Is It Safe to Volunteer in India?

One of the first thoughts that comes to mind when planning a volunteer experience is whether the country you’re considering is safe. News outlets and social media reports may have you wondering whether India is really a safe place to volunteer your time. 

While certain areas of India face higher crime rates, including scams, political protests and pickpocketing, others are very warm and welcoming to visitors. Many volunteers travel to India and return after an amazing experience that they’ll never forget. 

Today, we’ll be exploring everything you need to know about the safety of India for volunteers, remaining vigilant, and safety tips for travelling in Asia. 

Is India Safe for Volunteers? 

India is an incredible country, but it’s also very large. This can be overwhelming to some travellers as they worry about getting around, scammers in popular tourist spots, and the sheer volume of people. However, as a whole, India is generally considered safe for travellers and volunteers. 

That said, certain areas in India are experiencing ongoing issues. Volunteers should always practice caution and remain vigilant to prevent themselves from running into any trouble while overseas. Popular tourist areas are common targets for pickpockets, scams, and petty thefts. Keeping your wits about you should prevent you from becoming a victim of such crimes. 

Most volunteer programs are located in peaceful communities where visitors' safety is taken seriously. Your project manager will be aware of safety concerns for your chosen area and keep you informed of any changes or concerns. This will be your first point of contact if you feel uncomfortable. 

Safest Places in India for Volunteers

When planning your volunteering journey in India, it pays to know which areas are considered the safest for visitors. These places have strong volunteering programs with a proven track record of supporting travellers from all over the world. 

Here are some of the safest areas in India: 

Volunteering in Jaipur

Jaipur is considered one of the safest places for travellers and volunteers. It’s known for its incredible hospitality and welcoming communities. The entire city was once painted pink as a symbol of its hospitality for an upcoming trip from the royal family, which is why you may hear of it being referred to as the ‘Pink City’. 

Volunteers can focus on Slum Education and Women’s Empowerment, or Teaching, Childcare, and Construction Projects. With any of these volunteering opportunities, you’ll know that you’re leaving Jaipur better than you found it. 

During your downtime, you’ll have the chance to explore the vibrant city and immerse yourself in its culture, history, and incredible street life. You won’t be short of historical landmarks and gorgeous architecture to spot, and the authentic Indian street food on every corner gives you something to look forward to after exploring on foot. 

Volunteering in Delhi

Delhi is another popular area known for its special historical legacy. Popular visitor spots include the iconic World Heritage Sites like the Red Fort and the Qutub Minar. Many people refer to Delhi as ‘Mini India’, serving as the capital of the country. Visitors from all walks of life come here to explore the best of India, so safety initiatives are most evident and effective.   

If you’re interested in visiting Delhi, there are several volunteering opportunities to consider. Special Needs Care and Street Children are some of the most popular programs, along with Women’s Empowerment. If you’re interested in meeting Indian elephants up close, consider the Childcare & Elephant Volunteer Experience in Delhi. 

Delhi is a fascinating city to explore between volunteering sessions. With so many diverse cultures, languages, and traditions all blending together, the experience is unlike any other. It’s also not too far to travel to Agra, where you’ll find the Taj Mahal - a must-see landmark for anyone visiting India for the first time. 

How the Right Volunteer Program Keeps You Safe

Keeping yourself safe while travelling abroad starts at home. Choosing the right volunteer organization can make a huge difference in how you feel while you’re in the country. A reputable organization will support you to ensure you feel comfortable and confident every step of the way. 

Here’s how the right organization can make all the difference in your safety: 

• Pre-departure help: Get all your questions answered regarding visas, vaccinations, insurance, and what to pack. This gets you ready for your experience and ensures you’re confident before heading to the airport. 
• 24/7 support: Once you’re in India, we’ll be there for you around the clock should you have any questions. A local coordinator will be available to offer advice or handle any emergencies.  
• Secure accommodation: All accommodation options, from hostels to host families, have been vetted to make sure they’re safe for volunteers. Neighbourhoods have also been thoroughly checked beforehand.  
• Airport transfer: Volunteers will be met by a local coordinator straight from the airport rather than letting them make their own way to their accommodation. They’ll show them around the area and get them acquainted, only leaving when they’re comfortable. 
• Safety orientation: Before any volunteering tasks are completed, you’ll be given an orientation session. This covers everything you need to know, from local customs and expectations to safety tips and emergency numbers. 

