Marine
turtle protection project on the west coast of Karnataka
Kundapur
January 2 - January 15, 2012
Kundapur February
6 - February 19, 2012
Volunteer project: Kundapur is a town situated on the west coast of Karnataka, near the beach, and very close to the Western Ghats (a mountain ridge). The Western Ghats is India's prime zone for bio-diversity, known for the number of animal and plant species in this region.
In 2004, a Marine Turtle protection project was started here in co-operation with the Forest and Wildlife Department of the State of Karnataka. Over a 60-kilometer stretch of beach, surveys are conducted and the turtle nests are protected until the hatching of the eggs. Last year, more than 1500 baby turtles reached the ocean safely thanks to the efforts of international volunteers. This year again we continue these efforts. The projects will also focus on spreading awareness to the general public, fishermen community and in the schools about the importance of turtles in the bio-diversity. The volunteers will also be involved in building Turtle Information Center huts along the beach.
Language: English
Accommodation: In a guesthouse, in shared rooms.
Location: Kundapur is the headquarters of the Kundapura
Taluk and is about 36 km from Udupi. Kundapur is surrounded by water
from three sides. It is well connected to the other parts of the country
by National Highway-17 and the Konkan Railway, which runs from Mumbai to
Mangalore.
Kundapur is situated 100 km north of the city
of Mangalore, 300 km from Panjim (Goa), and 450 km from Bangalore.
Kundapur is accessible by bus/train from Mangalore, Bangalore, Panjim
(Goa), and Mumbai. There are international and domestic airports in
Mangalore, Bangalore, Goa, and Mumbai.
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 9,500 Indian Rupees (about $180 US)
The extra fee is intended to support the hosting organization who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival on the project.
Ayurveda
and Yoga experience
Kerala January 9 -
January 29, 2012
Kerala February 6
- February 26, 2012
Kerala March 5 -
March 25, 2012
Kerala April 2 -
April 22, 2012
Volunteer project: Ayurveda is a 5000 years old Indian health care system that is widely practiced even today. "Ayur" in Sanskrit means "life" and "Veda" means "science". It is a perfect Science of health and longevity. This holistic science is the knowledge of complete balance of the Body, Mind and Spirit, including the emotions and psychology, on all levels. It includes in its consideration, longevity, rejuvenation and self-realization therapies through herbs, diet, exercise, yoga, massage, aromas, tantras, mantras, and meditation. According to Ayurvedic tradition, health is the balance of elements air, earth, fire, and water, and illness is an excess or deficiency of any particular element. Ayurveda treats illness at its source, rather than at the level of symptoms, and helps an individual to take responsibility for their own health and well-being. Ayurveda is also known as 'Ashtanga Veda' (the word literally means 'Eight branches of knowledge') as it is divided into eight specialized branches.
Yoga is a complete science of life that originated in India several thousands of years ago. It is the oldest system of personal development in the world, encompassing the entire Body, Mind and Spirit. It is the union between a person's own consciousness and the universal consciousness. The classical techniques of Yoga date back more than 5000 years. The word Yoga means "to join or yoke together," and it brings the body and mind together into one harmonious experience.
The volunteers will be learning the Basics of Yoga and Ayurveda in the three weeks of the project. Every day, there will be topics covered by a professional master (the person in charge of yoga and ayurveda classes), which will be practiced by the volunteers. Yoga will be practiced every day.
Apart from this, volunteers will also help in creating awareness among the locals on issues like Health and Hygiene, environmental protection, solid waste management etc. Volunteers will need to be creative in their approach to give out the message through dramas and street plays. Volunteers who participate in this project need to bring materials and ideas for the program, after which the whole group will chalk out a plan of action.
Language: English
Accommodation: At a guesthouse, in shared rooms.
Location: Kannur, Kerala, South India. The state of Kerala is accessible by air, domestic and some international airlines. Trains and buses operate on an everyday basis from almost all major towns/cities in South India.
