Ayurveda
and Yoga experience
Kerala
June 3 - June 23, 2013
Kerala
July 8 - July 28, 2013
Kerala
August 5 - August 25, 2013
Kerala
September 2 - September 22, 2013
Kerala
October 7 - October 27, 2013
Kerala
November 4 - November 24, 2013
Kerala
December 2 - December 22, 2013
Volunteer project: Ayurveda is a 5000 years old Indian
health care system that is widely practiced even today. "Ayur" in
Sanskrit means "life" and "Veda" means "science". It is a perfect
Science of health and longevity. This holistic science is the knowledge
of complete balance of the Body, Mind and Spirit, including the emotions
and psychology, on all levels. It includes in its consideration,
longevity, rejuvenation and self-realization therapies through herbs,
diet, exercise, yoga, massage, aromas, tantras, mantras, and meditation.
According to Ayurvedic tradition, health is the balance of elements air,
earth, fire, and water, and illness is an excess or deficiency of any
particular element. Ayurveda treats illness at its source, rather than
at the level of symptoms, and helps an individual to take responsibility
for their own health and well-being. Ayurveda is also known as 'Ashtanga
Veda' (the word literally means 'Eight branches of knowledge') as it is
divided into eight specialized branches.
Yoga is a complete science of life that originated in India several thousands of years ago. It is the oldest system of personal development in the world, encompassing the entire Body, Mind and Spirit. It is the union between a person's own consciousness and the universal consciousness. The classical techniques of Yoga date back more than 5000 years. The word Yoga means "to join or yoke together," and it brings the body and mind together into one harmonious experience.
During the project, the volunteers will be learning the Basics of Yoga and Ayurveda. Every day, there will be topics covered by a professional master (the person in charge of yoga and ayurveda classes), which will be practiced by the volunteers. Yoga will be practiced every day.
Apart from this, volunteers will also help in creating awareness among the school children on issues like health and hygiene, environmental protection, solid waste management, etc. Volunteers need to be creative in their approach to give out the message through dramas, puppet shows and street plays. The volunteers will also take part in cultural visits to learn more about the culture of Kannur.
Language: English
Accommodation: At a guesthouse, in shared rooms.
Location: Kannur (also called as “Cannanore”) is located in the state of Kerala. The nearest convenient airport is located at Mangalore, around 125 km from Kannur town. Frequent trains are available from all major cities like Cochin, Bangalore, Trivandrum, Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi and Goa. Trains and buses operate on an everyday basis from almost all major towns/cities in South India.
The culture of Kerala is a synthesis of Dravidian and Aryan cultures, developed and mixed for centuries, under influences from overseas lands. It is defined by its antiquity and the organic continuity sustained by the Malayali people. Modern Kerala society took shape owing to migrations from different parts of India throughout Classical Antiquity. Kerala trace its non-prehistoric cultural genesis to its membership (around the 3rd century BC) in a vaguely-defined historical region known as Thamizhagom — a land defined by a common Tamil. The culture of Kerala evolved through the Sanskritization of Dravidian ethos, revivalism of religious movements and reform movements against case discrimination. Kerala showcases a culture unique to itself developed through accommodation, acculturation and assimilation of various faculties of civilized lifestyle. It has had long periods of insular existence. This has resulted in the distinctiveness of their language, dress, culture and institutions.
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 15,000 Indian Rupees (about $290 US)
The extra fee is intended to support the hosting organization who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival on the project.
Cadip volunteer project review:
"I thoroughly enjoyed the
3 wk. project in South India. I didn't want it to end. As I am very
passionate about children, yoga, and holistic modalities this was the
perfect project for me. I also met new international friends and had
many cultural exchanges with them and the children at St. Mary's school.
This was a life changing experience for me and I plan to return to India
in the future to study and live at a yoga ashram. I was fortunate enough
to visit and stay at Amma's ashram near Allepey for a couple of days
after the project finished. I personally think Kerala, South India is
pure love! The head sister at the school was so warm and welcoming as
were the people in Kannur. We learned about some of the Indian
traditions and celebrations from our coordinator and team leader as
well. I highly recommend this project if you are passionate about
children, holistic practices and have an open mind.
Thank you."
Lisa Z.,
Cadip volunteer 2010
Learn
about Tibetan culture, support a local school and hike in the Himalayas
Dharamsala - McLeod Ganj
June 3 - June 23, 2013
Dharamsala - McLeod Ganj
July 1 - July 21, 2013
Dharamsala - McLeod Ganj
August 5 - August 25, 2013
Dharamsala - McLeod Ganj
September 9 - September 29, 2013
Dharamsala - McLeod Ganj
October 7 - October 27, 2013
Dharamsala - McLeod Ganj
November 11 - December 1, 2013
Volunteer project: Valleys of the Himalayas - where the heaven meets the earth. This small paradise is home to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and to a significant Tibetan settlement in India. Dharamsala is set in the backdrop of the snow-clad peaks of Dhauladhar Mountains. It is the capital of the Tibetan Government in exile and the residence of the Dalai Lama.
In the first two weeks of the project, the volunteers will get the opportunity to learn about the Tibetan culture and the different issues related to the exile of its people and the re-settlement in India. There will be cultural activities and exchange with the Tibetan Youth with the support of the Tibetan Welfare Office. The project will also include an awareness campaign for the protection of the environment and solid waste management in cooperation with the Tibetan Welfare Office. Furthermore, the volunteers will support a local Indian/Tibetan school in need of simple renovation work and interact with the school children. The renovation work will vary and may include gardening and tree planting, kitchen renovation, compost pits, painting, classroom flooring, renovating a children's playground, etc. The volunteers will also spend some time teaching basic English and Mathematics, Health and Hygiene, and Environmental protection to the children through creative learning methods like art, music, games etc.
