Himachal Volunteer and Travel Program

The Himachel volunteering programme is a whole other experience and unique culture in India. Away from the hustle and bustle of the busy cities the camp itself is located in the heart of the himalayas surrounded by snow topped mountains and tea plantations close to the little rural town Palumpur. Its a peaceful and beautiful place to volunteer. The staff at the camp took very good care of us during our stay and were very helpful, I made great friendships with them and still keep in contact. We had weekly meetings to discuss what was going well and anything that wasn't. The food was local delicious dishes from the region. The climate is also a lot easier to get used to compared to a lot of India.

My morning project was in a daycare centre where I had the privilege to teach and play with young children and watch them learn as well as being apart of the community, interacting and getting to know the local people on a daily basis was heartwarming. The afternoon project was high in the mountain hills at a small village where we taught children of all ages. our classroom was based outside which allowed us to do more activities during the lessons. Every day ended with the volunteers, project exective and children dancing before saying goodbye. These were certainly unforgettable moments. This project gave me a real insight to the education in India. My length of stay allowed me to create a wonderful bond with the children and being able to see improvement along the way.

volunteering was a humble and joyful time and ever so rewarding. There were optional weekend trips away to temples, cities and of course a trek up to Triand in Dharamshala to see the beautiful scenery that the Himalayas has to offer. There was always somewhere to go something to see. I would recommend This to anyone looking to do passionate work in helping others in India. I had an invaluable 5 weeks which will remain with me and I hope to return on day.

I spent one month in India. During this time I experienced the amazing diversity of India's culture, religions and traditions. I saw the dynamic Delhi, Agra's beautiful Taj Mahal, Jaipur's colors and temples and Pushkar's desert. In the end I spent two weeks in Himachal-Pradesh, waking up every morning seeing the snow-capped Himalayas. The time here changed my world view, experiencing those heartwarming people, the relaxed atmosphere in the volunteer house in Palampur and the work at a day care center, which was always a lot of fun. I really enjoyed the time and can only recommend everyone to come to India and see the beauty of this country.

through out the last month in india. i expirienced all sorts of emotions. but the feeling of peace was short lived due to the many big citys we were in. when we arrived to himachal everything changed. the colder weather green scenery many rivers and streams. and of course not nearly as many car horns. by far my favorite place in india up to now!! the education programs will not be what one expects but i know that just the panorama and the children will change ones prespective for life.

I made the volunteer project in Himachal, and I have to say that it was a breathtaking experience. I learned much of a new, completely different culture. In the projects you get so much love and gratitude from the kids back. It was a really important experience for me to work with them and see how they live in other countries.
In the Idex house you feel like in a family, with the wonderful people, who are everyday around, who care for you and become friends.
Of course the nature is also incredible beautiful, you have the himalaya direct in front of your window, it's so beautiful to see this giant mountain at first when you get up. Next to the Idex house is a beautiful river with so much nature around, where many monkeys live. and if you want to go to take a walk to the market, you will walk all the time along the wonderful tea gardens.
Also the projects you can do in the Himachal camp are great, you have the opportunity to visit other city's with great attractions. For example you make many trips to old temples or do paragliding from the himalaya.
I will never forget this great time of my life.