5-8 Weeks Volunteer Programs in India

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservation, Medical Outreach, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported over 155,000 volunteers on life-changing journeys. We specialize in fully-hosted volunteer trips that are safe, affordable, and accessible—starting from just $20 per day. Your experience includes airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, and round-the-clock support from our local teams. With flexible booking options and no change fees, planning your volunteer adventure has never been easier. Our programs run year-round and are available for 1 to 24 weeks across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Volunteering with IVHQ is about more than giving back; it’s about growing, learning, and building genuine global connections.

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and medical initiatives. GoEco operates in over 50 countries, providing unique cultural immersive experiences that aim to make a positive impact on the environment and society. The organization also offers internships and academic programs for students. GoEco provides safe and meaningful experiences while promoting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions.

Kaya Responsible Travel welcomes teen volunteers ages 16 and 17 to this unique program abroad. You will develop into a global citizen while spending time with peers from India and working within local communities. For 2 – 8 weeks or longer, you will genuinely gain an insight into Indian culture and contribute to the overall goals of your chosen project—Childcare, Women Empowerment, or Teaching. You will also participate in extra activities, apart from volunteer responsibilities. These may include sharing meals with a local family, a sari-dressing workshop, and yoga sessions. As a 16 or 17-year-old volunteer in India, you need to be ready to travel and meet new friends. You should be open to new ideas and situations, from eating local food to working in communities that are highly different from anything you have seen before. You should be self-motivated and able to work in a team.

It doesn't get more epic than a 2000-mile tour across the Indian Subcontinent. Journey on this incredible adventure from the lofty, glacial landscapes of the Himalayas and the cool peace of Mcleodganj to the dreamy gardens of the Taj Mahal and hot sands of Goa. Go on the ultimate bucket list trip. Experience a jungle safari in the Royal Chitwan National Park; visit the home of the Dalai Lama; trek to the Everest Base Camp. Get ready to dig deep into your adventure roots, open yourself to exotic cultures, and give back to the communities you visit along the way.

Join VWI as a volunteer and help care for elephants in Heritage City—Jaipur, India. Support the local community in taking care of these elephants and their mahouts. Volunteers will help mahouts to feeding the elephants, bathing them, cleaning the area, bringing water, oil massaging the elephants head, trimming their nails, taking elephants for walk, make bundles of hay and chapati(Indian Roti) for elephants in a mud stove to eat. You will work around 3-4 hours per day everyday in morning and in the afternoon twice a week to make chapati's for Elephants to eat. Elephant mahouts are living with their families at the project site and are responsible to give right care, fed properly & keep them healthy and fit. The program is located in the village near Amber Fort which is also known as Elephant Village. where elephants get care by their mahouts everyday. It is also one of Elephant Sanctuary in India. Elephant Village Jaipur is India’s first and the world’s third elephant village also known as “Haathi Gaon“. The area is spread in 30 hectares of land; it has stable blocks for each elephants with attached housing; it also a big man-made lake for elephants to swim and washed down.

Find out why more and more people are choosing to become a Love Volunteer! Love Volunteers is the most affordable way to volunteer and help local communities in developing countries! Why are we cheaper than other organisations? Firstly, we are just a handful of passionate people working hard to help volunteers and local communities around the world. We don't have huge overheads - no company cars, no downtown office - we're just volunteers who knew we could do a better job. Secondly, we work with local organisations wherever we can to keep administration costs to a minimum and also to feed as much money and skills into the local communities where we operate. All of Love Volunteers partner organisations have been fully vetted to ensure that, not only does a genuine need for assistance exist, but that the environments that we place our volunteers are safe and of high quality. Choose from one or more of our 200+ amazing community-based programs in 37 developing countries around the world. Every program has been personally visited by one of our dedicated staff members and is regularly audited to ensure it meets our high standards in terms of safety, sustainability, and local impact.

Empower, educate, and uplift — join our Women Empowerment Volunteer Program in India and be part of a powerful movement helping women gain confidence, skills, and independence. Through this meaningful volunteer experience with Volunteering Journeys, you’ll work closely with women and girls from underprivileged backgrounds to promote gender equality, education, and self-sufficiency. India is a country of incredible diversity and deep traditions, but many women, especially in rural and low-income urban areas, still face barriers to education, employment, and leadership opportunities. As a women empowerment volunteer in India, you’ll play an important role in helping local women build brighter, independent futures for themselves and their families. By volunteering with Volunteering Journeys, you’ll join initiatives that address these inequalities directly — helping local NGOs and women’s groups create safe spaces where women can learn, grow, and lead. These programs focus on practical skills training, language development, income-generation workshops, and confidence-building activities that empower women to become change-makers in their own communities.

