Involvement Volunteers International WHY we need you in India
- India is one of the poorest countires in the world, with 2 thirds living in poverty.
- According to UNICEF, about 25% of children in India have no access to education, with higher rates of girls not attending school.
- 43% of childen under five years are underweight and around 61 million children are stunted due to malnutrition.
- Even though there is a law about no child labour under age 14, it's estimated by aid agencies, that there could be up to 65 million children aged 6-14 working.
WHAT Adventure Week Goa Involve?
- Travel around some of the best sights!
- Take part in adventure activities like hiking in the jungle and hills!
- Meet your fellow volunteers and make friends
- A great addition to a volunteer program
Why Involvement Volunteers International?
- Non Profit Organisation & Charity
- Over 30 Years Expertise Globally
- Low Program Fees - From US$295
- Excellent Safety Record, In-Country 24/7 Support & Emergency Assistance
- 1 Application Fee - Multiple Countries
PROJECT NAME: ADVENTURE WEEK
LOCATION: GOA
START DATES: WEEKLY ARRIVALS (SUN)
ACCOMMODATION: VOLUNTEER HOUSE (SHARED ROOMS)
MIN DURATION: 1 WEEK
MIN AGE: 16+
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: N/A
Overview
Choose the adventure week in Goa as an add-on to your volunteer project and see some of the local sights! Immerse yourself in an exhilarating week crafted to lead you through the mesmerising and picturesque Western Ghats, often referred to as the Amazon of the East.
With a history predating the Himalayan mountains, the Western Ghats boast a remarkable blend of biodiversity and a breathtaking landscape. The ecosystems within these mountainous forests play a crucial role in influencing the Indian monsoon weather, moderating the climate of the region.
Renowned as one of the premier locations globally to witness the Monsoon climate, it has earned recognition as one of the eight top biodiversity hotspots on Earth. Designated as a UNESCO heritage site, it acknowledges the exceptional qualities of its ecosystems, serving as a habitat for approximately 325 globally endangered plant, bird, amphibian, reptile, and fish species.
Embark on an adventure throughout the week, immersing yourself in local tribal cultures, enjoying scenic mountain vistas, exploring diverse plantations, discovering caves, visiting renowned waterfalls and hidden cascades, fishing, marvelling at spectacular flora and fauna, and unwinding in the evenings at the forest camp with a barbecue by the campfire.
Enjoy the tranquil and lush nature, showcasing the rich diversity of flora and fauna, the captivating beauty of hills, rushing rivers, the melodic sound of waterfalls, breathtaking landscapes, dense forests, and enticing adventurous activities that will make your week an unparalleled experience.
The week will include fun, relaxing, and recreational activities organised at the end of each day.
Location
Nestled on the southwestern coast of India, Goa is a coastal paradise renowned for its sun-kissed beaches, vibrant culture, and laid-back atmosphere. This small state, with its palm-fringed shores and scenic landscapes, attracts travelers from around the world seeking a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Goa is celebrated for its historic Portuguese architecture, lively beach shacks, and a rich tapestry of traditions. Beyond the sandy shores, visitors can explore bustling markets, indulge in delectable seafood, and partake in the region’s lively festivities.
Project Tasks
- Explore some of Goa’s natural sights
- Take part in fun adventure activities!
- Travel after your volunteer program and relax with fellow volunteers
Food & Accommodation
The Goa Volunteer centre is a large western style house with a lovely garden and large outdoor area. The house features and hot water (solar powered), WiFi, dining room, mini library and travel desk, lounge areas, television with satellite connection, safety lockers and lockable rooms, fridge and western style toilets and purified water. Bed linen is provided, however you should bring your own towel. You’ll be sharing a room with max of 2-4 volunteers at any one time in single gender rooms. You can wash your clothes by hand otherwise there is laundry services available for an additional fee. The centre is located located about 1 hour from the airport and about a 15 min walk to the nearest supermarket with ATM and personal SIM card for additional Wifi if desired as the quality of internet is not the greatest! The closest city is Mapusa.
You will be provided with three meals a day on weekdays and two meals per day on weekends. The meals are a mix of Western and Indian food, consisting mainly of vegetarian dishes including rice and vegetables. You can expect to have a chicken dish about twice per week. You can also use the kitchen facilities to cook for yourself or eat out at any of the local restaurants.
