Description

Journey Into the Backwaters
Travel deep into the 900 kilometers of waterways hidden in Kerala, lend a hand in the communities you pass along the way, and discover unspoiled villages and rural hamlets while living on a traditional kettuvallam houseboat. Lonely Planet considers traveling the Kerala Backwaters - one of the ten things to do before you die, and this community service trip will take you deep into the heart of this spectacular region and provide you with a first-hand window into life here.

Your Floating Home
All aboard your comfortable, private houseboat, your home away from home during your time in Kerala. You will eat, sleep, and relax while taking in the incredible views from the boat! And your home will also be your transportation as you travel between villages for service projects, a truly unique way to explore the majestic beauty of this untouched area. During the evenings, you will have the opportunity to explore some of the many other activities on these waterways. Row a traditional country boat through the rural village waterways, jump off the deck of your houseboat for a late afternoon swim, and grab a fishing pole to try to catch a big one for the group's dinner. After dinner, gather in the boat's common living room to watch a movie, have a dance party, or just relax and take in the cool breeze.

Service by Seaways
Each day you'll wake up in the same bed but with a new view from your houseboat's deck and a new place to provide service. You'll assist schools with English and math tutoring, initiate art programs in various villages, and provide necessary donations to jump-start educational activities in the schools. You will also contribute to basic construction projects and help out in areas affected by the 2004 tsunami that hit the Kerala Coast. Daily visits to the shores will introduce you to several NGOs, and you will learn how your service is part of larger long-term initiatives. Smiling children will greet you as you step ashore, families will frantically wave as your boat idles by their remote villages, and gracious thanks will see you off and remain in your heart long after your days of service in the backwaters.

Festival on the Deck
To end your journey on the backwaters, you will throw a traditional Anum Festival aboard your houseboat. Get dressed like a local in a colorful sari or lungi and hang palm fronds and lilies from the roof of your home. Then create a breathtaking piece of art right on deck by arranging freshly picked flowers into beautiful patterns in traditional Kerala style. Finally, crank up the tunes as you eat a feast of local fare and recount stories of your adventures on the backwaters with your new friends.

Off the Deck and Onwards!
If you are looking to stay in India for another week, consider connecting to The Lost Children of India program and doing volunteer work at an orphanage. Or add on the Inspiring India Adventure and catch a glimpse of some of India's most famed sights, including the Taj Mahal. This program also seamlessly connects to our programs in Southeast Asia and China.

Highlights

LIVE on a traditional kettuvallam houseboat as you meander through the spectacular Kerala Backwaters.

PLAY in the mud as you work on light construction projects that will benefit a local school.

TEACH English and create lesson plans that use art to inspire and educate local children.

FISH for your dinner from the houseboat and let our guides show you how to cook it in traditional Keralan spices.

LEARN to row traditional country boats, jump off the deck of the boat into the peaceful backwaters, and get a relaxing massage in the birthplace of Ayurvedic treatments.

CELEBRATE a traditional Kerala Anum Festival during which you will wear traditional clothing, create a masterpiece from flowers, and feast on dishes made of banana leaves.

Qualifications

Students must be 14-years old and up to participate on the program. Additionally, participants must submit an application through the Rustic Pathways website and complete the appropriate documents before traveling on the program.

Type of Programs

• Community Service / Volunteerism

Languages

• English
• Hindi

Cost in US$:

USD 1,995 + 375 Internal Airfare

Cost Includes:

• Travel while in host country
• Housing
• Food
• Excursions
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Written materials pre-departure
• Written materials abroad

Program Fees Include:

The above cost includes all ground transportation in-country, 3 meals a day, housing, staff through the duration of the program, all supplies for the volunteer projects and all excursions on the program itinerary not listed as optional.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Building Maintenance
• Community Development
• English Teaching
• Volunteering

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Other

Participants Travel

in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

1-2 business days

Rustic Pathways's Mission Statement

Rustic Pathways is a pioneer in providing superior quality travel and service programs for students and families in some of the world's most welcoming countries. Rustic Pathways demands professionalism and integrity across all of its operations, insists on quality in all aspects of its programs, and places the safety of its students above all other considerations. We enrich the lives of our students and our staff, benefit the parts of the world we serve, and build cultural bridges that lead to greater global understanding and cooperation.

Year Founded

1983