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller grassroots NGOs and local specialists in more than 80 countries. All these with just one click! Find projects in wildlife, teaching, community development, and several other areas. Simply choose your desired destination and desired travel date, and our search engine will compare the best volunteer abroad programs on your behalf. Whether you wish to gain experience at a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa or teach English at a monastery in Nepal, we've got you covered. Volunteer World guarantees a quick and easy application. We will guide you through this process, as well as help plan your next meaningful trip. We provide free access to quality-checked projects and flexible options. And if anything goes wrong, we've got your back with our qualified support team and our refund guarantee.

India offers a one-of-a-kind setting for volunteering—rich in culture, layered in history, and full of meaningful opportunities to give back. Whether you're walking through vibrant city streets or working in peaceful rural communities, every day brings new experiences that challenge, inspire, and reward. World Endeavors’ volunteer programs in India are designed for those who want to make a real difference while building cross-cultural connections and gaining global perspective. Volunteers are placed in Goa, one of India’s most picturesque states known for its welcoming communities, historic architecture, and stunning natural beauty. Program durations are flexible, ranging from 2 to 12 weeks, and each project is thoughtfully matched to your interests and the needs of the local community. With 24/7 support, comfortable shared housing, and meals included, this program makes it easy for you to focus on what matters most—creating impact and building lifelong memories.

India is the world’s largest democracy and is considered a newly industrialized country. Yet despite its large workforce and immense growth, India continues to face the hurdles of poverty, illiteracy, malnutrition, and inadequate public healthcare. Funds for health in India have long focused largely on medical services, reflected in a lack of modern public health regulations and delivery of services. Travel to Delhi, India, the second most populous city on the planet. Join NGOs working to implement social reforms and improve public health outcomes through educational campaigns and trainings with emphasis on the spread of HIV/AIDS in India, tuberculosis, and management of infectious diseases. Learn about key public health challenges such as low rates of immunization, poor sanitation and waste management, and unsafe drinking water. Understand the lingering impact of India’s caste system and challenges in implementing public health initiatives within a culturally and linguistically diverse population.

Are you a Psychology or Mental Health student looking for a hands-on experience that will enhance your studies and career prospects? This unique opportunity is ideal for university students, graduates, and master's students seeking field experience, research opportunities, and professional development in a global setting. Our volunteer programmes provide essential, practical experience while allowing you to make a real impact in developing communities in India’s ‘pink city’! Gain experience under doctors and psychiatrists in the psychiatry and deaddiction units of a hospital, work with children on their mentoring and wellbeing, and head into the community to work on community development and women's empowerment — all while immersing yourself in Indian culture!

In Rajasthan, girls from poor families often don't attend school. They have to help with housework, engage in labor, or assist their mothers with tending to their younger siblings. This is typically the case in communities far from the school, which would take some time to reach, thus forcing them to choose family duties instead. To cater to these less fortunate girls, a local NGO offers free education and vocational training to women and girls from disadvantaged backgrounds. The NGO is located in Jodhpur, Rajasthan's second-largest city, in the village of Setrawa in the Thar desert, some 100 km away. It primarily promotes women's empowerment, including educating children and women. At several empowerment centers in Jodhpur, girls and women aged 10 to 30 are taught reading and writing (Hindi and English), the basics of Mathematics, personality development, team building, and vocational skills such as sewing and embroidery.

In Kerala, a coastal strip along the Arabian Sea, address economic and gender disparities in the country through community development projects. Support workshops to encourage men and boys to talk about gender issues, assist with the improvement of girls literacy skills, contribute to the English language skills of local youth and women, and support children and adults in self-care Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) routines. GVI measures all impact against the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), and has strict child protection policies in place to ensure ethical best practices. This is an opportunity to be immersed in a different environment, and form life-long friendships with other participants from around the world. In your free time, take a boat cruise along Kerala’s beautifully scenic backwaters, made up of a network of rivers and lagoons. With palm-lined jungle greenery and an ever-changing horizon, it’s a peaceful and beautiful sight to behold.

Join us for the adventure of a lifetime! Volunteers For Peace (a Vermont-based nonprofit) can place you on a team of international volunteers who contribute to a meaningful community service project designed, planned, and hosted by local partners. We offer the most affordable projects and the best way to meet people from all over the world. Work project types vary by country but may include environmental and wildlife conservation, historic preservation, educational and language learning, archaeology, organic farming, and arts and festivals. We also have social services projects, which could involve working with children, the elderly, or refugees. Projects are designed to combine service with recreational activities and cultural exchange – whether by visiting local beaches, learning local dances, meeting local officials, or volunteering with residents at the place you’re visiting. Each project is unique, but all bring people together for the most meaningful travel experience imaginable. Please note that VFP can only place US Citizens. This is due to our agreements with our international partners.

