Project Duration: Join from 1 to 4 weeks; for a short cultural immersion, you can also try our 3-Day Elephant + Jaipur Tour.

Posizione: Elephant Village (Haathi Gaon), near Amber Fort, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India – the first official elephant sanctuary in India.

Project Activities: Daily elephant care including feeding, bathing, cleaning stables, massaging, walking with elephants, observing behavior, and preparing chapatis in traditional Indian mud stoves.

Working Hours: Around 28 hours per week, Monday to Friday – morning sessions plus two engaging afternoon activities.

Weekend Exploration: Discover Jaipur’s famous attractions like Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, and City Palace, or explore nearby cities including Agra (Taj Mahal), Pushkar, and Ranthambore National Park.

What’s Included: Airport pickup in Jaipur, accommodation with host family, bottled water, internet, 3 vegetarian meals daily, daily transport to the elephant project, weekend sightseeing, and 24/7 in-country support.

What’s Not Included: Visa, flights, personal expenses, monument entry/camera fees, and airport drop-off.

Eligibility Requirements: No special skills needed — just love for animals, interest in conservation, and enthusiasm to volunteer in India.

Visa Type: Tourist Visa or e-Visa (up to 30 days). Apply via the official India Visa site.

Accommodation Options: Stay with a welcoming Indian host family (included), or request a private/luxury room or hotel accommodation at extra cost.

Established by the Government of Rajasthan, Haathi Gaon (Elephant Village) spans over 30 hectares and is recognized as the world’s third official elephant village. Each elephant has its own stable, attached mahout housing, and access to a large man-made lake for bathing and swimming. This ethical elephant sanctuary in India is surrounded by the scenic Aravalli Hills and deeply rooted in Rajasthani traditions, where elephants hold a sacred place in festivals, weddings, and cultural heritage.

Join a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to volunteer with elephants in India at Haathi Gaon—located just outside the majestic Amber Fort in Jaipur. As part of this elephant volunteer program in Jaipur, you’ll assist with daily elephant care, support mahouts, and take part in meaningful conservation efforts. This sanctuary is not just a home to these gentle giants, but also a cultural hub where tradition, community, and conservation come together. You’ll get close to elephants, help improve their welfare, and make a lasting impact on both the animals and the mahouts who dedicate their lives to them.

Your Volunteer Role – Hands-On Elephant Care

As a participant in this elephant conservation volunteering project, you’ll work alongside experienced mahouts and our dedicated team, engaging in:

• Feeding elephants and preparing their food (hay and traditional chapatis)
• Bathing and giving oil massages to the elephants
• Cleaning and maintaining the elephant stables
• Walking with elephants and observing their behavior
• Learning about elephant body language, welfare, and conservation needs

This hands-on elephant care experience is a rare chance to form deep connections with elephants while contributing to responsible and ethical animal care in India.

Work Schedule & Cultural Exploration

Volunteers typically contribute around 28 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Morning sessions involve direct elephant care, while two afternoons weekly include additional activities and learning. On weekends, you’re free to explore Jaipur or join guided tours arranged by VWI. Visit historic forts, temples, and palaces, or plan enriching trips to Agra’s Taj Mahal, Parco nazionale di Ranthambore for tiger safaris, or the spiritual town of Pushkar. This blend of volunteer work with elephants abroad and cultural immersion makes the program truly unforgettable.

Accommodation & Support

During your stay, you’ll live with a trusted Indian host family or request a private room. Accommodations include filtered drinking water, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, modern bathrooms, and freshly prepared vegetarian meals daily. You’ll enjoy authentic Indian hospitality while we provide transportation to and from the project site, ensuring a comfortable and safe stay throughout your program.

Why Choose This Program?