The culture of Kerala is a synthesis of Dravidian and Aryan cultures, developed and mixed for centuries, under influences from overseas lands. It is defined by its antiquity and the organic continuity sustained by the Malayali people. Modern Kerala society took shape owing to migrations from different parts of India throughout Classical Antiquity. Kerala trace its non-prehistoric cultural genesis to its membership (around the 3rd century BC) in a vaguely-defined historical region known as Thamizhagom — a land defined by a common Tamil. The culture of Kerala evolved through the Sanskritization of Dravidian ethos, revivalism of religious movements and reform movements against case discrimination. Kerala showcases a culture unique to itself developed through accommodation, acculturation and assimilation of various faculties of civilized lifestyle. It has had long periods of insular existence. This has resulted in the distinctiveness of their language, dress, culture and institutions.
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 15,000 Indian Rupees (about $290 US)
The extra fee is intended to support the hosting organization who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival on the project.
Creative,
entertainment and awareness activities in schools and kindergartens in
Pondicherry
Pondicherry
January 16 - January 29, 2012
Pondicherry
February 6 - February 19, 2012
Volunteer project: Pondicherry, also known as Puducherry, is one of the former French Colonies and is located on the East Coast of India. It is one of the most tourist places in the region and has a lot to offer to the visitor. Its laidback atmosphere and amazing beaches give it a very distinctive touch. It is a prime location for learning yoga and meditation in one of its many ashrams. It is also the home of Auroville, a famous international community created by the Guru Sri Auro Bindo.
The volunteer project is organized in cooperation with a local
NGO, active in the field of education and renovation. In the past years
many schools and villages have benefited from the work done by
international volunteers, including the 2004 Tsunami-hit regions. A
shelter for children and old aged people was opened in a village 10 km
from the city, providing support to the poorer sections of the
population in the district.
The volunteers will be involved in various activities, ranging from
manual work at the center; creative and entertainment activities in
schools and kindergartens and spreading awareness on issues related to
education, environment protection, health and hygiene; teaching basic
English and Math through creative learning methods; renovation work like
building playgrounds, painting; tree planting, etc.
Language: English
Accommodation: In a guesthouse, in shared rooms.
Location: Pondicherry is located approx. 200 km south from Chennai (Madras), Tamil Nadu State (East Coast). Pondicherry is accessible from Chennai and Bangalore by direct bus from both cities. There are domestic and international airports in Bangalore and Chennai.
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 9,500 Indian Rupees (about $180 US)
The extra fee is intended to support the hosting organization who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival on the project.
Rural
development and environmental awareness projects in Rajastan
Rajasthan - Jodhpur
January 16 - January 29, 2012
Volunteer project: Rajasthan was inhabited long before 2500 BC and the Indus Valley Civilization had its foundation here in north Rajasthan itself. Around 1400 BC the Aryans paid a visit and settled forever in the area. The local population was pushed down south and towards the east. Afghans, Turks, Persians and Mughals followed in mixing their blood, first in war then in peace, with the existing original inhabitants. This blending gave the martial lineage to the Rajputs (member of any of several powerful Hindu landowning and military lineages).
Jodhpur is a popular tourist destination featuring many palaces, forts and temples. The city is known as the Sun City for the bright sunny weather it enjoys all year. It is also referred as the Blue City due to the indigo tinge of the whitewashed houses around the Mehrangarh Fort. Culture and lifestyle in Jodhpur is quite fascinating. Lending a romantic aura to Jodhpur, are its exquisite handicrafts, folk dances, folk music and the brightly attired people. The desert people are quite affable. The famous Marwar festival brings out the festive spirits of the people of this city.
The volunteer projects here will be organised with the cooperation of local community for rural development and watershed management, environmental education and working together with local villages in rural development projects. Most of the schools around Jodhpur lack basic infrastructure like a school building, education materials, playgrounds and drinking water. Volunteers can make a big difference in the daily lives of these children by spending time with them and working to provide the necessities listed above.
Language: English
Accommodation: At a guesthouse, in shared rooms.
Location: Jodhpur and neighboring regions, State of Rajasthan. Accessible by domestic airlines. Trains and buses operate on a daily basis from New Delhi and Mumbai.
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 9,500 Indian Rupees (about $180 US)
The extra fee is intended to support the hosting organization who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival on the project.