R.O.S.E. (Rural Organization for Social Elevation) offers a meaningful opportunity to engage in responsible tourism while supporting sustainable development. This program allows volunteers to contribute to local communities while enjoying the pristine beauty of India. Volunteers, students, solo travelers, and senior citizens participate in hands-on initiatives to improve rural livelihoods, education, and public health. Participants can engage in community-driven projects, including health awareness, women’s empowerment, and education programs for underprivileged children. Volunteers assist with workshops, skill development sessions, and agricultural activities while living among local families. This initiative provides a life-changing experience, fostering cultural exchange and meaningful connections. Since 1988, R.O.S.E. has hosted participants from 32 countries, all working toward sustainable progress in rural India.

On this program you will teach at a local kindergarten in the morning, before heading back to the centre for lunch and then in the afternoons you will volunteer on the slum outreach project. This kindergarten is run by a local Goan family and provides education for cheerful and energetic children from underprivileged families who cannot afford regular kindergarten fees or otherwise might not attend school. You will have ample opportunities to engage in creative teaching and learn teaching skills from experienced local staff. This project also offers opportunities for aspiring kindergarten teachers. You can teach a variety of subjects to the children, including English, music, arts and crafts, and sports. The Slum Outreach project is primarily for children aged 4-14 years from migrant families living in slums on the outskirts of the city. You will prepare lessons in the morning for about 2 hours. Interact with the children through games and activities to teach them and help them understand the importance of education and developing skills beyond just English. You may join another program in the morning if you wish, as we require you to participate for longer.

We are looking for volunteers to teach English in a remote village school in Ladakh, a fascinating corner of India where you will encounter an ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture. Located on the Tibetan Plateau, Ladakh lies behind the Himalayan mountain range and receives very little rainfall. HELP is a registered British charity with a specific focus on enhancing educational opportunities in impoverished communities in Nepal and the Indian Himalayas. We achieve this by sponsoring young people, donating funds to schools, and placing skilled volunteers within these schools. We are not a travel agency. Our volunteer programme is not just an add-on to a package holiday. If you have no experience or qualifications, we can direct you to relevant online courses that can help you develop your skills. We will also provide you with TEFL materials to help you cope with the first weeks of teaching. However, we cannot provide you with the personal qualities that will enable you to thrive outside your comfort zone. These jobs are challenging, life-enhancing, and best suited to mature people.

Volunteer in India's vibrant Pink City, Jaipur, and support critical community initiatives helping marginalized women and children affected by rapid urban growth. Choose your area of focus (2-12 weeks): Care: childcare, health, and special needs support Education: teaching English, Math, and computer skills, with a focus on adolescent girls Empowerment: workshops and training for women's self-sufficiency and rights Experience authentic immersion living with a local English-speaking host family (meals included). Support services include airport pick-up and an on-site coordinator. Volunteers can explore the Taj Mahal, Pushkar, and Ranthambhore on optional weekend excursions.

We seek qualified and experienced volunteers to teach English and other subjects and provide language practice at a school in a peaceful part of Gujarat, India. The school caters to children between 3 and 15 years old, across nursery to standard 10th grade. A typical day runs from 07.45 to 13.30, Monday to Saturday. You will get a feel for authentic India, with the campus located in a peaceful area with lots of peacocks, monkeys bouncing in the fields, and green and yellow parakeets in their thousands roosting on trees. The nearest airport is Ahmedabad International Airport or Anand railway station in Gujarat. To ensure a safe journey to the school campus, all volunteers will be picked up free of charge from the airport or railway station. Our volunteer program includes safe and secure en-suite accommodation on the school campus, facilities, all meals, Internet access, mineral water, tea, and coffee. This placement is for English-speaking volunteers interested in helping children at the school and hostel and learning about Indian culture and rural life.

Begin your journey in Kolkata, where you will serve underprivileged children, special-needs students, and impoverished communities. Then, travel to Sikkim, a Himalayan state renowned for its monasteries, rich culture, and breathtaking mountain scenery. Volunteers support women and youth in handicrafts, English, and digital skills, and engage with children and local communities in need. The program also includes eco-tourism activities, such as monastery visits, heritage tours, and trekking through valleys and forests. A highlight is the chance to learn meditation directly from Buddhist Masters in mountain monasteries, combining service with self-discovery. Programs run for 7, 14, or 21 days at $700–$1,500, including food, lodging, transport, eco-tours, and orientation. Volunteers contribute about 4–5 hours/day, with flexible time for reflection, rest, and exploration. Offered by Noah’s Ark of Calcutta and Sinai Enterprise, this program blends social service, spirituality, and eco-tourism into one transformative experience.