Volunteer in India
Best Volunteer Opportunities in India
India offers a vibrant tapestry of cultures, traditions and landscapes. From the bustling streets of Delhi to the historic charm of Jaipur, volunteering here allows you to make a meaningful impact while immersing yourself in a rich cultural experience.
Whether you’re teaching English, supporting women’s empowerment or assisting in medical programs, your contribution helps foster positive change in local communities. Learn more about other exciting opportunities to volunteer in Asia here.
Volunteer Opportunities in India
Teaching English: Help improve the English skills of children and young adults in schools and community centers.
Childcare: Support early childhood development by assisting in daycare centers and orphanages, organizing activities and providing care.
Women’s Empowerment: Collaborate with local NGOs to provide education and vocational skills to women aiming for independence.
Medical Internship: Perfect for medical and nursing students – gain exposure to Indian healthcare systems by observing and assisting professionals.
Slum Education: Mentor and teach children from underserved communities, helping bridge critical educational gaps.
Construction and Renovation: Contribute to community development by helping build or refurbish schools and community spaces.
Elephant Care: Assist in the ethical care of elephants, including feeding, bathing and raising awareness about animal welfare.
Make a Positive Impact in India
Volunteering in India allows you to be part of projects that address real community needs. Whether you’re teaching in a classroom or helping empower women, your work supports long-term development goals.
It’s also a chance to develop your own understanding of a country known for its deep contrasts and strong sense of identity.
What to Expect When You Volunteer in India
Accommodation: Stay in a shared volunteer house or with a local host family—both provide a chance to experience daily life and make lasting friendships.
Meals: Enjoy freshly cooked Indian meals each day, with vegetarian options common. Expect flavorful curries, rice, lentils and flatbreads.
Work: Your daily work will vary depending on your chosen project, but most placements run Monday to Friday with free evenings and weekends.
Free Time: Explore India’s many cultural, spiritual, and natural highlights – from the Taj Mahal and Jaipur’s palaces to yoga retreats and bustling local markets.
Immerse in the Culture of India
From colorful festivals to ancient temples, India offers an incredible variety of cultural experiences. During your time off, explore:
Delhi: India’s capital is a mix of old and new – visit bustling bazaars, historical monuments and modern cafes.
Jaipur: Known as the Pink City, Jaipur is full of royal architecture, cultural landmarks and lively local life.
Agra: See the Taj Mahal up close and explore the rich Mughal history.
Rishikesh: A hub for yoga and meditation along the Ganges River.
Goa: Enjoy sandy beaches, Portuguese-inspired architecture and a laid-back vibe.
Add-on Tours
India is packed with travel opportunities. Spend your weekends exploring the Golden Triangle (Delhi–Agra–Jaipur), trekking in the Himalayas or relaxing in Goa. Visit the holy city of Varanasi, ride camels in Rajasthan, or join a tiger safari in Ranthambore. There’s something for every kind of traveler.
For help customizing your weekend plans, get in touch with our team at traveldesk@volunteeringsolutions.com = we’re happy to help you organize the perfect adventure.
Apply Now
Ready to volunteer in India and create lasting impact? Apply now and start planning your unforgettable journey. Our team is here to support you every step of the way.
Add-on Tours
India can never fail to mesmerize the visitors and there’s so much to do and see in the country, that you’ll need proper planning to visit all the places on your checklist! Delhi, the capital city, has a rich heritage and there are several architectural establishments worth visiting which include Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, Lotus Temple, Akshardham Temple etc. For those who are shopping freaks, head out towards Dilli Haat or Janpath for some amazing budget deals.
You can also book the Golden Triangle Tour (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur), Jaipur City Tour, Udaipur Tour, Manali Tour, Haridwar-Rishikesh Tour, Varanasi Tour, and Amritsar Trip with Volunteering Solutions. Trips to any other locations within India can also be booked through our dedicated travel desk team based in New Delhi.
Go ahead and choose your weekend tour. In case you have any doubts or wish to customize your trip, simply write to us at traveldesk@volunteeringsolutions.com and we’ll help you plan your weekend!
What is volunteering in India like?