On the third week of the project, the volunteers will take part in a 4-day trekking activity around the mountains of Dharamsala and Triund.
Language: English
Accommodation: In a guesthouse with shared rooms.
Location: Dharamsala is located in the state of Himachal Pradesh, North India, 500 km from Delhi. Dharamsala is accessible by bus on a daily basis from New Delhi and other smaller cities of North India. The nearest railway stations are Pathankot and Kangra Mandir. Delhi is the nearest international airport.
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 15,000 Indian Rupees (about $290 US)
The extra fee is intended to support the hosting organization who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival on the project.
Help build a school in Dharamsala
Dharamsala
June 3 - June 23, 2013
Dharamsala
July 1 - July 21, 2013
Dharamsala
August 5 - August 25, 2013
Dharamsala
September 9 - September 29, 2013
Dharamsala
October 7 - October 27, 2013
Dharamsala
November 11 - December 1, 2013
Volunteer
project: Valleys of the Himalayas - where the heaven meets the
earth. This small paradise is home to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and to a
significant Tibetan settlement in India. Dharamsala is set in the
backdrop of the snow-clad peaks of Dhauladhar Mountains. It is the
capital of the Tibetan Government in exile and the residence of the
Dalai Lama.
We've been conducting volunteer workcamps in McLeodganj, Dharamsala for almost 4 years now. During this period, we noticed that there are many areas around Dharamsala where children have to walk long distances daily (sometimes up to 10 km) to attend school. Shortage of schools and lack of public transportation makes it difficult for children in these areas to have access to school. To address this issue, we've decided to build a center and a school in one of the areas around Dharamsala.
This workcamp will not be held in the more touristic McLeodganj area of Dharamsala, but will be held in the foothills of Himachal Pradesh. In the first two weeks of the project, the volunteers will take part in the construction of the school building and the center. There will be skilled laborers hired to work along with the volunteers. The volunteers will also get the opportunity to learn about the Tibetan culture and the different issues related to the exile of its people and the re-settlement in India.
On the third week of the project, the volunteers will take part in a 4-day trekking activity around the mountains of Dharamsala and Triund.
Language: English
Accommodation: In a guesthouse with shared rooms.
Location: Dharamsala is located in the state of Himachal Pradesh, North India, 500 km from Delhi. Dharamsala is accessible by bus on a daily basis from New Delhi and other smaller cities of North India. The nearest railway stations are Pathankot and Kangra Mandir. Delhi is the nearest international airport.
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 15,000 Indian Rupees (about $290 US)
The extra fee is intended to support the hosting organization who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival on the project.
Creating health and hygiene awareness through
education and art
Panjim - Goa
June 10 - June 23, 2013
Volunteer project: Situated on the west coast (Arabian Sea), Goa was the former Portuguese colony in India. It is one of India's most cherished and prominent locations for travelers since many years for its remarkable palm-fringed beaches.
The international volunteers will teach basic English and Mathematics, Health and Hygiene, and Environmental protection to children employing creative learning methods like art, music, games, etc. House visits and meetings with local rural people are part of the program to provide opportunity for intercultural learning and raising awareness on health, education and hygiene. The volunteers can take the school children out in the city for picnics, exposure visits and city walks. The group will witness and participate in cultural programs with the local community.
The volunteers need to come up with ideas for the program on their arrival, after which the whole group will settle on a plan of action decided by the team. The project will focus mainly in schools/orphanages and the volunteers will visit the surrounding areas to impart the message given through presentations, puppet shows and dramas/plays.
Language: English
Accommodation: In a guesthouse with shared rooms.
Location: Panjim is the capital of the state of Goa. Panjim is accessible by air. Domestic and some international airlines fly directly to Panjim Airport. The nearest international airports are Mumbai and Bangalore. Trains and buses operate on a daily basis from Mumbai and Bangalore.
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 12,500 Indian Rupees (about $240 US)
The extra fee is intended to support the hosting organization who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival on the project.
Cadip volunteer project review:
"Dear CADIP, I wanted to
thank you for providing me the opportunity to experience a piece of the
Indian Life. I attended workcamp in India during the month of August
where our main objectives were to learn about the social and health
problems affecting Indians, teach basic knowledge about environmental
health, and help paint an elementary school in desperate need of a
facelift. I wanted to share some of my memorable moments with the CADIP
family.
Most of the day was spent
at either school in Thirineermalai or at the School in Chrombet. In the
morning we painted at Thiruneermalai and in the afternoon we taught
environmental lessons in Chrombet. The evenings were reserved for
cultural events, informal meetings with local government ministers, team
meetings, and special dinners where we learned a lot about the inner
workings of the culture – such as how Indians serve their guest first,
watch you while you eat, then take food after the guests are finished.
Taking the time to glance
from the ground during our hour long walk to the elementary school in
Thiruneermalai, one could not help but be amazed at the colorful saris
worn by the women. It became easier as days passed to distinguish
economic status of a person by the type and quality of the sari – i.e.
more expensive saris were made of fine silk and adorned with intricate
beading.
Other great moment was
the visit to the village of the students in Thirineermalai, which is a
poor town of Chennai. This put a human perspective on the way people
deal with their current realities. There was also the trip to
Mamalapurium, a touristy location, but not without its insights. For
example, for the first time during the work camp I saw a garbage can in
India. It was empty. There were many talks, interviews, and discussions
concerning cultural habits that may contribute to the waste problems in
India, and also how India hopes to change perception of waste
management.
