4 independent reviews for Yoga in India and volunteering holiday
Reviews for Yoga in India and volunteering holiday
Kevin Richards review 16 Mar 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Every day was remarkable, whether teaching and learning with the delightful 3-8 year olds in two schools or exploring amazing Fort Kochi, the Chinese fishing nets, the art scene, the rich heritage (Dutch, Portuguese and English), superb cafes, restaurants and bars. You are living, working and travelling with volunteeers from all over the world (6 continents out of 7 for me) It was a great adventure-we made it to Varkala resort, local Cherai beach, the Munnar tea hills, the Kodanad elephant rescue centre and Athirapilly Falls. Such a delight to meet and mix with the happy and sociable Keralans at each location. We very much enjoyed our early morning yoga sessions with Neetu; these were on a rooftop where we could watch the rising sun as we performed our sun salutations2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The most useful items to bring to the schools are stickers (hard to describe how popular these are) and blank flash cards for multiple uses. There are resources and computers at the volunteer centre but I was pleased to have my own; song videos are invaluable. I took a bluetooth speaker which was great for playing songs to dance or move to. Colourful quick drying T shirts are fine for the classroom but must cover shoulders. Typical western office clothes are no use at all. It is warm and humid and you need to be comfortable. Half the stuff I brought to Kerala never came out of the suitcase-why do we keep making this basic error?3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The schools welcome volunteers, the parents also value the volunteers as they provide native speaker English language practice. i spent time with 8 different classes, though specialized in Kindergaten (3-5) and Yr 4 (8-9). The teachers were delighted to have some fresh input and different from the normal diet. It is possible to teach in pairs and Carel from the home team provides great support to all the teachers. Volunteers enhance the popularity and reputation of schools and there are pelnty of schools who would welcome them if they were available. The other volunteering options make very important contributions, too.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Exceptionally rewarding, a wonderful adventure and a fantastic journey of discovery from start ot finish. You are travelling to one of the most exciting destinations on the planet, everything local is a walk or short tuktuk ride away and 'exotic' barely does justice to the beautiful beaches, hills and landscapes around. You are living with like minded volunteers and supported by a delightful and dynamic volunteer support team. The Keralans are a special people with their endless energy, generosity and a love of life.Nadege Vallois review 2 Mar 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Bumping into an elephant in the street while sipping my masala chai!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
A volunteering holiday is the perfect balance between giving back and exploration. Choose a well-established company like to provide you with some structure and just jump in with an open mind!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Being able to teach local kids was an honour and a priviledge and I have created meaningful connections by doing this. the volunteer house had eco-friendly measures too.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was a perfect holiday - I would recommend it for any one at any age.Shirley Redpath review 20 Feb 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
So many aspects of the trip were memorable, even life changing -- it is hard to choose just one. The members of the Volunteering Journeys team in Fort Kochi are so warm and welcoming, and work so hard to ensure that all the volunteers have a special time there that they really made the experience come to life. Working closely with the women and children in the projects was an incredible opportunity to connect with and learn about realities outside our own world. We also had some very special opportunities to explore the local area using local transport and our own initiative that brought us a much richer experience of the culture and living in the community.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Leave your expectations behind, along with any clothing made of synthetic fabrics (it is HOT in Kerala). Bring loose fitting shoes, as your feet will swell, and spend some time before you arrive thinking of how you would approach teaching English to the people on the projects. There are lesson materials available, but you hit the ground running and the first couple of days can be a bit of a struggle.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I hope so. I think particularly the children benefit from the attention and exposure they get to confident and supportive people from other countries and cultures, and the women gain their own confidence in their English and their awareness of the world. I have to say, though, that for everything we gave them I feel sure we took away far more in terms of understanding, self- confidence and the warmth of their affection.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Truly life-changing. It is very much the kind of experience where you get back in proportion to what you put in, but the wonderful staff at VJ magnified the returns on everything.Kristin Walters review 2 Oct 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
This was a volunteering holiday so that whole premise was fantastic. I'd never done that before and it felt fabulous to be really doing something even though on holidays.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
I think that everything on this holiday was very well organised but I think that you need to stay in contact with the people on the ground as much as possible so having a local sim is really handy. Oh, and find out if it's school holiday time when you go as that does make a difference to the volunteering program. I would have liked to know what happens when school term time is on.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I would hope so. I hope it wasn't just a flash in the pan for them. I hope it was real.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
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