Volunteering in India means joining a community, childcare, teaching or other project — usually based in Delhi or Jaipur — with in-country support while you immerse yourself in one of the world’s most vibrant cultures. Programmes typically run from one week upward, suit first-time and experienced volunteers aged 17+, and pair meaningful project work with the chance to explore India’s history, food and landscapes.
Volunteer in India: cost, visa and best time at a glance
| Question | Quick answer |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | Programmes start from a few hundred dollars per week, including accommodation, meals and in-country support. See programme pages for current prices. |
| Best time to go | October–March is most comfortable; April–June is very hot; July–September is monsoon season. |
| Visa | Most volunteers use the Indian e-Tourist Visa, applied for online before travel; passport valid 6+ months with blank pages. Confirm current rules on the official India e-Visa site. |
| Vaccinations | Be up to date on routine jabs; Hepatitis A and typhoid are commonly recommended for India, plus mosquito-bite precautions. Check a travel clinic. |
| Minimum age | 17+ for most programmes. |
Volunteering in India: practical FAQs
Is it safe to volunteer in India, especially for women?
India is a rewarding destination for volunteers, including solo female travellers, when you take sensible precautions: dress modestly, stay in arranged accommodation, use trusted transport, and follow your in-country team’s local guidance. Volunteering Solutions provides orientation on arrival and 24/7 in-country support.
When is the best time to volunteer in India?
October to March offers the most comfortable weather across most of the country. April to June is very hot, and July to September brings the monsoon. Projects run year-round, but plan your clothing and travel around the season.
What visa do I need to volunteer in India?
Most volunteers travel on the Indian e-Tourist Visa, applied for online before departure, with a passport valid for at least six months. Always confirm the latest requirements on the official India e-Visa portal, as rules change.
Do I need vaccinations to volunteer in India?
Make sure routine vaccinations are up to date; Hepatitis A and typhoid are commonly recommended, and you should take precautions against mosquito-borne illness. Check NHS Fit for Travel or the CDC and visit a travel clinic six to eight weeks before you go.
How much does it cost to volunteer in India?
Programme fees start from a few hundred dollars per week and typically include accommodation, meals and in-country support; flights, insurance and visas are extra. See individual programme pages for current pricing.
Quick facts
At a glance
Volunteer Projects you can join in India
Construction and Renovation Project in Jaipur
With this project we aim to select vulnerable schools, centers, clinics in Jaipur which don’t have enough money…
Slum Education Project in Jaipur
Volunteers in the Slum Education Project work in a grassroots level non-profit project that is dedicated to enhancing…
Women Empowerment & Girl Education Program in Jaipur
Volunteer in the Women empowerment and girls education program in Jaipur - India. The program is open all…
Childcare Volunteer Program Jaipur – India
Childcare volunteer program in Jaipur India runs all year round. International volunteers get the opportunity to come and…
Teaching Volunteer Program Jaipur – India
Volunteers in Jaipur's rural areas and slums help combat child labor by supporting government and NGO-run schools. They…
Childcare & Elephant Volunteer Experience India
Be a part of Childcare & Elephant Volunteering Experience in India, teach street kids in Delhi, volunteer at…
Special Needs Care and Support
Volunteer in India for disabled care to help mentally challenged, children with multiple disabilities and autistic children. assisting…
1 Week Special Volunteer Program in India
Join the 1-Week Special Volunteer Program in India with Volunteering Solutions and make a lasting impact on the…
2 Weeks Special Volunteer Program in India
Join the 2-week special, the short-term volunteer program in India. The program gives you 10 days of volunteering…
Street Children Volunteer Program Delhi – India
Be a part of Street Children Volunteer Program in Delhi, teach the children, play with them, take them…
Women Empowerment Volunteer Program in India – Delhi
Join Women Empowerment Volunteer Program in India, help underprivileged women to get a better life, make a big…
Language & Orientation Week Delhi – India
The 1 week long Orientation week is highly recommended for volunteers to understand and soak in a bit…
Travel on your weekends

Lake City Udaipur Trip
Visit Udaipur, the picturesque "Lake City" of Rajasthan, once the capital of Mewar. Known for its stunning lakes,…

Amritsar Weekend Tour
This tour takes you to Amritsar, a significant city in Punjab, famous for the Golden Temple, one of…

Rishikesh and Haridwar Tour
This tour offers a spiritual experience in Rishikesh and Haridwar, two key pilgrimage towns in the Himalayas. It…

Jaipur Tour
For a relaxing weekend, choose this tour that takes you to Jaipur, the historic "Pink City" and capital…

Varanasi Weekend Package
This tour offers a spiritual journey to Varanasi, one of India’s holiest cities. It includes visits to ancient…

Agra Day Tour
This day trip includes a visit to the iconic Taj Mahal, a masterpiece of Mughal architecture built by…

Golden Triangle Tour
This tour is one of the most popular tours among all travelers across India. The program takes you…
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Your questions, answered
How to volunteer in India?