There were many others
things to describe as well: the Hindu Temples, the Jain, the unique way
in which Indians eat food – they eat everything with their hands, and so
did I – from the intricate caste system that was present as we ate our
dinner in a minister’s luxury home while the help hid from view and ate
scraps in their corridor, to the invisible people who clean the trash in
the street and the many, many street vendors selling fruit and
everything imaginable.
My time in Chennai, India
was short, but heavily concentrated with rich cultural events. It was
not all fun and games, we literally worked. But we learned every step of
the way, each day a little more about the Incredible India. Thank you
CADIP for making this opportunity possible."
Murphy C.,
Cadip volunteer 2009
Raising awareness of the importance of education,
hygiene and environmental protection in Darjeeling
Darjeeling – West Bengal
June 17 - June 30, 2013
Volunteer
project: Darjeeling is a Himalayan city in West Bengal and is
famous for its tea industry and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a
UNESCO World Heritage site. It is situated at an average elevation of
6982 feet (2128 metres) and is also known as 'Queen of the Hills'. It is
the "hill town headquarters" of Darjeeling district with a partially
autonomous status within the state of West Bengal.
During the workcamp, volunteers will be visiting the schools and rural settlement of the region to present the importance of health and hygiene, environment awareness and the need for education among the adults along with the children. Volunteers who participate in this project need to come up with ideas for the program on their arrival after which the whole group will settle on a plan of action decided by the team. By collaborating with local NGOs, we aim to provide basic awareness to the local tribal population. The program will be mainly in schools/rural areas and volunteers will visit the surrounding villages to promote awareness through dramas and street plays.
The project will also involve teaching basic English and Mathematics, Health and Hygiene, and Environmental protection to children in formal and non-formal schools through creative learning methods like art, music, games etc. There will also be house visits and meetings with local people as part of inter-cultural learning and to spread awareness on health, education and hygiene. As part of the cultural exchange, volunteers will witness and be part in cultural programs with the local community. Volunteers will also visit the tea plantations and take a walk in the reserve forests.
Language: English
Accommodation: In a guesthouse with shared rooms.
Location: The nearest airport to Darjeeling is Bagdogra (96 km). There are direct flight connections with Delhi and Calcutta (nearest International Airport). The closest railway station is New Jalpaiguri about 88 km away from Darjeeling. It has direct railway connections with Calcutta, Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai. Regular bus services are also available.
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 12,500 Indian Rupees (about $240 US)
The extra fee is intended to support the hosting organization who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival on the project.
Teaching children from poor communitis of Tamil
Nadu state
Courtallam - Tamil Nadu
June 17 - June 30, 2013
Volunteer project: The town of waterfalls - Courtallam - otherwise known as Kutralam, is situated on the Western Ghats in Thirunelveli District of Tamil Nadu, India. The numerous waterfalls and cascades along with the health resorts in the area have earned it the title of “the Spa of South India”. The closest towns to Courtallam are Sengottai and Tenkasi at 5 km respectively. The three major waterfalls reachable by road are the Main Falls, Five Falls, and Old Courtallam Falls. Other waterfalls like Shenbaga Devi Falls and Honey Falls are reachable only by trekking on the mountain. Today Courtallam has become a centre of attraction - people from far and wide visit the locations to enjoy the nature.
The international volunteer project here will be organised with the cooperation of the local community for rural development and watershed management, environmental education and working together with local villages in rural development projects. Most of the schools lack basic infrastructure like school building, education material, playground and drinking water. Volunteers can make a big difference in the daily lives of these children by providing some of these necessities.
The project will involve teaching children from poor and marginalized community in the formal and non-formal schools basic English and Mathematics, Health and Hygiene, and Environmental protection through creative learning methods like art, music, games etc. There will also be house visits and meetings with local people as part of inter-cultural learning and to give awareness on health and hygiene. Volunteers can take the school children to places in the town like picnics and exposure visits. In addition, volunteers will also get a chance to take part in simple renovation work at local schools/orphanages and engage in activities like painting, tree planting, promoting rainwater harvesting, etc. As part of the cultural exchange, volunteers will witness and participate in cultural programs with the local community.
Language: English
Accommodation: In a guesthouse or a hostel with shared rooms.
Location: Courtallam is located in Tamil Nadu state and is accessible by domestic airlines. Trains and buses operate on a daily basis from Chennai and Bangalore – both Chennai and Bangalore have an international airport. The closest airport to Courtallam is Tuticorin Airport (TCR) approximately 90 kilometres away, and the nearest railway station is Tenkasi, 5 kilometres away.
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 9,500 Indian Rupees (about $180 US)
The extra fee is intended to support the hosting organization who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival on the project.
Teaching
children and renovating school facilities in Mount Abu
Mount Abu - Rajasthan
July 1 - July 14, 2013
Volunteer project: Rajasthan was inhabited long before
2500 BC and the Indus Valley Civilization had its foundation here in
north Rajasthan itself. Around 1400 BC the Aryans paid a visit and
settled forever in the area. The local population was pushed down south
and towards the east. Afghans, Turks, Persians and Mughals followed in
mixing their blood, first in war then in peace, with the existing
original inhabitants. This blending gave the martial lineage to the
Rajputs.
Mount Abu is the highest peak in the Aravalli range and the only hill station in Rajasthan state. The mountain forms a distinct rocky plateau 22 km long by 9 km wide. The highest peak on the mountain is Guru Shikhar at 1722 metres above sea level. It is referred to as an 'oasis in the desert', as its heights are home to rivers, lakes, waterfalls and evergreen forests. Mount Abu is home to a number of Jain temples.
