Volunteer abroad in India, Southern Asia, including teaching, care, medical, business, veterinary, journalism, conservation and sport placements.

Volunteering in India

The Indian subcontinent, in southern Asia, is a land of beauty, spirituality and adventure. From the towering Himalayas that mark India's northern borderlands through to its plains, deserts and tropical rainforests, this is a country of awe-inspiring ancient temples and colourful tribal villages.

To live in India is to participate in a lifestyle that is unlike anything you'll experience in the West. The most mundane tasks often become adventures. Everything is colourful, nothing is predictable. Life - especially in urban areas - is truly chaotic. The sights, sounds and smells that greet you in each new place will overwhelm your senses.

India is the world's seventh largest country but the second-most populated, with this being particularly evident in its overcrowded cities. However, tribal Indian society remains strong, especially in the uplands and woodland areas. Economically, India has taken the positive elements from its colonial past and developed a sound, well-developed infrastructure, although the exploding population means that this is often tested beyond capacity.

The cultural heritage of India dates back over 5000 years. You'll find fifteen official languages, a diverse array of religions and spiritual practices, a wide variety of performing arts, colourful festivals almost every day of the year, and tradition and variety in all aspects of life.

Projects are available for anyone interested in volunteering in the developing world; whether you are on a gap year, a summer placement, or a career break.

Volunteer work opportunities in India

Projects Abroad India has its office in the town of Sivakasi, in the state of Tamil Nadu (in the far south). Overseas voluntary work placements are here and in Kerala state; over the Western Ghat mountains. Projects available are Teaching, Care, Conservation & Environment, Medicine & Healthcare Projects - including dentistry, physiotherapy, nursing and midwifery, - Journalism, Veterinary Medicine, Business and Sport.

South Indian community life is very close. You'll be treated as an exciting addition to any family or school that you join for your placement. The villages and farms around Sivakasi and in Kerala feed the local people well, while the temples - sometimes built on great rocks overlooking the plains - satisfy their spiritual needs. The food, which is mainly vegetarian, is famous for its sheer variety of textures and flavours. Many people say it's the best in India.

Travel and Tourism in India

South India offers a gamut of travel possibilities, attractions and activities. Tamil Nadu is an enchanting tropical state from which you can visit the Ghat Mountains and numerous spiritual centres. There are colourful temples, scenic national parks, wildlife reserves, relaxing mountain resorts, and deserted pristine beaches. You could also visit Kerala - India's cleanest state - an established tourist destination that retains a sense of peace, offering long sandy beaches and mountain terrain that's ideal for trekking.

It's easy to get away from the chaos of city life by retreating to one of the many hill-stations or beautiful beaches, but you can venture even further. Almost every village in India is connected to the rest of the country by a vast fleet of rickety buses, and an elaborate train service. Public transport ranges from the eccentric to mind-boggling - an orderly queue is an alien concept!