*Accommodation may be in our local centre or in close proximity, depending on availability and time of year.
What's Included
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Accommodation
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Meals
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Airport Pickup
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Local Transportation
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1 Day Orientation
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24/7 In-Country Support
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Project Materials & Equipment
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Pre-departure Expert Advice
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Preperation Tools & Checklists
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Certificate of Completion
- Application fee is one off per person (unlimited placements)
- Click Here to convert the below prices to your local currency
- Discounts may apply if travelling in a pair or group!
- All credit card /international fees included in below pricing! 🙂
Testimonials...
FAQ
Our adventure week is designed as an add-on to a volunteer project. It is a great chance to relax and have some fun after your volunteering and to explore some of the local sights!
Due to the length and active nature of this program and as there are lots of outdoor activities under the heat of the sun, a decent level of fitness is required.
- Accommodation
- 3 meals p/day weekdays / 2 meals p/day weekends
- Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
- Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
- 1 day orientation
- Daily transportation to project
- In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
- Fundraising support
- University course credits (where applicable)
- Certificate of Completion
- Airfares
- Travel Insurance
- Tours, Souvenirs & spending money
Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees.
A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Dabolim International Airport (GOI). You must arrive between Sunday 00:00 to 24:00 on Sunday.
If arriving outside the pickup times we charge an additional fee for any extra night’s accommodation before your program, and another fee for a private transfer.
Alternatively, if arriving early you could wait at the arrival’s terminal for the pickup time, book accommodation at the airport and meet us during the pickup times or make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this).
From the airport to accommodation, it takes 45 minutes by road.
Monday
In the morning, we take a bus into the mountains and arrive at the jungle camp. After a welcome snack, you will get one hour introduction about Castle rock and the western ghats and a brief description of the 5 day program. Then, you set out for a trek to a nearby rural village (Pompalvaddi, 7kms from CR farm), and relax near a small perennial waterfall. Lunch will be cooked and served while you enjoy the waterfall. Then you will trek back to base camp by 16.00.
Campfire and dinner from 18.30 to 20.30.
Tuesday
You will have breakfast at 6.30 and then drive for around 12 kms towards Kuveshi village in 4×4 open jeeps, where you will trek for 7kms to the source of the gigantic Dudhsagar waterfalls. Here you can relax and have the packed lunch and be at leisure till 16.00. After that you will trek back to the village and enjoy the drive back to base camp. Enroute you may stop for photography and probable sites of wildlife (which you may as well call ‘a safari’).
Dinner at base camp from 19.00 to 21.00.
Wednesday
You will have breakfast at 07.00 and then walk to an 18th century British colonial structure and explore the surrounding areas in a radius of 3 km from our base camp.
Lunch will be ready at the base camp, after which you can relax till 16.00 and then leave for the fishing trip inside the forest. You will return by 18.00 to freshen up and be ready for a barbeque dinner by 19.00 around the campfire with a few sing along games. You shall retire by 21.30 at the camping site.
Thursday
Breakfast will be served at 07.30 and after that we will set out into the wood for caving exploration. You will have your packed lunch for the day, which you can enjoy in the woods and you will return to the camp by 17.00, to freshen up and get ready for a barbeque dinner at night. You can enjoy and have quality time with the other participants until 22.00 as this is your last night at the camp.
Friday
After having breakfast at 07.30 we walk to the nearby village to meet and interact with the villagers. You can buy some homemade handicrafts, spices or local honey here. Lunch will be at a local house cooked by the local women served on banana leaves. At about 15.00 we will depart from the camp and come back to our center.
***This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.***
*Schedule possible to change due to the project and community needs at the time. Volunteer flexibility and adaptability is important to a positive volunteering experience.
Weekends are always free for relaxing or sightseeing of your choice. Our ground operators will help you organise additional trips with special (non tourist) rates which can be paid directly in local currency. As a volunteer you will gain access to local knowledge, opportunities and value you simply would not find if staying as a standard tourist.
Additional Requirements
The following are further necessary in order for both the participants, local staff and everyones involved to have a meaningful, enjoyable and safe adventure.