An India volunteer experience is a truly unforgettable way to explore the rich and diverse local culture as well as travelling with a difference. Whether volunteering abroad for the first time or as a returning VolSol alumnus, we can help kickstart your volunteering journey in India today! If you’re looking to make a lasting impact on our volunteer programs in India and truly become a global citizen, our teams are ready for you to get in touch and help find the perfect volunteering opportunity for you.
The ‘how’ in how to volunteer abroad in India is a pretty simple process that our team can guide you through. The hard part is choosing a program that you want to get involved in! Our India volunteer programs offer a breadth of opportunities to work with those in need of the support and contributions you can offer. We have two different locations, the historical and enchanting capital Delhi, and the royal jewel of India, Jaipur.
If you want to volunteer with children in India, Delhi is the place for you! You can make a difference by joining our Street Children Program, where you can provide children with basic education, and expand their horizons with culturally and educationally enriching trips. Jaipur also has programs working with impoverished children, as well as a Teaching Volunteer Program. You will be providing children with basic literacy, maths knowledge, and promoting physical wellbeing through sport.
You can also work with children with special educational needs! Our Special Needs Care Program works with multiple centres across Delhi to support differently-abled children, ranging from teaching them vocational skills to give them a head start in the workforce, as well as assisting the occupational therapy clinic in their role supporting children with autism. Volunteers looking to work in healthcare, education, or speech and language roles would find this volunteering opportunity in India incredibly valuable to their understanding of the field and how these systems work in new cultural contexts.
Since the turn of the millennium, India has made huge leaps and bounds when it comes to reducing poverty and increasing literacy in its most underprivileged communities, but with high population growth, it still isn’t enough. Volunteers like yourself are key to keeping the flourishing ecosystem of NGOs alive and thriving by getting involved in volunteer work in India.
Women’s rights have also been championed by many brave and industrious women, who need more support for the programs they have created. In both Delhi and Jaipur, we have Women’s Empowerment Programs that help facilitate the emancipation and integration of women into wider society as autonomous individuals. You will be helping give power back to many disenfranchised women and girls who are looking for the tools to better themselves and their communities.
For our budding medics and nurses, we also provide Medical Internships in India, both in Jaipur and Delhi. You can expect to rotate departments whilst gaining international exposure to the healthcare system - invaluable knowledge that will set you apart from your peers!
That’s not to mention our multiple short-term volunteering experiences in India, with our 1 and 2 week specials exposing you to the best of Indian culture, tradition, and history, whilst also allowing you to travel meaningfully, and make a difference internationally.
Have we piqued your interest? Good! Are you ready to get started? Even better! Volunteering in India is only a few clicks away; choose your program, click ‘Apply Now’, complete the registration process, and let us take care of the rest. Get in touch with us today for more information on how we can make your volunteering experience in India unforgettable.
Why volunteer in India with Volunteering Solutions?
Volunteering Solutions offers a wide range of programs in over 25 destinations worldwide. In the last 17 years, we have placed over 21,000 international volunteers across various projects and internships, helping them grow personally and professionally while making a difference to the world at large. We’ve hosted teen volunteering groups as well as gap year travellers, youth volunteers as well as family volunteering groups across various destinations.
Not only do we have our experience, but we have many accreditations that attest to our excellence in the field as well as our legitimacy as a volunteering experience coordinator. We are approved by WYSE Work Abroad, Go Overseas, and many other accreditors for volunteering abroad organisations.
