“Authentic and Heartwarming Experience with Elephants”

The arrival pickup service was very good — efficient and friendly, which made me feel comfortable right from the start. The accommodation and food were great, and the host family was absolutely wonderful — so kind and always ready to help with anything I needed.

The transportation service was smooth and accommodating, making daily travel hassle-free. The project staff members were always helpful and supportive, creating a welcoming and respectful environment.

What I loved most was the opportunity to work so closely with the elephants. It felt real, hands-on, and authentic — not just a tourist encounter but a chance to truly understand and be part of the daily care and connection with these gentle giants.

It was a meaningful and unforgettable experience. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a deeper, more immersive way to engage with India’s culture and wildlife.

“An Unforgettable Experience – I Wish I Stayed Longer!”

From the moment we were picked up from our hotel and taken straight to the elephants, everything felt smooth, welcoming, and well-organized. The host family was absolutely lovely—so friendly and helpful, they made me feel completely at home. And the food? Hands down, the best curry I’ve had in India!

Our tuk-tuk driver was incredibly kind and thoughtful, even helping Megan clean up after she spilled coffee on her new top—such a sweet gesture. The project staff were super friendly, spoke great English, and were always happy to answer our questions about elephant care and daily routines.

I’d give 9 out of 10 for my overall experience and satisfaction. The early mornings were totally worth it. You really get to understand the daily life of a mahout and connect deeply with the elephants. Plus, there’s plenty of chai to keep you energized!

This program offers amazing value for money and a truly authentic experience.
My only regret? Not booking an extra week!
If you’re thinking about it — just do it. You won’t regret it.

“A Last-Minute Decision That Turned into a Life-Changing Week!”

We joined the program last minute after our original tour fell through — and I’m so glad we did. VWI stepped in with incredible service. The accommodation, food, and host family were all excellent. I can’t handle spicy food, and they adjusted everything perfectly for me. The host family was so warm and welcoming — it felt like home away from home.

The transportation was flawless — our driver was super safe and always on time. As for the project staff, they were absolutely lovely — always smiling, cracking jokes, and keeping the chai flowing!

I’d give 10 out of 9 for overall satisfaction! Yes, the 4:30 a.m. starts were tough, but after a breezy tuk-tuk ride, you’re wide awake and ready for the day. The work — scrubbing, sweeping, feeding — is physically demanding but incredibly rewarding. Every elephant has a distinct personality, and my favorite was Kajal — such a gentle soul.

This is a really special program. You get to witness firsthand the deep bond between the mahouts and their elephants.
If you’re even thinking about it — just go for it. You’ll come away with memories (and muscles!) you’ll never forget.
Loved every second of it!

“A Safe, Supportive & Memorable First-Time Experience in India!”

The arrival pickup service was smooth and efficient—such a relief when traveling alone to a new country for the first time. Knowing someone would be there waiting really put my mind at ease.

The accommodation, food, and host family were all great. Clean rooms, fulfilling meals, and a wonderfully helpful family that made the stay feel comfortable and welcoming.

The project staff were supportive and always ready to assist, whether it was helping with translations, offering local recommendations, or adjusting plans to suit individual needs.

I’d give 10 out of 8 for my overall experience and satisfaction!
While things didn’t always go exactly to plan (as expected in real-life travel!), the VWI team was flexible, attentive, and truly focused on giving each volunteer a fun, safe, and meaningful experience.

This was a valuable and enriching journey—I’d absolutely recommend it to anyone considering volunteering in India.

“A Heartwarming Elephant Experience with VWI!”

It was a bit confusing at first when I arrived, but Sukret quickly found me—and I’m so grateful he did! He even went out of his way to help me exchange currency, which made me feel really taken care of from the start.

The rooms were comfortable, and the food was absolutely lovely. Our tuk-tuk driver, Totoram, was amazing—a kind soul who made every ride enjoyable. I genuinely looked forward to our daily journeys!

Our project coordinator was welcoming, easy to talk to, and his family was just as warm and lovely.

I’d easily give 10 out of 8 for my overall experience with VWI.
Being so close to the elephants was unforgettable—a unique, hands-on experience that I’ll always treasure. It was not just travel, but something real, personal, and deeply memorable.

“Unforgettable Days at the Elephant Project!”

The arrival pickup was smooth and on time, making me feel comfortable from the very beginning. The food was delicious, and the accommodation was clean and just right for a volunteer stay.

A big shoutout to our amazing driver—truly the best ever! The transportation was always safe and on schedule, which made the experience even more enjoyable.

The VWI project staff were fantastic—warm, welcoming, and even invited us into their home, which made us feel like family. I’d easily give 10 out of 8 for my overall experience and satisfaction with Volunteering With India.

To future volunteers:
You are in for something truly special at the Elephant Project. It’s incredible to be part of caring for these majestic animals. The VWI team takes care of every detail—from early morning chai to fun weekend plans.

I loved the elephants. I loved the people. And I’m truly going to miss both. ❤️🐘

“Amazing Arrival and Unforgettable Elephant Experience!”

The arrival pickup was fantastic—Govind was waiting for me at the train station at 5 a.m., making my arrival smooth and stress-free. The accommodation and food with the host family were absolutely wonderful, and they treated me like one of their own.

Transportation was great too, with a friendly and reliable driver. Everyone I met at the project, including the staff, was generous and incredibly helpful.

I chose to volunteer with VWI because I was already teaching in Jaisalmer for two months and wanted to work with elephants on my way back home to the States. I’m so happy I did!

I give VWI a full 10 out of 10 for overall experience and satisfaction.

To future volunteers:
Skip the usual sightseeing on weekends—the real India and authentic experiences with people and elephants are way more rewarding than forts or palaces. Everyone should do this at least once!

Thank you, VWI! 🙏🐘

Excellent Pick-Up and Wonderful Elephant Project Experience

The pick-up service was excellent—one of the VWI team members greeted me with a big warm smile. The host family made me feel truly part of their family; they were welcoming, helpful, and eager to please.

Transportation was very good. Toto, our tuk-tuk driver, is a very personable chap, and I felt completely confident with him navigating Jaipur’s chaotic streets.

I definitely recommend this project to anyone interested in caring for elephants and having an unforgettable volunteer experience!

Overall Excellent Experience with VWI Elephant Project

Arrival went smoothly, though there was some confusion about the bus drop-off point due to misinformation from the private bus company. Accommodation was clean and comfortable, and the food was good. Transportation service was excellent, with additional transport available upon request after the project.

The staff members, Sukret and Govind, were both excellent—very helpful and informative throughout. I would rate my overall experience a 10 out of 9!

We found the work enjoyable and gained excellent insight into the life of a mahout and the daily care of elephants. Bathing the elephants was a highlight, and all the mahouts were very friendly and supportive.

The arrival pick-up service was very good. Accommodation and food were satisfactory. The transportation service was reliable and always on time. All the project staff members were very helpful. I would rate my experience with VWI an 8.5 out of 10. Although getting up early wasn’t pleasant, it was definitely worth it once we arrived at the elephants. I thoroughly enjoyed my time.