The India experience begins the moment you step off the plane and stays with you long after you depart. The mixture of India's 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.
New Delhi is a multidimensional metropolis where evidence of a layered history and modern society abound. Be sure to note each and every smell, sound, and sight as you explore all that the city has to offer, because we promise that when you return home, you'll miss them all.
...evidence of a layered history and modern society abound...
One thing that you'll notice as you wander the city, is the stark socio-economic contrast among New Delhi's neighborhoods, indicating the city's rapid and unequal growth. As part of your volunteer service work in India, you'll work alongside one of a variety of progressive local organizations to support efforts to address those discrepancies. The work that you do will help pave the road to economic independence for countless members of the local community.
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 New Delhi, a city scavenger hunt lead by the CCS staff gives you a chance to get to know your new neighborhood. Team up with a group of fellow volunteers and, with the help of local people, find your way around town to complete a challenge. You may be tasked with finding a cell phone or hunting down a travel agency to book a ticket to see the Golden Temple in Amritsar. No matter what the challenge, it's a fun way to quickly get comfortable in this welcoming city.
For 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. 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 biryani. No big deal."
If you've always had rockstar dreams of jamming on a sitar, now may be your shot! You'll have that chance with CCS in New Delhi when you're visited by a local family and classical folk music group for a performance you'll not soon forget. They’ll perform beautiful renditions of popular songs, discuss the music's origin and meaning, introduce you to their instruments, and even give you a chance to jam!
photo credit: alan_adrianaWith CCS in New Delhi, 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 members – Bela Singh, the CCS India Director. With CCS lectures and conversations, it's all fair game.
You never know what wonders await you on an afternoon walk through New Delhi. Visit temples, snap photos of ancient mansions, or haggle with street vendors. Plan your experience for March if you want to celebrate Holi, the Hindu festival of colors, but be sure to bring old clothes; you'll see what we mean when everyone starts throwing handfuls of colored powder!
Travel just a few hours outside of New Delhi to visit the Taj Mahal in Agra. Spend the day exploring India’s sparkling jewel, but get there early to avoid crowds.Let the transformation of the white marble of the Taj Mahal hypnotize you as it transforms from a pale yellow at dawn, to a deep gold at sunset. Return after dinner to catch the Taj Mahal in the blue light of the moon.
photo credit: particlemThe pink streets and buildings of Jaipur, Rajasthan's state capital, are enchanting. Enjoy authentic Rajasthani cuisine and ride an elephant through the Aravalli hills just outside of Jaipur, and up to the stunning Amber Fort. On your way back down, stop at the Nahargarh Fort for a nighttime view of the Pink City.
Dharamsala is a Buddhist haven in the foothills of the Himalayas. Soak in the tranquility of the Dalai Lama’s temple, before heading to the market for Tibetan carpets and crafts.
photo credit: swifant
Reserve your spot today with a deposit of just $275!