Protection
of the World Heritage Site at Hampi
Hampi
February 13 - February 26, 2012
Volunteer project: Located in the central part of the state of Karnataka, in the southern part of India, Hampi is definitely one of the most interesting travel destinations on the map of India. It is famous for its ruins belonging to the erstwhile medieval Hindu kingdom of Vijayanagar, now declared a World Heritage site. The temples of Hampi, its monolithic sculptures and monuments are breathtaking. The Hindu style of architecture found at Hampi speaks of the splendor of the Vijayanagar Empire.
The volunteer projects in Hampi will primarily concentrate on the protection of
the cultural heritage sites of historical importance and on creating awareness among the locals
and the tourists. The volunteers will be involved in cleaning the
heritage surroundings, planting trees and plants, thereby converting dry
areas into beautiful spots for an eye to rest on.
An awareness walk or street play on culture and heritage conservation
will be performed by the volunteers. The work will require a lot of creativity
and motivation from the volunteers to convey the message through drama,
plays and other creative arts.
Language: English
Accommodation: At a guesthouse, in shared rooms.
Location: Hampi, North Karnataka, 350 km from Bangalore
and 13 km from Hospet.
Hampi Bazaar (the full name of the village) is accessible by bus from
Bangalore and Goa. The nearest train station is in Hospet (13 km). The
nearest international airports are Goa, Bangalore and Mumbai.
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 12,500 Indian Rupees (about $240 US)
The extra fee is intended to support the hosting organization who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival on the project.
Teaching
children, raising awareness and renovating schools in Konark
Konark - Orissa
February 13 - February 26, 2012
Volunteer project: Konark, literally meaning “Essence of the Corners”, is a small town in Puri district in the state of Odisha (formerly Orissa), on the Bay of Bengal. It is the site of the 13th-century Sun Temple (also known as the Black Pagoda), built in AD 1236-1264. Konark is also home to an annual cultural dance festival devoted to classical Indian dance forms, including the traditional classical dance of Odisha. Konark beach is a popular tourist destination.
The volunteers in this project will be involved in teaching children from poor and marginalized communities in the formal and non-formal schools about basic English and Mathematics, Health and Hygiene, and Environmental protection through creative learning methods like art, music, games, etc. There will also be House visits and meetings with the local people to raise awareness on health, education and hygiene. Volunteers can take the school children to picnics and exposure visits in the town. In addition, volunteers will also help with some renovation work at local schools and orphanages including activities like painting, building playgrounds, planting trees, promoting rainwater harvesting, etc. As part of the cultural exchange, volunteers will witness and participate in the cultural programs with the local community.
Language: English
Accommodation: At a guesthouse, in shared rooms.
Location: Geographically marked by the latitude of 19°53'N and by the latitude of 86°06'E, Konark’s location is easy to identify on the map of Odisha. The temperature remains mild and suitable as a result of Konark's closeness to the sea. The legendary city is located 30 km north of Puri and 64 km from Bhubaneswar. It is accessible by bus from Puri and Bhubaneswar. The nearest train station is in Puri (30 km). The nearest international airports are Bhubaneswar and Kolkata.
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 9,500 Indian Rupees (about $180 US)
The extra fee is intended to support the hosting organization who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival on the project.
Promoting
sustainable agriculture and rural development in Mysore
Mysore
April 16 - April 29, 2012
Volunteer project: Mysore is a city in the state of Karnataka in Southern India. It was the erstwhile capital of the Wodeyar Dynasty and is considered the cultural capital of the state. The city has recorded history dating back a thousand years and a mythical history which explains the origin of the name - apparently, this was the place where the demon Mahishasura was slain by the Goddess Chamundi. You will find a statue of the demon on Chamundi hill which commemorates this event.
Climate change, hunger and poverty, loss of biodiversity, forest destruction, water crises, and food safety – what all these threats have in common is that a principal cause for each of them is in the way we produce, trade, consume and discard food and other agricultural products. We have more and more food stocked in supermarket aisles, while one quarter of humanity goes hungry.
In this project we will work along with different organizations involved in the agricultural development of the farmers. Our aim is to create awareness among the people and to give them more instruments to feel confident and free to decide for their future, and for the future of a new generation. The kind of schedule and the focus of the project will be adapted to the season, the possibilities and the needs of the moment so as to improve the achievements in a long-term perspective.
Language: English
Accommodation: In a guest house, in shared rooms.
