Add-On Benefits Of Volunteering In India

Volunteering is an act of altruism, which is done with a sole purpose of helping those in need, and contributing in making lives better. A small gesture of help made by volunteers benefit small children, uneducated women, differently abled teenagers, and patients in hospitals in a huge way; and the only benefit these volunteers expect in return, is a complete sense of satisfaction and joy.

However, as a responsible placement agency, Volunteering India makes sure that the volunteers enjoy more benefits, than just these, from their volunteer stint.

During their visit to India, for any of the volunteer program, volunteers have the opportunity to select an Add-On tour, which will make them experience the culture and lifestyle of Indian cities. Broadly, Volunteering India offers six tailor made tours for its volunteers detailed out below:

Golden Triangle Tour

This is one of the most selected tours by volunteers who visit India, mainly because of the choice of destinations it covers. This is a three day extravagant trip to some of the best known tourist spots in North-Western part of India.

Day 1 (Delhi to Jaipur : 260 kms/approx. 5hrs)

The volunteers are picked up from their accommodation on the first day and a fun-filled journey to the city of Jaipur begins. The hotel room bookings is been taken care of in advance by Volunteering India, and once the volunteers reach Jaipur, they just check-in and get refreshed. A detail sightseeing then awaits for the volunteers in the evening, where they get to visit places like Hawa-Mahal, Jantar Mantar, and gorge on some of the best Rajasthani cuisine while enjoying the folk music at Chokhi Dhani.

Day 2 (Jaipur to Agra via Fatehpur Sikri: 250kms/approx. 6 hrs)

The second day marks the departure from the “pink city” after the volunteers have their breakfast. The convoy proceeds to the beautiful city of Agra; house to the famous Taj Mahal. On the way, volunteers visit Fatehpur Sikri, to explore this erstwhile capital of the Mughal Empire. The day ends with arriving to the city of Agra, a visit to Agra Fort, and some local market sightseeing.

Day 3 (Taj Mahal visit and back to Delhi)

After taking a relaxed sleep on the second night, the volunteers are escorted to the famous Taj Mahal in Agra, on the third day. Once done admiring and exploring the “symbol of love”, the journey comes to its end and volunteers head back to Delhi.

Cost of tour: USD 480 per person (USD 400 per person for couples or groups traveling together)

Jaipur Weekend Tour

This is a two day comprehensive trip to the ‘Pink City’ Jaipur, the capital of princely state of Rajasthan. Volunteers will experience the culture and traditions of ethnic Rajasthani lifestyle during this trip.

Day 1 (Delhi to Jaipur : 260 kms/approx. 5hrs)

After their pick-up from the accommodation, volunteers travel to the fabulous city of Jaipur. The hotel booking is been taken care of in advance by Volunteering India. After checking in their hotel rooms, volunteers can get refreshed and relax after the 5 hrs journey. The day ends with a traditional dinner at Chokhi Dhani, where volunteers will enjoy the folk music of Rajasthan.

Day 2 (local sightseeing and back to Delhi)

The second day marks a real busy day, where volunteers will be taken for a city tour. Starting with the Amber fort, then to the Hawa Mahal, and finally the Jantar Mantar. A market sightseeing for souvenirs is then done in Sanganer. The trip comes to end after the lunch, and the volunteers head back to Delhi.

Cost of tour: USD 420 per person (USD 240 per person for couples or groups)

Manali Weekend Tour

This is a 4 day extensive trip into the Himalayan valley, to the beautiful city of Manali in the state of Himachal Pradesh. Manali is known for its scenic beauty, calm and rejuvenating ambience, and warm welcoming people.

Day 1 (Delhi to Manali: approx. 15hrs)

Volunteers board the booked AC Volvo bus, in the evening, and commence the beautiful journey ahead to Manali. An overnight journey of 15 hrs will take them to this magical city in Himachal.

Day 2 (Arrival/Local Sightseeing)

After checking in at the hotel rooms already booked by Volunteering India, the volunteers can get refreshed and will head straight to the local markets for sightseeing and shopping. This is followed by a visit to local tourist spots including the famous temples and a hot water spring.

Day 3(Visit to Naggar/ rafting/return bus to Delhi)

The third day is full of exciting adventure activities, where in the volunteers will travel to Naggar castle, Roerich art gallery, and will do white water rafting. The next morning, volunteers head back to Delhi via AC Volvo buses.

Cost of Tour: USD 290 per person (USD 225 per person for couples or groups)

Trekking in Himalayas

This is one of the most adventurous trips that can be selected by volunteers, especially those who come to volunteer in Palampur. The trek in Himalayas is a 1 night 2 day expedition which begins from Mcleodganj and goes all the way to Triund. Volunteering India takes the volunteers from Palampur to Mcleodganj by car, from where they start the 9kms trek amidst beautiful landscapes and lush green forest mountains. Volunteers are provided with all safety gadgets and accommodation facilities to the trekkers, once they reach Triund camp. This includes food, water and other necessary things required during camping. Volunteers who opt for the trek from Delhi will be bearing the travel expense to and from Mcleodganj.

Best Time for trek: March to July and October to November

Cost for the trek: USD 125 per person

Golden Temple-Amritsar Tour

Welcome to the vibrant state of Punjab in Northern India. This will be a two day trip (and best suited for volunteers going to Palampur) which will give you an opportunity to experience the culture and lifestyle of lively people of Punjab.

Day 1 (Palampur to Amritsar : approx. 200kms)

The volunteers are driven to the golden city of Amritsar in Punjab by car arranged by Volunteering India. They will visit the Wagah Border to witness the daily act of change of guards at the India-Pakistan border. The day ends at the hotel relaxing and enjoying the view.

Day 2 (visit to Golden Temple)

Volunteers visit the famous Golden temple on day two, followed by the historic Jallianwala Bagh, and end the day with sightseeing, shopping in local markets, and then driven back to Palampur.

Cost of tour: USD 175 per person (USD 130 per person excluding Wagah Border trip)

Taj Mahal Trip

This is an “All day tour” to the famous monument of India, Taj Mahal, located in the city of Agra. Volunteers will be driven early morning from Delhi in AC vehicle, accompanied by a coordinator/staff member of Volunteering India. A 3-4 hour’s drive will take the volunteers to Taj Mahal, where they can explore this marvelous piece of architecture. After a 2-3 hour of stay on the location, volunteers will be escorted back to Delhi in the afternoon. Breakfast and lunch will be provided to the volunteers on the way.