Explore India With iSpiice

The core focus of iSpiice is to provide teaching and aid to rural communities in India that the government’s resources fail to cover. The organisation heavily relies on the good will of their volunteers to prioritise the wellbeing of social groups such as women and children, who are distinctly underprivileged and seek empowerment through education and social mobility. The programs on offer range from English teaching classes, to projects that seek to revamp dilapidated community buildings.

Volunteering with iSpiice comes with ample rewards. Volunteers enjoy a sense of fulfilment knowing that their contribution has made a very real difference and also are able to enjoy the local surroundings and lush mountainous backdrop that provides a stunning setting to their volunteering. India is home to incredible natural beauty and of course prominent landmarks and any trip to the country would not be complete without exploring these lush landscapes and visiting their country’s historical monuments. iSpiice have therefore laid on some fantastic add-on tours for their volunteers who deserve it after their hard work at volunteer HQ. Here are our 3 favourite tours offered by the team at iSpiice.

Taj Mahal

The iconic Taj Mahal is a must-see in India. The perfectly symmetrical architecture dominates the landscape with its gleaming white domed roofs that are particularly striking against the pink hue of an Indian sunset. The structure has earned its status as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and is a stunning piece of Mughal architecture that was erected by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in honour of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is therefore an emblem of love, and represents this sentiment to thousands of communities across India. Join other iSpiice volunteers at the end of your program and reflect on one of the world’s most iconic landmarks before you fly home. For $200, the tour includes travel to Agra and an overnight stay in the city before visiting the Taj Mahal the following day. Volunteers then travel together to Delhi for another night in a hotel before catching their flight home.

The Himalayan Trek

The Himalayan Mountains straddle India and Nepal, and are characterised by their jagged peaks and snowy surroundings. After a period working with iSpiice, what better way to enjoy the extraordinary nature of the continent than a weekend hike in the midst of nature and breath-taking scenery. The trek is popular amongst budding mountaineers and keen walkers across the world, who seek to conquer some of the world’s toughest climbs and get a glimpse of the highest mountain in the world – Everest. Enjoy the incredible panoramas of the mountain range at sunset, or wake up early for an incredible sunrise that turns the snow a glowing orange. Volunteers depart on the Saturday morning and trek comfortably for 4-6 hours, before stopping at the top for a delicious meal in a spectacular setting. The next morning involves the descent and volunteers arrive back at the Volunteer house in the afternoon. For just $75, volunteers have all their transportation covered, as well as meals, accommodation and a sleeping bag.

The Golden Temple

This tour takes volunteers to the border of Pakistan, and involves a visit to the world-renowned Golden Temple – a shrine for the Sikh religion. The striking building is suspended over serene waters, and in the evening the glowing gold palace reflects picturesquely onto the water, giving it its name as ‘The Pool of Nectar’. The building serves as a testament to Sikh hospitality, with 45,000 people provided with a free meal on the Temple grounds on a daily basis. The Temple has four entrances, symbolising the openness and warmth of the Sikh religion. Visit these holy grounds with iSpiice for $125, and receive transportation, hotel accommodation, a visit to the temple and its staggering food halls, as well as another visit in the morning light. Volunteers then visit the luscious Jallianwala Bagh memorial gardens nearby.

Find more information on volunteer projects and tours at www.volunteerindiaispiice.com