- Older participants or over 65 years are required to have a medical clearance as proof of their physical fitness as they may perform various activities.
- Participants below 18 years old need a signed parental consent as proof of involvement of their children for the program. If possible, accompaniment by an adult is highly advised.
- Due to the length and active nature of this program and as there are lots of outdoor activities under the heat of the sun, a decent level of fitness is required.
- Excellent time management and self – organizing and strong desire to take on new challenges and learn as much as possible.
- Recommended a COVID – 19 Vaccination, purchase travel insurance, medical and Covid – 19 insurance prior to your arrival.
- Have completed or recommended the following vaccines: Polio, Hepatitis A, Diphtheria/Tetanus, Typhoid, Malaria, Hepatitis B, Tuberculosis.
Additional Equipment
Personal belongings such as:
- There is a lot of walking and exploring, so bring with you comfortable Hiking shoes so you can move comfortably and easily.
- Bring Personal toiletries such as basic soap, shampoo, toothpaste and towels.
- Bring also hat, sunglasses to protect from the heat of the sun particularly during the hiking and trekking day.
- Please also bring a Rucksack, Inflatable mattress, Flashlight, Sleeping Bag, Power head lights/Torch, Plate, Spoon, Mug and Any other items of personal need.
- You may also bring extra toiletries, towels, extra clothes, swimming attire, extra foods during waterfall day or hiking days.
- An environmentally friendly sunscreen or lotion is also advised to protect you from the heat of the sun and please carry with you preventive agents during outdoor activities, such as mosquito repellents for insect bites or other insects that may irritate your skin. A leech sock is highly recommended.
- Moreover, bring Medicines with you especially if you have to take specific medicines on a regular basis as well as other medicines for headaches and stomach aches.
- Refillable water bottles and hydration packs to stay hydrated throughout the day particularly during exploration and outdoor activities.
Dress Code:
- India is a Conservative Country, please wear modest clothing covering knees and shoulders. Loose and long clothing is both respectful and tends to keep you cooler in hot climates. Cover up as much as possible in the spirit of the local culture to avoid embarrassment.
- Your clothes must not be too short, too tight, or too revealing. Kindly make sure your shoulders and legs are covered.
- It is completely fine to wear western clothes as long as they fit the local standards.
- Be thoughtful of the graphics, symbols or text printed on your clothing and avoid wearing clothing styles that might be inappropriate most especially when visiting temples, monasteries and schools during your spare time.
India is an eclectic and intoxicating cultural experience like no other! Home of the famous Taj Mahal, the Himalayas, the sacred Ganges river, and over 1 billion people of varying languages, cultures and beleifs, India is sure to push you to the boundaries of your comfort zone.
IVI is focused on establishing sustainable employment and education through volunteering efforts in India. Children in some of the regions we service have not had basic nutritional background. Over 950,000 newborns per year in India die from infections. Education about health for families provides a strong foundation for self-care in the communities we service in India.
India’s climte ranges from tropical down south to alpine up in the northern mountain regions.
From April until the start of October is summer, and in most places in India, is very hot. In June the monsoon rains start in Kerala down south, and move inland. Further north and in the rural areas of Rajasthan, it can get pretty cold from December to January- sometimes as low at minus 5 degrees!
Be prepared for some hot temperatures but if in the Sikkim region, bring along some warmer clothing as it can get cold in the mountains.
India is a country FULL of culture! From the beautiful colours, different religions, ancient traditions and the smells of spices- India is a country like no other. It’s the the second most populous nation after China, with over 1.2 billion people.
The most prominant religions are Hinduism and Buddhism and around 13% of the popualrtion are Muslim. Because there are so many religions, India celebrates a large number of festivals throughout the year. Some of these include Diwali, Holi, Eid and Good Friday.
In India, the cow is considered to be a Holy animal and you will see cars either driving around, or simply waiting if a cow is in the road holding up traffic! In some parts of India it is forbidden to eat meat or drink alcohol.
You will see many temples in India, as well as colourful clothing, particually the sari’s that the local women wear, and many cultural dance shows and activities.
30 Years Non Profit Experience
IVI is an Australian charity & non profit organisation founded in 1989 and is one of the pioneers of overseas volunteering successfully placing over 20,000 volunteers globally.
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