Elephant Care & Teaching – Jaipur, India

CARE FOR ELEPHANTS AND TEACH THE MAHOUTS’ CHILDREN

The project takes place in the ELEPHANT VILLAGE, home to around 50 female elephants and 2 male elephants, or on an Elephant Farm, both in the Amber region of the Jaipur district.

The elephants are cared for by their “mahouts,” who live with their families at the project site. The mahouts often bathe with the elephants and paint their bodies with beautiful artwork depicting the lifestyles of Jaipur’s maharajas, then take them to the Amber Palace. The bond between the elephants and the mahouts is truly remarkable, since the elephant is the whole family’s livelihood, and they care for it like one of their own.

The project focuses on the mahouts and their families, since in addition to helping with elephant-care tasks, volunteers
help teach their children in their own school.

Activities

• You’ll help the mahouts and their children create the folk designs on the elephants before heading out to the Amber Palace.
• You’ll tend to the elephants’ needs: cleaning them, bathing with them, feeding them, trimming their nails, or cleaning their spaces…
• You’ll support the mahouts’ children with their learning. You’ll teach classes or work alongside the school’s teachers.

A volunteer’s day to day

The volunteers sharing the experience with you come from all over the world and from many different backgrounds. Sharing such a meaningful experience creates a warm atmosphere of companionship and friendship that you feel the moment you land. It’s something close, something special.

So, among friends, your day starts with breakfast in the dining room before heading to your project, where you’ll be welcomed with open arms, since volunteers are highly valued and respected in India. You’ll work roughly from 9:00 to 12:30 or 1:00. Lunch, some free time, and back to work — which is nothing but enormously rewarding time, where your help will give you more than it gives them.

In the afternoons, back at the volunteer house, you’ll have free time to explore the city or take part in the program’s cultural immersion activities. And on weekends… free to rest, or to travel!

Accommodation and meals

The Volunteer House in Jaipur is ideally located for project participants: a residential area near the center, with shops, restaurants, a hospital, transportation, etc. It has rooms for 1 to 4 people with a cooler and bathroom, shared lounges and dining room, satellite TV, free Wi-Fi, a washing machine with drying rack, fridges, a bookcase, lockers, and more.

And always under the supervision and care of the coordinator. Everything so you feel at home.

As for the food, Indian dishes are prepared that are, yes, a little spicy, but you’re sure to love them. Rice, legumes, wheat chapati, vegetables…. 3 meals a day are included.

And if you want a more intense cultural immersion experience, you can also stay with a host family. Very hospitable, they’re a safe, comfortable, and culturally enriching option for a volunteer in India. Our network of carefully selected, experienced families are upper-middle class, with children and/or relatives in their care, and their homes are located near basic services such as markets, public transportation, and shopping centers.

Colors of India Package

AGRA

If there is a monument to love, it is undoubtedly the magnificent Taj Mahal, an exquisite white-marble mausoleum built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife. One of the Seven Wonders of the World. Experience a splendid sunrise or sunset view at the Taj Mahal.

Includes transfers, monument entry tickets, hotel, and breakfasts.

PUSHKAR

One of the holiest pilgrimages for Hindus and the only place in India with a temple to the “Creator” God, Brahma. Colorful markets and 500 temples around the sacred lake, where Gandhi’s ashes were scattered and pilgrims bathe at its ghats.

And in the afternoon, off to the desert on camels! Sandy dunes and villages where we can soak up the unique landscape of the Thar Desert. Our safari ends at the camp, where we’ll have dinner and spend the night in a tent… under the stars. Includes transfers, safari, monument entry tickets, a night in the desert, breakfasts, and 1 dinner.

• Possibility of working in the Elephant Village or on the (smaller) Farm.
•  Classes for the mahouts’ children (English, math, support…).
•  The program starts and ends in the city of Jaipur.
•  Project duration: from 2 weeks to 1 year.
•  Arrival date: Saturday or Sunday preferred. Arrival airport:
  Jaipur International Airport.
•  Working days: Monday to Friday. Typical working hours: 9 am – 1:00 pm or 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm. Total volunteer hours: 25–30 hours per week.
•  Weekends: we suggest our “Colors of India” package, or simply
  time for yourself, to explore the city and the culture…

The program includes.

• Pickup at Jaipur airport and transfer to your accommodation, ensuring a safe, worry-free arrival.
• Accommodation in the Volunteer House or with a host family, with all the comforts you need.
• Three meals a day, with options adapted to the local diet.
• Daily transportation from the accommodation to the project sites.
• 24/7 support and supervision with local staff.
• Cultural activities included, such as henna workshops, Indian cooking classes, and yoga sessions.
• International Volunteering Certificate issued by the CiENViDAS Foundation.
• €200 contribution to the CiENViDAS project, dedicated to improving facilities and opportunities for the children.

The program does not include.

• Flights, which each volunteer must arrange.
• India visa, easily obtained online before the trip.
• Mandatory travel and health insurance, essential to guarantee medical care if needed.

You can deduct 100% of the program cost on your next tax return (in Spain).

Spots are limited, so don’t miss this chance to take a trip with real impact.

Don’t wait — spots are limited.

• Prior training: No prior experience required — just enthusiasm and commitment!
• Minimum age: Be 18 years old at the start of the program. If you are a minor, you’ll need to present consent signed by your parents or guardians.
• Language skills: A basic level of English is required to make communication easier during the program.
• Required documents:
  • Résumé (CV).
  • Completed pre-registration form.
  • Criminal background check up to date.
• Attitude: An adventurous, caring spirit and a real desire to learn, help, and make the most of this unique experience.

This program is designed for people who want to transform lives while immersing themselves in an enriching culture.