A positive and refreshing wave of change has hit the world of tourism in the form of VolunTourism. As the name suggests, voluntourism implies participating in volunteering activities while travelling to different parts of the world. This trend is quickly catching up all around the globe and voluntourism in India has already become a popular choice among the travelers. This social travel experience offers a chance to immerse yourself in the true culture of the land and to help the locals preserve the same. Volunteering at local farms, small scale industries, village hospitals etc is your chance to contribute to sustainable development while on a vacation. Here are 5 reasons why voluntourism will make your travels more fulfilling for you as well as more beneficial for the natives of the destination you visit.

1. Complete Cultural Immersion

You may have visited a lot of different parts of the country but have you ever ventured beyond the popular tourist spots? Voluntourism in India is your chance to truly explore the culture of the region. Travel to the cyclone struck or earthquake-prone parts of the state to understand how the local communities survive in the face of these natural calamities. Volunteer for NGOs that are helping the locals get back on their feet and rebuild their homes. Working closely with the native population will give you a much deeper insight regarding their cultural heritage.

2. Surrender Yourself To Nature

Admiring nature from afar cannot be compared to stepping into the jungles of India and seeing how human exploitation is slowly destroying these ecosystems. Participate in tree plantation drives and workshops dedicated to spreading awareness regarding the importance of environmental conservation. Being from a different part of the map, you can bring a fresh perspective to these movements aimed at the preservation of the natural wonders. Learn about how the locals utilize the various gifts of nature and spend a day in the outdoors to offer your body a break from the claustrophobic urban environment.

3. Making An Impact

No volunteering effort ever goes in vain, whether you teach at a local school for a few days or spend some time with the tribal women, listening to their daily struggles. The least you will do is bring a smile to their face, which in itself is priceless. You can also contribute much more, either in terms of monetary support or by helping out at the local NGOs by working with them and promoting their efforts when you get back home. Voluntourism is just the beginning of a journey that will help you leave a positive impact on the society.

4. An Eye-Opening Experience

The modern citizen has developed a habit of complaining about every aspect of his or her life. When you will visit the rustic corners of the country and will witness the locals living without a steady supply of water, electricity, and other basic resources, you will realize how insignificant your own problems are. This social travel experience encourages the country to come together as a community, to respect each other’s culture, and to fight against the social and infrastructural issues as a united nation. Voluntourism will provide you a new set of eyes and will help you see the world in a different light.

5. Firsthand Knowledge

Most of us regularly read about the challenges of the rural parts of India and the weaker sections of the society, however, witnessing them firsthand will allow you to actually empathize with those who suffer. Even the acts of poaching and deforestation will seem way more horrible when you will see the injured animals and the stubs of the fallen trees with your own eyes. Voluntourism is the best way to gain firsthand information regarding the various predicaments faced by the people of the country. You will return with a new found respect and appreciation for the locals and a passion for actively supporting them.
Voluntourism tops the list of offbeat travel ideas because it is an extremely enlightening journey for the travelers, and also helps with the sustainable development of the destination. It is a great alternative to the run of the mill weekend escapades and will add more depth and meaning to your travels.