Location: Mysore Rural & Urban, South India. Mysore is
about 140 km from Bangalore.
Bangalore is accessible by air, domestic and some international airlines
fly directly to Bangalore International Airport. Trains and buses
operate on an everyday basis from almost all major towns/cities in South
India.
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 9,500 Indian Rupees (about $180 US)
The extra fee is intended to support the hosting organization who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival on the project.
Learn
about Tibetan culture, support a local school and hike in the Himalayas
Dharamsala
March 5 - March 25, 2012
Dharamsala
April 9 - April 29, 2012
Dharamsala
June 4 - June 24, 2012
Dharamsala
July 9 - July 29, 2012
Volunteer project: Valleys of the Himalayas - where the heaven meets the earth. This small paradise is home to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and to a significant Tibetan settlement in India. Dharamsala is set in the backdrop of the snow-clad peaks of Dhauladhar Mountains. It is the capital of the Tibetan Government in exile and the residence of the Dalai Lama.
In the first two weeks of the project, the volunteers will get the opportunity to learn about the Tibetan culture and the different issues related to the exile of its people and the re-settlement in India. There will be cultural activities and exchange with the Tibetan Youth with the support of the Tibetan Welfare Office. The project will also include an awareness campaign for the protection of the environment and solid waste management in cooperation with the Tibetan Welfare Office. Furthermore, the volunteers will support a local Indian/Tibetan school in need of simple renovation work and interact with the school children. The renovation work will vary and may include gardening and tree planting, kitchen renovation, compost pits, painting, classroom flooring, renovating children's playground, etc.
On the third week of the project, the volunteers will take part in a 4-day trekking activity around the mountains of Dharamsala and Triund.
Language: English
Accommodation: At a guesthouse, in shared rooms.
Location: Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, North India,
500 km north of Delhi.
Dharamsala is accessible by bus on a daily basis from New Delhi and
other smaller cities of North India. The nearest train stations are
Pathankot and Kangra Mandir. Delhi is the nearest international airport.
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 15,000 Indian Rupees (about $290 US)
The extra fee is intended to support the hosting organization who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival on the project.
Support
schools for tribal children and spread environmental awareness in Kabini
forest reserve
Mysore
March 12 - March 25, 2012
Volunteer project: Kabini is one of the most popular wildlife destinations of Karnataka, probably because of its easy accessibility, lush green landscape surrounding a large picturesque lake, and fantastic sightings of large herds of elephants.
Presently the tribal people in this area live outside the forest (mostly on its fringes), being forced out by laws, which they are yet to come to terms with. The entire tribal population had to be forced out twice from their settled habitation by the construction of the Kabini reservoir and the Forest conservation acts. This, apart from producing tremendous psychological stress, coupled with changing economic demands, rendered the traditional education that the tribal child was getting obsolete and woefully inadequate to equip it for facing an inhospitable and culturally complex world.
The international volunteer group will work with several local NGOs and tribal groups to create awareness among the tribal villages; working with local schools in teaching English, building playgrounds and assisting various underprivileged schools. The volunteers will be assigned to create awareness on solid waste management among school going children. They will also be involved in activities such as creative education and teaching basic English and Math through games, art and songs to the children from the local schools. The assignment would include some degree of manual work for the renovation of the schools and improving the school infrastructure such as painting and building playgrounds.
Language: English
Accommodation: In a guest house, in shared rooms.
Location: Kabini wildlife sanctuary, situated on the banks of River Kabini, features a large quaint lake surrounded by verdant landscape. It is 80 kilometres away from Mysore and 205 kilometres from Bangalore. It comprises of the south-eastern part of Nagarole National Park. Situated on the banks of River Kabini, this forest reserve is spread over 55 acres of forestland, steep valleys, and water bodies. Once a private hunting lodge of the Maharaja (Emperor) of Mysore, Kabini was a popular shikar (hunting) hotspot for British Viceroys and Indian royalty. Now it is considered to be one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in Karnataka and famous for its spectacular wildlife and bird life. Kabini is an ideal place for tourists to pitch their camps and plan out a trek to Kumara Parvatha or Tadiyadamol nearby. Kabini backwaters are an ideal camping site that allows tourists to let down their hair and enjoy the pristine surroundings.
