Embracing India offers its travelers the opportunity to gain knowledge about everything that is India. We will cover the culture, traditions, customs and language of India. Travelers who join orientation are given Hindi language lessons and also introduced to the history and customs of India. You will be introduced to India's finest foods.
Orientation is every 1st of the month.
Welcome to India:
Health and Safety
History of India.
Program details
Explore volunteer opportunities.
Plant a tree
Pamper an elephant
Build a home
Help at an orphanage
Hindi language
A 3 hours course helping travelers get acquainted with the Hindi language. Hello! also known as नमस्कार! in Hindi. Learning to speak key words is key when traveling to a foreign land. Certain words can help with transportation matters, when purchasing items, when looking for food or a bathroom. Be sure to brush up on your Hindi before taking off for your pilgrimage to India. It is recommended that every volunteer who plans to join the programs.
Cultural topics
Dress and food are covered topics during your orientation. Wearing clothes from the custom of the foreign country you travel in can help travelers really embrace the traditions and make a great momento or gift for family members at home.
Having a taste of India's culture while abroad
Discover Delhi -
Explore the worlds largest Hindu temple, the Akshardham Temple, which reflects the great vastness of India's ancient architecture, traditions and timeless spirituality. Lotus Temple - South East of Delhi, this temple is built in the shape of a lotus flower and is the last of seven Major Bahai's temples built around the world. It is set among the lust landscaped gardens. This amazing structure is made up of pure white marble. It's architect Furiburz Sabha chose the lotus as the symbol common to Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Islam. Adherents of any faith are welcome to visit the temple and pray and meditate. India Gate - At the centre of New Delhi stands the 42 m high India Gate, an "Arc-de-Triomphe" like archway in the middle of a crossroad. It commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Army during the World War I. The memorial bears the names of more than 13,516 British and Indian soldiers killed in the Northwestern Frontier in the Afghan war of 1919. Humayun's Tomb - Located near the crossing of Mahura road and Lodhi road, this magnificent garden tomb is the first substantial example of Mughal architecture in India. It was buit in 1565 A.D.nine years after the death of Humayun, by his senior widow Bega Begam. Inside the walled enclosure the most notable feature are the garden squares (chaharbagh) with pathways water channels, centrally located well proportional mausoleum topped by double dome.
Qutub Minar - 73 miles high is the tower of victory, built in 1193 by Qutub-ud-din Aibak immediately after the defeat of Delhi's last Hindu kingdom. The tower has five distinct floors, each marked by a projecting balcony and tapers from a 15 m diameter at the base to just 2.5 m at the top. The first three floors are made of red sandstone; the fourth and fifth floors are of marble and sandstone. At the foot of the tower is the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, the first mosque to be built in India. An inscription over its eastern gate provocatively informs that it was built with material obtained from demolishing '27 Hindu temples'. A 7 m-high iron pillar stands in the courtyard of the mosque. It is said that if you can encircle it with your hands while standing with your back to it your wish will be fulfilled.
The cost does not include any Monument Entry Fees.
Passports/Visas
A U.S passport is needed when traveling outside the United States or it's territories. A passport is not required for travel by U.S. Citizens to any territory or waters, continental or insular, subject to the jurisdiction of the United States (including Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa and the U.S. Virgin Islands.)
How long it takes to get a passport depends on the time of year submitted, because of the seasonal nature of travel. During peak travel periods, the normal processing time ranges from six to eight weeks. If you need a passport more quickly a special service can help you that can take anywhere from 24 hours to two weeks depending on the service you select. Click here to get started!
Know that a Visa is not the same thing as a Passport. A Visa is permission granted by the government of a country to an alien to enter that country and to remain for a specific period of time. It is the responsibility of the traveler to obtain necessary visas, if any, before proceeding abroad. Visas are obtained from the embassy or consulate of the countries to which the applicant wishes to travel.
A Passport is require to travel to and from those countries from which the Visa is granted.
Currency/Rupees
Find out the value of your currency at: http:
www.xe.com/currencyconverter
The local currency is the Indian Rupee. You can change your money upon arrival inside the Delhi International Airport. There are many banks inside the Delhi International Airport.
What your Program Fee does not cover:
Find your Program Note: You will be required to pay $100 deposit which is part of the program fees at the time of application to confirm your spot.
Vaccines
There is nothing more important to us than the health and safety of our travelers. We have posted health and safety standards. Be sure to start by checking the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor (ideally, 4-6 weeks) before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. Find out how to protect yourself before booking your trip to ensure that you meet all health and safety standards. All travelers are to be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Specific vaccines may be required for travel to India because there is a risk of some diseases in any foreign country you visit.
Routine vaccines Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include:
Typhoid You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in India. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
Hepatitis B You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
Malaria Talk to your doctor about how to prevent malaria while traveling. You may need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria, especially if you are visiting low-altitude areas. See more detailed information about malaria in India.
Japanese Encephalitis You may need this vaccine if your trip will last more than a month, depending on where you are going in India and what time of year you are traveling. You should also consider this vaccine if you plan to visit rural areas in India or will be spending a lot of time outdoors, even for trips shorter than a month. Your doctor can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you based on your travel plans. See more in-depth information on Japanese encephalitis in India.
Rabies Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in India, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups:
For more information on recommendations and requirements, see yellow fever recommendations and requirements for India. Your doctor can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you based on your travel plans.
Key
Orientation is every 1st of the month.
Welcome to India:
Health and Safety
History of India.
Program details
Explore volunteer opportunities.