Safety Tips for Volunteers in India

When travelling abroad, it’s normal to be worried about your safety - especially when you’re volunteering for an extended period of time. However, things often aren’t as bad as they seem, and there are several things you can do to keep yourself safe. 

Here are some of the most common safety concerns and how to avoid them: 

• Research cultural differences: 

India is a huge country with 22 official languages and at least seven religions with significant populations. It’s impossible to research them all, but understanding their basic differences and significance is a great way to ensure you respect local communities. Talk to your volunteer program leader about respecting your host family or the locals you’ll be working closely with, and do your best to implement your lessons during your stay. 

• Get up-to-date with vaccinations: 

Travelling to India requires vaccinations, and you’ll need to organize and pay for these yourself. The current recommendation is to be up-to-date with routine vaccinations, including MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio vaccine, and the annual flu shot. Having these before your journey prevents you from getting sick while volunteering. 

• Be mindful of your diet: 

Indian cuisine is delicious, but your body might not be accustomed to its richness to begin with. Water is also not suitable for drinking, so you’ll need to find bottled water. Your chosen organization should provide enough to drink, but don’t be tempted by running water after a long, hot day of volunteering. 

• Don’t travel alone or when it’s dark: 

Most experienced travellers recommend travelling in groups, only during the daytime. This reduces your risk of getting into an unsafe situation, as criminals are more likely to target individual people in low-light conditions. 

• Always listen to your coordinator:

A volunteer coordinator knows plenty more about India and your local area than you, so always listen to their advice and recommendations. They’ll be able to guide you on safe areas to visit, any places to avoid, and how to handle yourself in public. 

• Keep important items close to you at all times: 

We recommend that you carry important documents, including your passport, visa, and confirmation of your volunteering program, with you at all times. This ensures that you have them to hand should anyone ask about your identity. If you’re worried about losing the original documents, photocopy them and store them safely. 

• Dress respectfully: 

Indian culture often holds the way people dress in the highest regard, so make sure you dress respectfully at all times - especially when travelling in public or around schools, rural areas, or religious buildings. Ask your coordinator for tips on what to pack if you’re unsure. 

• Be vigilant and know emergency procedures: 

The best way to stay safe is to remain informed at all times. Keep a list of emergency contacts on a piece of paper in your bag in case your phone runs out of battery. These should include your project coordinator, host and local emergency services. Ask your coordinator about what to do in case of an emergency, too, so you know the best course of action should you feel unsafe. 

Should I Volunteer in India?

Choosing to volunteer in India will change your life for the better. It’s an incredible opportunity that shouldn’t be diminished or vetoed immediately due to fears of safety. Choosing a reputable organization like Volunteering Solutions means that your safety is highly prioritized by your local coordinators and support guides, giving you peace of mind to lend a helping hand without feeling unsafe. 

Volunteering in India is a selfless, noble act that’ll leave the local area and community better than you found it. However, your confidence is most important, so don’t force yourself into a situation where you don’t feel completely comfortable. If you have concerns, talk to one of Volunteering Solutions’ advisors about them. We’ll aim to offer another point of view and help you decide whether India is the right location for you. 

Ready to Start Your Volunteer Journey in India? 

Choosing to volunteer in India gives you the chance to make a meaningful contribution to local communities and areas. With the right organization and support, your experience can be enjoyable, rewarding, and even relaxing! 

Check out our volunteering opportunities in India to find the perfect project for you to get stuck into. We’ll prioritize your safety and comfort every step of the way.