• Experience ethical and direct interaction with elephants
• Support mahouts and their families while preserving local traditions
• Develop cross-cultural understanding and compassion
• Boost your CV with meaningful international volunteer work in India
• Contribute to animal welfare and conservation efforts in India

💬 Hear from Past Volunteers

“It was the best decision I’ve ever made. I felt connected with the elephants and learned so much about the importance of ethical tourism. The VWI team is incredibly supportive!”
— Emma L., Germany

“This project changed my life. I bonded with the elephants, learned so much about Indian culture, and made unforgettable memories with new friends from around the world.”
— Jessica C., Switzerland

“From day one, I felt welcomed. Working with the elephants and the mahouts was truly special. I’ll never forget my experience.”
— Luca R., Italy

“I got to help feed, bathe, and walk alongside elephants! Every day felt magical. Jaipur is beautiful, and the support I got from the VWI team made everything easy.”
— Maya P., Canada

“A unique and unforgettable experience. The elephants are well cared for, and I felt like I was contributing to something that truly matters.”
— Pauline B., France

🔗 Read More Volunteer Reviews Here »

❗ Important Note

The elephants in Jaipur are jointly cared for by the Government of Rajasthan, mahouts, and their private owners. They participate in tourism, religious festivals, and cultural events. At times, elephants may be seen in chains, which is part of current management and safety protocols.

By applying, you acknowledge this context and agree to our Terms & Conditions.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you’ve ever dreamed of volunteering with elephants in India, this is your chance to connect with nature, support conservation, and contribute to a meaningful cause. Whether you’re a student, traveler, animal lover, or cultural explorer, Apply now to secure your spot in our elephant volunteer program in Jaipur.

Day 1: Arrival & Orientation
Welcome to Jaipur! Upon arrival, a friendly VWI team member will greet you at the airport or designated arrival point. You’ll be transferred to your host family accommodation and welcomed into the local culture and neighborhood. Later, we’ll provide a detailed orientation, covering your elephant volunteer program in Jaipur, daily schedules, and essential cultural do’s and don’ts. This relaxed start helps you settle in and prepares you for a meaningful journey ahead.

Day 2 Onwards – Hands-On Elephant Care
Wake up to the peaceful countryside of Jaipur and travel to Haathi Gaon (Elephant Village), located near the iconic Amber Fort. Surrounded by scenic Aravalli hills, this ethical elephant sanctuary in India is where you’ll spend your days caring for elephants in a natural, calm environment. Each morning, we’ll pick you up from your host family in a taxi or tuk-tuk and bring you to the project site, where our English-speaking coordinator will support you throughout.

As part of your volunteer work with elephants, you’ll:

• Feed elephants and prepare their meals, including hay and traditional chapatis cooked on mud stoves
• Assist with bathing elephants in the lake and giving soothing oil massages
• Help clean and maintain elephant shelters
• Walk with elephants and observe their behavior up close

Twice a week, you’ll also join in chapati-making on clay stoves, a unique cultural experience that connects you with the mahouts and their daily traditions. Some afternoons are dedicated to extra care sessions, ensuring the elephants remain happy and healthy. The work can be physically active, but it’s profoundly rewarding—every day offers new opportunities to bond with the elephants and immerse yourself in Rajasthani culture.

Weekends – Cultural Immersion & Exploration
Weekends are your time to relax, connect with fellow volunteers, and discover the rich heritage of Rajasthan. Join our organized weekend cultural tours in Jaipur to visit iconic landmarks such as Hawa Mahal, City Palace, and Jantar Mantar. You’ll also have the chance to take day trips to world-famous sites like the Taj Mahal in Agra, the holy town of Pushkar, or Parco nazionale di Ranthambore for tiger safaris.

Want to see more of India after your program? Extend your journey with our exciting Add-On Tour Packages, covering golden deserts, ancient forts, and vibrant bazaars. Your weekends and post-project travels promise the perfect balance of leisure, adventure, and cultural immersion.

🏠 Accommodation

I volontari hanno a disposizione un alloggio pulito e confortevole in una famiglia indiana nel centro di Jaipur. Queste famiglie hanno oltre 10 anni di esperienza nell'ospitare volontari internazionali. La casa dispone di servizi moderni come acqua potabile filtrata, aria condizionata, Wi-Fi, bagni in stile occidentale e acqua calda. Alloggerete in una stanza condivisa o privata, a seconda delle vostre preferenze. Coppie, amici e famiglie sono ospitati insieme. La casa si trova vicino ai principali punti di riferimento di Jaipur e a servizi come bancomat, caffè e negozi.

