A Day of Volunteering in Chennai

  1. 9:00AM: Reach Kotturpuram Tree Park
    20 minutes from Guindy Metro Station

    Start your day with nature - volunteer at Kotturpuram Tree Park, a beautiful urban space. Assist in planting saplings, watering existing trees or tending to flowerbeds. The park also has a medicinal plant section, watch and learn how to take care of nature while you help.

  2. 11:00AM: Visit The Banyan
    30 minutes from Kotturpuram Tree Park

    The Banyan is a non-governmental organization (NGO) that works with mentally ill women in India. They provide rehabilitation services and support for the recovery of women with mental disorders. Volunteers can assist with therapy sessions, interact with patients, or assist with administrative tasks.

  3. 1:30PM: Lunch at Naidu Hall
    30 minutes from The Banyan

    A South Indian establishment serving delectable vegetarian food. Enjoy the traditional Thali meal featuring rice, assorted curries and chutneys, and a dessert. Prices are pocket-friendly making it the perfect spot for a mid-day meal.

  4. 2:30PM: Teach at Abacus Montessori School
    10 minutes from Naidu Hall

    Abacus Montessori School focuses on developing student's skills and abilities in a creative environment. Volunteers here can assist in storytelling sessions, games or craft activities. You can put your skills to use to teach the kids whatever you are passionate about before you leave for the day.

  5. 4:30PM: Visit The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust
    30 minutes from Abacus Montessori School

    The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust is a reptile zoo and herpetology research station. It is dedicated to the conservation of crocodiles and other reptiles. Volunteers can help by taking visitors on guided tours, conducting research, or assisting with habitat conservation. Don't miss the crocodile and snake feeding sessions!

  6. 6:30PM: Dinner at Annalakshmi Restaurant
    20 minutes from The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust

    The restaurant is a part of Bhaktavatsalam Memorial Trust, an NGO that works for various causes. The restaurant is entirely volunteer-driven and delivers authentic South Indian vegetarian food.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Kotturpuram Tree Park (2 hours, Free)
  • The Banyan (2 hours, Free)
  • Naidu Hall (1 hour, INR 250)
  • Abacus Montessori School (2 hours, Free)
  • The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust (2 hours, INR 50)
  • Annalakshmi Restaurant (1 hour, INR 300)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 600

Useful tips

If you have more time, you can visit the Guindy National Park or Volontariat, an NGO that works with children. If you have less time, Naidu Hall and Annalakshmi Restaurant can be replaced with street food joints in Mylapore. Don't forget to carry volunteering supplies like sunscreen, a water bottle, and comfortable shoes to have an enjoyable day.

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