India expeditions

Raleigh India launched in February 2008. In just two years its expeditions and volunteer projects have grown beyond all expectation. So has our understanding of the importance of our presence here.

India witnesses a huge disparity between the urbanised wealthy and the rural poor. Although government initiatives are targeting this and attempting to redress the balance; changing an embedded culture and reversing the tide in a sub-continent as huge as India is not a fast process. India has the last remaining Bengal tiger population on the planet, this is fast disappearing along with the Asian elephant; both indigenous to the forests of India. Resources within the Forest Department are barely sufficient to save the habitats that support this heritage, within our generation they could become extinct.

Through concentrated and sustained efforts our project groups have begun to make a tangible difference in the areas Raleigh India has focused. By partnering with both local grass roots NGOs, government agencies such as the Ministry for Environment and Forests and international NGOs like the World Wide Fund for Nature, Raleigh has been able to access and address some core issues here in India. Although we are a relatively small group of like-minded young people, the message we send in our presence and activities here has a huge multiplying effect. We need more Raleigh volunteers in India there is so much we can do to make a difference. Are you up to the challenge?

Make a difference in India "be the change you want to see in the world" Mahatma Gandhi.
 

Why India?

Find out more about India

India has a truly rich and vibrant culture which must be experienced at first hand. In a country as diverse and complex as India, it is not surprising to find that people here reflect the rich glories of the past, the culture, traditions and values relative to geographic locations and the numerous distinctive manners, habits, festivals and food that you will remember forever as distinctly Indian.  For more insight check our 10 great reasons to be part of Raleigh India.

Engage yourself in our list of recommended books and films to discover more about India.

Visas
If you choose to join an expedition in India you will need to obtain a visa before you enter the country. Your support coordinator will provide you with more information about obtaining a visa once you have signed up to expedition.  Please note: Ethnic origin is an issue for obtaining a visa to travel to India, especially for those with Pakistani heritage. If you do have Pakistani heritage or are concerned that you might have difficulties in obtaining a visa please review the India visa website and ensure that you apply to join an expedition well in advance to give yourself enough time to be able to successfully apply for a visa.

Projects
As a volunteer in India you could be living in a rural tribal community, working alongside the villagers on an infrastructure development programme, teaching in their schools, eating traditional Indian food and immersing yourself in their warm generous hospitality. You could be living deep in the forests of the national parks in areas untouched by tourists, habitat to the Asian elephant and Bengal tiger - working and sleeping in protected encampments working on a conservation scheme to protect the unique wildlife of Southern India. On your adventure phase you could be rafting or kayaking a river in sub-tropical Kerala, trekking or mountain biking though and the highest tea plantation in the world, surviving in the jungle as you cross the Western Ghats to a beach on the Arabian ocean.

Read more about the types of volunteer projects in India you may be working on:

Community projects
Environmental projects
Adventure

Want to know more?
To find out more, simply choose from below which best describes you:

Browse our photos, blogs and videos and word of mouth for an insight into Raleigh life there and download an information pack

Read about past India expeditions in our expedition magazines
July - August 08 (7.07 MB)
October - December 08 (12.1 MB)
January - April 09 (12.6 MB)
July - August 09 (2 MB) 

Related links
Lonely Planet's guide to India
Official government Kerala Forest and Wildlife Department
Rough Guide to India

Want to travel to India to get involved with voluntary work? Call us on 020 7183 1270 to find out more about volunteering opportunities!