We have a dedicated team that ensures that volunteers have a smooth and memorable experience, learning from their peers along the way. From the moment you inquire, through the process of clearing doubts, filling out the application, making payments, accessing the Pre-Departure Guidebook, and reaching the volunteering location followed by Program Orientation – our team supports you every step of the way. We have in-country coordinators and representatives to assist you at the project sites.
Additionally, Volunteering Solutions offers various support services, including:
- Medical and travel insurance at a nominal extra cost
- Fundraising assistance for volunteers facing financial challenges
- Weekend excursions and hikes in India
- Local transportation and airport drop-offs for a minimal extra cost
Upon completing your project, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion, which will significantly enhance your career prospects. This experience will boost your CV/resume and expand your social network. It’s a journey you’ll cherish forever.
Volunteering Solutions also provides tailor-made projects for group volunteering (students, colleagues, or families) where people can work together and explore India most uniquely.
Where to volunteer in India?
A vast land mass, spanning from the Himalayan mountains in the north, to the tropical rainforests and lush beaches of the south, India has no dearth of landscape to behold in awe. Our places to volunteer in India are truly cultural capitals with a vast and diverse history with many charming and quirky traditions.
The bustling metropolis of Delhi wants not for activities and sightseeing, as well as volunteering opportunities. Our volunteering organisations in India are located right in the heart of the city sprawl, with many different amenities at your doorstep! You’ll never find yourself bored here.
Jaipur is our other location in India. The jewel of India, it has a plenitude of places and royal abodes to explore. Jaipur is well connected to the other Rajasthani jewels, Udaipur and Jodhpur. Located closer to the desert, it isn’t uncommon to see camels in the streets! It feels like a different world to the urban sprawl of Delhi. You can enjoy India’s regal past in splendour, as well as making an impact locally!
What volunteer opportunities are available in India?
Upon our establishment in 2007, India was one of the first destinations we offered for volunteering in Asia! We have 15 different programs for you to choose from. Take a look here:
- Healthcare Internship in Jaipur
- Language & Orientation Week India
- Special Needs Care Program India
- Summer Impact Project India
- India - Delhi 2 Week Special
- Childcare & Elephant Volunteer Experience India
- 1 Week Special India
- Medical and Nursing Internship Delhi
- Construction and Renovation Project in Jaipur
- Women Empowerment Program India
- Women Empowerment & Girl Education Program in Jaipur
- Teaching Volunteer Program India
- Slum Education Project in Jaipur
- Street Children Program India
- Childcare Volunteer Program India
No matter which program you choose to be a part of, you’ll definitely have an enriching experience. Programs are available for a minimum duration of 1 week to a maximum of 18 weeks.
What are the requirements and eligibility to volunteer in India?
Think you could be a great addition to our team? Let us know if you fulfil the following requirements!
Be at least 17 years or older at the time of joining the project.
Have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment.
Should also be proactive and can take initiative.
Should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference.
Should be open to learning, and be friendly with everyone.
Apart from that, a Criminal Background Check Report is essential for volunteers who are joining Childcare, or Teaching programs. And you should be empathic towards the animals if you want to volunteer for wildlife conservation programs.
How much does it cost to volunteer in India?
Our project prices start as low as £251 in India! This is what we include as standard:
- 24 hrs Assistance and support from staff
- Comprehensive Pre- Departure Information
- Pick up from the airport
- Orientation
- Food (2-3 times a day)
- Accommodation
- Travel & Medical Insurance (available at an extra cost)
- Certificate Of Completion
Can I volunteer in India for free?
Like everywhere else around the world, volunteering in India comes for a minimal fee, which also covers your airport pickup, accommodation, and pre-departure booklet that contains all the information to get you started on your volunteering journey! Other than that, youll also be provided with meals, pick up and drop from the project site to your accommodation, and most importantly, there will be 24/7 in-country support.
However, you can always fundraise to pay for your meaningful volunteer trip and experience the goodness of travelling abroad to make a difference.
Is it safe to volunteer in India?
We have had volunteer programs in India, in both Delhi and Jaipur, for almost 20 years! Since our inception in 2007, we have sent over 21,000 volunteers to over 25 destinations across the world! We have much experience in providing unforgettable volunteering experiences across the world, and our excellence in the field is a testament to that!
