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Delhi, India

Summer Volunteer Program India 2024

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Trip Highlights

Volunteer in India this summer and contribute meaningfully towards the society
Work for children - teach, play, fundraise for their essentials and leave a positive mark
Engage deeply and ethically with the local communities and learn to speak Hindi
Explore the UNESCO Heritage Sites - The Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb, Amber Fort, Golden Temple and more
Live in the Himalayas - Volunteer, Travel and Explore Palampur, a small Himalayan town
Experience trekking in the Himalayas and visit the Mini -Tibet of India, McLeodGanj
Shop for souvenirs in the bustling markets of Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, and Amritsar

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Overview Program Requirements Itinerary Living Costs Dates Reviews

Overview

Be a part of the Summer Volunteer Program in India with Volunteering Solutions and experience the best that India has to offer in just a span of 3 weeks! This project is designed to give you a meaningful travel & volunteering opportunity as well as connect you to the cultural, historical and popular highlights of the major north Indian cities.

Being a part of this project, you will mostly work with underprivileged children in Delhi & Palampur. In the evening, you can explore the nearby areas and tick them off your bucket list. This program will be apt for high school, college as well as university students, gap year travelers, backpackers, corporate groups as well as solo travelers who are keen on making an impact in the developing Indian society.

Still, you have a query? Enquire now.

Program Requirements

Volunteers must be 17 years or older at the time of joining the project. You need to have an open mind and a flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment. The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference. Participants must be fit and healthy at the time of joining the program. Participants should have no criminal convictions and should provide a clean criminal background check report. A parental consent form shall be required for Under 18 participants joining the program.

Schedule

Day 1 (Sat) – Arrival at Delhi
Welcome to India. Today, you will be received at the Indira Gandhi International Airport and will be transferred to your accommodation. Pickup timings are between 6 AM to 10.30 PM. Take rest on your day of arrival, get acquainted with the area, venture out to the local markets and prepare yourselves for the three-week journey ahead.
(Meals – Dinner – subject to arrival time)

Day 2 (Sun) – Orientation & Sightseeing of Delhi
After breakfast, your coordinators will discuss your program itinerary with you for the days to come and give you all the necessary information for the trip. Post orientation, you will begin the city tour of Delhi. In this tour, you’ll visit some of the famous monuments in the city including the Qutub Minar, India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb and the Lotus Temple. Lunch will be at a local restaurant in Delhi. In the evening, you will be formally welcomed with a delicious and traditional Indian meal.
(Meals – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 3 (Mon) to Day 7 (Fri) – Volunteering in Delhi
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 & Dinner)

Exciting Evening Programs During Volunteering Week:-

On Day 6, (Thu), we will take you to the Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple followed by a spectacular Water Show. This will be a memorable evening as you will witness one of the most beautiful temples with superb architecture followed by an amazing laser water show.

Day 8 (Sat) – Explore Delhi / Delhi-Palampur by overnight air-conditioned bus
This day is for leisure activities or for optional sightseeing tours. You can also go for shopping in famous markets like Janpath, Khan Market, Dilli Haat, Lajpat Nagar or Sarojini Nagar. In the evening, we will drop you at the Bus Terminus in Delhi from where you will board an air-conditioned bus to Palampur.
(Meals – Breakfast)

Day 9 (Sun) – Arrival at Palampur / Palampur Program Orientation / Visit to the local market in Palampur
Upon your arrival in Palampur, our Program Coordinators will transfer you to your accommodation. While looking at the beautiful scenery around, get familiar with the volunteer house and the surrounding area. Today, our program coordinators will brief you about volunteering schedule which will begin from the next day. Later, we will take you for a market tour of the Palampur town. In this market visit, you will be familiarized with the area and the facilities like ATM, Bus/Taxi stand, Restaurants, Pharmacy, and other General Shops.

(Meals – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 10 (Mon) to Day 14 (Fri) – Volunteer work in Childcare Project in Palampur
Volunteering in Palampur will begin from today. You will be joining Childcare Project Placement for one week. While working at the Child Care Center, you will be expected to create a fun-filled learning atmosphere for the kids. You can also help in the administrative tasks of the center or help in decorating the center using colorful charts and posters.

It is a great opportunity to work outdoors in the lap of Himalayas with your group and enjoy the experience.

