Join GoEco in India for a two-week, adventure-filled volunteer experience! Gain experience working with children and providing care for majestic elephants.
Program Highlights
Your Schedule at a Glance (Minimum two-week commitment):
Arrival Day, Sunday: Arrive at New Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL). You will be picked up at the airport and taken to the accommodations in Delhi. Spend the rest of the day acclimating to the Indian way of life.
Day 1, Monday: Today you will participate in an orientation session that will help you make the most of your stay in India. The session will help you to become familiar with local culture and customs, transport, health and safety and the Hindi language. Afterwards, you will have time to explore New Delhi and stock up on essentials or buy some arts and crafts materials for the kids.
Days 2-5, Tuesday-Friday: You will be volunteering with the kids for about 5-6 hours each day. Tasks may include playing educational games, teaching about hygiene and going on trips to local attractions. The most important part of the program is to give the children love and attention.
Day 6, Saturday: Free day to rest or explore. Spend some more time getting to know New Delhi or go on a trip to the Holy Varanasi. India is full of surprises on every corner!
Day 7, Sunday: Volunteers will travel by train from Delhi to Agra. After settling in to the accommodations, volunteers will visit the Taj Mahal.
Day 8, Monday: Volunteers will be transferred to the elephant program (also in Agra) and settle in to the accommodations. There will be an orientation where all program related information will be given to you. Volunteer work begins on this day.
Days 9-10, Tuesday-Wednesday: Rewarding volunteer work with the elephants from 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM. Tasks include preparing food, walking with the elephants, creating enrichment activities, gardening and assisting in the visitor's center.
Day 11, Thursday: Volunteers will travel to Agra, have lunch, and then head to Jaipur.
Day 12, Friday: Volunteers will travel to Agra, have lunch, and then head to Jaipur, for a city tour, including City Palace, the monkey temple and Jal Mahal.
Day 13, Saturday: Visit Hawa Mahal and Amber Fort before returning by train to the accommodations in Delhi.
Day 14, Sunday: Departure day.
Program Highlights
- Experience the “Golden Triangle” of India; Delhi, Agra and Jaipur
- Teach underprivileged children in Delhi
- Care for rescued elephants in Agra
- Ethical wildlife volunteer tasks and interactions
- Enjoy visits to the Taj Mahal, City Palace, the monkey temple and Jal Mahal
Your Schedule at a Glance (Minimum two-week commitment):
Arrival Day, Sunday: Arrive at New Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL). You will be picked up at the airport and taken to the accommodations in Delhi. Spend the rest of the day acclimating to the Indian way of life.
Day 1, Monday: Today you will participate in an orientation session that will help you make the most of your stay in India. The session will help you to become familiar with local culture and customs, transport, health and safety and the Hindi language. Afterwards, you will have time to explore New Delhi and stock up on essentials or buy some arts and crafts materials for the kids.
Days 2-5, Tuesday-Friday: You will be volunteering with the kids for about 5-6 hours each day. Tasks may include playing educational games, teaching about hygiene and going on trips to local attractions. The most important part of the program is to give the children love and attention.
Day 6, Saturday: Free day to rest or explore. Spend some more time getting to know New Delhi or go on a trip to the Holy Varanasi. India is full of surprises on every corner!
Day 7, Sunday: Volunteers will travel by train from Delhi to Agra. After settling in to the accommodations, volunteers will visit the Taj Mahal.
Day 8, Monday: Volunteers will be transferred to the elephant program (also in Agra) and settle in to the accommodations. There will be an orientation where all program related information will be given to you. Volunteer work begins on this day.
Days 9-10, Tuesday-Wednesday: Rewarding volunteer work with the elephants from 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM. Tasks include preparing food, walking with the elephants, creating enrichment activities, gardening and assisting in the visitor's center.
Day 11, Thursday: Volunteers will travel to Agra, have lunch, and then head to Jaipur.
Day 12, Friday: Volunteers will travel to Agra, have lunch, and then head to Jaipur, for a city tour, including City Palace, the monkey temple and Jal Mahal.