We know what volunteers look for regarding safety and security during their stay. All of our accommodation is located in safe areas, with 24/7 support from VolSol staff. You will be provided with a full orientation about the country, the city, and the local area to ensure you are as best informed as you can be!
Our pre-departure booklet provides comprehensive information about the do’s and don’ts of the area, and how best to respect the cultures and traditions of your destination of choice!
Tips for female travellers
Every year, we help scores of women with many different needs and requirements join the volunteering trip of a lifetime. In fact, our major client base is young women wanting to travel abroad! We are a trusted provider of volunteering trips, and our thousands of volunteers can attest to that. We provide comprehensive pre-departure information, orientation, and 24/7 in-country support to ensure that you feel as safe as you possibly can!
We are here for you every step of the way, to provide information and assistance whenever you may need it. Here are some key tips for travelling in India:
- Keep all valuables securely in a bag that is zippable and always in view!
- Dress conservatively, with your shoulders covered and trousers/skirts below the knee. You can buy traditional Indian clothing there that will keep you modest but also comfortable and cool!
- If going out at night, stay in groups.
India has millions of tourists every year, many of them women and many travelling solo! It’s more than likely that you will be safe and comfortable during your stay.
Packing essentials for volunteering in India
Much of what you may need is easily available in both Jaipur and Delhi, so there’s no need to worry if you forget something! However, here’s some basics that we suggest taking along with you:
- Comfortable, conservative clothes. Light and airy long sleeved tops and trousers are recommended! Cotton and linen are great options.
- A small bum bag to keep your valuables close by and handy when you’re walking around town and on the project! Nothing worse than having to hold your phone all the time.
- A first aid kit full to the brim with items you would use regularly, as well as provisions for Delhi Belly!
If you are working with children, it is also advisable to bring some donations to the project you will be joining. For example, colouring books, teaching materials, toys, stationery etc. You can also buy these locally to help support local vendors and small businesses.
What is the best time to volunteer in India?
The best time to visit India would be between October and March. The weather is dry and sunny, after the romantic summer rains of the monsoon season. The temperature starts cooling as well, but both Delhi and Jaipur experience mild winters with daytime temperatures around 18-20 degrees celsius.
Autumn is a fantastic time to visit India, with many famous religious festivals taking place during this season. Diwali can fall in either October or November, just after Navratri - the festival of Nine Nights, dedicated to goddesses and female divine energy. Our India programs are available all-year round, and there is no best time to have an unforgettable volunteering experience in India!
Who can volunteer in India?
We welcome volunteers from all over the world and different walks of life! We firmly believe that diversity and inclusion can only make the world a better place. We want to champion global citizens with an international vision and a deep commitment to the betterment of our society. Our volunteers should be compassionate, enthusiastic about change, diligent, and open-minded.
Our projects cater to group volunteering in India, as well as family volunteering groups, student volunteering, gap year travellers, as well as teenage travellers looking to expand their horizons.
You can easily apply to volunteer in India and be a part of our mission trips by following a few simple steps. Once you have decided which program you wish to join, and in which destination, you can go ahead and fill out the application form here.
You will receive a welcome email from the team, acknowledging your application. We will then send your Booking Confirmation in 7-10 working days. Once you receive your Booking Confirmation you can log into your account to view your trip details and make your final payments.
If you can’t decide which program to join, or where to travel, you can always write to us at info@volunteeringsolutions.com - and our Program Advisors will assist you.
How to get a visa for India?
Before travelling to India, please ensure that you meet the following general requirements:
- Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your expected return date.
- Ensure your passport has at least two blank pages for your visa and other necessary stamps upon arrival and departure.
You will also need to apply for an E-Visa before travelling. Click here for more details on the Indian E-Visa process.
How to join medical internship in India?
We have fantastic opportunities to take on a medical mission in India! Both our Jaipur and Delhi projects are fantastic opportunities to experience medical care under a new context and different system to your home country. Your knowledge complemented by the learning you will gain from this program will make you an unrivalled candidate for medical programs, as well as progressing your current career.
To join, you must be 18 years of age, as well as an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment. Medical interns must provide a clean criminal background check report, CV, passport copy as well as other documents and credentials pertaining to their qualifications prior to joining the program. Pre Med, Medical, Nursing students and CNA’s can join the program!