This volunteer project involves teaching basic English and Mathematics, Health and Hygiene, and Environmental protection to children from poor and marginalized communities in the non-formal schools. The volunteers will be teaching through creative learning methods like art, music, games etc. There will also be house visits and meetings with rural people to spread awareness about health, education and hygiene. Volunteers can take the school children to places in the city like picnics, exposure visits and city walks. In addition, the volunteers will get a chance to take part in the renovation work at local schools and orphanages, and engage in activities like painting, making a kitchen garden, tree planting, promoting rainwater harvesting, etc. As part of the cultural exchange, the volunteers will witness and take part in cultural programs with the local community.
Language: English
Accommodation: At a guesthouse, in shared rooms.
Location: Mount Abu is located in the State of Rajasthan and is accessible by domestic airlines. The nearest airport is Udaipur at a distance of 185 km, but Ahmadabad has better connectivity and daily flights with other parts of the country and is just 221 km from Mount Abu. Trains and buses operate on a daily basis from New Delhi and Mumbai. Nearest train station is “Abu road station” situated about 27 km from Mount Abu town. Abu road train station is well connected to all the major cities of India like Mumbai, Delhi, Udaipur, Jodhpur and Ahmedabad.
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 12,500 Indian Rupees (about $240 US)
The extra fee is intended to support the hosting organization who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival on the project.
Promoting
public health dialogue through forum theatre
Bangalore and Mysore
July 1 - July 21, 2013
Volunteer project: Public health dialogue on public health issues is becoming increasingly important for improving the health status of the people in India. The project “Health on Stage” is the continuation and the follow up of global effort to mobilize the local community for public health dialogue. It is a unique model that attempts to pool up international volunteers and engage them in an intensive dialogue with local community by using “forum theatre” as the medium for communication.
Health on stage will be implemented in slums of Bangalore and rural areas in Mysore. Water related issues and water borne diseases will be the important components of Health on Stage programme. The volunteers, split in groups, will perform forum theatre and promote Health on Stage.
After a brief inter-cultural exchange and learning the applications of ‘forum theatre’, the volunteers of “Health on Stage” would perform, focusing on public health with all its social and cultural dimensions. Under the broader framework of Water and Public Health, a wide range of local issues will be taken up for dialogue and seeking solutions. Hygiene and sanitation, waterborne diseases, preventive and curative aspects of health, water and environment, water conservation, indigenous water purification measures will be the issues to be dealt with.
The forum theatre will not be so much language based; it will predominantly be body language and action based communications. Initially the volunteers would spend time in social mapping to identify the local water and health issues and through forum theatre analyze the issues with the community and design locally available solutions. This will trigger the thought of the people and they would realize that it is they who are principally responsible to find out locally available solutions to their numerous water and public health problems. A local person skilled in forum theatre will work with the volunteers throughout the project.
Language: English
Accommodation: In a guest house, in shared rooms
Location: In Bangalore: Bangalore Rural & Urban, South
India
Bangalore is accessible by air, domestic and some international airlines
fly directly to Bangalore International Airport. Trains and buses
operate on an everyday basis from almost all major towns/cities in South
India.
In Mysore: Mysore Rural & Urban, South India. Mysore is about 140 kilometres from Bangalore.
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 15,000 Indian Rupees (about $290 US)
The extra fee is intended to support the hosting organization who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival on the project.
Recycling
awareness campaign in Kundapur
Kundapur
July 8 - July 21, 2013
Kundapur
September 9 - September 22, 2013
Volunteer project: Kundapur is a town situated near the beach on the west coast of Karnataka state, and is very close to the Western Ghats mountain ridge. Invariably this is one of the prime locations for international volunteer initiatives and development interventions in partnership with local NGOs and civil society organisations.
Environmental degradation is one of the major issues in Kundapur. To address the environmental issues, the volunteer group will adopt a “Model Street program” in Kundapur and will help raising awareness on the need of recycling and organic compost making by engaging the local community. We'll get the residents to separate their garbage and the volunteers will visit them regularly to ensure locals understand the need of this activity and carry it out. This street is a small scale model and in the future we hope it will be replicated and scaled up for the benefit of many. We will employ a process of sustainability approach to Eco friendly activities in the community, by adopting the strategies of home visits, surveys, community based organisations training, advocacy and campaign, green youth group development, cotton bag promotion, implementing of small scale Eco projects and other creative, need-based activities will be undertaken in the days to come.
The volunteers are encouraged to bring in their innovations, suggestions and creativity to the project. There are no limitations to this project in so far as development is concerned. The volunteers will take part in school sessions, Eco-friendly streets and Eco clubs, and community work as part of the scheduled project activities.
Language: English
Accommodation: In a guesthouse with shared rooms.
Location: Kundapur is a coastal town in Udupi district, Karnataka state in South India. Cities near to Kundapur are: Udupi (35 km), Mangalore (95 km) and Bangalore (435 km). People coming to Kundapur fly into Mangalore or Bangalore International Airport. The nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport, around 100 km from Kundapura. Kundapur can also be reached from Mumbai, Goa, Bangalore and Kerala by train/bus. Kundapura is well connected to other parts of the country by National Highway -17. Kundapura is also connected by the Konkan Railway, which runs from Mumbai to Mangalore. Kundapura railway station is about 4 km from the town.
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 9,500 Indian Rupees (about $180 US)
The extra fee is intended to support the hosting organization who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival on the project.
