Uncover the Magic of India
Your Gap Year in India
A Country Rich in Culture
India is a country of rich heritage and vibrant experiences. Known for ancient monuments, one of the seven wonders of the world, and as the birthplace of many religions, a gap year in India offers a cultural experience you’ll never forget.
But with a population of over one billion people and one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, India is also a nation facing wide-ranging developmental challenges.
Ready to be part of something bigger? Join us for a gap year that combines adventure, cultural exploration, and the opportunity to make a real difference.
Volunteering in India
Programme Overview
GapGuru India takes you on a journey of cultural understanding, meaningful impact, and discovery. Based in Palampur, you’ll support our charity, the FutureSense Foundation contributing towards their sustainable development goals to make a difference in local communities.
In Palampur you’ll work with local learners in your chosen Impact Areas, to build upon the work of previous volunteers and make a difference.
Our Adventure Week you’ll discover India’s iconic landmarks, including the Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world, and deepen your connection to India’s rich heritage and culture.
Eager to make a difference? Apply now to embark on a journey with a purpose. Let’s create unforgettable experiences together
Induction
Your first few days will be packed with opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture and learn about our work in India. You’ll get an introduction to our hub in Palampur, a rundown on health & safety, a basic introduction to the Hindi language, and a chance to delve into the inspiring work of the FutureSense Foundation. It’s a great chance to bond with your fellow travellers and the hub team you’ll be working with over the next 5 weeks!
Project Delivery
From Monday to Friday each week, you’ll be actively engaged in the local schools and community in Palampur. With guidance from your GapGuru mentor, you’ll collaborate to plan and conduct activities supporting your chosen impact area. This is a crucial part of our ongoing, sustainable programme, where you’ll build upon the work of previous students.
Adventure Week
It wouldn’t be a trip to India without a chance to explore its ancient wonders. Our Adventure Week takes you through India’s Golden Triangle, exploring vibrant markets and the iconic Taj Mahal. With local guides, friendly hostels, amazing cuisine and all transport and activities included, enjoy stress-free travel. It’s a perfect introduction to experience India and its rich heritage.
Our Adventure Week usually takes place on week 5 of your programme however this can be subject to change. Your full programme itinerary will be confirmed in your briefing pack at least 6 weeks before departure.
Weekends
You’ll have your weekends free to venture out and explore some amazing places like the city of Dharamshala, home of the Dalai Lama, a city rich in Tibetan culture and history. The area around Palampur is famous for Tea Gardens where you can discover more about the team making process.
Our Impact Areas address key global issues, promoting long-term positive impact and sustainable development in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
In India you can choose to make an impact in:
This incredible experience takes you through through the cultural and historical highlights of India’s Golden Triangle. This adventure is the perfect introduction to travelling India and promises a blend of excitement, culture, and deep connection to India’s rich heritage.
Amritsar
- Visit the Golden Temple and witness the Wagah Border ceremony; explore vibrant local markets and savor regional cuisine.
Delhi
- Experience the bustling streets of Chandni Chowk and Raj Ghat; tour iconic sights like Akshardham Temple, India Gate, Qutub Minar, and Humayun’s Tomb; shop for souvenirs at Delhi Haat.
Agra
- Discover the architectural brilliance of Agra Fort and marvel at the beauty of the Taj Mahal at sunrise.
In India, we work to support our charity, the FutureSense Foundation to ensure our programmes are long-term and create lasting impact. Based in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh in the rural town of Palampur. The India team’s mission in Palampur is to focus on early childhood development and help close the inequality gap in the local community by giving a hand up to educational institutions.
In India we aim to empower communities through our education and health initiatives, specifically targeting disadvantaged areas and providing them with a cross-cultural exchange.
When you visit India, you will be able to contribute to long term programmes and see first-hand the work FutureSense Foundation do.
You will be staying at a local, family-run guesthouse that we use regularly for our programmes. All the rooms are dorm style, so you will be sharing with 2-4 other gappers.