Day 13, Saturday: Visit Hawa Mahal and Amber Fort before returning by train to the accommodations in Delhi.
Day 14, Sunday: Departure day.
Location of the Project:
Delhi, India
Project length:
2 weeks
Arrival Airport:
New Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)
Volunteer Work:
Childcare, teaching, recreational activities with children
Age:
18 - 65
Number of Volunteers:
Up to 4 International volunteers
Important Note:
A tourist visa is required to enter India and most volunteers apply online. A visa cannot be obtained for a stay exceeding 180 days.
What's Included
Accommodations:
Shared rooms in a volunteer house
Food:
Most meals are provided, see under "Living Arrangements" for details
Airport Transfers:
Airport pickup is included on day of arrival
Orientation:
Brief orientation provided upon arrival. Volunteers may choose to add a full Orientation Week as well.
Support:
Comprehensive and professional pre-departure travel guidance, 24/7 GoEco emergency hotline, experienced local field team.
What's not Included
Flights, visas (if required), travel health insurance, personal expenses, local transportation, transportation back to airport (can be arranged for $20),
Delhi is located in Northern India, comprising Old Delhi and New Delhi, and is one of the largest and fastest growing cities in the world. This bustling metropolis is a true reflection of the meeting of the old and the new and offers exciting things to do and places to see.
As the capital city, and main gateway to India, Delhi is made up of spacious, tree-lined avenues, national institutions, museums, landmarks and chaotic markets or bazaars. With an incredibly rich history, a vastly diverse number of ethnic groups and stunning temples, the capital of India has become an extremely popular destination for all types of travelers.
As the capital city, and main gateway to India, Delhi is made up of spacious, tree-lined avenues, national institutions, museums, landmarks and chaotic markets or bazaars. With an incredibly rich history, a vastly diverse number of ethnic groups and stunning temples, the capital of India has become an extremely popular destination for all types of travelers.
The volunteering portions of this program are divided into two programs, described below:
Working with Children in Delhi: On this project, volunteers will have the chance to work at different shelters or homes for street children in and around New Delhi during the first week The main focus will be to provide love and care for the children while engaging them in informal education, including basic literacy, as well as playing games and engaging in creative activities with them.
Volunteer Duties and Responsibilities may include:
A typical day: At 8:30 AM, following breakfast, you will travel to your project location with your choice of public transport, i.e. bus, metro or auto rickshaw. All project sites are approximately 20 - 40 minutes away by public transport. You will usually start work around 10:00 AM for 4-5 hours, depending on the amount of work needed on particular days. Lunch can be taken at a nearby restaurant or cafe which will be shown to you during your orientation. Evenings are free for you to discover the city or relax at home with your fellow volunteers.
Note: Volunteers will need to use public transportation such as buses, auto rickshaws or Delhi Metro to go to the projects.
Working with Rescued Elephants: Volunteers will work with rescued elephants in Agra and gain experience in wildlife conservation.
Volunteer Duties and Responsibilities may include:
Working with Children in Delhi: On this project, volunteers will have the chance to work at different shelters or homes for street children in and around New Delhi during the first week The main focus will be to provide love and care for the children while engaging them in informal education, including basic literacy, as well as playing games and engaging in creative activities with them.
Volunteer Duties and Responsibilities may include:
- Assisting with informal education, including organizing and managing outdoor recreational games while helping to create a safe and positive environment for the children.
- Helping teachers during English classes as well as other subjects like basic Math and Geography. You may be asked to help design creative activities for these classes.
- Assisting the staff with various tasks around the center.
- Providing support and positive reinforcement to the children, talking to them about basic life skills and health management.
A typical day: At 8:30 AM, following breakfast, you will travel to your project location with your choice of public transport, i.e. bus, metro or auto rickshaw. All project sites are approximately 20 - 40 minutes away by public transport. You will usually start work around 10:00 AM for 4-5 hours, depending on the amount of work needed on particular days. Lunch can be taken at a nearby restaurant or cafe which will be shown to you during your orientation. Evenings are free for you to discover the city or relax at home with your fellow volunteers.