Heritage
conservation and awareness work at the Badami Cave Temples
Badami
July 15 - July 28, 2013
Badami
December 9 - December 22, 2013
Volunteer project: Historically Badami or Vatapi was the centre of ancient Chalukyan glory. It is located at a distance of about 500 km from Bangalore and is a Taluk in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka. It was founded in 540 A.D. by Pulakesi-I (535-566 AD), an early ruler of the Chalukyas. Badami, today a sleepy little town on a red sandstone ridge, was once the capital of the great Chalukyan Empire that controlled most of Peninsular India between the 4th and 8th centuries AD. The Chalukyas are credited with some of the best traditions of Dravidian architecture including an experimental blend of older South Indian temple architecture and the Nagara style of north India. Badami’s archeological interest lies in a series of cave temples of 6th century AD excavated for both Hindu and Jain deities.
The volunteer project in Badami will concentrate on the protection of the cultural heritage and the sites of historical importance and on creating awareness among the locals, school children, tour guides and tourists. The volunteers will be involved in cleaning the heritage surroundings and planting trees, thereby converting dry areas into beautiful spots for an eye to rest on. The awareness activities will require a lot of creativity and motivation from the volunteers to convey the message through dramas, street plays and other creative arts. Volunteers will also conduct activities with children to promote awareness about the environment, health and hygiene, heritage conservation through creative learning methods like games, art, songs, dance, music etc.
Language: English
Accommodation: In a guest house or a hostel, in shared rooms
Location: Badami, located at a distance of about 500 km from Bangalore, is a town and headquarters of a taluk by the same name in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka. It is famous for its rock-cut and other structural temples. It is located in a ravine at the foot of a rugged, red sandstone outcrop that surrounds Agastya lake.
The nearest airport to Badami is Belgaum, which is about 190 kilometres away. Belgaum is connected to Mumbai by domestic flights. Bangalore is the nearest international airport.
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 12,500 Indian Rupees (about $240 US)
The extra fee is intended to support the hosting organization who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival on the project.
Teach
in schools and explore the mountains of Himachal Pradesh
Manali
July 15 - July 28, 2013
Volunteer project: Manali (altitude of 6,398 feet), in the Beas River Valley, is an important hill station in the mountains of Himachal Pradesh, India, near the northern end of the Kullu Valley. It is located about 250 km north of the state capital Shimla. The small town was the beginning of an ancient trade route to Ladakh. Manali and the surrounding area is of great significance to Indian culture and heritage as it is said to be the home of the Saptarshi, or Seven Sages. It is known for the beautiful pristine forest of Nehru Park and serves as a base camp for trekking and mountaineering expeditions.
The volunteer project involves teaching children from poor and marginalised communities in non-formal schools about basic English and Mathematics, Health and Hygiene, and Environmental protection through creative learning methods like art, music, games, etc. There will also be home visits and meetings with the rural people to raise awareness on health, education and hygiene. Volunteers can take the school children out for picnics and exposure visits. The volunteers will help in the renovation of local schools and orphanages including painting, making a kitchen garden, planting trees, promoting rainwater harvesting, etc. As part of the cultural exchange, the volunteers will witness and participate in cultural programs with the local community.
The volunteers will also take part in trekking activities in the mountains of Himachal Pradesh.
Language: English
Accommodation: In a guesthouse, in shared rooms.
Location: Manali is well connected by road to Delhi through NH-21. It is not easily approachable by rail. The nearest broad gauge railheads are at Chandigarh (315 kilometres) from Pathankot. The nearest airport is at Bhuntar, which is about 50 kilometres from Manali. Flights operate daily from Delhi.
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 12,500 Indian Rupees (about $240 US)
The extra fee is intended to support the hosting organization who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival on the project.
Yoga
and Meditation in the holy city of Rishikesh
Uttarakhand - Rishikesh
August 5 - August 18, 2013
Uttarakhand - Rishikesh
October 14 - October 27, 2013
Volunteer project: Rishikesh is a city and a municipal board in Dehradun district in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Located in the foothills of the Himalayas in northern India, it is known as The Gateway to the Himalayas. It is located around 45 km north of another holy city, Haridwar. The city attracts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims and tourists each year, from within India, as well as from other countries. It is a vegetarian city by law, an alcohol-free city, and has also banned the use of plastic bags. Rishikesh, sometimes nicknamed "the world capital of Yoga", has numerous Yoga centres that also attract tourists. Rishikesh is world famous for rafting and adventure.
The volunteers will be learning the basics of Yoga and Meditation during the project. Every day there will be topics covered by a professional master (the person in charge of yoga and meditation classes), which will be practiced by the volunteers.
Apart from this, volunteers will also help in creating awareness among the locals on issues like health and hygiene, environmental protection, eco-clubs, eco-tourism, solid waste management etc. Volunteers need to be creative in their approach to give out the message through drama and street plays. Volunteers who participate in this project need to bring materials and ideas for the programme upon arrival, after which the whole group will chalk out a plan of action decided by the team.
Language: English
Accommodation: At a guest house, in shared rooms
Location: Rishikesh is in close proximity of Dehradun’s
s Jolly Grant Airport (about 15 km)
- a small, quiet and recently
renovated airport handling just two flights from Delhi. A quiet branch
line connects Rishikesh to Haridwar, but there are only about three slow
trains daily. From Delhi the city is about 230 km away and is well
connected with buses. A bus journey may take about 5 to 7 hours.
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 12,500 Indian Rupees (about $240 US)
The extra fee is intended to support the hosting organization who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival on the project.
