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To explore India is to embark on a journey that has no end: this is a country of ceaseless destinations, each one different than the last. From the crisp air of snow tops to the sprawling green acres of dense forests, India offers an array of tourist experiences. While you will find a perfectly planned tour package that lets you enjoy many of these destinations, there is a new sentiment that is fast becoming popular in travellers – to experience a destination, not tour it. Instead of simply being an outsider and marvel at the culture of a people, many travellers are looking at being one with the people. With this increasing sentiment comes the advent of “Volunteer Tourism” – volunteering for an important cause at a beautiful location, in exchange for boarding and meals.
Also called “Voluntouring”, this practice will let you travel without being a tourist. You can volunteer with an organization that is working for a specific cause in an opportunity to explore the location and stay there as a part of its people. Doing your bit for the society in exchange for a beautiful travel experience – it’s a sweet deal. “It allowed me to observe and experience the local language, food, culture, etc. in its most genuine form”, says Vidushi Singh, a media and communication student who spent last summer volunteering at BLESS Children’s Home in Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu. “While at the same time, I was able to be productive by helping them out with my skills.”
Several organizations across the country offer a volunteer program for tourists – a few of which charge a nominal fee for boarding and meals. However, each of them provides a unique and rewarding experience like no other. Here is a list of 5 organizations – take your first stab at being a voluntourist!
I. ECOSPHERE, SPITI
Ecosphere, a conservation-friendly travel company encourages tourists to ‘discover the magic of Spiti and be a part of preserving it.’ A cold mountain valley along the Himalayan ranges of Himachal Pradesh, the Spiti Valley is the perfect destination for a mountain lover. Along with a versatile range of travel programs that let you explore several parts of Spiti – an ecological bounty in Himachal Pradesh – Ecosphere offers a specific volunteer travel package. You can build houses in the Himalayas, or backpack with a purpose – check out the volunteer travel programs that Spiti plans for you here.
II. TIBET WORLD, DHARAMSALA
“Where Tibet Meets the World, and The World Meets Tibet.”
Tibet World of Mcleod Ganj, Dharamsala works for the upliftment of the Tibetan refugees of India. Located in the heart of Himachal Pradesh, McLoed Ganj is also home for the Dalai Lama. Tibet World runs as a community centre for rescued Tibetans refugees, offering learning courses, building accommodation and helping establish a strong Tibetan community. Tibet world welcomes volunteer tourists from across the world. It provides airport pick up as well as accommodation in hostels. You can check out the several programs and facilities that Tibet World offers for volunteers here.
III. BLESS, Cuddalore
BLESS, an NGO in the Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu, operates for several causes. Children’s Home is primarily a shelter for children who come from a difficult family background. The organization provides them food, shelter, education and medical care – along with a safe and healthy environment to grow in. They also condut sanitation and rehabilitation programs. Volunteers at BLESS are welcomed into their family home at a farm, where the children’s home is also located. A great opportunity to experience a slice of the village life – as well as help build a better, safer world for children.
IV. Working Weekends On Organic Farms – WWOOF.
An extension of its counterpart in England, WWOOF India is a network that allows volunteers to live and learn on organic properties and farms. Truly quite unique in its venture, this service brings together hosts and volunteers, facilitating an exchange of culture among the both. WWOOF boasts of a network of 240 hosts spread around 16 states, all of which are associated with organic gardening, orchards, spices, tea and sustainability projects. As a traveler, you have the opportunity to volunteers on these projects and learn about sustainability as well as farming in exchange for food and accommodation. Check out their programs here to participate in a great, hand-on sustainability initiative.
V. Ladakh Ecological Development Group (LEDeG), Ladakh.
LEDeG works towards serving the underprivileged people residing in structurally disadvantaged areas of Ladakh. Their objective lies in addressing the environmental and cultural issues affecting people in the region. LEDeg welcomes volunteers to help them further initiatives like water sanitation and rural building. They encourages the tourists to travel in and around Leh and Ladakh during their visit. For a nominal fee, one can stay at the LEDeg hostel and volunteer at the organization throughout the week. You can find more details here!
These organization are passionate, welcoming and encouraging of volunteers from all over the world. However, these programs aren’t careless about their causes. They invite volunteers who are passionate about their work, and who promise to be dedicated to it. Volunteer Tourism is not about the pomp of wanderlust – yes, it involves travelling, but with an aim to give something back to the place that you visit. If you think you fit the bill, spend your summer a any one of these beautiful locations across the country!
The Feature Image is sourced from http://www.meriability.com/ecosphere-spiti-transforming-lives-in-lahaul-spiti-the-eco-friendly-way/
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