Elephant and Camel Adventure in Jaipur, India

  India

Jaipur

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: please inquire for dates

Description: What a combination - elephants and camels! This trip combines the brilliant opportunity of working with elephants in the 'pink city' of Jaipur with an incredible camel safari near the ancient settlement of Jaiselmer in the Thar desert. A real must for all animal lovers, anyone looking for an original Indian experience or simply anyone with a thirst for the different and a 'real' travel experience.

* Day 1: Arrival into Jaipur
Welcome to Jaipur! You will be met at the airport by our in country team.

* Day 2: Orientation
Today you will have an orientation introducing you to life in Jaipur, the work you'll be doing with the elephants and also plans for the camel safari at the end of your trip.

* Days 3 to 6: Volunteering
At the elephant project you will be spending your time working with the mahouts helping them look after their elephants by cleaning up after these giants, preparing their food and even giving them full body massages after their hard day's work. The project is based in the village of Amber around 10km's from Jaipur. The elephants work daily at the nearby Amber Fort by giving elephant rides to the tourists.

* Days 7 to 8: Weekend spare time
Two free days to spend as you want, exploring the local area and the Pink City of Jaipur, finding out about its magnificent history, exploring the local markets and absorbing daily life in this fascinating part of India.

* Days 9 to 13: Volunteering
You will carry on your work with the elephants who will be looking forwards to your care and attention when they come back after a hard days work at the Amber Fort.

* Days 14 to 15: Free time
Another couple of days to explore the local area further - our in-country team will be able to give you suggestions for things to do or simply wander around this great city soaking up local life. Don't miss the opportunity of taking in a Bollywood movie - one of India's great experiences.

* Day 16: Transfer to Jaisalmer
Today you will have a half day tour around Jaipur. In the evening you will catch the midnight express train to the desert settlement of Jaisalmer!

* Day 17: Arrival into Jaisalmer
Arriving in Jaisalmer in the afternoon you'll then be introduced to your camel for the next couple of days! You will board your camel and start your ride into the Thar Desert in the late afternoon. Feel like you've travelled back in time as you pass sand dune after sand dune and breathe in the fresh, dry desert air whilst watching the sand dunes rise in the distance. Spend the night counting stars from the 'comfort' of your mattress, nestled gently in the sand.

* Day 18: Camel safari and Jaisalmer
Enjoy a tasty breakfast in the serene backdrop of the Thar Desert. Board you camel and head back to Jaisalmer in time to explore this impressive city. Jaisalmer, the "golden city," was founded way back in 1156 A D and boasts incredible history and architecture. The city has many attractions including stunning Jaisalmer Fort and several impressive havelis (ancient mansions). You will travel back to Jaipur on the late afternoon overnight train. Don't forget your snacks for the journey!

* Day 19: Arrival into Jaipur
Welcome back to Jaipur in the early morning. You will be able to spend another day here in Jaipur catching up on your last minute souvenirs or hunting out places you may have missed.

* Day 20: Return home
Today is the day that you say goodbye to Jaipur and reflect on your amazing experience with these magnificent animals. Time to travel home or onwards on your journey through India.

Highlights:
* Care for the elephants
* Prepare food and feed the elephants, helping them relax through massage
* Camel safari near the ancient settlement of Jaiselmer in the Thar desert

Cost in US$: USD 1295.00 for 3 weeks

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

i-to-i Meaningful Travel's Mission Statement: i-to-i is an award-winning organization providing unique opportunities for you to travel, work and live abroad. Thousands of travelers aged 18 to 80 have joined our volunteer vacations and over 50,000 have learned to Teach English as a Foreign Language through our tailor-made TEFL courses. With over 400 projects on 4 continents, you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching, community development, sports coaching, conservation, building or internships in tourism, marketing, journalism, or health.

Year Founded: 1994