Work With Elephants

Volunteer With Elephants India

volunteer elephants india volunteer elephants india

Featured Program: Work with Elephants

Project Duration: Minimum 1 week stay up to 4 weeks. Coming for shorter period Join our 3 Days Volunteer Elephants + Jaipur Tour Program.

Program Dates: Dates are flexible you can choose your own start and finish date. However we recommend you to arrive on Sunday. To check the available program dates click here :Start Dates.

Location: Jaipur, India.

Project Fees: $350 for 1 Week and thereafter $200 weekly. No Application fees required. For more information about our fees please visit Volunteer Program Fees Page.

Project Activities: Feeding the elephant, Bathing them, Massage of elephant, cleaning the area, making bundles of hay, go for a walk with them and help mahouts in making chapattis( Indian Bread ).

Working Hours: 28 Hours Weekly Monday to Friday. Weekends are Off - We bring you for the sightseeing tour of famous tourist spots in Jaipur and other cities nearby.

Special Festival Dates: : Camel Festival Bikaner 13-15 Jan 2024, Kite Festival Jaipur 14 Jan 2024, Holi Festival of Colors 24-25 Mar 2024, Teej Festival 07-Aug 2024, Sister’s Festival 19 Aug 2023, Dusshera Festival 12 Oct 2024, Diwali Festival of Lights 31 Oct 2024, Pushkar Camel Fair 09 Nov-15 Nov 2024.

What is included: Arranging your Programme, Pre-departure information and support by email/phone, Arrival pickup from Jaipur, Program relevant materials, Accommodation with Indian Host Family, 3 Meals ( Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner ), Transportation facility for project site, Weekend Sightseeing’s Tours and 24 hours of admin support.

What is not included: Visa, Flights, Internet, Mineral Water Bottle, Monuments/Sightseeing Entry Fees, Telephone Calls, Insurance Cover, and Airport Drop off.

Requirements: We don’t need any qualification for this project. Doing Voluntary Work India you must have lots of love & enthusiasm for the project.

Visa Type: Tourist Visa. Coming for short period upto 30 days apply for On Arrival Visa by the India Visa Site.

Flexible Accomodation: If requested you can book your own Hotel Accommodation before coming here if not comfortable with Indian Host Family. We will help you in booking it.

About The Program

Are you planning for Volunteer With Elephants in India? Looking to get Hands on Experience, want to get close with Elephants and assist in their care ? Perfect! You are in the right place. The program is located in the village near Amber Fort which is also known as Elephant Village where elephants get care by their mahouts everyday. It is also one of Elephant Sanctuary in India in India. Elephant Village Jaipur is India’s first and the world’s third elephant village also known as “Haathi Gaon“. Government of Rajasthan, India has allotted this place in the area of 30 hectares of land which has stable blocks for each elephants with attached housing; it has also a big man-made lake where the elephants can swim and gets thoroughly washed down. Elephant mahouts are living with their families at the project site and are responsible to give right care, fed properly & keep them healthy and fit. The Elephants in Jaipur are part of Indian festivals, Cultural Ceremonies and for the Elephant Safari/Ride in Jaipur at Royal Amber fort. The total population of Elephants in city is 115 out of which 52 have facilities for the accommodation at the village & 63 Elephants are still living out of the Zone Area due to the Project site is still in under-construction by the Government. The Program has created to give care to the elephants and help their mahouts. Many people around the world have dream in their life to spend some time with Elephants, live like a local and want to immerse in Indian culture. This project is something which make your dream come together in one place. We offer everyone around the world to Visit our Elephants in Jaipur by getting you close to them, get involved in Day Care Activity help you to know more about them and make your dream true to Work With Elephants.

Work for Volunteers

Your work will be feeding the elephants, bathing them, cleaning the area, bringing water, oil massaging the elephants head, trimming their nails, taking elephants for walk, make bundles of hay and chapati(Indian Roti) for elephants in a mud stove to eat. You need to wake early as the elephant starts early to give a ride for the tourists of Amber Fort. As per our Program Volunteers can also be take part in caring for Elephants which have shelters out of the Zone area. Program schedule works Monday to Friday 5:00 a.m to 8:30 p.m and twice a week in afternoon from 1:30 p.m to 4:30 p.m. Every Saturday we organize sightseeing tour to famous tourist spots in Jaipur. Sunday is free & rest day but you can also plan for the Same Day tours from Jaipur like Agra Taj Mahal, Ranthambore Tiger Safari, Pushkar and many more places near around.