During free time, you can see the nearby monasteries, tea gardens, restaurants, and markets.A special Yoga class during the week will be conducted for volunteers.
On one of the weekdays, volunteers will be taken to Dharamsala/McLeodganj where they can visit Tibetan Monastery and also explore the Tibetan market.
(Meals – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 15 (Sat) – Trekking in the Himalayas (2 days and 1 night)
Today, you will head to Bir along with other volunteers. From here, you will trek to Billing which is a 6-7 km long trekking route. Before starting the trek, you will be given a packed snack box and two bottles of water. Make sure that you take them before starting the trip. The trekking trip will be one of the great highlights of your Summer Trip. After reaching Billing, get the magnificent views of the beautiful snow clad Himalayan mountain range. Accommodation will be provided in a tent/camp.
(Meals – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 16 (Sun) – Trekking ends – Return to Palampur

In the afternoon, you will come back to Palampur. After taking rest for some time, you can pack your bags for your journey to Amritsar the next day.
(Meals – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 17 (Mon) – Palampur – Amritsar -Sightseeing in Amritsar
Volunteer group at the Golden Temple in Amritsar

Volunteer group at the Golden Temple in Amritsar

After breakfast, we will transfer you to Amritsar, the city of the famous Golden Temple.

Upon arrival at Amritsar, check in at the accommodation arranged for you. After getting refreshed, we will take you to visit Jalianwala Bagh (Martyr’s Memorial). Later, we will visit the Golden Temple. After taking a break, we will take you there again to see the illuminated views of the shrine in the evening. Free time can be used to explore the local markets and enjoy local food (which is very famous in India).

(Meals – Breakfast)

Day 18 (Tue) – Amritsar-Delhi by train / Delhi-Agra

In the morning, we will transfer you to the train station in Amritsar from where you will be boarding an air-conditioned train to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, we will transfer you to Agra through Taj Express Way, one of the finest highways in India.

Upon arrival in Agra, check in at the accommodation arranged for you.

For your snacks/refreshments during the train journey, we suggest buying packed snacks before you board the train or to buy food onboard. Your Program Coordinator will brief you about the same.

(Meals – NA)

Volunteers enjoying at the Taj Mahal in Agra

Volunteers enjoying at the Taj Mahal in Agra

Day 19 (Wed) – Visit the Taj Mahal And Transfer To Jaipur

Early in the morning, we will take you to the TAJ MAHAL. The Taj Mahal is considered to be one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also listed among the NEW SEVEN WONDERS OF THE WORLD. Famously known as the Monument of Love, it was built by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan in the memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.

After a memorable visit to Taj Mahal, we will transfer you to Jaipur. Upon arrival in Jaipur, check in at the accommodation and relax for the day.
(Meals – Breakfast)

Day 20 (Thu) Sightseeing In Jaipur – Farewell Dinner in Jaipur
The day starts with an exciting visit to the City Palace. A beautiful traditional Rajasthani Palace with a royal fervor like no other. Before reaching City Palace, we will take a photo stop at Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds).In the evening there would be a farewell dinner for the group at a restaurant.
(Meals – Breakfast & Dinner)

Day 21 (Fri) – Visit the Historic Amber Fort – Transfer to Delhi
In the morning, you get to see one of the fascinating monuments of the Hindu Rajput architecture – The Amber Fort. Facing a beautiful lake called Maota, the fort is located high on a hill. Later in the afternoon, you will return to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, check in at the accommodation arranged for you. at evening relax or to go out for last minute shopping. For those who have booked flights back home can depart for the airport.
(Meals – Breakfast)

Day 22 (Sat) – Depart for the airport, back home or continue your travels
You would need to check out from the accommodation before noon. We recommend booking your flights for Friday night or Saturday morning.

Living

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 is provided in the volunteer house in Delhi and Palampur. Volunteer houses are hygienic, neat and clean, providing volunteers a home away from home. Volunteer houses are equipped with Wi-Fi / internet, geyser facilities, air-conditioning (in Delhi), television, modern toilets, comfortable beds and other basic amenities. When you go for trekking, you will be having an experience of staying in shared tent or camp style accommodation. During weekend tours, accommodation will be provided in standard/deluxe hotels with good comforts and modern amenities.

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 as well as other details of your trip itinerary.

Meals

Indian cuisine is famous all over the world for its flavors and great variety. During volunteering, meals would be provided at volunteers house as specified in itinerary. In breakfast, parantha, bread, tea, jam, butter, porridge etc. will be provided. For lunch/dinner, dal (lentils), vegetable, roti (Indian bread), rice, yoghurt, curry etc. will be prepared for volunteers. During trekking in the Himalayas, local meals will be served. While on the weekend tours, breakfast will be at the hotel.