Soggiornare presso una famiglia ospitante offre una profonda immersione culturale: vivrete in prima persona le tradizioni indiane, le feste e la vita quotidiana. La maggior parte dei volontari descrive le famiglie ospitanti come la parte più memorabile del loro soggiorno. Non si tratta solo di un alloggio: è la vostra casa indiana, piena di gentilezza, risate e legami reali.

✨ Accommodation Options

• Alloggio in famiglia di base (camera condivisa) - Incluso nel costo del programma; condiviso da 2 volontari
• Alloggio in famiglia di base (camera privata) - Ulteriori $100/settimana
• Alloggio di lusso in famiglia - Supplemento di $350/settimana (include la colazione)
• Soggiorno in hotel - Supplemento di $450/settimana (include la colazione)
• Alloggio proprio - Sconti disponibili sulle tariffe del programma
• 📸 View Picture Gallery of Accommodation

🍲 Meals

Ogni giorno gusterete tre deliziosi pasti cucinati in casa, preparati dalla famiglia ospitante secondo le ricette tradizionali indiane. I pasti sono vegetariani e comprendono un mix di verdure, chapatis, riso, yogurt e prelibatezze locali, equilibrati per nutrizione e gusto. La colazione è tipicamente a base di tè o caffè con piatti indiani leggeri come poha o parathas. I pasti sono serviti con cura e ospitalità, offrendo un assaggio autentico della vita quotidiana indiana. I volontari spesso amano i pasti per le conversazioni, l'apprendimento culturale e il legame che creano.

🚕 Transportation

Dal momento dell'arrivo a Jaipur, il vostro viaggio è senza soluzione di continuità. Un membro del team vi accoglierà all'aeroporto per darvi un caloroso e sicuro benvenuto. Il trasporto giornaliero tra il vostro alloggio e la sede del volontariato - di solito 20-30 minuti - è organizzato per voi tramite tuk-tuk o auto. Questo servizio è incluso nel programma, quindi non dovrete mai preoccuparvi di orientarvi o negoziare i trasporti. È efficiente, sicuro e vi dà un assaggio divertente di come i locali si spostano in India.

🛍️ Shopping & Local Access

La casa ospitante si trova in un quartiere centrale e vivace di Jaipur. Tutto ciò di cui avete bisogno - negozi di alimentari, farmacie, bazar locali, caffetterie e bancomat - è facilmente raggiungibile a piedi. Per i supermercati più grandi o i centri commerciali, potete affidarvi ai nostri fidati autisti locali o usare Uber o Ola per la vostra comodità. Molti volontari amano fare shopping di abiti indiani colorati, artigianato e souvenir durante il loro tempo libero. Con così tante opzioni nelle vicinanze, vi sentirete connessi, indipendenti e completamente a vostro agio nel vostro nuovo ambiente.

💰 Program Fees

Below is our program fee structure for all our volunteer programs:

Note: A 5% transfer/bank charge will be added to each payment. Sometimes flights to Jaipur can be expensive. You can arrive in Delhi and we can pick you up from there on request — pickup/drop-off to Delhi airport can be arranged at extra cost.

✅ Our Program Fee Includes:

• Organizzazione del programma
• Informazioni e assistenza prima della partenza via e-mail/telefono
• Alloggio e 3 pasti al giorno
• Prelievo all'arrivo dall'aeroporto di Jaipur
• Trasferimento all'alloggio e orientamento
• Trasporto da/per il progetto
• Materiale del programma
• Coordinatore del programma di lingua inglese
• Introduzione alla cultura indiana
• Supporto del personale locale 24 ore su 24, 7 giorni su 7
• Attività turistiche del fine settimana
• Certificato di volontariato al completamento (su richiesta)

❌ Program Fees Do Not Include:

• Visto turistico
• Voli
• Bottiglie di acqua minerale (20 INR ciascuna)
• Internet (200 INR settimanali)
• Chiamate telefoniche
• Tariffe di ingresso al monumento/telecamera
• Assicurazione
• Consegna all'aeroporto