REVIEWS/TESTIMONIALS

Past Volunteers have wonderful time with us in the program. Volunteers join this program all over from the world. Most of our volunteers come from U.S, Canada, U.K, Australia & European Countries; if you come from these region you can also ask us our previous volunteers contact addresses. Doing a volunteer project with animals in India is special. Every year many participants came to India for Volunteer Abroad in social and wildlife projects. Elephant Sanctuary India program made my trip here rewarding and fun with cultural shock, “ says Jessica Consoli from Switzerland our past volunteer.” Read Our –Volunteers Stories & Reviews about the Program.

Employees

The local mahouts at Elephant Sanctuary Jaipur are working with elephants to take care of them. There is a project coordinator with volunteers at theElephant Village site which helps volunteers and guides them with work & also translates if volunteers have any questions for the mahouts about the life of elephants.

Expectations

We expect volunteers to not act as if they are here as tourists, they must do the work they are here to do. They need to understand that they come for work and need to live like the people here live, respect the culture and get involved with all that is happening in India.

What you will gain from this project

>A memorable Elephant Experience in India.

>An enormous satisfaction from inside as you worked who have your needs.

>An unforgettable memory by spending time in India.

>Opportunity to learn Indian culture, language and their traditions.

>An entry in your CV as you have worked in under-developed country that will boost your profile in job market.

>Life time member with VWI after completion of your project.

Note:-

The Elephants in Jaipur are taking care by Government of Rajasthan, mahouts and their owners. Elephants are also used for the Tourism purpose, Cultural Events & Religious ceremonies in India from centuries. For the protection sometimes during the day you can find them in chained too. Before applying for the Program you must need to aware by the situation and agree by VWI Terms conditions policy.

LANGUAGE BARRIER

Language is not a problem for the international participants joining the program. The host family, our staffs, taxi drivers and kids/women in the program can understand basics. However if you are un-comfortable with the language barrier you can join a week Hindi Lesson Class which run 90 minutes Monday to Friday costs $150 for a week. During submission of OnlinE application you can request in the form.

Video Review

VWI makes arrangements for room, food and transportation for the volunteers, from the first day of the volunteer’s arrival in Jaipur, India. Volunteers will be living with the Indian Host Family. You will be having your own room at the host family house which can be shared by the same gender volunteer in the program. Participants coming with their friends, couples or family members live together at the same accommodation. Our host families are carefully screened and selected based on VWI requirements. Host families are experience in the realm of hosting international travelers from last 10 years. You will be getting 3 Meals per day (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner), traditional but very nutritious. The meals serves at the accommodation are the everyday meals which are eaten by the Indian Families. This is how the program has made to make you feel and Live Like a Local. However if you are not able to adjust with the Indian meals or need more nutrition/protein/special diet in your meals you can arrange by your own from the near by local market. Staying with Host family will give you the opportunity to learn about Indian Life, meet the locals, try local food, speak local language and make yourself to immerse in local customs and traditions. The host family members are able to communicate in English and are very friendly with volunteers. The accommodations are neat and clean and provide volunteers a home away from home experience. Our volunteers have private rooms at the host family house which can be shared by the same gender in the program. If you prefer to have your own room you can pay additional to have a private room. The host family homes are equipped with wifi internet. You will have a very good access through computer & by Wi-Fi access. The house has filtered drinking water, geysers, air conditioning, satellite television, modern toilets, comfortable beds, fans and air conditioner. The homes are close to useful amenities like banks, ATMs, currency ex-changers, restaurants, cafes and shopping arcades. The program location is 20-30 minutes drive from the House. We also arrange transportation facility for volunteers which will everyday pick you to project site and drop to your home when you finish work. You will have everyday auto-rickshaw (tuk-tuk) or Car ride for Transportation.

Food Menu :-In Breakfast our Host Family will prepare you everyday Tea/Coffee + Bread or Poha or Indian Paratha. In Lunch & Dinner you will be having 2 Type of Indian Vegetable's + Roti ( Chapati's ) + Rice + Yogurt + Pickles. On food table there is always basket of fruits which you can use anytime.

Accommodation Option :-Please check our various accomodation options. Most of the participants prefer to choose Basic Accomodation Home which is shared by 2 participants.

