transfer to Elephant program accommodation, orientation at the project site and volunteering work begins
After early breakfast, at 8 am we will transfer to your program accommodation. Get familiar with the accommodation and then at around 9.30 we will transfer you to the program placement site. There will be an orientation where all program related information will be given to you.
Main tasks at the placement are:-
Other tasks may include:-
Working hours:-
9/9.30 am to 5 pm
Meals – Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 10 (Tuesday) and day 11 (Wednesday) – Elephant volunteering continues
Work at your placement continues.
Meals – Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 12 (Thursday) – Transfer to Agra, Agra to Jaipur
Today, post breakfast we will transfer you to Agra city. You will have lunch in Agra (at your own cost) and then we will transfer you to the train station in Agra. You will travel to Jaipur by an air-conditioned train. Upon arrival at Jaipur, our representative will pick you up from the station and take you to the booked accommodation. You can have dinner at the accommodation or in a local restaurant nearby (at own cost).
Meals – Breakfast
Day 13 (Friday) – Jaipur city tour
After breakfast, you will go for the city tour of Jaipur. In this tour, you will visit City Palace and monkey temple. You will also have a photo stop at Jal Mahal (Palace in the lake). You can also do shopping in Jaipur.
Meals - Breakfast
Day 14 (Saturday) – Visit Amber Fort, Jaipur to Delhi
After early breakfast, at around 8.30 am, you will first take a photo stop at Hawa Mahal (Palace of winds) and then you will see the historic Amber Fort. After the fort visit, you will have a photo stop at Jal Mahal (Palace in the lake). You will be back to accommodation by 12 noon. After check out, you can have lunch at the hotel (at extra cost). Later you can wait at the hotel lobby (if the hotel allows late check in then you can stay back in the room). At 5 pm we will transfer you to the train station in Jaipur and you will travel to Delhi by air-conditioned train. Upon arrival in Delhi, we will transfer you to accommodation.
Meals - Breakfast
Day 15 (Sunday) – Departure
This is the last day of your Program. You can contact the program coordinator if you would like to arrange airport transfer at a nominal cost.
| Program Duration | Program Fee | Registration Fee | Total Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Weeks | $850 | $225 | $1075 |
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 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0721 | 0519 |
| February | 0418 | 0216 |
| March | 0317 | 0216 |
| April | 0721 | 0620 |
| May | 0519 | 0418 |
| June | 0216 | 0115 |
| July | 0721 | 0620 |
| August | 0418 | 0317 |
| September | 0115 | 0721 |
| October | 0620 | 0519 |
| November | 0317 | 0216 |
| December | 0115 | 0721 |
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.
