Plan Your Trip
Volunteering
For all India’s beauty, rich culture and history, poverty and hardship are unavoidable facts of life. Many travellers feel motivated to help, and charities and aid organisations across the country welcome committed volunteers.
How to Volunteer
Choosing an Organisation
Consider how your skills will benefit the people you are trying to help, and choose an organisation that can specifically benefit from your abilities. Short-term volunteer opportunities that do not require any specific skills are suspect.
Time Required
Think realistically about how much time you can devote to a project. You’re more likely to be of help if you commit for at least a month; experts recommend at least a three-month commitment.
Money
Giving your time for free is only part of the story; most organisations expect volunteers to cover their own accommodation, food and transport.
Working Nine to Five
Make sure you understand what you are signing up for; many organisations expect volunteers to work full time, five days a week.
Transparency
Ensure that the organisation you choose is reputable and transparent about how it spends its money. Where possible, get feedback from former volunteers.
Research
Read up, plan your time and contact your chosen organisation in advance.
Aid Programs in South India
India faces considerable challenges and there are numerous opportunities for volunteers in the south. It may be possible to find a placement after you arrive, but charities and nongovernment organisations (NGOs) almost always prefer volunteers who have applied in advance and been approved for the kind of work involved (which may require specific visas, background checks or vaccinations). Responsible Volunteering (www.responsiblevolunteering.co.uk) is a useful resource.
As well as international organisations, local charities and NGOs have opportunities, though it can be difficult to assess the work that these organisations are doing. For listings of local agencies, check NGOs India (www.ngosindia.com) or contact the Delhi-based Concern India Foundation (
%011-26210998; www.concernindiafoundation.org).
Note that Lonely Planet does not endorse any organisation that we do not work with directly, so it is essential that you do your own thorough research to assess the standards and suitability of a project before agreeing to volunteer with an organisation.
Community
Many community volunteer projects work to provide health care and education to villages.
Mumbai
Slum Aid (%in UK +44 0790 896 7375; www.slumaid.org) Works in Mumbai slums to improve lives; placements from two weeks to six months.
Working with Women & Children
Note that ethical organisations which provide support for disadvantaged children should require background checks. Child Safe Movement (http://thinkchildsafe.org) is a handy resource.
Goa
El Shaddai, Assagao Placements helping impoverished and homeless children; one-month minimum.
Mango Tree Goa (%9604654588; www.mangotreegoa.org) Opportunities in Mapusa for volunteer nurses and teaching assistants to help impoverished children.
Tamil Nadu
RIDE Works to empower village women and welcomes volunteers in Kanchipuram.
Environment & Conservation
Andaman Islands
ANET, Wandoor Sporadic specialised volunteer openings for environment-focused projects.
Reef Watch Marine Conservation, Chidiya Tapu Marine conservation nonprofit organisation accepting volunteers (one week minimum); contact the team to find a project match for your skills.
Karnataka
Rainforest Retreat, Kodagu (Coorg) Organic farming, sustainable agriculture and waste management at this lush spice-plantation hideaway; openings for volunteers.
Kerala
Kaiya House, Varkala Ecoconscious guesthouse that organises beach clean-ups.
Maharashtra
Nimbkar Agricultural Research Institute (Nari; %9168937964; www.nariphaltan.org; Phaltan) Offers internships in sustainable agriculture lasting two to six months for agriculture, engineering and science graduates in Phaltan.
Tamil Nadu
Keystone Foundation, Kotagiri Opportunities to help improve environmental conditions, working with indigenous communities (minimum one month).
Working with Animals
From stray dogs to rescued reptiles, opportunities for volunteering with animals in need in South India are plentiful. Some local operations welcome drop-in volunteers to assist with walking, feeding, grooming and playing with animals.
Goa
Goa Animal Welfare Trust, Curchorem (%0832-2653677, 9763681525; www.gawt.org; Curchorem) GAWT tackles animal cruelty and treats, sterilises and shelters animals; volunteers welcome.
International Animal Rescue, Assagao Well-established animal-rescue operation with short-term volunteering opportunities.
Mumbai
Welfare of Stray Dogs (%022-64222838; www.wsdindia.org) Volunteers can work with the animals, manage stores or educate kids in school programs.
Tamil Nadu
Arunachala Animal Sanctuary, Tiruvannamalai Short- and long-term openings at a 200-animal dog- and cat-rescue operation.
Madras Crocodile Bank, Vadanemmeli A reptile conservation centre with placements for volunteers (minimum two weeks).
AGENCIES OVERSEAS
Indicorps (www.indicorps.org) Matches volunteers to projects across India, particularly in social development; Ahmedabad-based.
Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO; www.vsointernational.org) British organisation offering long-term professional placements worldwide.
Workaway (www.workaway.info) Connects people with hotels, guesthouses, organic farms, restaurants and more, where they will get free accommodation and food in return for working several days a week.