Community Development Volunteering 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 147,000 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.

Explore the diverse culture by traveling through four different states in India! This project allows for eco-friendly tourism as well as a variety of volunteer placement options. Spend the first 3 weeks of your trip experiencing the best India has to offer, from Delhi to Jaisalmer and everywhere in between. After this sensory and cultural expedition, you will head to the Southern district of Goa for your week of volunteering. You will begin your journey in Delhi and continue on to Shimla for a mountain trek for 2 days. From there you will go to Dharamsala, the home of the Dalai Lama, and return to Delhi before continuing on to Agra, home of one of the Seven Wonders of the world- the majesticTaj Mahal. From there you will visit Rajasthan and Udaipur visiting places like the Moonset Palace, as well as partaking in a cooking class. Upon your arrival in Jaisalmer you will be able to enjoy a jeep safari and camel ride, followed by a spectacular boat ride in Mumbai to explore the Elephanta Caves. Lastly, after three weeks of fun-filled traveling, you will continue on to your chosen volunteer option. *Please note that the schedule is subject to change.

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.

GVI offers a variety of opportunities for young adults between the ages of 15 and 17 to gain first-hand experience in cultural immersion, marine and wildlife conservation and community development. This is a great way to become a global citizen with a better understanding of prevalent social and environmental issues. It’s also a gateway to improving your future education and employment opportunities, as you acquire soft and hard skills in your chosen GVI focus. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to dive in the oceans of Greece, visit the jungles of Costa Rica, or the rolling Incan valleys of Peru, all while contributing to sustainability, this is for you. This is an opportunity to connect with a network of people who share similar passions for sustainability, while also expanding your knowledge of different linguistic practices and cultural customs. Each project is aimed at reaching sustainable objectives that align with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

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.

This program goes beyond ordinary high school travel programs and build cross-cultural community service summer trips perfectly geared to your interests and curiosities. Whether you’re looking to contribute to authentic service projects, experience exhilarating adventure, or develop your language skills, GoBeyond will immerse you in a new culture where you can make a meaningful difference while on the journey of a lifetime. Our high school community service summer programs proudly serve in many under-resourced communities and environments throughout the world. Explore our journeys in the British Virgin Islands, Costa Rica, Galapagos & Ecuador, Peru, Iceland, Spain, China, Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, and Australia. Beyond experiencing the adventure of a lifetime and creating lasting memories, we believe our community service summer trips enable lasting positive change in the world. For over forty years, we’ve been transforming communities, environments, and students’ lives through meaningful, collaborative adventures and service that develop skills and a more sophisticated worldly outlook—ultimately shaping the person you become.

The Banyan Impact Fellowship (formerly AIF William J. Clinton Fellowship) is a fully funded 10-months program in India. By facilitating exchange and collaboration between young professionals from India and the U.S., the program aims to shape the next generation of leaders committed to positive and sustainable change and creating a lasting US-India relationship. Fellows serve with civil society organizations in various thematic areas including environment protection, climate justice, public health, education, livelihoods, arts, culture, and more. Fellows receive a stipend, health insurance, language training, mentoring, professional development, international networking and career opportunities. Fellows benefit from in person conferences, and they engage in workshops, reflection exercises, and skill building activities. Apply by February 20, 2024.

Come face-to-face with complex social structures, diverse religions and geographic regions, and the intersections where tradition and change collide. You will get the chance to engage with organizations working on regenerative solutions to climate change, connect to life in local communities through homestays, experience the spirituality of an Ashram, trek in the Himalayas, kayak through the backwaters, and sample the amazing regional cuisines as you share meals with our amazing partners and soon-to-be new friends. Throughout your journey, the people you meet and the places you stay will teach you about the region's complexities, widen your perspective, and help you gain insights to understand the world's interconnectedness. As you understand how one action impacts another and how the mighty Himalayas affect coastal communities downstream, you can start to explore your purpose and the role you want to play in a globally interconnected world. 2025: CLOSED Spring 2026: February 25 - May 6 Fall 2026: September 24 - December 5

Length: 4-6 months | Intakes: January 2026 Join the Global Leadership Programme, designed to provide you with hands-on experience supporting the work of an international development charity. We are looking for passionate graduates, who are keen to learn about global challenges, work with youth and define their own purpose. After an initial period of training, you will be placed in one of our overseas hubs as a Group Mentor and Project Implementor, you will be supporting our in-country team through coordinating group projects and supporting our project participants on their journey to becoming global citizens. Your days will be filled with exciting challenges and fulfilling experiences, including: 1. Coordinating and delivering impactful project activities with our local partners. 2. Embark on a leadership role as you guide your group of project participants through immersive and exciting cultural activities. 3. Engage your group in reflective discussions and interactive sessions to foster personal growth. 4. Reporting on the progress and success of all international project participants and community development project delivery activities.

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!

Volunteer in this conservation program and contribute to the rescue, treatment, and rehabilitation of orphaned, injured, and endangered birds in Jaipur. We aim to protect the health and well-being of various species through immediate rescue operations and care. We also conduct public education to foster a harmonious coexistence between humans and birds. Work alongside avian experts on a range of activities, from responding to distress calls to ensuring the safe return of rehabilitated birds to their natural habitats. This program strives to raise awareness and educate communities on bird conservation through training, workshops, and campaigns. We advocate for bird-friendly practices and policies, joining forces with educational institutions, wildlife organizations, and local authorities, extending our impact beyond Jaipur. Join us in this unique initiative and make a difference, one bird at a time.

Embark on a meaningful volunteer journey in India—one of the most vibrant and culturally rich countries in the world. Known for its diversity and contrasts, India offers a life-changing experience that both challenges and inspires. Whether you're drawn to the energy of cities or the calm of the mountains, there’s something here for everyone. Volunteer roles include teaching, women’s empowerment, construction, medical support, elderly care, slum outreach, and working in Buddhist monasteries. No matter your background, your time and effort can create lasting impact. All programs include airport pickup, accommodation, meals, in-country transport to project sites, and 24/7 local support. Choose from incredible destinations like Udaipur, Goa, Bodhgaya, and Darjeeling—or join a road trip that showcases the highlights of India while you volunteer. Make a real difference while discovering one of the world’s most unforgettable destinations.

A Journey of Adventure, Purpose, and Connection — Discover Nepal & India Beyond the Ordinary Journey into the heart of Nepal and India on a 10-week adventure designed for growth, connection, and purpose. Trek Himalayan trails, practice meditation in mountain monasteries, explore the vibrant energy of Indian markets, and volunteer alongside local communities. This is more than sightseeing—you’ll live the culture, learn from local leaders, and contribute to meaningful projects. Every moment is built for transformation: cultural immersion for the curious, hands-on service for the changemaker, guided reflection for the gap year adventurer, and skill-building for those preparing for what’s next. With experienced instructors and a supportive group, you’ll gain confidence, resilience, and clarity about your path ahead. Whether you’re seeking a reset before college, an alternative to traditional study abroad, a sustainable way to travel, or a deeper connection with global communities, this journey helps you grow into who you’re becoming—while seeing the world through new eyes. Reach out to learn more!

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.