Note: Volunteers will need to use public transportation such as buses, auto rickshaws or Delhi Metro to go to the projects.
Working with Rescued Elephants: Volunteers will work with rescued elephants in Agra and gain experience in wildlife conservation.
Volunteer Duties and Responsibilities may include:
- Cutting fruit and preparing it for the elephants
- Creating enrichment toys and activities
- Gardening and maintaining the grounds
- Assisting in the visitor's center
Internet:
Free WiFi is available at the volunteer house in Delhi.
Laundry:
Laundry services are not available at the accommodation, but there are laundry facilities in the area that are available for an additional fee.
Accommodations:
Volunteer accommodations in Delhi consist of shared rooms in a volunteer house. The accommodations have filtered water, a fridge, a microwave, running water and electricity along with air - conditioning for the summer months.
Food:
Breakfast and dinner on Days 1-5 , breakfast on Day 7, three meals on Days 8-10 and breakfast on days 11-13 are provided. Included meals are made up of typical vegetarian Indian dishes which may include Dal (Lentils), Curry, Rice, Vegetables, Salad, Yoghurt and Roti (Indian bread). On Sundays volunteers are responsible for their own meals.
Please take note of this project's minimum requirements:
- Minimum age of 18
- Police clearance
- Good command of English
- Motivation to work with children
- Immunizations (please consult your local travel clinic)
Travel Extras:
Volunteers are encouraged to join the Orientation Week prior to their volunteer project. During this week you will learn the language, history and culture of this majestic country while exploring the different sights of Delhi.
The following excursions can also be arranged at an additional fee and offer a wonderful opportunity for you to visit other parts of the country while you are volunteering in Delhi.
Volunteers are encouraged to join the Orientation Week prior to their volunteer project. During this week you will learn the language, history and culture of this majestic country while exploring the different sights of Delhi.
The following excursions can also be arranged at an additional fee and offer a wonderful opportunity for you to visit other parts of the country while you are volunteering in Delhi.
- Agra Day Trip: An incredible opportunity to visit the Taj Mahal - one of the 7 Wonders of the World, as well as the historic Agra Fort, seat of the Mughal Empire.
- Amritsar Weekend Tour: Amritsar is one of the most important cities in the Indian state of Punjab and is home to the world famous Golden Temple, one of the most important Sikh pilgrim centers in the world.
- Golden Triangle Tour (2 nights/ 3 days): Take this trip to the famous cities of Jaipur and Agra - a perfect tour of the triangle. This tour captures the great Indian pageantry combining historic, bustling Jaipur - palaces, forts, and culture and Agra famous for the great Taj Mahal.
- Jaipur Tour (1 night): Jaipur is the capital of the great historic state of Rajasthan. Also known as the pink city, it showcases the great culture, arts and history of Rajasthan.
- Manali Weekend Tour: Manali is one of the most sought after hill stations in India. This Himalayan resort offers countless activities while the tour takes you to the famous landmarks including the Hadimba Temple, the Mall Road and Hot Springs.
- Rishikesh and Haridwar Tour (2 days): This tour gives you a glimpse into the ancient and holy India. Rishikesh is one of the most important pilgrim centers in India along with its twin town of Haridwar. Most famous for its temples, yoga centers and river rafting, while Haridwar is one of the most sacred and holy destinations in India, located on the Ganges. This program gives you a chance to experience these holy Ganges, sacred bathing ghats (river front), ancient temples, priestly chants and the evening “Aarti” at Hark i Pauri.
- Varanasi Weekend Tour: Varanasi is considered one of the holiest cities in India and one of the oldest living cities in the world. Located on the Ganges, Varanasi is home to numerous temples, ashrams and ghats.
- Add-on Beach Week in Goa : If you are looking for a great conclusion to your program you can stay for an additional week in Goa. This is an idyllic holiday destination with white, sandy beaches - ideal for swimming and relaxing. You can enjoy the beaches or hire a motorbike and roam around the city as you wish. Please note that the beach extension week is unguided but Delhi-Goa travel tickets, airport/train station transfers, sightseeing and accommodation is provided.
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