Volunteering India FAQs

We welcome people to join our program from all parts of the world but majority of our volunteers from USA, Australia, Canada, UK & Europe.

Volunteers are welcome on most of our programs from the age of 16 upwards and there is no maximum age limit. Many of our volunteers are between 18 and 25 years old. Many people take part in our volunteering & travel combined programs before starting university or even after graduation. You can choose whether to go with volunteer only programs or travel combined volunteer programs. Group volunteer trips are available for teens, college students, families and corporates year-round on specific and customized dates.

There is no firm deadline for applications. However, we suggest applying as early as possible. Having more time to prepare makes it easier for you to fundraise, and for us to advise you on preparations. Some travel combined volunteer trips require at least four weeks to process an application, arrange for travel, and advise you properly on how to prepare.

If you decide to go with us at the last minute, just contact to us to check program availability and go-head.

We review your application and send approval within 48 hours.

No, you don’t need to submit any document.

We will send you a payment request along with bank detail once your application is approved. You can pay quickly and easily, at the lowest cost with Transfer Wise in your currency. You can visit how to pay? section for more information.

Yes, we offer discount to our returning volunteers, groups & families. Visit discount & offers section for more information.

We encourage volunteers to arrive on Saturdays in order to have time to prepare for their volunteering work beginning on Monday's as our typical programs are run Monday-Friday. This will allow volunteers time to adjust rest, explore, and meet other volunteers within the house. Orientation will also be included before programs begin. However, we are flexible in arranging our schedule in order to accommodate your specific travel arrival times.

Yes, you will need a Visa to come to India. Each country varies on the specific Visa rules, so please check this thoroughly in advance by reaching out to your country of origin's embassy along with the Indian embassy. Many online websites offer more information on how to apply for Visas, the costs, and other important information. Keep in mind that you usually need several weeks to receive an Indian Visa, so start ahead in your planning. Also note that Visa is valid from the issuing date NOT the date of travel. Please contact us with specific Visa questions so we can further guide you in the right direction based on your country of residence.

You will be in charge of booking your own flights. You need to arrive at Jaipur International Airport, pickup is provided. Pickup can also be arranged from Delhi International airport at a nominal cost.

Our driver, working with the Sankalp Team, would be there to receive you at the Jaipur / Delhi airport, holding placard displaying your name. You will be picked up and taken to your volunteer house by a car. Volunteers need to send us their arrival information at least a week in advance.

It is advisable, but this may vary. We recommend taking a health travel insurance plan in the case of sickness or incidents. Travel insurances can also help cover lost/stolen luggage or items, as well as rare emergencies at home. This is completely up to you.

We highly encourage you to receive vaccinations before coming to India. As we do not have a medical background, we cannot provide specific medical answers, but can offer guidance. It is important to discuss with your doctor or home travel clinic before traveling so they can advise you on what health preparations to arrange. Again, make sure you communicate with them several weeks before traveling, as some vaccinations will need to be administered more than once.

In Jaipur, you will stay at the volunteer house. The volunteer house stays up to 30 people. Volunteers share rooms, although male-females are separated. In Dharamshala, Bangalore, and New Delhi you will stay with a host family.

The Jaipur volunteer house offers free 24x7 wifi that can connect to your devices. At other locations you will find internet access within the area.

Yes, we can take care of dietary requirements like if a volunteer is intolerant with lactose or may require a gluten free diet, please let us know and we’ll take care of it.

Yes, daily transportation to project is including.

Volunteer are responsible for washing their clothes. Volunteers can also give their clothes at their own expense to the nearby laundry.

Yes, wi-fi 24 x 7 available in Volunteer House, Jaipur.

All the volunteer program sites are very safe. You will be amongst our staff too. The volunteer house is in a safe location and staff member stay there 24X7. The volunteer house is very well maintained and structured to protect all travelers. For more inforation visit how we keep you safe? section.

After you have signed up for program with us, you will receive pre- departure information. It will have all the contact information of all the people whom you can contact in case of an emergency.

Don't worry, we're here to help you make the right decisions and give you plenty of advice on packing for your India volunteering trip, have a look Pack Light and Pack Right section at planning volunteer India trip page.