  • Basic Accommodation Home Stay [ Included in Price ] [ Shared by 2 Participants] [ Meals - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner ]
  • Basic Accommodation Home Stay [ Private Room] [ Additional $100 weekly ] [ Meals - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner ]
  • Luxury Accommodation Home Stay [Additional $350 per week ] [ Meals - Breakfast ]
  • Hotel Accommodation [ Additional $450 per week ] [ Meals - Breakfast ]
  • Own Accommodation [ Get Discount in Program Fees ]
Picture Gallery of Accommodation Click Here

Shopping and supplies There are many shops near the accommodation where volunteers can go and buy stuff for their requirements. The accommodation facility in the main city area of Jaipur so it’s easy to buy anything as shops are in walking distance. If a volunteer wants to go in Branded Shopping mall they need to take a Taxi ( Tuk- Tuk ). When our taxi driver is not taking them to the project site, he can be hired by volunteers to take them to the Branded Shopping mall, but they have to pay him.

Volunteer Week Detail

 

Day 1: Today you will arrive in Jaipur. Our VWI staff member will pick you up from your arrival destination & welcome you. After picking you up, we will transfer you to the Host Family accommodation. We will introduce you to the host family members and we will guide you through the accommodation facilities and the things which are near. You will also be introduce about the project, your everyday working schedule, rules and regulation of volunteering, what to do & dont’s. which can be useful to you throughout your trip & guide you to the facilities which a traveler needs in new place. 

Day 2 to working days: Get ready to see your animals. You will be transfer to your project site. It’s time to get a wonderful ride by auto-rickshaw for the elephant village as it located near Royal Amber fort. Project site is covered by beautiful mountain valley. Our project coordinator will be with you there & he will tell you about how to care the elephants & help the mahouts. Your work will covered there every day by bathing elephants, feeding them, cleaning the area, making bundles of hay and massage them throughout your working days. Volunteers’ working days will be for 5 days per week Monday to Friday. 

Weekends: The weekends are free for you to relax and enjoy Pinkcity. Every weekend we cover Sightseeing Tour’s of the Beautiful Historical places, Cultural places & programs with our VWI staff team. Volunteers have opportunity to meet with other volunteers also from other projects sites as everybody gets together on these days. However there are several other side trips that you can join which will greatly enhance your experience of Desert Place in Rajasthan, India. After finishing the Volunteering India program you can choose our Add on Tour package to explore India. Volunteers can join to visit Taj Mahal, Golden Triangle Tour, Wildlife Safari in National Park, New Delhi and more while taking part in it.

It was an amazing and heart filling experience to be in contact with the enormous beautiful elephants, their committed caretakers and staying with the local family at Prity Guesthouse. I also enjoyed the tours with the Subhash and the tuktuk driver. Overall the guidance and communication was great and felt very safe at all times. Taking care of the elephants is a very grateful job to be so close and connected to the elephants. We drank a lot of chai and had a lot of fun. They were very enthousiastic... Read More

It was an amazing and heart filling experience to be in contact with the enormous beautiful elephants, their committed caretakers and staying with the local family at Prity Guesthouse. I also enjoyed the tours with the Subhash and the tuktuk driver. Overall the guidance and communication was great and felt very safe at all times.
Taking care of the elephants is a very grateful job to be so close and connected to the elephants. We drank a lot of chai and had a lot of fun. They were very enthousiastic involving me and also connect me to the other animals.
The family is very caring and I felt very much at home. Also they took me places which was really nice to learn more about Indian and Jaipur life, including dancing at the Navatri festival! The food was super delicious too.
I even extended my stay!

Esther – Netherlands
montesinos.esther@gmail.com

This is a really fun project to get a chance to see and interact with elephants up close. The communication ahead of our arrival was all helpful/clear, and the train station pickup on arrival was really handy. Our guesthouse was well located, clean, and the food was really tasty. Working with the elephants we got the opportunity to get stuck in with feeding, washing, and mucking out, and the mahouts were all very supportive in guiding us and showing off the animals. They clearly know and care for them a... Read More

This is a really fun project to get a chance to see and interact with elephants up close. The communication ahead of our arrival was all helpful/clear, and the train station pickup on arrival was really handy.
Our guesthouse was well located, clean, and the food was really tasty.
Working with the elephants we got the opportunity to get stuck in with feeding, washing, and mucking out, and the mahouts were all very supportive in guiding us and showing off the animals. They clearly know and care for them a lot.
The weekend’s tourist trips around Jaipur were really nice and as a lot of the sights were spread out it was comforting to have our own driver for the morning so we didn’t have to navigate finding our own transport.

