A sensory journey through culture and colour

Destination: India

Quick Info

Name: India
Population: approx. 1.4 billion
Capital: New Delhi
Language: Hindi, English (and many regional languages)
Currency: Indian Rupee (INR)
Time Zone: India Standard Time (IST), UTC +5:30

Introduction to India

India is a full-spectrum experience – bright colours, big flavours and a cultural rhythm that pulls you in. Whether you’re drawn to meaningful volunteering, cultural discovery or an epic mix of it all on our India Road Trip, this is a destination that delivers depth, diversity and heart.

Our programs run in Goa, Darjeeling and Udaipur, each offering a unique backdrop for connection and impact. Kick off with Culture Week or go big with the India Road Trip to get a little bit of everything, from volunteering to trekking and cultural immersion.

In Goa, you’ll find coastal calm with opportunities to support Kindergartens, Special Needs Care, Construction or Medical Outreach programs – all while enjoying golden beaches, yoga classes, and the laid-back vibe of this former Portuguese colony.

In Darjeeling, perched in the Himalayan foothills, you can work in Buddhist monasteries, support Community Development, or help with Animal Care and Education placements. Free time might mean visiting tea plantations, trekking in the hills, or sipping chai as the clouds roll in.

In Udaipur, known as the City of Lakes, you’ll step into a slower pace of life with projects in Teaching, Sports Coaching and Construction. Cultural Weeks here offer a deep dive into Rajasthani food, art and tradition, and weekends can be spent exploring palaces, markets and nearby villages.

Whether you’re a gap year traveller, aspiring teacher, pre-med student, or just keen to experience India in a real and rewarding way, our placements are designed to create a positive impact and unforgettable memories.

The Green Lion India

We are here

Goa

The Green Lion in Goa

Darjeeling

Udaipur

Discover our India travel programs

More Information
Participant Stories
Testimonial Videos
Group Travel

What Can I Do in My Free Time?

India is packed with contrast and culture—your free time is the perfect chance to experience it. In Goa, you can unwind on tropical beaches, explore Portuguese-influenced towns, or join yoga sessions. In Rajasthan, visit forts and palaces, ride a camel through the desert, or catch a sunset over the pink city of Jaipur. In Darjeeling, sip local tea, explore hilltop monasteries, or ride the iconic toy train through the Himalayas.

Weekends are great for exploring nearby towns, visiting temples, or joining cultural workshops like cooking or dance. Whether you’re into history, nature, or just soaking up local life, there’s plenty to discover.

How Much Should I Budget Per Day?

India is budget-friendly. Plan for around ₹1,200–₹2,000 INR per day (approx. €13–€23 or US$14–$25) to cover meals, local transport, and extras. Street food and local eateries are cheap and tasty, and buses, trains, or rickshaws keep transport costs low. Budget a bit more for weekend travel or souvenirs.

When’s the Best Time to Travel to India?

The best time to visit is October to March, when most regions are cooler and drier. Goa is perfect during these months, with sunny beach weather. Rajasthan is less hot, making sightseeing more comfortable. Darjeeling is crisp and clear, especially from October to December, with cool mountain air. April to June can be hot in the lowlands, and June to September brings monsoon rains in many areas.

Food in India

Indian food is rich, varied, and full of flavour. Expect rice, flatbreads, curries, and chutneys, with regional highlights like Goan seafood, Rajasthani thali, or Darjeeling momo dumplings. Vegetarian options are widely available, and local street food is both affordable and delicious when chosen from busy spots. Western dishes can be found in tourist areas if you want a break from spice.

Getting Around in India

Short trips are easiest by rickshaw, common and low-cost in towns and cities. For longer journeys, trains and buses are the best budget options and a great way to see India’s landscape. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are available in most cities. We don’t provide free transport between regions, so plan and budget for any extra travel.

Culture in India

India is deeply cultural, spiritual, and diverse. You'll see daily rituals, festivals, temples, and shrines everywhere. Hinduism is the main religion, but you’ll also encounter Islam, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Christianity, often in the same neighbourhood. People are warm and curious—especially in rural areas—and respectful clothing and simple local phrases will go a long way.

Climate in India

India’s climate varies by region. Goa is tropical—hot and humid most of the year with heavy rains from June to September. Rajasthan is dry and very hot in summer, with cooler months from October to March. Darjeeling, being in the mountains, is cooler year-round and can get chilly at night. Bring light clothes for hot days, layers for cool evenings, and rain gear if travelling in monsoon season.

We can arrange customised group travel experiences in this destination, tailored to schools, universities, families, friends or corporate teams. Whether your group is interested in learning, volunteering, adventure, cultural immersion, wellness — or a mix of them all — we’ll help design a safe, meaningful journey that fits your goals.

More Information
Participant Stories
Testimonial Videos
Group Travel

What Can I Do in My Free Time?

India is packed with contrast and culture—your free time is the perfect chance to experience it. In Goa, you can unwind on tropical beaches, explore Portuguese-influenced towns, or join yoga sessions. In Rajasthan, visit forts and palaces, ride a camel through the desert, or catch a sunset over the pink city of Jaipur. In Darjeeling, sip local tea, explore hilltop monasteries, or ride the iconic toy train through the Himalayas.

Weekends are great for exploring nearby towns, visiting temples, or joining cultural workshops like cooking or dance. Whether you’re into history, nature, or just soaking up local life, there’s plenty to discover.

How Much Should I Budget Per Day?

India is budget-friendly. Plan for around ₹1,200–₹2,000 INR per day (approx. €13–€23 or US$14–$25) to cover meals, local transport, and extras. Street food and local eateries are cheap and tasty, and buses, trains, or rickshaws keep transport costs low. Budget a bit more for weekend travel or souvenirs.

When’s the Best Time to Travel to India?

The best time to visit is October to March, when most regions are cooler and drier. Goa is perfect during these months, with sunny beach weather. Rajasthan is less hot, making sightseeing more comfortable. Darjeeling is crisp and clear, especially from October to December, with cool mountain air. April to June can be hot in the lowlands, and June to September brings monsoon rains in many areas.

Food in India

Indian food is rich, varied, and full of flavour. Expect rice, flatbreads, curries, and chutneys, with regional highlights like Goan seafood, Rajasthani thali, or Darjeeling momo dumplings. Vegetarian options are widely available, and local street food is both affordable and delicious when chosen from busy spots. Western dishes can be found in tourist areas if you want a break from spice.

Getting Around in India

Short trips are easiest by rickshaw, common and low-cost in towns and cities. For longer journeys, trains and buses are the best budget options and a great way to see India’s landscape. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are available in most cities. We don’t provide free transport between regions, so plan and budget for any extra travel.

Culture in India

India is deeply cultural, spiritual, and diverse. You'll see daily rituals, festivals, temples, and shrines everywhere. Hinduism is the main religion, but you’ll also encounter Islam, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Christianity, often in the same neighbourhood. People are warm and curious—especially in rural areas—and respectful clothing and simple local phrases will go a long way.

Climate in India

India’s climate varies by region. Goa is tropical—hot and humid most of the year with heavy rains from June to September. Rajasthan is dry and very hot in summer, with cooler months from October to March. Darjeeling, being in the mountains, is cooler year-round and can get chilly at night. Bring light clothes for hot days, layers for cool evenings, and rain gear if travelling in monsoon season.

We can arrange customised group travel experiences in this destination, tailored to schools, universities, families, friends or corporate teams. Whether your group is interested in learning, volunteering, adventure, cultural immersion, wellness — or a mix of them all — we’ll help design a safe, meaningful journey that fits your goals.