When planning a backpacking adventure or gap year abroad, apply to join a volunteering program can be an incredibly attractive option.
It gives you the chance to explore far-flung destinations and do things totally out of the ordinary. But, if you also want to integrate volunteering into this kind of trip – or vice versa – where is best to head to?
Two of the most popular destinations in Asia to give back include India and Sri Lanka.
There are many popular places where you can volunteer and have amazing adventures throughout both Sri Lanka and India. Each offers its own unique attractions, with a variety of projects available to work on.
But, what exactly are the advantages of each destination – and which country is best?
Volunteering in Sri Lanka
An island still recovering from a natural disaster, Sri Lanka was devastated by a tsunami in 2004. While volunteers were plentiful immediately afterwards, they are less numerous now – so any work you do here will be greatly appreciated.
On a gap year in Sri Lanka, there is plenty to see and a wide range of projects you can get involved in, from teaching English to building initiatives.
You could opt to base yourself in an elephant sanctuary, which offers an immensely beautiful setting as well as the chance to work with these amazing creatures. You will help to take care of aged or injured elephants, while during your free time you can explore the stunning beaches on the south coast or venture into the island’s incredible historic cities, such as Kandy and Polonnaruwa.
Alternatively, you could opt to pair community work with turtle conservation. During this kind of volunteering work in Sri Lanka, you will assist local people in a variety of ways, from teaching basic life skills to people of all ages to helping save the turtle population – something that’s sure to be an amazing experience.
Volunteering in India
India offers you similarly varied opportunities, which include teaching special needs children and immersing yourself in rural life in the Himalayas.
The nation has a reputation for being colourful and vibrant, but also a huge 250 million people live below the poverty line there today. So, this is a destination where your help can make a real difference.
If you want to volunteer on a gap year in India while getting an authentic and rare glimpse at rural life, you could base yourself in a local community in the Himalayas. Your voluntary work will be planned by them, meaning you will really be part of village life. Tasks can vary from things like cattle herding to collecting firewood.
Plus, there is great scope for adventure here, as you can set off to explore the Himalayan wilderness with a hiking or mountain biking trip, as well as visit ancient sites such as age-old monasteries.
Or, you could opt to take up a varied position in Kerala, which would allow you to teach English and help out at special needs schools or care for elephants, while you can also enjoy spending time on a houseboat cruising along the amazing Kerala backwaters.
Seeing the Athirapally waterfalls and fishing with locals amid incredible scenery are just some of the other things you can take part in here.
Overall
Spending time volunteering in either country will allow you to immerse yourself in local life and the nation’s culture, head off on amazing adventures through regional terrain and – most importantly of all – will be truly rewarding.
Which destination you choose is largely down to the nation you are most interested in seeing and the type of work you want to do. Both countries offer amazing experiences, just apply and don’t look back.