Protection
of the World Heritage Site at Hampi
Hampi
August 12 - August 25, 2013
Volunteer project: Located in the central part of the state of Karnataka, in the southern part of India, Hampi is definitely one of the most interesting travel destinations on the map of India. It is famous for its ruins belonging to the erstwhile medieval Hindu kingdom of Vijayanagar, now declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. The temples of Hampi, its monolithic sculptures and monuments are breathtaking. The Hindu style of architecture found at Hampi speaks of the splendor of the Vijayanagar Empire.
The volunteer projects in Hampi will primarily concentrate on the protection of the cultural heritage and the sites of historical importance and on creating awareness among the locals, school children, tour guides and the tourists. The volunteers will be involved in cleaning the heritage surroundings and planting trees, thereby converting dry areas into beautiful spots for an eye to rest on. The work will require a lot of creativity and motivation from the volunteers to convey the message through dramas, plays, puppet shows and other creative arts.
Language: English
Accommodation: In a guesthouse, in shared rooms.
Location: Hampi is located in the state of Karnataka, 350 km from Bangalore, and 13 km from Hospet. Hampi is accessible by bus from Bangalore and Goa. The nearest railway station is in Hospet. The nearest international airports are Goa, Bangalore and Mumbai.
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 12,500 Indian Rupees (about $240 US)
The extra fee is intended to support the hosting organization who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival on the project.
Organizing
entertainment activities for street and orphaned kids in Calcutta
Kolkata
August 19 - September 1, 2013
Volunteer project: A city of Joy and Love, Grandeur and Glory... Kolkata alias Calcutta is full of life and bustle, verging on the chaotic as traditional occupations rub shoulders with ultra modern industries. Kolkata is India's second largest city, the capital of West Bengal and formerly, the capital of British India (1772-1912); it is a city with a great deal of charm with its imperial monuments, strong cultural and religious flavour.
However it is also suffering from a terrible lack of hygiene, illiteracy and unemployment are rampant, and the first to suffer from these poor living conditions are the children. In an effort to bring a bit of joy back to the faces of the street and orphan children of Calcutta, an international group of volunteers together with local NGOs will conduct a Happy Hearts Workcamp: it will consist of a series of “Happy Hearts” Sessions in which the group of volunteers will organise activities to entertain and open the minds of the children to the outside world. The volunteers will also undertake some renovation work in the schools like painting, renovation of toilets, kitchens and playgrounds, etc.
This special project will feature one week of creative education and one week of continuous special activities. Each day of the second week there will be different visits, e.g. to the planetarium, amusement park, movies, and so on.
Language: English
Accommodation: At a guesthouse, in shared rooms.
Location: Calcutta, West Bengal. Accessible by air; Kolkata has a domestic and an international airport. Trains and buses operate on a daily basis from many major towns/cities in India.
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 9,500 Indian Rupees (about $180 US)
The extra fee is intended to support the hosting organization who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival on the project
Rural
development, education and awareness projects in Rajastan
Jodhpur – Rajasthan
August 19 - September 1, 2013
Volunteer project: Rajasthan was inhabited long before 2500 BC and the Indus Valley Civilization had its foundation here in north Rajasthan itself. Around 1400 BC the Aryans paid a visit and settled forever in the area. The local population was pushed down south and towards the east. Afghans, Turks, Persians and Mughals followed in mixing their blood, first in war then in peace, with the existing original inhabitants. This blending gave the martial lineage to the Rajputs (member of any of several powerful Hindu landowning and military lineages).
Jodhpur is a popular tourist destination featuring many palaces, forts and temples. The city is known as the Sun City for the bright sunny weather it enjoys all year. It is also referred as the Blue City due to the indigo tinge of the whitewashed houses around the Mehrangarh Fort. Culture and lifestyle in Jodhpur is quite fascinating. Lending a romantic aura to Jodhpur, are its exquisite handicrafts, folk dances, folk music and the brightly attired people. The desert people are quite affable. The famous Marwar festival brings out the festive spirits of the people of this city.
The volunteer projects here will be organised with the cooperation of local community for rural development and watershed management, environmental education and working together with local villages in rural development projects. Most of the schools around Jodhpur lack basic infrastructure like a school building, education materials, playgrounds and drinking water. Volunteers can make a big difference in the daily lives of these children by spending time with them and working to provide the necessities listed above.
The project will also involve teaching children from poor and marginalized communities in formal and non-formal schools about basic English and Mathematics, Health and Hygiene, and Environmental protection through creative learning methods like art, music, games, etc. There will also be house visits and meetings with local people to facilitate the inter-cultural exchange and to raise awareness on health and hygiene. The volunteers will take the school children to different places in town for picnics and exposure visits. In addition, the volunteers will take part in simple renovation works at local schools and orphanages: painting, tree planting, promoting rainwater harvesting, etc. As part of the cultural exchange, the volunteers will take part in cultural programs along with the local people.
Language: English
Accommodation: At a guesthouse, in shared rooms.
Location: Jodhpur is located in the state of Rajasthan and is accessible by domestic airlines. Jodhpur is connected by air to major airports in Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Udaipur; the airport is about 5 km from the city center. Trains and buses operate on a daily basis from New Delhi and Mumbai.
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 9,500 Indian Rupees (about $180 US)
The extra fee is intended to support the hosting organization who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival on the project.
Educational
activities and better school environment for disadvantaged children
Udaipur - Rajasthan
September 2 - September 15, 2013
Udaipur - Rajasthan
November 4 - November 17, 2013
Volunteer project: Udaipur, also known as the City of Lakes, is a Municipal Council and the administrative headquarters of the Udaipur district in the state of Rajasthan in India. It is located 403 km southwest of the state capital, Jaipur, 248 km west of Kota, and 250 km northeast of Ahmedabad. Apart from its history, culture, and scenic locations, it is also known for its Rajput-era palaces. It is often called the "Venice of the East".
