Home Destinations India 2 Weeks Special Volunteer Programme in India

2 Weeks Special Volunteer Programme in India

Join the 2-week special, the short-term volunteer programme in India. The programme gives you 10 days of volunteering with children combined with the weekend travel to Agra to visit Taj Mahal as well as sightseeing tour of Delhi.

India
country
2 Weeks
duration
from £695
price
17 years+
min age

In Delhi, you volunteer at a child care project that works with street children through contact points and shelter homes run by local organisations. Day to day you take informal education classes, play games, lead songs and storytelling, help prepare and serve meals, and help decorate the shelter walls with charts and colors. No previous childcare experience is required, and the programme suits students, gap year travellers and backpackers on a fixed timeline who still want a structured placement, minimum age 17.

The programme runs for 2 weeks, starting twice a month (sundays), with the next departure on 4 Oct 2026. You stay in a hostel in South Delhi, in dormitory or private rooms, and eat Indian vegetarian meals at the hostel. The total cost starts at £695, deposit included. Alongside the childcare placement, the fixed itinerary builds in a Delhi city tour and a weekend day trip to the Taj Mahal in Agra, which sets this option apart from longer, open-ended childcare programmes.

Highlights
  • This 2 weeks special volunteering opportunity in India is a great way to make the most of your time by engaging in some meaningful work
  • Volunteer with children at a local child care centre and make a difference in the lives of the little ones
  • Help in preparing and serving nutritious meals for the children every day
  • Create a fun-filled, colorful, and happy environment for the children through songs, stories, and other creative activities
  • Decorating and painting the shelter homes with charts and colors to make it look attractive and clean
  • Visit Taj Mahal in Agra during the weekend
  • Explore Delhi and visit sights such as the India Gate, Lotus Temple, Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar etc
Location
Delhi, India
Project type
Childcare
Duration
2 weeks
Start dates
Twice a month (Sundays) · Next start: 4 Oct 2026
Minimum age
Accommodation
Hostel
Meals
Meals as per itinerary
Arrival
Airport pickup
From
£695 deposit included
What you'll do

Your role on this programme

  • Take informal education classes with children at shelter homes and daycare contact points
  • Play games with the children and introduce them to new creative activities
  • Lead songs, storytelling and other recreational activities with the group
  • Assist in preparing and serving meals to the children
  • Decorate and paint the shelter home walls with charts and colors
  • Teach basic lessons on health and hygiene
  • Support extracurricular activities such as music, art and crafts
  • Provide basic literacy support, recreation and companionship to the children

Exact duties vary with the placement's needs, the season and your experience.

Role boundaries

Volunteers support the daily activities of the child care project alongside local shelter home and centre staff; you do not act as a qualified teacher, social worker or caregiver, and you do not make decisions about a child's education, welfare or care plan. All activities are supervised by the local coordinating team and the staff running the contact points and shelter homes. Because this is a 2-week placement, you are joining and supporting an ongoing project rather than completing or running it yourself.

Day by day

Programme itinerary

Day 1 (Sunday) – Arrival at Delhi and transfer to accommodation

Upon arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, our coordinator will welcome you and then take you to your accommodation. Take some time off to relax and overcome jet lag. Later you can have a walk around the accommodation or choose to go to the nearby market to exchange money and get a local SIM card.

(Meals - NA)

Day 2 (Monday) – Programme Orientation

Enjoy your breakfast at the accommodation, which will be followed by a detailed orientation session. In this session, our programme coordinator will give you all the information about your programme and schedule. The rest of the time is free for leisure activities or for optional tours.

(Meals - BD)

Day 3 (Tuesday) – Delhi city tour

Today, after breakfast, we will take you for a city tour of Delhi. You will be visiting some of the most famous places in the capital; such as Qutab Minar, Lotus Temple, Humayun’s Tomb and India Gate. You can have lunch at a local restaurant (at own cost).
(Meals - BD)

The Delhi Tour would cover the following places of interest -

Lotus Temple: South East of Delhi, this temple is built in the shape of a lotus flower and is the last of seven Major Bahai temples built around the world. Completed in 1986, it is set among the lush landscaped gardens. The structure is made up of pure white marble. The architect, Furiburz Sabha, chose the lotus as the symbol common to Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Islam. Adherents of any faith are free to visit the temple and pray or meditate. 
 
Humayun's Tomb: This magnificent garden tomb is the first substantial example of Mughal architecture in India. It was built in 1565 A.D., nine years after the death of Humayun, by his senior widow Bega Begam. Inside the walled enclosure, the most notable feature is the garden squares (Chahar bagh) with pathways water channels, centrally located, well proportional mausoleum topped by a double dome. It has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 
 
Qutab Minar: It is a soaring, 73 m-high tower of victory, built in 1193 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak immediately after the defeat of Delhi's last Hindu kingdom. The tower has five distinct storeys, each marked by a projecting balcony and tapers from a 15 m diameter at the base to just 2.5 m at the top. The first three storey's are made of red sandstone; the fourth and fifth storey's are of marble and sandstone. At the foot of the tower is the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, the first mosque to be built in India. A 7 m-high iron pillar stands in the courtyard of the mosque. It is said that if you can encircle it with your hands while standing with your back to it, your wish will be fulfilled. 

