Top 9 Volunteer Programs in India

India is a tremendous place. Immensely complex, India will overwhelm you with its beauty, vibrancy, and challenges. As India finds its foothold as a rapidly developing global economy, issues of poverty and development continue to persist.

To volunteer in India is to experience these complexities and challenges firsthand while checking off bucket list destinations (the Himalayas and the Taj Mahal anyone?) Frenetic Delhi, remote mountaintop monasteries, the palm-fringed beaches of Goa, rolling hills of tea plantations, and the otherworldly landscapes of Ladakh—all are India, but vastly different in their culture, climate and, of course, volunteering needs.

Maximize your impact & make a difference in the world with these volunteer programs in India.

No matter where you volunteer in India, strap in for an unforgettable ride with a side course of a culinary adventure.

Here’s a sneak peak at the best volunteer programs in India this year:

The best providers for volunteering in India this year

Editor’s note: This information was accurate at the time of publishing. Please refer to each individual program for current data.

1. International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

“I had an absolutely incredible time teaching English with the IVHQ program in New Delhi, India. Before even leaving for India, IVHQ provided an informative and useful pre-departure guide, furthermore IVHQ staff readily made themselves available should I have any questions or concerns. Upon arriving in India, I was immediately greeted by staff and fellow volunteers. The initial culture shock of India was somewhat overwhelming, but my host family and IVHQ staff did a superb job of trying to make me feel at home, while providing me with useful information regarding the cultural difference between the US and India.” Read more International Volunteer HQ reviews here.

Where? Delhi, Dharamsala, New Delhi
When? Year round; 1-2 Weeks, 2-4 Weeks, 5-8 Weeks, 9-12 Weeks, 3-6 Months
Why? Volunteers in India with IVHQ have the option of a variety of projects including childcare, teaching English, slum teaching, or health. Projects are available year-round, and you can choose from three different cities in India and any duration between one week to six months long.
More program info

2. iSpiice

“I traveled with a group of ten students (as their University Professor) to serve with iSpiice in India. Upon returning to my university, my supervisor asked me for volunteer in India reviews. I simply replied: I have returned a different person than when I left. The staff at iSpiice is simply amazing; they provided for our every need! They were gracious, patient and hospitable. Most of all, they were a fun group of folks to be with. Being 55 I experienced the trip differently from my 20-year old college students, and the staff ensured that all of us grained tremendously and felt engaged. They made certain that we encountered that perfect balance of adventure and support." Read more iSpiice reviews here.

Where? Dharamsala, Delhi
When? Year round; 1-2 Weeks, 2-4 Weeks, 5-8 Weeks, 9-12 Weeks, 3-6 Months, 7-12 Months, 1-2 Years, Multiple Year
Why? You can't go wrong! 15 years on iSpiice’s holistic approach has allowed thousands of international volunteers to make a genuine difference in local communities around India via sustainable community programs. iSpiice offers 17 different volunteer programs in India to choose from, as well as numerous excursions to famous sites in India. Take a Delhi city tour, Taj Mahal trip, Jaipur trip, or even the Famous Golden Triangle trip (which includes the Delhi city tour, Taj Mahal trip, and sightseeing of Jaipur). You can also go trekking in the Himalayas, check out the Golden Temple at Amritsar, and explore Varanasi and Haridwar on a pilgrimage—plus so much more.
More program info: This affordable volunteer opportunity keeps costs down by working directly with local organizations and keeping overhead low. Program fees include accommodation in the iSpiice volunteer house, airport pick up, three meals a day, wifi, 24-hour support, and much more.

3. GoEco

“Road Trip India is a lovely, very well organized program. It enables us (the participants) to get a glimpse of India’s diversity and rich culture and tradition As well as exposed us to Indian life. Program was executed with full professionalism by the coordinators.” Read more GoEco reviews here.

Where? Agra, Delhi, Dharamsala, Goa, Rajasthan, Shimla, Udaipur
When? Year round; 1-2 Weeks, 2-4 Weeks
Why? These unique volunteer projects in India allows participants to travel through four different Indian states. The journey begins in Delhi, continues onto Shimla for a mountain trek, then onto Dharamsala and Agra. After three weeks of inspiring travel, you’ll continue your adventure with your chosen volunteer option in Goa.
More program info: Activities include a jeep safari and camel ride in Jaisalmer, a boat ride in Mumbai, cooking classes, and more.

4. Love Volunteers

“I spent ten weeks working with street and slum children in Delhi and at the end it felt like it had not been long enough. The kids are full of energy and are so eager to learn that putting in effort on my part came naturally. They are all so full of love and every day I was treated with hugs and kisses from the little ones. I would recommend this experience to anyone. If you like interacting with children, you'll love it and if you are not used to interact with them, you'll learn to love it!” Read more Love Volunteers reviews here.

Where? Dharamsala, Jaipur
When? Year round; 1-2 Weeks, 2-4 Weeks, 5-8 Weeks, 9-12 Weeks, 3-6 Months, 7-12 Months, 1-2 Years, Multiple Year
Why? Love Volunteers offers eight different volunteer programs in India from which to choose. Depending on your interest you can work with children for the duration of your project or combine travel around the Golden Triangle with your volunteer project. Very flexible program durations are available.
More program info: This affordable volunteer opportunity keeps costs down by working directly with local organizations and keeping overhead low.

