Fun Things to do while Volunteering in India.
Volunteering in India is a fantastic way to offer real help to people in need, to learn new skills, make new friends, and grow as a person. But there’s no doubt that the country itself is a huge part of what draws people to volunteer in the first place. There’s no reason that you shouldn’t have some fun while helping, so here are a few ways to consider spending your downtime.
Taking time with the country’s rich history.
From the Hindu kings to the Mughal empire, British colonialism and beyond, India has a history as rich and diverse as you’re likely to find in the world. What’s more, it’s all there for you to explore. The mix between the colonial architecture of Connaught Palace in New Delhi shares a city with the old Mughal prestige of places like the Red Fort. In Agra, you’re never too far from the Taj Mahal. Meanwhile, Cochin preserves long streets of old European buildings from the 16th Century and beyond.
Indulge your sense of taste.
India is famous for cuisine. Most famous of all is the liberal helpings of spice that go along with many of the favorites like phaal curry and Kolhapuri chicken. However, for those with less of a tolerance for the heat, fried pakora, biryani and cube of paneer cheese in spinach stew still over a huge diversity of flavors to try.
Join the party.
With such a diverse mix of cultures, beliefs, and people in one country, it can seem like there’s a festival happening every other week. Diwali, the festival of lights, makes for some of the most fantastic luminescent displays especially in the bigger cities like New Delhi. Holi, the festival of colors, is full of music, dance and, as you might have guessed, colorful décor. Onam, with its huge traditional feasts and flowers on every door, is particularly popular in the Kerala region. Wherever you stay, whatever time of year, there’s likely to be a festival that can show you some of the very best of India’s culture.
See some real wildlife.
Whether it’s Ranthambore in Rajasthan, Sunderbans outside Kolkata, or Gir in Gujrat, India is full of wildlife retreats and conservation areas that can help you come came to face with some of the most impressive beats in nature. From Bengal tigers to Gir Lions, butterfly parks to elephant sanctuaries, and mangrove jungles to mountainous retreats, the country’s natural beauty is without compare.
Get to know the people around you.
By far one of the best parts of volunteering, however, is the people you spend time with. The locals you help and the locals helping you can be a most-welcoming presence. Don’t forget the volunteers joining from all around the world, either. When you visit India to volunteer, you’re likely to leave with a few new friends.
Bear in mind that most volunteer projects in India will expect you to do a full-time job and you should go with that mindset. However, when you’re not working, India is one of the most ecologically and culturally diverse countries in the whole world and you’re never far from something bucket list-worthy.