India Gate: At the centre of New Delhi stands the 42 m high India Gate, an "Arc-de-Triomphe" like archway in the middle of a crossroad. Almost similar to its French counterpart, it commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Army during World War I. The memorial bears the names of more than 13,516 British and Indian soldiers killed in the Northwestern Frontier in the Afghan war of 1919. 

Day 4 (Wednesday) to Day 6 (Friday) – Volunteering with Children in Delhi 
You will be volunteering in Delhi for 3 days. Volunteers will be working in the Street Children or the Child Care Project in Delhi. Under this project, volunteers take informal education classes with the children, play games with them and introduce them to different new activities.

Volunteers work at the various contact points or shelter homes, being run by various organisations, which serve as daycare centres for these street children. They can assist in providing love, care, basic literacy, recreation and most importantly spend time with them and shower affection on them.
(Meals - BD)

Day 7 - Day Trip to Taj Mahal, Agra

When you're in India, how can you not visit Agra? Spend your weekend exploring the gorgeous city and soak in the old world vibes. Set out to visit the Taj Mahal - known as the monument of love, that was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife. After the visit to Taj Mahal, you can see how the marble inlay work is done and you can buy souveniers.Later in the evening return back to Delhi. Transfer to Agra and back will be either in the car or by train, depending on the circumstances as well as the number of travellers. 
(Meals - BLD)

Day 8 - Free Day to Explore

It’s your free day to explore Delhi. You can plan something with your fellow mates and visit the markets of Janpath or Dilli Haat, or take a metro to Akshardham! Try out the local restaurants and binge on some delicious Indian cuisine.
(Meals - NA)

Day 9 to Day 13 (Monday - Friday) Continue Volunteering with Children

You'll head back to the project site and spend time with the little ones, helping them with their classes. You can also tell them stories, encourage them for extracurricular activities like music, art & crafts, etc. Teach them lessons about health & hygiene and play with them. Above all, shower them with the utmost love and care.
(Meals - BD)

Day 14 (Saturday) - Time to return!

Like all good things, your trip to India has also come to an end! You’ll have say ‘Good Bye’ to your fellow mates, wrap up and head back to the airport to catch your flight.
(Meals - B)

Requirements

Who can join and what you need

  • Minimum age 17 (a parental consent form is required for participants joining under 18)
  • No previous volunteering experience or qualifications needed
  • An open mind and a flexible attitude for working in a new environment
  • Fit and healthy at the time of joining the programme
  • A clean criminal background check report, issued within 12 months of the start date
  • Travel/medical insurance, either your own policy or the one Volunteering Solutions can arrange
Why this project

The placement, its limits and your part in it

The Delhi placement runs through contact points and shelter homes that operate as daycare centres for street children, run by local organisations rather than by Volunteering Solutions itself. Your day-to-day work is organized and supervised by the local coordinating team and the staff already running these centres, who set the schedule and activities you join.

A criminal background check is required before you can work with children, and the programme is built around supporting the centre's existing routine rather than putting volunteers in charge of a child's education or welfare. Over 2 weeks, your contribution is the time, informal teaching, play and everyday support you add to an ongoing project, not a completed or measurable outcome, and the centre's own staff remain responsible for the children's care.

Dates

Start dates

Weekly start dates, year-round — pick any week across the next two years.

AvailableFilling fastFully booked
Costs

Programme fees by duration

Prices include your £179 booking deposit — which is deducted from your total programme fee. Your deposit stays valid for one year, during which you may enrol in multiple programmes. A 5% international banking fee applies to credit-card payments in USD or AUD.

DurationTotal price
2 weeks£695
Each additional week+£102 / week

Indicative conversion — your booking is charged in the currency you choose at checkout.

✓ What you're paying for

  • Comprehensive pre-departure guide
  • Assistance from support staff and In-country programme coordinator
  • Airport pickup
  • Programme orientation
  • Accommodation
  • Volunteering Project placement in Delhi
  • Meals as per itinerary
  • City tour of Delhi
  • Visit to world famous Taj Mahal in Agra
  • Certificate of Participation(On Request)

Not included

  • International/Domestic Airfare
  • Visa fees
  • Travel insurance (available at nominal cost)
  • Entry fees at monuments
  • Local transportation to and from programme location
  • Departure transfer to airport (can be arranged at nominal cost)
  • Vaccinations
  • Any other personal expense
Living

Accommodation & meals

Airport Transfer

Upon arrival at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, volunteers will be greeted by a member of the local coordinating team in Delhi. Scheduled pickup services are available between 8am and 8pm on the programme start date. Participants who are already in the country or arriving early can also be picked up from a predetermined meeting point. If you arrive outside scheduled pickup hours, we can arrange for pickup at extra charges.

