India
Volunteer in India
As a tourist destination, India's reputation precedes itself: from the iconic Taj Mahal to the presence of the regal Bengal tiger, this South Asian country is a must for those seeking a profound cultural adventure. While the bustling energy of cities like Delhi and Mumbai captivates many, it is India’s untamed wilderness that offers a truly unique and rewarding experience for wildlife volunteers seeking exploration and purpose.
Volunteering in India allows you to step beyond the typical tourist experience and immerse yourself in the country’s rich biodiversity and the kindness of its people. Imagine traversing the real-life inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, Kanha National Park, where you can witness conservation efforts firsthand on The Great Tiger Project. Or suppose you dream of encountering India’s most iconic wildlife while exploring its cultural wonders. In that case, the Highlights of India tour offers an unforgettable combination of sightseeing and volunteering with tigers, elephants and bears in rescue centres and reserves. Whatever you choose, volunteering in India offers a vibrant, story-book adventure with the opportunity to contribute to conserving one of the world's most striking big cats, the Bengal tiger.
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12 Nights from $2,994.00
Visit the fabled Kanha National Park: home to a stunning array of wildlife, including leopards, wild dogs, and of course the famous Bengal tiger.
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On the Blog
Wildlife
It's easy to get tunnel vision when talking about wildlife in India; of course, the stunning Bengal tiger takes centre stage; after all, it's their national animal. However, there's a whole cast of unusual and fascinating characters in India's Wild Kingdom. India is the only country with all three prime members of the wild big cat family, with the Bengal tiger, Asiatic lion, and Indian, snow and clouded leopards calling the land home, along with ten other wild cat species. A paragraph on India's wildlife would be remiss without mentioning the Indian elephant, a culturally significant animal appearing throughout religion and mythologies. India is also home to the greater one-horned rhino, four species of bear, including the Himalayan brown bear, and countless bird, reptile and aquatic species, including river dolphins and finless porpoises. Volunteering in India or joining a wildlife eco-tour is a great way to not only see incredible wildlife but also help protect and conserve their future.
Culture
As a volunteer in India, you could experience the country's colourful and lively culture, deep-rooted in diversity, tradition, and spirituality. The country's ancient cultural landscape thrives on its rich heritage of art, music, dance, cuisine, and philosophy. Culturally, the country is as varied as its geography, with each region boasting its own distinct customs and rituals. From colourful festivals like Diwali, Holi, and Navratri that illuminate the streets with joy to timeless classical dances such as Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Odissi, Indian culture embraces both the sacred and the non-religious with equal respect. Hospitality is ingrained in India's social fabric, with guests considered akin to gods, and culinary delights are essential to bonding and celebration. Moreover, India's spiritual legacy, encapsulated in practices like yoga and meditation, offers a pathway to inner harmony and self-discovery. In essence, Indian culture celebrates life, diversity, family-centric values, and artistic expression.
Popular Sights
India houses a multitude of captivating sights that enchant visitors from around the globe. Among its most popular destinations is the iconic Taj Mahal, a masterpiece of Mughal architecture and an enduring symbol of love. The vibrant city of Jaipur, known as the Pink City, boasts majestic forts like Amer Fort and the visually striking Hawa Mahal. In Delhi, the bustling capital, you can explore the historic Red Fort and Humayun's Tomb, each steeped in centuries of history. The serene backwaters of Kerala offer a tranquil escape, while the golden beaches of Goa beckon with their laid-back charm and vibrant nightlife. The glorious Himalayas in the north provide a playground for adventure enthusiasts, with opportunities for trekking, mountaineering, and spiritual retreats. From intricately carved temples to the spiritual aura of the ghats along the sacred Ganges River, India's popular sights offer a glimpse into its rich, culturally diverse landscapes, which you could explore while volunteering in India.
Destination Information
Volunteer programs in India for wildlife conservation offer opportunities to work with organisations focused on protecting animals, preserving habitats, and promoting sustainable practices.
Volunteering in India is simple with The Great Projects: Choose your dream project or tour, discuss it with our expert travel team if you have any questions, pay your deposit online to secure your place, and pay your remaining balance up to 60 days before your start date.
Yes, most short-term volunteering projects in India allow volunteers to enter on a tourist visa, but long-term work may require a Volunteer Visa (Employment Visa - Volunteer Category). Always check with your host organisation and the Indian embassy to ensure you have the correct visa.
Please see the project or tour page for more information on what visa you'll need to join one of our trips.
Volunteering in India provides personal growth, cultural immersion, skill development, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on wildlife conservation efforts.
