The India experience begins the moment you step off the plane and stays with you long after you depart. The mixture of languages, religions, spectacular architecture, and distinctive cuisine will rattle you and leave you wanting more.
India has a buzz about it, a pace and a national character all its own. The complexity that you'll find in India offers you an experience of incomparable historical and cultural depth, and you'll live out this amazing adventure against the backdrop of some of the most incredible landscapes and cityscapes you've ever encountered.
Home to the Dalai Lama, a vibrant Indian community, and several thousand Tibetan refugees, the misty highlands of Dharamsala are a stark contrast to the buzzing cities found elsewhere in India. Dharamsala's mountainside perch among the clouds gives this rural locale a moving and mysterial quality.
...misty highlands of Dharamsala are a stark contrast to the buzzing cities...
Volunteers are encouraged to wear traditional garb as they work closely with Dharamsala's Indian community and learn about local customs and unique traditions.
Summer volunteering only
Each volunteer does their part in small and large ways working side-by-side with community members to contribute to effecting change in the following areas of work…
In Dharamsala, a city scavenger hunt led by the CCS staff gives you a chance to get to know your new surroundings. Team up with a small group of fellow volunteers and, with the help of your new neighbors, find your way around town to complete a fun challenge. You may be tasked to find a cell phone, buy eggs, or hunt down a travel agency and book a ticket to Amritsar. No matter what the challenge, it's a great way to quickly get comfortable in this welcoming mountain community.
See how the Tibetan exile community has preserved their culture. McLeod Ganj, located just minutes from the CCS Home-Base, is home to a substantial Tibetan refugee population. Your group may have an opportunity to join an exclusive tour of the Tibetan Library and Archives led by the library's Director, a practicing Tibetan monk. Or, you may travel to a Tibetan art school to visit with students swirling around paint as they contemplate their works in progress.
photo credit: andrzej_wFor many volunteers, Hindi language lessons with CCS are a first. In addition to practicing the elegant calligraphy, you’ll practice spoken Hindi as well. No worries on rocketing to the head of the class, a little goes a long way and just the basics can really help you connect with the community. And if you're a little shaky at first, the local people appreciate your attempts, and are very friendly with their corrections.
Whether you're a newbie to Indian cuisine or your favorite dishes all contain the words "tikka" or "tandoori," your taste buds are in for a treat at weekly cooking classes at your CCS Home-Base. Each week, your group will have a chance to prepare an authentic Indian dish alongside the CCS cooks. Wow friends and family when you take the recipe back home to share and casually mention "Oh yeah, that's my famous aloo jeera. No big deal."
With CCS Dharamsala, there is no shortage of incredible guest lecturers. You'll have a chance to talk with a local professor and talented storyteller on the politics, history, and culture of India. You'll also have have the unique opportunity to learn about the history of CCS in India from one of our founding staffers – Bela Singh, the CCS India Director. With CCS lectures and conversations, it's all fair game.
You'll learn all about Odissi, an Indian classical dance, from a renowned Indian dance instructor. She'll share the significance of each part of the dance, from the clothing and instruments, to the music and the moves. Enjoy a private performance by students from her award-winning dance school, followed by an exclusive lesson so you and your fellow volunteers can learn the basics of the oldest surviving dance in all of India.
Nestled in the Himalayan foothills, Dharamsala provides easy access to the hiking trails of the Dhauladhar range. Whether you're an adrenaline junky or spiritual pilgrim, the mountain vistas and snow-capped Himalayan peaks are a must-see. Spend an afternoon reflecting and sipping tea with local people of Indian and Tibetan descent. If you’re not content on terra firma, hang glide over the mountains for a bird's eye view.
photo credit: ilkerThe magnificence of the Golden Temple in Amritsar gives the Taj Mahal a run for its money. Marvel in the beauty of the floating golden Hari Mandir -- Divine Temple. Converse with Sikh pilgrims and learn firsthand how India’s multitude of religious groups have come to thrive in their mutual acceptance and respect. For an even more profound experience, visit after sunset to witness the Palki Sahib ceremony or take a hosteling hiatus to sleep among the Temple's spiritual pilgrims and visitors.
photo credit: azwegersThe city of Haridwar is one of the seven holiest sites of Hinduism and a nature-lover’s paradise. Wander the streets of one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, marvel at centuries old temples, sample some of India’s best cuisine, and take in the majesty of the Ganges River. Set aside a day or two for whitewater rafting through the Ganges' class IV rapids and be sure to visit the 2,000 year old Har ki Pauri, one of Haridwar’s most sacred sites.
photo credit: cadampolTravel just outside of Dharamsala to explore McLeod Ganj, the location of the the Tibetan Government in Exile since 1960. McLeod Ganj is home to a substantial Tibetan refugee population and the Dalai Lama, when he is in residence.
photo credit: kishka_kingIf you think soccer fans are fanatical, just wait until you experience cricket in India! With the Himalayas as a backdrop, the Dharamsala stadium is one of the most unique in the world. Root for the team alongside 20,000 adoring fans. They'll be thrilled at the prospect of sharing their pastime with a traveler; that's you! If you choose to stay for the entire match, you may just leave the stadium with a few new local friends.
photo credit: vijay_chennupatiWhether you’re a devoted yogi, or a total beginner, there’s no better place to lay down a mat than in India, the birthplace of yoga. Develop a whole new appreciation for the ancient practice as you draw strength and inspiration from the towering Himalayas during your sun salutations. If you’re looking for a spiritual retreat, visit the ashrams in Rishikesh for a chance to practice with some of the most advanced yogis in the world, and take a dip in the healing waters of the Ganges River.
photo credit: diamondmountain
Reserve your spot today with a deposit of just $275!