You can expect to rotate around different departments in an observational role, these departments include:
- Clinical Rotation Medicine
- Clinical rotation Pediatrics
- Clinical Rotation Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Clinical Rotation Surgery
- Clinical Rotation Medical Specialties
- Clinical Rotation Surgical Specialties
There is also a possibility to shadow in the emergency department! In your application, you will be able to state your preferences for which department you would like to join. The number of rotations you do and for how long you stay in each department will depend on the duration of your volunteer project.
Our Jaipur Healthcare Internship program also includes the possibility to work in a government hospital, a clinic in a slum, as well as volunteer in a health check-up clinic for underprivileged children! With so many options available to you, we’re sure you will find a medical volunteering trip in India that would suit you!
Is it possible to join short term volunteer programs in India?
Volunteering Solutions offers many different short-term volunteering opportunities in India! If you only have one or two weeks to dedicate to volunteering projects in Delhi or Jaipur, we can provide you with a once-in-a-lifetime trip around India.
Our one and two-week specials allow you to truly become a global citizen and immerse yourself wholly in the culture and traditions of India. You are able to make an impact locally to those who depend on the NGOs we work with, as well as see the treasures and monuments that earmark each era of Indian history.
Our Delhi two week special will take you on a whirlwind tour of the beautiful sights and sounds of the capital city, Delhi, as well as providing the opportunity for a trip to the heartbreakingly beautiful Taj Mahal - the famous mausoleum Shah Jahan built for his wife when she died.
If working with animals is more your speed, we also have a two week Childcare and Elephant Volunteer Experience available! You will volunteer on both programs, as well as touring both Delhi and Jaipur, including a trip to Agra to visit the Taj Mahal!
We also have a one-week program for those with less time on their hands. With so much choice, the hardest job you will have is making a decision on how you will travel with an impact!
Is it possible to join long term volunteer programs in India?
If youre looking to volunteer for more than 2 weeks, you are more than welcome to! We can cater stays up to 18 weeks, so you can spend the best part of the year with us in India! A popular choice for many volunteers is to begin with a 2-week special, and extend your stay with us on the project of your choice. You can switch between Delhi and Jaipur if you wish!
Worried that you’ll find yourself bored after a while? We can assure you that there is no way this will happen, especially not in such a vibrant and vital country as India! You have the option of multiple weekend trips, more than just the city tours and trips to Agra. If you’re wanting to go hiking, you can join our trips in the beautiful north of the country, where the Himalayas dramatically change the scenery and provide the most breathtaking hiking trails.
If you want to get in-tune with your spiritual side, a trip to Varanasi is just the ticket! One of the holiest sites in Hinduism, you will be sure to find deep spiritual resonance here, with the many other pilgrims that flock to this sacred site.
Want to know more about what trips are available to you? Just email traveldesk@volunteeringsolutions.com for more information on this!
Will I have free time to explore India during my volunteer trip?
Of course, when you are travelling to a new country, it’s obvious that you’d want to explore and experience the area, making the most of your journey.
India is a treasure trove of UNESCO world heritage sites, historical landmarks, breathtaking landscapes, and many hidden gems of modern living in India. You will spend Monday to Friday on-site working on our programs. The evenings and weekends are free to do as you please!
When in Delhi, you can spend an evening shopping at India’s iconic Connaught Place, and admire the colonial architecture - a remnant of a time India has since developed from. Use your weekends to tour around the city, taking in the blend of modernity existing alongside prodigious reminders of India’s bountiful history.
If you have chosen Jaipur as your destination of choice, you sit in the heart of India’s royal past. Rajasthan is India’s crown jewel of a lavish and proud history. And as Rajasthan’s capital, you only have to walk around the Pink City to behold the beauty around you. With many royal palaces within walking distance of each other, you will most certainly have a right royal time passing through the corridors where maharajas, maharanis, and their many staff once also walked.
Can’t decide which city you would prefer more? Nor can we! So why not have both?! We offer trips 2-Week specials that merge volunteering in both Delhi and Jaipur so that you can make a difference in both cities, whilst also delving into India’s varied past.
















