General Information

๐Ÿ“˜ Quick Facts Every Volunteer Must Know About India

  • ๐Ÿ•Š๏ธ India has never invaded another country in 100,000 years of history.
  • ๐Ÿ—ณ๏ธ World’s largest democracy and 7th largest country by land area.
  • ๐ŸŽ“ Takshila (700 BC) was the worldโ€™s first university with 10,500+ students.
  • ๐Ÿง  Nalanda University (4th century) was a global educational hub.
  • โ™Ÿ๏ธ Chess and ๐Ÿง˜โ€โ™€๏ธ Yoga originated in India.
  • ๐Ÿฅ‹ Martial arts began in India and spread via Buddhist monks.
  • โž• Algebra, Trigonometry, and Calculus were developed in India.
  • ๐Ÿ”ข Decimal and Place Value Systems created around 100 BC.
  • ๐Ÿ”ฌ Ancient Indians used numbers up to 1053.
  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ India was one of the richest nations until British colonization.
  • ๐Ÿฉบ Sushruta performed advanced surgeries 2,600+ years ago.
  • ๐Ÿ•‰๏ธ Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism originated in India.
  • ๐Ÿ›• Tirupati Temple is the worldโ€™s most visited religious site.
  • ๐Ÿค India hosts over 300,000 refugees from neighboring countries.

๐ŸŽ’ What to Bring for Volunteering in India

  • ๐Ÿ“ธ Camera and ๐Ÿ“ฑ unlocked mobile phone
  • ๐ŸฆŸ Mosquito & insect repellent
  • ๐Ÿ’Š Basic medical first-aid kit
  • ๐Ÿงด Sunscreen, ๐Ÿ•ถ๏ธ sunglasses, ๐Ÿ‘’ hat
  • ๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Map of India with Jaipur marked
  • ๐Ÿ”ฆ Flashlight and ๐Ÿ›๏ธ mosquito net
  • ๐Ÿ”Œ Adapter and voltage converter
  • ๐Ÿ‘Ÿ Walking shoes
  • ๐Ÿงผ Toiletries including toilet paper
  • ๐Ÿงฃ Towel and personal hygiene items

๐Ÿ“ฑ Communication While Volunteering

  • ๐ŸŒ Wi-Fi is available in host accommodations
  • ๐Ÿ“ž Local contact numbers for VWI staff and projects will be shared
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Bring an unlocked phone to use an Indian SIM
  • ๐Ÿ’ธ Local SIMs are much cheaper than international roaming
  • ๐Ÿ“ถ A local SIM is highly recommended for stays over 3 weeks

๐Ÿ’ฑ Currency Exchange in India

  • ๐Ÿ’น Check live exchange rate at xe.com
  • ๐Ÿ’ณ Use international debit/credit cards at ATMs
  • ๐Ÿ’ฑ Airport exchanges are convenient but expensive
  • ๐Ÿฆ Better rates available at local banks and currency shops in Jaipur

โœˆ๏ธ How to Reach Jaipur

๐Ÿ›ซ By Air

  • โœˆ๏ธ Jaipur Airport is well-connected domestically and internationally
  • ๐Ÿš– VWI staff provides pickup from Jaipur Airport
  • ๐ŸŒ Use flight search platforms:

๐ŸšŒ By Bus (from Delhi)

  • ๐ŸšŒ Take an AC Volvo bus from Bikaner House (near India Gate, Delhi)
  • โฑ๏ธ Buses run every 30 minutes, journey takes ~6 hours
  • ๐Ÿ’ต Cost: โ‚น600 (~$12 USD)
  • ๐Ÿ“ Arrive at Jaipur’s Sindhi Camp Bus Stand
  • ๐Ÿ“… Timetable: RSRTC Bus Inquiry

๐Ÿš† By Train (from Delhi)

  • ๐Ÿš‰ Book tickets at irctc.co.in
  • ๐Ÿ’บ Recommended: Shatabdi Express (Train No. 2015)
  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ AC Chair Car: ~$10 USD, First Class: ~$20 USD
  • ๐Ÿ›‘ Book early to secure a seat

๐Ÿš Pick-Up & Final Information

  • ๐Ÿ‘‹ VWI staff will pick you up upon arrival (flight/train/bus)
  • ๐Ÿ“ž If delayed, contact:
    • +91 94147 79349
  • ๐Ÿ—“๏ธ Please share your arrival details in advance