The group will work with children from poor and marginalised communities in the non-formal schools. The volunteers will teach the kids basic English and Mathematics, Health and Hygiene, and Environmental protection through creative learning methods like art, music, games, etc. There will also be home visits and meetings with local people to spread awareness on health, education and hygiene. Volunteers can take the school children to places in the city like picnics, exposure visits and city walks. In addition, the volunteers will take part in the renovation work at local schools and orphanages and help with activities like painting, making a kitchen garden, planting trees, promoting rainwater harvesting, etc.
Language: English
Accommodation: In a guesthouse, in shared rooms.
Location: Udaipur is well connected to the major cities of India by land, rail and air. Dabok Airport is situated in a satellite town about 20 km from Udaipur. Daily India Airlines flights connect Udaipur with Jodhpur, Jaipur, Mumbai, and Delhi. Udaipur City has direct trains on the broad gauge network to most of the major cities in Rajasthan and the rest of India. The city lies on the Golden Quadrilateral National Highway (NH) 8, midway between Delhi and Mumbai, located around 700 km from either city.
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 9,500 Indian Rupees (about $180 US)
The extra fee is intended to support the hosting organization who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival on the project.
Promoting health, hygiene and environmental
awareness in Varanasi, the sacred city on the Ganges
Varanasi - Uttar Pradesh
September 23 - October 6, 2013
Volunteer project: Varanasi, also commonly known as Benares or Banaras and Kashi, is a city situated on the banks of the Ganges in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, 320 km southeast of the state capital Lucknow. It is regarded as a holy city by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The culture of Varanasi is closely associated with the River Ganges and the river's religious importance. The city has been a cultural and religious centre in North India for several thousand years. The Benares Gharana form of the Indian Classical Music developed in Varanasi, and many prominent India philosophers, poets, writers, and musicians resided or reside in Varanasi. Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon at Sarnath located near Varanasi. People often refer to Varanasi as "the city of temples", "the holy city of India", "the religious capital of India", "the city of lights", "the city of learning", and "the oldest living city on earth".
The project at Varanasi will be organised with the cooperation of local NGOs for rural development. The project will involve teaching children from poor and marginalized community in the formal and non-formal schools about basic English and Mathematics, Health and Hygiene, and Environmental protection through creative learning methods like art, music, games etc. There will also be house visits and meetings with local people as part of inter-cultural learning and to give awareness on health, education and hygiene. Volunteers can take the school children to places in the town like picnics and exposure visits. In addition, volunteers also will get a chance to take part in simple renovation work at local schools/orphanages and engage in activities like painting, making a kitchen garden, tree planting, promoting rainwater harvesting, etc. As part of the cultural exchange, volunteers will witness and participate in the cultural programs with local community.
Language: English
Accommodation: In a guesthouse with shared rooms.
Location: Varanasi is well connected to all the major Indian cities and states by air, road and rail. There are daily domestic flights to and from Varanasi to several cities in India. It is well connected to Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and other parts of India. There's frequent public and private buses and road transport to all the major towns of Uttar Pradesh. Distance between Delhi and Varanasi is 790 kilometres.
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 12,500 Indian Rupees (about $240 US)
The extra fee is intended to support the hosting organization who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival on the project.
Marine
turtle protection project on the west coast of Karnataka
Kundapur
October 14 - October 27, 2013
Kundapur
November 11 - November 24, 2013
Kundapur
December 9 - December 22, 2013
Volunteer project: Kundapur is a town situated near the beach on the west coast of Karnataka state, and is very close to the Western Ghats (a mountain ridge). The Western Ghats is India's prime zone for bio-diversity, known for the number of animal and plant species in this region.
In 2004, a Marine Turtle protection project was started here in co-operation with the Forest and Wildlife Department of the State of Karnataka. Over a 60-kilometer stretch of beach, surveys are conducted and the turtle nests are protected until the hatching of the eggs. Last year, more than 1500 baby turtles reached the ocean safely thanks to the efforts of international volunteers. This year again we continue these efforts. The projects will also focus on spreading awareness to the general public, fishermen community and in the schools about the importance of turtles in the bio-diversity. The awareness programs will involve beach walks, puppet shows, dramas and plays, mural painting, etc. The volunteers will also be involved in building Turtle Information Center huts along the beach.
Language: English
Accommodation: In a guesthouse, in shared rooms.
Location: Kundapur is a coastal town in Udupi district, Karnataka state in South India. Cities near to Kundapur are: Udupi (35 km), Mangalore (95 km) and Bangalore (435 km). People coming to Kundapur fly into Mangalore or Bangalore International Airport. The nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport, around 100 km from Kundapura. Kundapur can also be reached from Mumbai, Goa, Bangalore and Kerala by train/bus. Kundapura is well connected to other parts of the country by National Highway -17. Kundapura is also connected by the Konkan Railway, which runs from Mumbai to Mangalore. Kundapura railway station is about 4 km from the town.
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 9,500 Indian Rupees (about $180 US)
The extra fee is intended to support the hosting organization who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival on the project.
Games, sports and education program for kids in Bangalore
Bangalore
October 14 - October 27, 2013
Volunteer project: In this project, volunteers will work with different organizations involved in the development of the underprivileged. Our aim is to create awareness among the people and to give them more instruments to feel confident and free to decide for their future, and for the future of a new generation. Previous volunteer groups have assisted various governmental schools by spreading awareness about the environment and health and hygiene; working with local schools in teaching basic English and Math through creative learning methods; helped with some renovations like building playgrounds, painting, tree planting etc.
