Have an Adventure in India - Volunteer with Raleigh

  India

Kerala,  Mysore,  Rural Areas

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: All year

Description: Raleigh is a youth charity that inspires people from all walks of life, nationalities and ages to get out there and rise to the challenges of life on expedition. We run programmes in Borneo, Costa Rica & Nicaragua and India. Our expeditions are a challenging, but extremely rewarding combination of sustainable community, environmental and adventure projects..

The adventure phase is an extreme physical and mental challenge that requires team work and develops leadership and inner strength in everyone and gives us a better understanding of what we can achieve with real determination.

Main expedition - The Raleigh trekking group conduct a 19-day adventure phase in Kerala, guided by Kalypso Adventures, our adventure partner. The first stage incorporates 14 days of arduous trekking at altitudes of up to 2,500m. The route begins in Kerala, just inside the border with Karnataka at Marayoor in the Erivikulam National Park. They climb up into the Western Ghats, summiting India's second highest peak outside the Himalayas and head south west following the mountains through the tea estates of Munnar. At the end of the trek they reach the Periyar River - home to the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, where they construct bamboo rafts and paddle west downstream for 2 days, camping overnight.

5 week expedition Adventure challenge - During the 5-week expeditions, groups conduct adventure projects together at the end of the expedition. Over 8 days they compete against one another in a circuit of adventure activities and group challenges. These activities may include cycling, trekking, survival, kayaking and more! Part of the challenge lies in the surprise. Scores are awarded for each event. On the final day groups meet up in a central camp to complete a final group challenge which will complete the adventure phase.

Highlights: * Really challenge yourself by pushing yourself to the limit both physically and mentally

* Learn the importance of team work and develop leadership skills vital for further education and employment

* Trek through some of India's most beautiful landscapes

"We climbed the 2nd highest mountain in Southern India. I found the whole thing challenging: I have never in my life camped, gone on treks, mountain biking and kayaking. Everything was all new to me. But I loved, loved, loved every minute of it! I have learnt that if I push myself and set goals I am capable of completing them." Simone Beresford

"We had to complete a 200km trek through stunning scenery, over mountain, through jungle and across tea plantations. It was physically and mentally incredibly challenging but for that reason by far the most rewarding thing I've ever done as I greatly enjoyed pushing myself."
Will Coulson, venturer, India

Qualifications: * Venturers must be aged between 17 and 24 and up for a challenge!

* Our expeditions are tough, but enable you to develop key skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, perseverance and leadership, all of which are sought by universities and employers and will help set you apart from the crowd.

* We advise venturers to sign up between 6 and 12 months before the expedition departs, the reason being the earlier you apply the better chance you have of getting your first expedition choice. This also gives you more time to raise funds and you'll benefit from our training workshops.

Cost in US$: 1,500 GBP - 2,995 GBP

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 17-24

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to India Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 8-12

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Raleigh 's Mission Statement: We are a youth and education charity. Since 1984 we have inspired over 30,000 people from all walks of life, nationalities and ages to get out there and rise to the challenges of life on expedition. We run programmes in Borneo, Costa Rica & Nicaragua and India. Our expeditions are a challenging, but extremely rewarding combination of sustainable community, environmental and adventure projects.

Year Founded: 1984