Sam – UK
jjmbrookes@hotmail.com

I spend 4 wonderful weeks working on the elephant project. I had a tough start because there were some problems with my baggage in Delhi airport, But Sukret was very helpful through it all, so no matter what happens, just take it easy, and you are in safe hands. I will admit that I Had times when I just thought that everything was new for me here, it such a big culture difference. I come here for 4 weeks so on my beginning days I learned how to get around... Read More

I spend 4 wonderful weeks working on the elephant
project. I had a tough start because there were some problems with my baggage in Delhi airport, But Sukret was very helpful through it all, so no matter what happens, just take it easy, and you are in safe hands. I will admit that I Had times when I just thought that everything was new for me here, it such a big culture difference. I come here for 4 weeks so on my beginning days I learned how to get around the city. The transportation is really cheap in India. I saw the entire tourist place on weekend sightseeing and did a lot of shopping. The staff members were really nice to introduce me for their families and taking me to different places. The work with elephants is amazing. On a normal day I got pick up from the host family at 5:00 a,m and was home again at about 8:30 a.m. Most of the days I cleaned the elephants area, washed and scrubbed the elephants and made food for them to eat. But I also experience to bath the elephant in the lake ride. Every day you have the program coordinator with you to the project, so you are never alone there is always someone to talk with and to answer your entire question. And that makes feel really safe and comfortable. I had an amazing time volunteering. Definitely a place I would love to visit again. Hard Work but really amazing elephants. All the people whom I met here is very welcoming and sweet. I like to give A Big 9 mark from 10 to VWI. The project Staff members Really great! Could not wished any better. It was great to write with Sukret, and he always answered really fast. I am really picky with food and I don’t like anything spicy, but the family was very nice to make sure there always something I could eat.

NICOLINE PEDERSON, DENMARK
nicolinebp@hotmail.com

Working with the mahouts was a wonderful experience. Setting to know the elephants was an experience that cannot be explained. No regrets, I hope to volunteer with VWI again. I believe I have new friends and hope to see them again. I would like to give Volunteering With India 10 out 9 from my overall experience. Toto the once of our taxi driver was the best driver for transportation, he makes fun – laugh and always in time. The project staff members, accommodation and food was excellent. I definitely recommend... Read More

Working with the mahouts was a wonderful experience. Setting to know the elephants was an experience that cannot be explained. No regrets, I hope to volunteer with VWI again. I believe I have new friends and hope to see them again. I would like to give Volunteering With India 10 out 9 from my overall experience. Toto the once of our taxi driver was the best driver for transportation, he makes fun – laugh and always in time. The project staff members, accommodation and food was excellent. I definitely recommend the project to other volunteers.

 

JOANNE, CANADA
joannevilleneuve@gmail.com

The family house that I stayed in was lovely, and all the family were welcoming to me, before I aimed at the project, all my emails were answered very quickly and professionally. During my stay both program coordinator and tuk-tuk driver were very friendly and helpful, and visiting their houses was a great experience, so thank you to them for their hospitality. However I was rather disappointed in starting days as I had to woke early in morning but after few days it been in my habbit as I understood... Read More

The family house that I stayed in was lovely, and all the family were welcoming to me, before I aimed at the project, all my emails were answered very quickly and professionally. During my stay both program coordinator and tuk-tuk driver were very friendly and helpful, and visiting their houses was a great experience, so thank you to them for their hospitality. However I was rather disappointed in starting days as I had to woke early in morning but after few days it been in my habbit as I understood the care works needs from morning hours when elephant woke. I everyday work from morning 5 a.m to 9 a.m. I also come in afternoon hours twice a week when we make chapati’s for elephants. I have took care of 5 elephants and really want to bring all of them to my home. Really sad that my project finish needs to go home for study again. Will come definitely next time. The children project I visited, only for 2 days on the other hand was great and I felt I was contributing to something, so I would recommend all the projects which VWI offer.

 

JASMINE, U.K
WORK WITH ELEPHANTS

I really enjoyed the experience, would like a bit more time with them. Mahouts are very friendly, our program coordinator was a star and totaram ji ( taxi driver ) was great. I was in project for 3 weeks; on weekends I had visited Sightseeing’s of Jaipur, Agra & Ranthambore Tiger Safari. VWI arrange fantastic services. Loved last day with tigers. Thank you Sukret. Higly recommend the project.

