India: Udaipur Culture + Volunteering | 21 Days

INDIA

VOLUNTEERING

Udaipur, often called the “City of Lakes,” is a stunning blend of grand palaces, calm lakes and lively bazaars. Your adventure starts with a full week exploring this royal city - learning basic Hindi, trying yoga and cooking, visiting ancient temples and colourful markets, and discovering the rich traditions that make Rajasthan so special.

After that, you’ll spend two weeks making a difference through volunteering. You can choose to teach and inspire local children, coach sports and promote health, or help improve school facilities through construction.

This program combines cultural immersion, community impact and personal growth, all in one unforgettable journey.

Program

Highlights

Visit royal landmarks like City Palace and Jagdish Temple

Learn basic Hindi, cook local dishes and try yoga

Teach kids, coach sports or support construction projects

Connect deeply with local communities

Free weekends to explore Udaipur and nearby villages

Good to know

Be self-motivated, flexible and open to learning.

Respect local customs and dress codes (shoulders and knees covered).

Bring comfortable, modest clothing suitable for warm weather and activities.

Expect basic living conditions and occasional power or water interruptions — it’s all part of the experience!

What's included

Accommodation from Sunday until Saturday noon of your final week

Airport pick-up during the regular pick-up time

Transportation during the program as per the scheduled activities (public transport where specified)

Daily meals — 3 meals on weekdays and 2 meals on weekends

Entry fees for scheduled cultural landmarks, excursions and activities during culture week

Program materials and guidance from local coordinators

Local team support 24/7

What's not included

Flights and visa expenses

Travel insurance

Personal expenses and purchases, such as souvenirs

Additional tours or activities not part of the scheduled itinerary

Transport outside program schedules (e.g. private taxis or additional transfers)

Standard Requirements

Ages 18+

Minimum English level: Basic

CRB required: On signup

Passport copy required: On signup

Resume copy required: No

Required qualification: None

Extra Requirements

Participants over 65 must provide a medical clearance confirming fitness for physical activity.

Under 18s need signed parental consent; adult accompaniment is recommended.

No specific experience needed for teaching or construction, but be ready for physical work in hot conditions.

Travel and medical insurance is strongly recommended.

Recommended vaccines: Polio, Hepatitis A & B, Diphtheria/Tetanus, Typhoid, Malaria, Tuberculosis.

Location

Udaipur, often called the City of Lakes, is a romantic and culturally rich city in Rajasthan, famous for its stunning palaces, serene lakes, colorful markets and lively festivals. Nestled between the Aravalli Hills, Udaipur offers a unique mix of royal architecture, artistic traditions and warm hospitality. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to explore winding streets filled with handicrafts, sip chai by the lakeside and experience the vibrant energy that makes this city unforgettable.

Accommodation

You’ll stay at a local volunteer guesthouse or homestay chosen for comfort, safety and cultural immersion. Rooms are typically shared with other participants of the same gender and include basic furnishings with fans or air conditioning depending on the season. There are shared bathroom facilities with hot water, communal spaces to relax and socialize, and Wi-Fi access is usually available though sometimes intermittent. Staying in this local setting is a big part of the experience — you’ll share meals, swap stories and build connections with fellow participants from around the world.

Itinerary

Week 1: Culture Week — Dive into Rajasthan’s royal heart

Before you start your volunteer placement, you’ll spend one week immersing yourself in Udaipur’s vibrant culture. This helps you adjust, learn local customs, and settle in before diving into your chosen project. In weeks 2 and 3, you’ll focus on hands-on volunteering—choose the project that inspires you most and make a meaningful impact in the community.

Monday — Get started with a warm welcome

Kick off with a crash course in India’s rich history and a fun intro to basic Hindi. Enjoy chai-making, then explore Udaipur’s City Palace, Jagdish Temple, and wander narrow heritage streets full of local life.

Tuesday — Connect through movement and flavor

Start your day with an intro to Pranayama (yogic breathing), then shop like a local in the market before learning to cook delicious vegetarian dishes. Finish with a sunset hike to Karni Mata Temple and an evening of folk dance and puppetry.

Wednesday — Get creative and explore local arts

Continue your Pranayama practice, then join a traditional pottery class. In the afternoon, visit Shilpgram to discover tribal art and crafts from across Rajasthan.

Thursday — Embrace spirituality and color

Wrap up your yoga sessions, visit Eklingji and Saas Bahu Temples, try your hand at mehndi (henna), and learn Rajasthani painting techniques. End with a lively Bollywood movie night.

Friday — Step into village life

Spend the day in a local rural village to connect deeply with everyday life. Finish the week with a beautiful Aarti ceremony—an unforgettable spiritual send-off.

Weeks 2 & 3: Volunteering — Make a real impact

During your second and third weeks, you’ll focus on your chosen volunteer project. Each day generally includes morning and afternoon volunteer activities, lesson prep or activity planning, and free time to relax or explore Udaipur.

Construction & Renovation — Improve under-resourced schools by painting classrooms, repairing furniture, and building or fixing play areas. Bring creativity with murals and decorative touches.

Teaching & Community Support — Teach English and creative subjects to kids aged 4–16 in schools and girls’ community centers. Use games, music, and arts to build confidence and life skills.

Sports Coaching & Health Care — Introduce new sports and lead physical activities while also teaching important health and hygiene practices, encouraging teamwork and confidence.

Departure

The Saturday of your final week, you’ll check out by noon. This gives you time to say goodbye to new friends and local staff before continuing your travels or heading home.