Informations générales

📘 Quick Facts Every Volunteer Must Know About India

  • 🕊️ India has never invaded another country in 100,000 years of history.
  • 🗳️ World’s largest democracy and 7th largest country by land area.
  • 🎓 Takshila (700 BC) was the world’s first university with 10,500+ students.
  • 🧠 Nalanda University (4th century) was a global educational hub.
  • ♟️ Chess and 🧘‍♀️ Yoga originated in India.
  • 🥋 Martial arts began in India and spread via Buddhist monks.
  • ➕ Algebra, Trigonometry, and Calculus were developed in India.
  • 🔢 Decimal and Place Value Systems created around 100 BC.
  • 🔬 Ancient Indians used numbers up to 1053.
  • 💰 India was one of the richest nations until British colonization.
  • 🩺 Sushruta performed advanced surgeries 2,600+ years ago.
  • 🕉️ Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism originated in India.
  • 🛕 Tirupati Temple is the world’s most visited religious site.
  • 🤝 India hosts over 300,000 refugees from neighboring countries.

🎒 What to Bring for Volunteering in India

  • 📸 Camera and 📱 unlocked mobile phone
  • 🦟 Mosquito & insect repellent
  • 💊 Basic medical first-aid kit
  • 🧴 Sunscreen, 🕶️ sunglasses, 👒 hat
  • 🗺️ Map of India with Jaipur marked
  • 🔦 Flashlight and 🛏️ mosquito net
  • 🔌 Adapter and voltage converter
  • 👟 Walking shoes
  • 🧼 Toiletries including toilet paper
  • 🧣 Towel and personal hygiene items

📱 Communication While Volunteering

  • 🌐 Wi-Fi is available in host accommodations
  • 📞 Local contact numbers for VWI staff and projects will be shared
  • 📱 Bring an unlocked phone to use an Indian SIM
  • 💸 Local SIMs are much cheaper than international roaming
  • 📶 A local SIM is highly recommended for stays over 3 weeks

💱 Currency Exchange in India

  • 💹 Check live exchange rate at xe.com
  • 💳 Use international debit/credit cards at ATMs
  • 💱 Airport exchanges are convenient but expensive
  • 🏦 Better rates available at local banks and currency shops in Jaipur

✈️ How to Reach Jaipur

🛫 By Air

  • ✈️ Jaipur Airport is well-connected domestically and internationally
  • 🚖 VWI staff provides pickup from Jaipur Airport
  • 🌍 Use flight search platforms:

🚌 By Bus (from Delhi)

  • 🚌 Take an AC Volvo bus from Bikaner House (near India Gate, Delhi)
  • ⏱️ Buses run every 30 minutes, journey takes ~6 hours
  • 💵 Cost: ₹600 (~$12 USD)
  • 📍 Arrive at Jaipur’s Sindhi Camp Bus Stand
  • 📅 Timetable: RSRTC Bus Inquiry

🚆 By Train (from Delhi)

  • 🚉 Book tickets at irctc.co.in
  • 💺 Recommended: Shatabdi Express (Train No. 2015)
  • 💰 AC Chair Car: ~$10 USD, First Class: ~$20 USD
  • 🛑 Book early to secure a seat

🚐 Pick-Up & Final Information

  • 👋 VWI staff will pick you up upon arrival (flight/train/bus)
  • 📞 If delayed, contact:
    • +91 94147 79349
  • 🗓️ Please share your arrival details in advance