Volunteering in Kochi, Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey, Varkala, Azhimala, and Thiruvananthapuram

Tuesday, November 14: Kochi

Morning: Start your volunteering journey in Kochi by visiting the enchanting Fort Kochi. Take a walk through the historic streets, admiring the Portuguese, Dutch, and British architectural influences. Don't miss the famous Chinese Fishing Nets along the shore. In the afternoon, head to the institution working for underprivileged children, such as the Thekkumbhagom Swaroopam Girls Orphanage, and spend time helping and interacting with the kids. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kathakali performance at a local theater.

• Fort Kochi: Free, 2-3 hours
• Thekkumbhagom Swaroopam Girls Orphanage: Volunteering opportunity, 2-3 hours
• Kathakali performance: INR 500 ($7) per person, 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to Kashi Art Cafe in Fort Kochi, a charming spot known for its art exhibitions and delicious breakfast options. Try their hearty homemade granola bowl or the classic eggs Benedict. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
• If you're looking for a tasty lunch, visit Oceanos Restaurant in Marine Drive, Kochi. This seaside eatery offers a wide range of fresh seafood dishes, including the famous Karimeen Pollichathu. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
• In the evening, enjoy a delightful dinner at The Rice Boat in Taj Malabar Resort. This restaurant offers an authentic dining experience on a traditional rice boat, serving a variety of seafood delicacies like the Malabar Fish Curry. The average cost for a meal is about 1000 INR per person.

Wednesday, November 15: Munnar

Morning: Start your day in Munnar by visiting the lush tea plantations and learn about the tea-making process at the Tea Museum. Afternoon: Continue your volunteering experience by visiting an animal rescue center, such as Elephant Junction or PETA India's Elephant Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in Kottayam, where you can contribute to the welfare of elephants. Evening: Enjoy a peaceful stroll along the serene Attukad Waterfalls and capture the breathtaking views.

• Tea Museum: INR 150 ($2) per person, 1-2 hours
• Animal rescue center: Volunteering opportunity, 2-3 hours
• Attukad Waterfalls: Free, 1-2 hours

Thursday, November 16: Thekkady

Morning: Embark on a boat safari at the Periyar National Park to spot wildlife, including elephants, tigers, and various bird species. Afternoon: Volunteer at the Green Park Spices plantation and contribute to their sustainable agriculture practices. Evening: Take a soothing walk through the fragrant and picturesque spice gardens.

• Periyar National Park boat safari: INR 400 ($6) per person, 2-3 hours
• Green Park Spices volunteering: Volunteering opportunity, 2-3 hours
• Spice gardens: Free, 1-2 hours

Friday, November 17: Alleppey

Morning: Embark on a houseboat cruise through the backwaters of Alleppey, assisting the local crew in their daily tasks. Afternoon: Volunteer at a local village school, such as the Government High School in Mannancherry, and spend time teaching and interacting with the students. Evening: Relax and enjoy the panoramic sunset views from Marari Beach.

• Houseboat cruise: INR 4,500-6,000 ($61-$81), 4-5 hours
• Local village school volunteering: Volunteering opportunity, 2-3 hours
• Marari Beach: Free, 2-3 hours

Saturday, November 18: Varkala and Azhimala

Morning: Start your day by exploring the beautiful Varkala Beach. Afternoon: Volunteer at the Sathya Saibaba Orphanage Trust in Varkala and contribute to their noble cause. Evening: Visit the serene Azhimala Siva Temple, perched on a cliff with breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea.

• Varkala Beach: Free, 2-3 hours
• Sathya Saibaba Orphanage Trust volunteering: Volunteering opportunity, 2-3 hours
• Azhimala Siva Temple: Free, 1-2 hours

Sunday, November 19: Thiruvananthapuram

Morning: Visit the iconic Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple and witness its exquisite architecture. Afternoon: Volunteer at a local NGO, such as Habitat for Humanity India, and participate in their community development projects. Evening: Explore the beautiful Kovalam Beach and relax by the seaside.

• Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Free, 1-2 hours (proper dress code required)
• Local NGO volunteering: Volunteering opportunity, 2-3 hours
• Kovalam Beach: Free, 2-3 hours

Restaurants

• Mahaveer restaurant offers a delicious South Indian breakfast with options such as idli, dosa, vada, and piping hot sambhar. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
• For lunch, try the authentic Kerala cuisine at Malabar Café, where you can savor traditional dishes like appam with stew, fish curry, and biryani. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
• In the evening, indulge in a seafood feast at The Rice Boat, known for its delectable backwater-themed dining experience. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

If you are interested in off the beaten path experiences and places loved by locals, consider visiting lesser-known destinations like the serene Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, where you can witness a variety of migratory birds in their natural habitat. Another hidden gem is the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, which offers opportunities for volunteering in wildlife conservation projects. Additionally, spend a day volunteering with organizations like Goonj, which focuses on clothing and rural development, or Vivekananda Youth Movement, involved in various social initiatives and education programs.

Hotel and Flight Information

For hotel and flight bookings, you can check prices and availability on KAYAK.