5. GVI

“I have learned more about myself through my time in Kerala than I ever imagined. When I arrived, I knew I would be teaching and so I was excited to work with children and learn about the community in Kochi. In the past 8 weeks however, I have pushed myself physically and emotionally. I’m grateful that GVI provided so many cultural enrichment opportunities to us, through which I have been able to understand our community better. Development is not just about helping out in an area, it’s about learning to value the positive aspects of the community and using that knowledge to improve the negative aspects. It’s a team effort, in which there are many crucial roles. I would recommend GVI because they’ve worked so hard to help my team come together, have valuable community resources, learn through service and experience meaningful personal growth.” Read more GVI reviews here.

Where? Kerala
When? Year round; 1-2 weeks
Why? Take part of a sustainable community development project in Kerala, India. Volunteers will take part in a community instruction project, and an emphasis is placed on relating project long-term goals with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Lectures, research, and discussion are part of the program.
More program info: The program fee is $1,181 USD.

6. Volunteering Solutions

“Wow. India is a place that cannot be described in words or photographs. It is a place that is not able to be compared to anywhere else in the world. My time spent in India opened my eyes to so many new experiences, and changed my outlook on my own everyday life. The street children that you get to work with are so happy and loving. You got to be right there in the slums, where they live in unimaginable situations. That was a highlight of the trip for me, being able to experience the realness of these people's lives and not just get the typical tourist experience. However, that is another aspect I loved about this trip! We were able to go around to many cities and see many famous sites. Everywhere we went I felt very safe. Our living situations were clean and well kept. I made friends with people from all around the world. Go volunteer in India, it is the experience of a lifetime!” Read more Volunteering Solutions reviews here.

Where? Agra, Delhi, Dharamsala, Jaipur, Palampur
When? Summer; 2-4 weeks
Why? This 3-week summer program will take you from the capital city of New Delhi, where you’ll be volunteering with underprivileged children, to the quaint Himalayan town of Palampur to renovate the children centers, as well as multiple options for side travel on the weekends.
More program info: The program cost is $1,250-1,500 USD.

7. ELI Abroad

“I had an amazing time. I was advised by the Eli team and we kept in touch all through my volunteer, safest program ever. You’ll honestly never want to leave this place. All the staff is amazing and caring. You make true friends here, and bond with all the kids. Always smiling teaching you more than you’ll ever teach them…” Read more ELI Abroad reviews here.

Where? Chennai, Madras
When? 5-8 Weeks, 9-12 Weeks
Why? If you are interested in an immersive experience with orphanages in India, this program is it. Volunteer accommodation is at the orphanage and meals will be with the children in addition to the daily activities which include playing games, teaching classes, and more. Volunteers should be prepared for challenging living conditions, but an unforgettable experience.
More program info: This program included completely flexible start dates and placements are tailored to your skills and interests.

8. Carpe Diem Education

“Thank you CDE for teaching me to recognize and appreciate the privileges I have, to be patient and live in the moment, to stay humble, and that one person can truly make a difference. These are lessons that have stayed with me the past two years since my India semester, and will continue to stay with me for the rest of my life.” Read more Carpe Diem Education reviews here.

Where? Calcutta, Darjeeling, Dharamsala, Jaipur, McLeod Ganj, New Delhi, Rajasthan, Rural Areas
When? Fall, Spring, 3-month semester program
Why? The Carpe Diem Education program is a unique opportunity combining experiential education with community and intercultural exchange. You’ll learn about wildlife conservation efforts, study meditation techniques, trek the Himalayas with India’s only female-owned trekking company, and practice your Hindi at the all-girls school in Jhadol.
More program info: College credits and scholarship opportunities available.

9. Kaya Responsible Travel

“I had the absolute best time in India, and I would not trade this experience for the world. It’s been a couple days and I am still trying to process how eye opening this experience was. I truly felt immersed in the culture and really felt like I had made a difference.” Read more Kaya Responsible Travel reviews here.

Where? Jaipur
When? 2-4 Weeks, 5-8 Weeks, 9-12 Weeks
Why? Help make a difference in women’s lives by participating in female empowerment volunteer projects in India. The project uses educational and confidence-building activities geared towards giving women confidence and access to a better future. Volunteers will also have opportunities to participate in cultural activities such as Bollywood dancing and yoga.
More program info: Program fee includes accommodation, three meals a day, and 24-hour support. Weekend excursions can be arranged prior to your placement at an extra cost of $385.

[Browse ALL Volunteer Programs in India]

You’re ready to volunteer abroad in India!

Meet new friends, inspirations, travelers, and—most importantly—a new version of yourself.

Volunteering abroad in India will change your life. Home to abundant natural and cultural wonders, India has no shortage of incredible places to visit during your free time. While you may find the volunteer work challenging, you’ll know that you’re making an impact on in the lives of children, or other vulnerable populations in this rapidly developing country.

In addition to the intangible rewards of volunteering abroad, you’ll be developing practical leadership skills, while strengthening that resume. When you add in the fact you’ll be able to check off the Taj Mahal, the Himalayas—or maybe both—off your bucket list, the decision to volunteer abroad in India should be a no-brainer.

Get Matched with 5 Volunteer Opportunities in India for FREE

Look for the Perfect Volunteer Abroad Program Now

Start Your Search

Top 9 Volunteer Programs in India

Claire O’Brien