Accommodations

Participants in Delhi are provided accommodation at a conveniently located hostel in South Delhi. Located at just a five-minute walk from a Metro station in South Delhi, the hostel offers easy access to iconic landmarks like the Lotus Temple and Khan market. 

The hostel has spacious dormitories and private rooms that are perfect for a cozy stay. Whether you’re lounging in our cozy common area or enjoying a hearty meal at our in-house cafe, every aspect of your stay is designed for comfort and convenience. Additionally, the hostel has an open outdoor area, which is ideal for connecting with fellow travellers.

All rooms in the hostel are air conditioned. While bedding is provided, you should bring your own towels and toiletries.

Upgrades to private single or double rooms are available at extra charges.

Orientation

A comprehensive half-day orientation session will be conducted by our staff on the day following your arrival. The orientation covers essential topics such as culture, greetings, locations, transportation, and other details outlined in your trip itinerary.

Meals

Renowned worldwide for its diverse flavors, Indian cuisine takes centre stage during your volunteering experience. Indian vegetarian meals will be provided at the hostel itself.

Free Time Activities

During their free time, volunteers are encouraged to explore local markets, heritage monuments and dine at different restaurants in Delhi to savor the rich variety of Indian cuisines. Delhi has a lot to offer and there are plenty of things to do and see in the bustling capital city.

Arrival & local support

Getting there and who looks after you in India

  1. Airport pickup and first night

    A member of the local coordinating team meets you at Indira Gandhi International Airport and transfers you to the hostel in South Delhi. Scheduled pickup runs between 8am and 8pm on the programme start date; the rest of the day is free to rest or explore nearby.

  2. Programme orientation

    On day 2, after breakfast at the hostel, staff run a half-day orientation covering your schedule, local culture, greetings, transportation and other practical details before free time or optional activities.

  3. Delhi city tour

    Day 3 is a guided tour of Delhi covering sights such as Qutub Minar, the Lotus Temple, Humayun's Tomb and India Gate, before the volunteering placement begins.

  4. First project day and ongoing support

    From day 4 you start at the child care project, working with children through the week. The local coordinating team gives a 24-hour emergency contact throughout the programme.

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Good to know

Frequently asked questions

What do I actually do on this programme?

You work at a child care project in Delhi, taking informal education classes, playing games, leading songs and stories, helping with meals, and decorating shelter home spaces with children at local contact points and daycare centres.

Do I need experience or qualifications to join?

No previous experience is required; you need an open mind, a flexible attitude, and to be fit and healthy, plus a clean criminal background check report since the placement involves children.

What are the hours and is there a fixed schedule?

The source materials do not set fixed daily working hours; instead, the itinerary sets out specific volunteering days (weekdays) alongside built-in sightseeing and free days over the 2 weeks programme.

How long is the programme and when can I start?

This programme runs for 2 weeks, departing twice a month (sundays), with the next start date on 4 Oct 2026.

What does the price include and how much is the deposit?

The programme starts at £695, deposit included; the £179 deposit counts toward your total, is valid for a year, and is refunded if no place can be offered.

Where do I stay and what meals are provided?

You stay in a hostel in South Delhi, a five-minute walk from a metro station, in dormitory or private air-conditioned rooms with bedding provided (bring your own towels and toiletries); Indian vegetarian meals are served at the hostel.

Will someone meet me at the airport?

Yes, a member of the local coordinating team meets you at Indira Gandhi International Airport, with scheduled pickup between 8am and 8pm on the start date; other arrival times can be arranged at extra cost.

What support is available once I am there?

You get a half-day orientation on arrival, an in-country programme coordinator, and a 24-hour emergency contact from the local team throughout your stay.

Do I need a visa, insurance or vaccinations?

Travel/medical insurance is compulsory, either your own policy or one arranged through Volunteering Solutions; visa fees and vaccinations are not included, and specific guidance is sent in the pre-departure guide.

Who is this programme best suited for?

It suits students, gap year travellers, backpackers and anyone with a limited timeframe who wants a structured 2-week childcare placement combined with a fixed sightseeing itinerary, minimum age 17.

Is a background check really required?

Yes, because the placement involves direct contact with children, a clean criminal background check report issued within 12 months of your start date is required before you can join.

Will I be running the childcare project myself?

No, you work alongside existing shelter home and centre staff who supervise all activities; over 2 weeks you support their ongoing daily programme rather than take charge of a child's care or education.

Undecided?

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