The volunteers in this project will spend time with orphans, school kids, street or slum children, who have been deprived of the opportunity to play games and sports. The volunteers will be engaged to teach these kids variety of indoor and outdoor games and sports.
Other tasks will be to organize a multi-purpose project to involve the community and
sensitize local people about health and hygiene; to educate the children
to build a better and more conscious society; to create awareness of
environmental issues among children and villagers; and to work with other NGOs in community service projects.
The schedule and the focus of the project will be adapted to the season, the possibilities and the needs at the moment, with the aim to improve the achievements in a long term view. The work could be with orphans, school kids, street or slum children.
Language: English
Accommodation: In a guesthouse with shared rooms.
Location: Bangalore rural & urban, South India. Bangalore is accessible by air, domestic and some international airlines fly directly to Bangalore International Airport. Trains and buses operate on an everyday basis from almost all major towns/cities in South India.
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 9,500 Indian Rupees (about $180 US)
The extra fee is intended to support the hosting organization who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival on the project.
The past and future of Konark
Konark - Orissa
November 18 - December 1, 2013
Volunteer project: Konark, literally meaning “Essence of the Corners”, is a small town in Puri district in the state of Odisha (formerly Orissa), on the Bay of Bengal. It is the site of the 13th-century Sun Temple (also known as the Black Pagoda), built in AD 1236-1264. Konark is also home to an annual cultural dance festival devoted to classical Indian dance forms, including the traditional classical dance of Odisha. Konark beach is a popular tourist destination.
Konark Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and therefore the volunteer team will concentrate on the protection of the cultural heritage and the sites of historical importance and on creating awareness among locals and tourists. The volunteers will be involved in cleaning the heritage surroundings and planting trees, thereby converting dry areas into beautiful spots for an eye to rest on. The awareness work will require a lot of creativity and motivation from the volunteers to convey the message of Hertage Conservation through dramas, plays and other creative arts.
The volunteers in this project will also be involved in teaching children from poor and marginalized communities in the formal and non-formal schools about basic English and Mathematics, Health and Hygiene, and Environmental protection through creative learning methods like art, music, games, etc. There will also be house visits and meetings with local people as part of the intercultural learning component of the program and to raise awareness on health and hygiene. Volunteers can take the school children to picnics and exposure visits in the town. In addition, volunteers will also help with some simple renovation work at local schools and orphanages including activities like painting, planting trees, promoting rainwater harvesting, etc. As part of the cultural exchange, volunteers will witness and participate in cultural programs with the local community.
Language: English
Accommodation: At a guesthouse, in shared rooms.
Location: Konark is located in the state of Odisha (or Orissa). The temperature remains mild and suitable as a result of Konark's closeness to the sea. The legendary city is located 30 km north of Puri and 64 km from Bhubaneswar. It is accessible by bus from Puri and Bhubaneswar. The nearest train station is in Puri (30 km). The nearest international airports are Bhubaneswar and Kolkata.
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 9,500 Indian Rupees (about $180 US)
The extra fee is intended to support the hosting organization who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival on the project.
Teaching children and raising environmental awareness in tribal
communities in Pushkar
Pushkar - Rajasthan
December 2 - December 15, 2013
Volunteer project: Pushkar is a city situated in the state of Rajasthan in India. It is famous for its temples and attracts devotees from all over the world who come here to take a dip in the holy waters of the Pushkar Lake. But by far the greatest attraction of Pushkar is its annual Camel Fair, which is a spectacle to behold, and a large number of tourists visit Pushkar during the time of the fair. An astounding 50,000 camels converge on the otherwise tranquil and peaceful tiny desert town of Pushkar for the annual Pushkar Fair. It's a fascinating and peculiar sight, and a great opportunity to witness an old traditional style Indian festival.
The volunteer project involves teaching children from tribal and marginalized communities in the non-formal schools basic English and Mathematics, Health and Hygiene, and Environmental protection through creative learning methods like art, music, games, etc. There will also be house visits and meetings with local rural people as part of inter-cultural learning and to raise awareness on health, education and hygiene. Volunteers can take the school children to places in the city like picnics, exposure visits and city walks. In addition, volunteers also will get a chance to take part in the renovation work at local schools and orphanages and engage in activities like painting, making a kitchen garden, tree planting, promoting rainwater harvesting, etc. As part of the cultural exchange, volunteers will witness and participate in cultural programs with the local community.
Volunteers will also facilitate environment awareness activities with the help of local NGOs. In the light of growing concern about environment and rising activism, questions are being raised about ecological degradation at Pushkar valley. With little or no interest and intervention from state, tourists often tend to mishandle resources. They consume resources at higher rate, leaving much more garbage behind.
Language: English
Accommodation: In a guesthouse, in shared rooms.
Location: Pushkar is just 14 km northwest of Ajmer, at a height of 510 meters. Sanganer Airport in Jaipur is the nearest airport connecting Pushkar to the rest of India and abroad. The airport is well-connected to the major cities of India including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Indore, Jodhpur and Udaipur. Ajmer is the closest railway station to Pushkar and is conveniently connected with the major cities of Rajasthan and India. Pushkar is easily connected to the major roadways and national highways. The Marwar bus stand is situated in the north of Pushkar and is linked to long distance places, like Delhi, Jodhpur and Bikaner.
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 12,500 Indian Rupees (about $240 US)
The extra fee is intended to support the hosting organization who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival on the project
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