The accommodation is safe and regularly cleaned, with plenty of spaces for you to relax in your spare time, but the amenities aren’t the same standard that we’re used to in the U.K. This is all just part of the challenge of embracing the local culture and understanding the way that many people in the world live their daily lives!
There are separate bathrooms throughout the guesthouse that have a western toilet, shower and sink.
Meals
Meals are served family-style and are vegetarian to ensure that we can provide you with safe food and also reduce our carbon footprint.
We can cater for all dietary requirements, so long as our team are made aware of these before your arrival. You’ll have access to free safe and clean drinking water at all times.
Breakfast
Breakfast is simple and consists of bread, spreads, eggs and coffee/tea. Some mornings you even get the chance to try a traditional Indian breakfast curry!
Lunch
Lunch will be take-away and eaten at the project site during your break.
Dinner is cooked at the accommodation and is a heavier meal that includes traditional Indian food such as chapatti, dahl and other curries. Be prepared for a lot of rice and potatoes!
What's Included?
Prices Include
- A GapGuru Mentor during your stay
- Clean and safe Accommodation
- 3 x nutritious meals from Monday –Friday in the hub
- Training & orientation
- Support before, during and after your trip
- Airport pick-up & drop-off
- In-country transport
- All pre-travel materials
What we can help you with
- International Flights
- Visa and Travel insurance fee
- Vaccinations
- Local Transport and Travel
- Any Personal Expenses
- We know that sorting this stuff out can be hard so we’re more than happy to help!
Discover India
Why Make an Impact With GapGuru
- Support Local Communities
- Ethical and Sustainable
- Be Part of Something Bigger
Volunteering in India
A Country Rich in Cultural Heritage
India is a country of rich heritage and vibrant experiences. Known for ancient monuments, one of the seven wonders of the world, and as the birthplace of many religions, a gap year in India offers a cultural experience you’ll never forget.
But with a population of over one billion people and one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, India is also a nation facing wide-ranging developmental challenges.
Ready to be part of something bigger? Join us for a gap year that combines adventure, cultural exploration, and the opportunity to make a real difference.
Your Gap Year in India
Programme Overview
GapGuru India takes you on a journey of cultural understanding, meaningful impact, and discovery. Based in Palampur, you’ll support our charity, the FutureSense Foundation contributing towards their sustainable development goals to make a tangible difference in local communities.
In Palampur you’ll work with local learners in your chosen Impact Areas, to build upon the work of previous volunteers and make a difference.
On our Adventure Week you’ll discover India’s iconic landmarks, including the Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world, and deepen your connection to India’s rich heritage and culture.
Eager to make a difference? Apply now to embark on a journey with a purpose. Let’s create unforgettable experiences together!
Induction
Your first few days will be packed with opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture and learn about our work in India. You’ll get an introduction to our hub in Palampur, a rundown on health & safety, a basic introduction to the Hindi language, and a chance to delve into the inspiring work of the FutureSense Foundation. It’s a great chance to bond with your fellow travellers and the hub team you’ll be working with over the next 5 weeks!
Project Delivery
From Monday to Friday each week, you’ll be actively engaged in the local schools and community in Palampur. With guidance from your GapGuru mentor, you’ll collaborate to plan and conduct activities supporting your chosen impact area. This is a crucial part of our ongoing, sustainable programme, where you’ll build upon the work of previous students.
Adventure Week
It wouldn’t be a trip to India without a chance to explore its ancient wonders. Our Adventure Week takes you through India’s Golden Triangle, exploring vibrant markets and the iconic Taj Mahal. With local guides, friendly hostels, amazing cuisine and all transport and activities included, enjoy stress-free travel. It’s a perfect introduction to experience India and its rich heritage.
Our Adventure Week usually takes place on week 3 of your programme however this can be subject to change. Your full programme itinerary will be confirmed in your briefing pack at least 6 weeks before departure.
