Your Typical Itinerary
Days 1-2:
The programme begins with the arrival in Mumbai. After being picked up at the airport you will be taken to a hotel for a comfortable overnight stay. The following day you will depart for Lonavala, about 100km from Mumbai where you will be staying for one night.
Days 3 to 4 (Two day adventure!):
The two-day adventure involves you getting out and exploring some of the region, climbing a few hills and rocks on the way! You will be guided by professionals (as well as a medic) who will be able to help you with the trekking as well as point out small wildlife and some traditional settlements.
During the trek you spent the night in an Indian village where you get an in-depth introduction to the traditional lifestyle that is still practiced in the small settlements of this region.
Please note: during the Monsoon season, some trekking routes become more difficult to use due to the heavy rainfall. This may mean that an easier route will be taken during this time. Throughout the year, a car will always be available at the closest reachable point in case of emergencies.
Days 5 to 7:
After the two-day adventure, you will start your Ashram Experience for a two-day course on Yoga and meditation. You can also enrol in spiritual lectures and natural relaxation practices from the ancient Indian culture at your own initiative, this will also be dependent upon availability. “Ashrams” were home to the traditional Indian way of imparting knowledge and still retain their practices of teaching and living for centuries. They have also been a magnet to thousands of International visitors from all over the world that seek to bring more peace and tranquillity to their lives by learning mental relaxation techniques that has been a part of the Indian spiritual tradition. Here you will have the opportunity to pay for treatments that you would like as an optional extra.
In the evening of day 6 you will depart for Goa on an overnight train arriving late morning.
Goa, a former Portuguese colony is well known for its sun kissed beaches and distinct culture. Upon arrival in Goa, you will settle into your accommodation and have your orientation the next day.
Day 8 to Day 27:
During the orientation program, you will gain important information about your work during the placement, cultural norms and about social issues that are faced by Indian society. After your orientation you will have introductory visits to the volunteer projects before beginning your volunteer work in Goa.
Day 27 (Saturday):
After having completed your stay in Goa, you will bid farewell to the work locations and head back to Mumbai by overnight train.
Day 28 (Sunday):
After arrival in Mumbai the next morning, you check into a hotel and have the day free for some independent sightseeing, relaxing in the hotel, etc. For those of you flying out, you will be taken back to Mumbai airport for flight back home.
Please note: You can extend your programme by two or four weeks. If you decide to extend your programme you will stay in Goa and continue your volunteer work. If your full programme length is not four or eight weeks then you may not have an accompanying Idex representative on the journey back to Mumbai. It will of course be ensured that you are booked in a safe and comfortable air-conditioned class train and all your accommodation in Mumbai will be arranged.
Please note: Itineraries and activities are subject to change
