Arrive in India!

We will meet you at Kochi international airport and drive you to our accommodation, about 1 hour away. You can unpack, meet the other volunteers and relax.

We’ll have a walk around your new neighbourhood this afternoon / evening to help you adjust to your new surroundings and go for dinner at a local restaurant – your first chance to experience freshly cooked Keralan food. You’re in India 🙂

Sunset in Kochi, India – VoluntEars

We’ll have a late breakfast and do an orientation meeting so you know exactly what to expect over the next 2 weeks.

This afternoon we’ll explore some of Kochi harbour – see the famous Chinese fishing nets, get involved with local life when we take the “ro-ro” ferry across the harbour and wander along the waterfront as the sun goes down.

Traditional fishing nets in Kerala, India – VoluntEars

This morning we’ll learn about some local history by visiting Mattancherry Palace and Jew Street.

Jew Street, Kochi, India – VoluntEars

This afternoon we’ll visit a local deaf school and do activities with some of their students. We’ll discuss the plans for this in advance, we can give you ideas for activities and you can work in groups with other volunteers so don’t worry if it’s a bit out of your comfort zone. The students will be super-excited to meet you!

Sam doing activities with deaf students in India – VoluntEars

A slightly early start today as we travel an hour away (by private mini-bus) to visit Vaikom Mahadeva Temple, a significant local Hindu temple.

Vaikom Mahadeva Temple, India – VoluntEars

This afternoon we’ll do activities at the deaf school back in Kochi. Teach some dance moves, play cards, try your hand at henna tattoos…the options are endless!

Amrit doing activities with deaf students in India – VoluntEars

This morning we’ll visit one of Kochi’s best known Dobhi’s – a huge traditional outdoor laundry service – and browse the David Hall Art Gallery (where they also serve very tasty cakes and coffees!).

This afternoon is our last session with the  students at the deaf school.

Doing activities with deaf students in India – VoluntEars

Today we leave Kochi and the coast behind and travel up to the ‘hill country’ in the Western Ghat mountains. We’ll stay in Munnar tonight; admire the far-reaching views and see hillsides covered in bright green-coloured tea plantations.

Munnar tea hills in India – VoluntEars

After breakfast with a view we’ll visit a working tea factory where you can see freshly-plucked tea leaves being transformed into drinkable tea and then well drive further through the mountains to Thekkady ready for our next adventure tomorrow.

Tea factory in Munnar, India – VoluntEars

Tea plantation in Munnar, India – VoluntEars