Weekends
You’ll have your weekends free to venture out and explore some amazing places like the city of Dharamshala, home of the Dalai Lama, a city rich in Tibetan culture and history. The area around Palampur is famous for Tea Gardens where you can discover more about the team making process.
Our Impact Areas address key global issues, promoting long-term positive impact and sustainable development in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
In India you can choose to make an impact in:
This incredible experience takes you through through the cultural and historical highlights of India’s Golden Triangle. This adventure is the perfect introduction to travelling India and promises a blend of excitement, culture, and deep connection to India’s rich heritage.
Amritsar
- Visit the Golden Temple and witness the Wagah Border ceremony; explore vibrant local markets and savor regional cuisine.
Delhi
- Experience the bustling streets of Chandni Chowk and Raj Ghat; tour iconic sights like Akshardham Temple, India Gate, Qutub Minar, and Humayun’s Tomb; shop for souvenirs at Delhi Haat.
Agra
- Discover the architectural brilliance of Agra Fort and marvel at the beauty of the Taj Mahal at sunrise.
In India, we work to support our charity, the FutureSense Foundation to ensure our programmes are long-term and create lasting impact. Based in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh in the rural town of Palampur. The India team’s mission in Palampur is to focus on early childhood development and help close the inequality gap in the local community by giving a hand up to educational institutions.
In India we aim to empower communities through our education and health initiatives, specifically targeting disadvantaged areas and providing them with a cross-cultural exchange.
When you visit India, you will be able to contribute to long term programmes and see first-hand the work FutureSense Foundation do.
You will be staying at a local, family-run guesthouse that we use regularly for our programmes. All the rooms are dorm style, so you will be sharing with 2-4 other gappers.
The accommodation is safe and regularly cleaned, with plenty of spaces for you to relax in your spare time, but the amenities aren’t the same standard that we’re used to in the U.K. This is all just part of the challenge of embracing the local culture and understanding the way that many people in the world live their daily lives!
There are separate bathrooms throughout the guesthouse that have a western toilet, shower and sink.
Meals
Meals are served family-style and are vegetarian to ensure that we can provide you with safe food and also reduce our carbon footprint.
We can cater for all dietary requirements, so long as our team are made aware of these before your arrival. You’ll have access to free safe and clean drinking water at all times.
Breakfast
Breakfast is simple and consists of bread, spreads, eggs and coffee/tea. Some mornings you even get the chance to try a traditional Indian breakfast curry!
Lunch
Lunch will be take-away and eaten at the project site during your break.
Dinner is cooked at the accommodation and is a heavier meal that includes traditional Indian food such as chapatti, dahl and other curries. Be prepared for a lot of rice and potatoes!
What's Included?
Prices Include
- A GapGuru Mentor during your stay
- Clean and safe Accommodation
- 3 x nutritious meals from Monday –Friday in the hub
- Training & orientation
- Support before, during and after your trip
- Airport pick-up & drop-off
- In-country transport
- All pre-travel materials
What we can help you with
- International Flights
- Visa and Travel insurance fee
- Vaccinations
- Local Transport and Travel
- Any Personal Expenses
- We know that sorting this stuff out can be hard so we’re more than happy to help!
Want to learn more
Upcoming Departures
Thailand
📍 Mae Sariang
15th November 2024
From £2,595
Tanzania
📍 Arusha
15th November 2024
From £2,595
India
📍Palampur
11th January 2025
From £2,595
Peru
📍Urubamba
1st February 2025
From, £2,595
Cambodia
📍Battambang
15th February 2025
From £2,595
Nepal
📍Kathmandu Valley
15th February 2025
From, £2,595
Panama
📍El Valle de Anton
1st March
From, £2,595
Need Gap Year Advice?
Want some help planning your gap year? Whether you’ve already booked a gap experience with us, or are wondering where to start, don’t hesitate to reach out to our fantastic GapGurus! We’ve got plenty of gap year experience and nearly 20 years of turning dreams into reality. Chances are, we’ve heard your question before. Drop us a message and let’s make the most of your gap year!