Plant a tree
Pamper an elephant
Build a home
Help at an orphanage
Hindi language
A 3 hours course helping travelers get acquainted with the Hindi language. Hello! also known as नमस्कार! in Hindi. Learning to speak key words is key when traveling to a foreign land. Certain words can help with transportation matters, when purchasing items, when looking for food or a bathroom. Be sure to brush up on your Hindi before taking off for your pilgrimage to India. It is recommended that every volunteer who plans to join the programs.
Cultural topics
Dress and food are covered topics during your orientation. Wearing clothes from the custom of the foreign country you travel in can help travelers really embrace the traditions and make a great momento or gift for family members at home.
Having a taste of India's culture while abroad
Discover Delhi -
Explore the worlds largest Hindu temple, the Akshardham Temple, which reflects the great vastness of India's ancient architecture, traditions and timeless spirituality. Lotus Temple - South East of Delhi, this temple is built in the shape of a lotus flower and is the last of seven Major Bahai's temples built around the world. It is set among the lust landscaped gardens. This amazing structure is made up of pure white marble. It's architect Furiburz Sabha chose the lotus as the symbol common to Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Islam. Adherents of any faith are welcome to visit the temple and pray and meditate. India Gate - At the centre of New Delhi stands the 42 m high India Gate, an "Arc-de-Triomphe" like archway in the middle of a crossroad. It commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Army during the World War I. The memorial bears the names of more than 13,516 British and Indian soldiers killed in the Northwestern Frontier in the Afghan war of 1919. Humayun's Tomb - Located near the crossing of Mahura road and Lodhi road, this magnificent garden tomb is the first substantial example of Mughal architecture in India. It was buit in 1565 A.D.nine years after the death of Humayun, by his senior widow Bega Begam. Inside the walled enclosure the most notable feature are the garden squares (chaharbagh) with pathways water channels, centrally located well proportional mausoleum topped by double dome.
Qutub Minar - 73 miles high is the tower of victory, built in 1193 by Qutub-ud-din Aibak immediately after the defeat of Delhi's last Hindu kingdom. The tower has five distinct floors, each marked by a projecting balcony and tapers from a 15 m diameter at the base to just 2.5 m at the top. The first three floors are made of red sandstone; the fourth and fifth floors are of marble and sandstone. At the foot of the tower is the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, the first mosque to be built in India. An inscription over its eastern gate provocatively informs that it was built with material obtained from demolishing '27 Hindu temples'. A 7 m-high iron pillar stands in the courtyard of the mosque. It is said that if you can encircle it with your hands while standing with your back to it your wish will be fulfilled.
The cost does not include any Monument Entry Fees.
Passports/Visas
A U.S passport is needed when traveling outside the United States or it's territories. A passport is not required for travel by U.S. Citizens to any territory or waters, continental or insular, subject to the jurisdiction of the United States (including Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa and the U.S. Virgin Islands.)
How long it takes to get a passport depends on the time of year submitted, because of the seasonal nature of travel. During peak travel periods, the normal processing time ranges from six to eight weeks. If you need a passport more quickly a special service can help you that can take anywhere from 24 hours to two weeks depending on the service you select. Click here to get started!
Know that a Visa is not the same thing as a Passport. A Visa is permission granted by the government of a country to an alien to enter that country and to remain for a specific period of time. It is the responsibility of the traveler to obtain necessary visas, if any, before proceeding abroad. Visas are obtained from the embassy or consulate of the countries to which the applicant wishes to travel.
A Passport is require to travel to and from those countries from which the Visa is granted.
Currency/Rupees
Find out the value of your currency at: http:
www.xe.com/currencyconverter
The local currency is the Indian Rupee. You can change your money upon arrival inside the Delhi International Airport. There are many banks inside the Delhi International Airport.
What your Program Fee does not cover:
- Airfare
- Lodging
- Food
- Personal expenses
- Monument Entry Fees
- Travel Insurance
- Visa charges
Find your Program Note: You will be required to pay $100 deposit which is part of the program fees at the time of application to confirm your spot.
Vaccines
There is nothing more important to us than the health and safety of our travelers. We have posted health and safety standards. Be sure to start by checking the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor (ideally, 4-6 weeks) before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. Find out how to protect yourself before booking your trip to ensure that you meet all health and safety standards. All travelers are to be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Specific vaccines may be required for travel to India because there is a risk of some diseases in any foreign country you visit.
Routine vaccines Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include:
- measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine,
- diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine,
- varicella (chickenpox) vaccine,
- polio vaccine
- yearly flu shot.
Typhoid You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in India. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
Hepatitis B You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
Malaria Talk to your doctor about how to prevent malaria while traveling. You may need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria, especially if you are visiting low-altitude areas. See more detailed information about malaria in India.
Japanese Encephalitis You may need this vaccine if your trip will last more than a month, depending on where you are going in India and what time of year you are traveling. You should also consider this vaccine if you plan to visit rural areas in India or will be spending a lot of time outdoors, even for trips shorter than a month. Your doctor can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you based on your travel plans. See more in-depth information on Japanese encephalitis in India.
Rabies Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in India, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups:
- Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
- People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
- People who are taking long trips or moving to India
- Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
For more information on recommendations and requirements, see yellow fever recommendations and requirements for India. Your doctor can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you based on your travel plans.
Key
- Get vaccinated
- Take antimalarial meds
- Eat and drink safely
- Prevent bug bites
- Keep away from animals
- Reduce your exposure to germs
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment