Who doesn’t love to travel and explore? But the worst part is that money gets in the way of love. But don’t worry, we’ve got a solution for you: volunteer travel. Yes, you heard it right: Volunteer travel. What exactly is Volunteer travel? Volunteer travel,, or voluntourism, is a mix of travel and social services. You work for an organisation and take part in projects like education of street children, women’s empowerment, wildlife preservation, etc. In exchange, you get free meals and accommodations. In this blog, we’ll introduce you to the best volunteer travel options in India and help you make your travel dream come true.
Volunteer Travel opportunities in India
1. Spiti Ecosphere
Spiti Ecosphere focuses on the triple purpose of eco-preservation, responsible travel, and adventure in the heart of Spiti Valley, one of the most remote and picturesque regions in the majestic Himalayas.
As a Spiti Ecosphere volunteer, you can contribute to a wide range of community projects, including organic farming, wildlife protection, women’s empowerment, education, handicrafts, and much more. You can also take part in activities such as trekking, camping, cycling, cultural tours, and more.
At Spiti Ecosphere, you’ll stay in comfortable homestays where you’ll meet local families and experience the real Spitian culture and cuisine. Whether you’re teaching English to local children or participating in eco-initiatives, your efforts will leave a lasting mark. Spiti Ecosphere is one of the best volunteer travel opportunities for you.
Useful Links to know more about Spiti Ecosphere
- Official website of Spiti Ecosphere
- Instagram account of Spiti Ecosphere
- Twitter account of Spiti Ecosphere
- Reviews by ex volunteers of Spiti Ecosphere
2. Students Sea Turtle Conservation Network (SSCTN)
Are you looking for volunteer travel opportunities that involve wildlife conservation and environmental education as well? Then joining as a volunteer in SSCTN is best for you. What exactly is SSCTN? Well, SSCTN stands for Student Sea Turtle Conservation Network. It is a voluntary group of students and young adults who have been working on the beaches of Chennai for many years. Their aim is to conserve and create awareness about the endangered olive ridley sea turtle.
The next question that may arise in your mind will be,What can you do as a volunteer in SSCTN? Well, you can participate in Turtle walks. Turtle walks involve collecting and relocating turtle eggs into a hatchery, so that they are protected from predators and human interference. Wait a minute; it doesn’t end up there. When the hatchlings emerge after 45 days, you can assist the team in releasing them safely into the sea. In this way, you are contributing to saving an endangered species, and you will really love it if you are an animal lover.
By joining the SSCTN, you can not only witness the amazing process of sea turtle nesting and hatching, but also learn more about the ecology and behaviour of these ancient creatures. You can also contribute to their conservation by helping to reduce the threats they face from fishing nets, plastic pollution, coastal development, and climate change.
Useful links to know more about Student Sea Turtle Conservation Network (SSCTN)
- Official website of SSCTN
- Email id
- Reviews
3. Wildlife SOS
Wildlife SOS is one of the best volunteer travel opportunities in India for those who love animals and nature. It is a non-governmental organisation that works for the rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation of India’s wildlife, especially bears, elephants, leopards, and reptiles. Wildlife SOS also conducts research, education, and awareness campaigns to protect India’s natural heritage and biodiversity. Do you also want to contribute to protecting India’s natural heritage? If yes, then this is the best option for you.
After joining, you will have to spend five days a week working with the elephants and bears at the Agra centres. You can assist with animal care, feeding, cleaning, enrichment, and medical treatment. You can also help with administrative tasks, social media, photography, and fundraising. In this way, You will also get to learn more about the ecology and behaviour of the animals you work with, as well as the challenges and threats they face from human activities.
Volunteering with Wildlife SOS is not only a rewarding and enriching experience, but also a lot of fun and adventure. You will also get to interact with other volunteers and staff who share your passion and dedication for wildlife and the environment.
Useful links for Wildlife SOS
4. Sadhana Forest
Sadhana Forest is a reforestation project and a sustainable living community in Auroville, Tamil Nadu. As a volunteer, you can participate in activities like planting trees, watering plants, mulching, composting, nursery work, and eco-construction. You can also join workshops on topics like yoga, meditation, vegan cooking, natural health care, and waste management. Sadhana Forest provides dormitory-style accommodation in huts made from natural materials, with vegan meals.
Free facilities include a small swimming pool, free 24/7 unlimited access to the Internet with your own laptop (weather and technical issues permitting), five hours each day (excluding Fridays) of AC power to charge electrical items (sun permitting), a small library, the use of several bicycles, and a playground for children. If you are interested in tree plantations, then Sadhana Forest is one of the best volunteer travel opportunities for you in India.
Useful links to learn more about Sadhana forest
- Official website
- Instagram account
- Twitter account
- Google reviews of Sadhana forest
- Tripadvisor reviews of Sadhana forest
5. Sankalp Volunteer Society
Sankalp is a Volunteer society that aims to create world a better place. As a volunteer, you can choose from different projects like street children’s education, women’s empowerment, orphanage care, animal welfare, and medical assistance. You can also enjoy weekend tours to famous attractions like the Taj Mahal, Jaisalmer, Pushkar, and Ranthambore.
What can you do?
- Family Volunteering Program : Volunteer with your family and spend a great time
- Orphanage Volunteer Program : Assist the Orphanage staff in taking care of the kids
- Teaching English Volunteer Program : Teach English to Students of Class 1 to 5
- Women Empowerment Program : Teach and inspire young females by teaching them English speaking, basic computer skills, self-defence, etc.
- Volunteering for Elephants : Work for Elephant conservation Program in Jaipur
- Volunteer for Street Children : Teach Basic English and Maths to street Children
Useful links to learn more about Sankalp Volunteer Society
6. WWOOF India
WWOOF India is part of the worldwide network of Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF), which connects volunteers with organic farmers and producers. As a volunteer, you can stay with a host farm and help with various tasks like harvesting, weeding, milking, making cheese, or baking bread. You can also learn about organic farming methods, sustainable living, and rural culture. WWOOF India provides free accommodation and food in exchange for your work, usually around 4-6 hours per day. You can choose from over 240 hosts across 16 states and territories in India. If you are interested in farming and want to make a difference, then WWOOF is the best volunteer travel opportunity for you.
What can you do?
- Help with various tasks on organic farms, such as harvesting, weeding, milking, making cheese, or baking bread.
- Learn about organic farming methods, sustainable living, and rural culture from the host farmers.
- Participate in community initiatives
Useful links to learn more about WWOOF India
7. Fertile Ground
Fertile Ground is a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) that works for the development of sustainable agriculture and organic farming in the Northeast region of India. Your each step as a volunteer at Fertile Ground will contribute towards a greener future.
As a volunteer, Fertile Ground can help you with projects such as:
- Permaculture Design
- Seed Saving
- Composting
- Beekeeping
- Natural Building
- Community Outreach
You can also learn more about the region’s culture, including weaving, music, dancing, and festivals. Fertile Ground’s accommodation is uncomplicated and comfortable, with bamboo shacks and tents, as well as vegetarian meals prepared with locally sourced organic produce.
Useful Links to Learn more about Fertile Grounds
- Official website of Fertile Grounds
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