Mysore is about 140 km from Bangalore. Bangalore is accessible by air, domestic and some international airlines fly directly to Bangalore International Airport. Trains and buses operate on an everyday basis from almost all major towns/cities in South India.
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 9,500 Indian Rupees (about $180 US)
The extra fee is intended to support the hosting organization who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival on the project.
Rural development projects in the scenic region
of Coorg
Coorg
March 12 - March 25, 2012
Volunteer project: Coorg or Kodagu (originally called Kodaimalenadu) means “dense forest on a steep hill”. It is a rural district located near the city of Mysore (Karnataka State) amidst a scenery of misty hills, lush forests, acres and acres of tea and coffee plantation, orange groves, undulating streets and breathtaking views. This is one of the most beautiful places in India, completely surrounded by nature! The district is not only unique in the types of vegetation but also in respect of the management of tree growth in the different land tenures of which there are 38 types.
The Coorg District accounts for a heavy concentration of tribal population; 90% of the tribes in Coorg subsist on their traditional economic system of hunting and gathering minor forest produces besides attempting subsistence farming. However, a part of the tribal life and culture in Coorg nowadays has become more or less homogeneous to the rural life of Coorg in general. The tribal life and culture in Coorg Karnataka is best reflected in their fairs and festivals. Much of the fairs and festivals in Coorg concern the worship of local deities. The harvest festival - Huthri - is also an important name on the festival map of Coorg.
Kodagu also has all the environmental problems associated with an ecologically, culturally and economically conducive place of human settlement. The major issues are related to a) lack of a comprehensive forest policy for Kodagu; b) monoculture and exotic tree species; c) depletion of soil nutrients; d) water pollution; e) solid waste; f) human-animal conflict.
The international volunteer projects in Coorg will focus on environmental protection, afforestation, tree planting, working with different local NGOs to spread health and hygiene awareness among the tribal villages. The project involves assisting in various underprivileged schools by teaching English, health and hygiene, and building playgrounds. The activities will vary and will involve some manual work.
Language: English
Accommodation: In the project home base, in shared rooms.
Location: In villages located in the District of Kodagu (Coorg), Karnataka State. Coorg is accessible from Mysore, Bangalore or Mangalore by bus. Bangalore has an international airport.
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 9,500 Indian Rupees (about $180 US)
The extra fee is intended to support the hosting organization who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival on the project.
Teaching
children and renovating school facilities in Mount Abu
Rajasthan - Mount Abu
April 9 - April 22, 2012
Volunteer project: Rajasthan was inhabited long before 2500 BC and the Indus Valley Civilization had its foundation here in north Rajasthan itself. Around 1400 BC the Aryans paid a visit and settled forever in the area. The local population was pushed down south and towards the east. Afghans, Turks, Persians and Mughals followed in mixing their blood, first in war then in peace, with the existing original inhabitants. This blending gave the martial lineage to the Rajputs.
Mount Abu is the highest peak in the Aravalli range and the only hill station in Rajasthan state. The mountain forms a distinct rocky plateau 22 km long by 9 km wide. The highest peak on the mountain is Guru Shikhar at 1722 metres above sea level. It is referred to as an 'oasis in the desert', as its heights are home to rivers, lakes, waterfalls and evergreen forests. Mount Abu is home to a number of Jain temples.
This volunteer project involves teaching basic English and Mathematics, Health and Hygiene, and Environmental protection to children from poor and marginalized communities in the non-formal schools. The volunteers will be teaching through creative learning methods like art, music, games etc. There will also be House visits and meetings with rural people to spread awareness about health, education and hygiene. Volunteers can take the school children to places in the city like picnics, exposure visits and city walks. Also, the volunteers will get a chance to take part in the renovation work at local schools and orphanages, and engage in activities like painting, building playgrounds, tree plantation, promoting rainwater harvesting, etc.
Language: English
Accommodation: At a guesthouse, in shared rooms.
Location: Mount Abu is located in the State of Rajasthan and is accessible by domestic airlines. Trains and buses operate on a daily basis from New Delhi and Mumbai.
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 12,500 Indian Rupees (about $240 US)
The extra fee is intended to support the hosting organization who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival on the project.
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