MICHELE BEND, U.K
michelebend03@gmail.com

Ane :- Our Pick up service was good. Before joining the program we were travelling around India. We driven to the VWI office by our own driver. Then pick up by one of the team member in VWI. Accommodation was good. Very nice family, especially daughters. Food was ok. When we join the project there was Wedding in the Host family so it makes little bit irregular of our food for couple of days. Our transportation service was good. The taxi driver was so kind and took great care of... Read More

Ane :- Our Pick up service was good. Before joining the program we were travelling around India. We driven to the VWI office by our own driver. Then pick up by one of the team member in VWI. Accommodation was good. Very nice family, especially daughters. Food was ok. When we join the project there was Wedding in the Host family so it makes
little bit irregular of our food for couple of days. Our transportation service was good. The taxi driver was so kind and took great care of us. Our Program Coordinator was great. Good English and always happy face. I decide to volunteer to Volunteer with VWI the reason was I wanted to work with elephants in India and found website online. The information on website was good. It seemed like a well organized organization and I like volunteering. Other Volunteers had also written great things about the project. I would like to give 10 out 9 marks to VWI. I less 1 marks because our breakfast was irregular for 2 days . Our Project life was good. We got up at 4:30 in the morning to get dressed and met the driver at 5:00 a.m then we drove to the elephant village. The first meeting with the elephants was exciting. They were sleeping when we arrived and laying down. When they got up we realized how big they are! Magnificent creatures. They have the kindest eyes and are almost like people. They understand what you say them. After having sorted out sugarcane and cleaned their areas we wash them. Then they go to the fort and we drink chai . We reached home at around 9 a.m. Breakfast at 9:15. Then you have whole day yourself. Lunch at around 13:00. Dinner at around 20:00. Two days a week you go back to the elephants at 13:00 to make food and chapattis for them. All the mahouts are funny, loud and few speak English but our program coordinator is there helping out. In the weekends You get to go sightseeing the city palace, monkey temple, forts etc..
The other volunteers become your best friends and there is a great feeling at home! I could really recommend the project, but be sure to stay longer than 1 week; it is not enough time to spend with these awesome animals.
Elise :- We driven to the VWI office by our own driver. Then pick up by one of the team member in VWI. During the week our taxi driver totoram was always on time. The food was good and the host family was very nice. Our Project staff members were very helpful. No complains. I decide to volunteer as the reason I wanted to go to India and I wanted to work with and get to know the beautiful elephants. I give 10 out of 8 Marks to VWI. This is your choice to experience India from Inside the ways of an Indian Family. While you contribute to the Indian Society and make new friends from all over the world.

ANE AND ELISE, NORWAY
elisesolbu@gmail.com

Gail: – It was so nice to find someone waiting for us when we walked out of the airport with our names on a card. It eliminates any worries. Our Host family was lovely and getting to know them was a special part of our stay. The food was tasty. Our Tuk-Tuk ride gave us a chance to see the city waking up in the morning – sights we could not have ever seen. The driver was always prompt with a smile on his face. The Project staff members were... Read More

Gail: – It was so nice to find someone waiting for us when we walked out of the airport with our names on a card. It eliminates any worries. Our Host family was lovely and getting to know them was a special part of our stay. The food was tasty. Our Tuk-Tuk ride gave us a chance to see the city waking up in the morning – sights we could not have ever seen. The driver was always prompt with a smile on his face. The Project staff members were great! It was a secure feeling having someone with it while we were working to explain + interpret things. We decided to Volunteer with VWI to be part of the country. Not to just be a tourist. We picked the elephant project because we love animals. I Would like to give full 10 out of 10.
Stanley:- Our arrival pickup service was great! Accommodation and food was so nice. They did a Good Job Accommodating my special diet. Family was very helpful. Our Driver was great and always on time. The Project Staff members were very helpful and friendly.
We decided to go with VWI as it’s sounded a good organization have good programs. I would like to give 10 out of 10+++. This experience is for a lifetime! I would recommend this program to everyone.
Brenda:- Excellent pickup service. Host family is lovely and food was very good. Our transportation service was excellent. The project staff members were very friendly. I decide to join the program as my friend Gail recommends me to do it. I would also like to give 10 out 10. Very interesting and rewarding to be able to see and share the care of the elephants with the hard working mahouts. The Project Coordinator Mr. Raj Soni was very attentive and was very concerned that we were well taken care of. It was a pleasure working with this company and yes, I would recommend this program to everyone.

GAIL, STANLEY AND BRENDA, U.S.A
Work With Elephants
If you are interested in this project then contact us to be a part of Volunteering With India