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. While in Palampur, you will have time to explore the beautiful town and take pleasant walks in the hills as well as practice some Yoga.

Dates

2023

2024

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February

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April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

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February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

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November

December

Past Date

Available

Unavailable

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Costs

3 Weeks $1200

Extra Week $120

Please Note: -An application fee of $229 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment. (A 4% international banking fee is charged at the time of payment)

What are you Paying for?

Comprehensive pre-departure guide
Round the clock assistance from support staff and In-country program coordinator
Airport pickup
Program orientation
Accommodation in Volunteer House/Guest house
Volunteering in Delhi and Palampur
Breakfast and meals as specified in the itinerary
City tour of Delhi
Visit to Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple and water show in Delhi
All intercity transfers
Exciting trekking in the Himalayas
Visit to world famous Golden Temple in Amritsar
Visit to amazing Taj Mahal in Agra
City tour of Jaipur with visit to historic Amber Fort
Services of program coordinator during tours
Accommodation in deluxe hotels during tours
Experience of traveling by air-conditioned train in India

Certificate Of Completion (Upon Request)

What's NOT included?

Flights
Visa fees
Travel insurance (available at nominal cost)
Entry fees at monuments
Local transportation to and from program location
Departure transfer to airport (can be arranged at nominal cost)
Vaccinations
Meals not included in the itinerary
Personal expenses

Reviews

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Frequently asked questions

: Delhi is one of the most popular volunteering destinations, and it is advised to apply for the projects once the volunteering/ traveling dates are decided as there are limited spots available. The application fee is valid for one full year and can be sent earlier than the desired year of volunteering for timely confirmation of the seat. As soon as you decide the travel dates, we suggest you to apply for the program and hold your spot. Every program has limited spots available.
: Usually, it takes around 10-12 working days for the application to be processed and placement to be confirmed. After we review your CV and documents, your booking is confirmed and the booking confirmation is updated in your My Account and you can view the information in your account. The application acceptance depends on the availability of seats in the project as well as the eligibility criteria of the program (age, skills and experience etc.).
: Below are the necessary requirements to participate in the India volunteer projects:
Volunteers must be 17 years or older at the time of joining the project. Medical Program volunteers must be at least 18 at the time of joining.
16-year-old volunteers can participate in Childcare projects with a Letter of Consent from their parents.
Volunteers need to have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment.
Participants must be in good health.
India is a country of different cultures and traditions, though it is modernized, the cultural sensitivities need to be kept in mind before volunteering in India. The volunteers should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference.
: 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.

Volunteering Solutions India program has hosted large student groups as well as families coming to volunteer in the program. We have hosted groups from universities in UK, Europe, and USA as well as other countries, in Delhi.
: Yes, most definitely you can as we believe every participant brings something new to the project. If you do not have previous experience, we offer you the opportunity to have a great start with us. We make international volunteering easy – not only are our Volunteer Abroad opportunities rooted in offering you extensive support, but they are also very affordable.
: All volunteers need to arrive in Delhi on the starting day of the program i.e Sunday. Participants are picked up from the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi by the local coordinator or representative and are transferred to the volunteer accommodation.Orientation would be conducted the next day where you will also be shown the area around the accommodations, the nearest ATM, market, and will be given safety guidelines as well as information about your project.
: Depending on the project, elected volunteers will work during the week from Monday- Friday. You will have the 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.
: 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.
: 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.
: 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.
: 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 dos and dont's.
: 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.
: 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 Solutions. 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.
: Your project coordinator will take you to your project placement and introduce you to everyone after giving you a basic orientation about the program/city/culture etc.

You will be told about the directions to the project from your accommodation as well as the best and the most affordable mode of transport you can use. Volunteers use a variety of modes of transport to commute to different locations in Delhi. Major modes of transport are Delhi Metro and auto rickshaw (tuk-tuk?).
: 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.
: Yes, that is not a problem at all. In fact, volunteers are served vegetarian meals at the accommodations in India.
: 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 as well as Amritsar, Punjab. 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.
: 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.
: 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.
: We encourage volunteers to get in touch with former Volunteering Solutions participants and also other program participants joining our projects. You are recommended to join the Volunteering Solutions Facebook Page or Facebook Group to communicate with other participants.
Volunteers can also view the volunteer testimonials of Delhi program participants by clicking here.