A Voluntourism Initiative - Friends of Seva Mandir
Immersive Visit to Seva Mandir and Udaipur | February 15-21, 2026| 7 Days, 6 Nights
Experience India with Purpose
Join Friends of Seva Mandir (USA) on a meaningful journey to the heart of Rajasthan.
This unique voluntourism trip blends the beauty of Udaipur — the “City of Lakes” — with the opportunity to witness and support Seva Mandir’s 50-year legacy of community-led development.
Travel in comfort, connect deeply, and contribute to lasting change in rural India.
Trip Overview
Cost per person:
$3,750
(includes a $1,750 tax-deductible charitable contribution to Seva Mandir)
Duration:
7 days / 6 nights
Location:
Udaipur, Rajasthan
Group Size
Limited small group for an immersive, hands-on experience
Inclusions
- All accommodations in 4–5-star hotels (double occupancy)
- All meals, excursions, activities, and ground transportation
- Guided Seva Mandir village experiences
- Local cultural events and heritage site visits
Exclusions
- International flights to and from Udaipur
- Tips, souvenirs, and beverages not listed
Days 1–2: Welcome to Udaipur — The City of Lakes
Arrive in Udaipur and unwind at a luxury hotel. Explore the charm of this royal city with guided visits to City Palace, Saheliyon ki Bari, Jagdish Temple, and Lake Pichola. Enjoy local cuisine, a sunset at Monsoon Palace, and a cultural evening by the lake.
Meet the Seva Mandir team over cocktails and dinner to learn about their mission and the impact your visit supports.
Day 3: Heritage Excursion — Kumbhalgarh Fort & Ranakpur Jain Temple
Journey through the Aravalli Hills to visit the magnificent Kumbhalgarh Fort—home to the world’s second-longest wall—and the stunning Ranakpur Jain Temples.
A day of awe-inspiring architecture and reflection on Rajasthan’s history and spirituality.
Day 4: From City to Community — Seva Mandir in Action
Depart Udaipur to visit a Rural Learning Camp (RLC). Interact with children through games and creative activities. Later, enjoy dinner with Seva Mandir’s grassroots staff—local leaders, health workers, and educators—who will share stories of transformation from the field.
Days 5–6: Immersive Village Visits
Spend two days in nearby tribal villages volunteering alongside Seva Mandir staff. Activities include painting school walls, engaging with children at balwadis (preschools), and meeting women’s self-help groups. Experience firsthand how communities are becoming self-reliant through participatory development.
Day 7: Reflection and Farewell
Enjoy a relaxed morning or optional shopping at Hathi Pol Bazaar before departing for your flight. Leave inspired by the beauty of Rajasthan and the resilience of its people.
Seva Mandir, one of India’s leading development non-profits, currently engages with over one million people across 1,779 villages in southern Rajasthan.
For over 50 years, it has been “Transforming lives through democratic and participatory development.”
At the heart of Seva Mandir’s philosophy is self-governance — empowering rural communities to shape their own futures through cooperation, transparency, and equity.
1. Self-Governance & Community Institutions
- 1,034 community institutions formed and strengthened, representing over 100,000 families
- Conflicts reduced by nearly 20% in villages with community institutions
2. Health & Education
- 82,000 children receive quality education each year; 70% of out-of-school children mainstreamed
- 111,000 women and 150,000 children under six reached through health and nutrition programs
- 72% of severely malnourished children restored to healthy weight
- 8,000 patients (half women) treated annually in remote hamlets
- 7,500+ adolescents engaged annually; 43% are girls
3. Women’s Empowerment & Livelihoods
- 1,930 women’s Self-Help Groups active
- 28,000 women advancing toward financial independence and equality
- 70,000 women trained in digital and financial tools
- 600+ displaced or abused women supported through women’s resource centres and short-stay homes
4. Natural Resource Management
- 13 million trees planted; carbon sinks totaling 300,000 tons created
- 21,800+ hectares of land under soil conservation, benefiting 8,300 households
- 221 water harvesting structures recharge 900 million litres annually
- 93,000 women farmers cultivating climate-resilient crops, fruits, vegetables, and poultry
- 409 pasturelands restored to community management
- 296 villages received forest rights for 38,500 hectares of village forest
5. Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH)
- 75,000 people now have clean drinking water access
- 1,000+ toilets built or rejuvenated, with 80% sustained usage
- Water collection time reduced by 20 minutes per family
- 464 tons of solid waste managed annually through community-led systems
Through these and other programs, Seva Mandir continues to make tangible, lasting change across one of India’s most impoverished yet resilient regions.
Learn more at www.sevamandir.org
Explore More of India
Make the most of your journey by extending your visit before or after the Voluntourism program. Each optional trip has been thoughtfully curated to complement your time in Udaipur — balancing India’s rich cultural heritage with comfort and ease of travel.
Option 1: Delhi & Agra — The Capital and the Taj Mahal
Begin your journey in Delhi, where centuries of history blend with modern vibrance. Visit Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, and India Gate before traveling to Agra to witness the breathtaking Taj Mahal — one of the world’s greatest monuments to love.
Suggested duration: 3–4 days
Option 2: Jodhpur & Jaisalmer — The Desert Experience
Immerse yourself in the magic of Rajasthan’s desert landscapes. Explore Jodhpur, the “Blue City,” with its towering Mehrangarh Fort, then journey onward to Jaisalmer, where golden sand dunes and ancient havelis tell stories of royal caravans and timeless charm.
Enjoy a sunset camel ride and starlit dinner in the dunes.
Suggested duration: 4–5 days
Option 3: Mumbai — India’s Cultural and Coastal Gateway
Fly west to Mumbai, India’s bustling coastal metropolis. Discover the Gateway of India, explore vibrant markets and colonial-era architecture, and sample world-class cuisine. For those interested, we can include a visit to Dharavi’s social enterprises—an inspiring look at community resilience and innovation.
Suggested duration: 3 days
Option 4: Jaipur — The Pink City
Add a visit to Jaipur, part of India’s famous “Golden Triangle.” Wander through the Amber Fort, City Palace, and Hawa Mahal. Shop for gemstones, block prints, and traditional crafts while enjoying royal hospitality.
Suggested duration: 2–3 days
Custom Itineraries
We can help plan tailor-made experiences—from yoga retreats in the Himalayas to wildlife safaris in Ranthambore National Park. Whether spiritual or nature-based, we’ll connect you with trusted travel partners to extend your India adventure with confidence and care.
1. Who can participate?
There are no strict age restrictions. Families, couples, and individuals are all welcome. Children are encouraged to join as long as they are accompanied by a parent or guardian. The experience is designed to be enriching and engaging for all ages.
2. Is the charitable portion tax-deductible?
Yes. Friends of Seva Mandir is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit in the U.S. The $1,750 donation portion is fully tax-deductible.
3. What accommodations and meals are provided?
Participants stay in curated 4–5-star hotels in Udaipur and boutique hotels near Kotra. All meals are included, featuring a blend of local and international cuisine.
4. How physically demanding is the trip?
Activities are light and suitable for all fitness levels—painting, crafts, short walks, and cultural exchanges. Children and older participants can take part comfortably.
5. Is it safe to travel to rural villages?
Yes. Seva Mandir has over five decades of field experience, and all visits are organized with local staff and trusted partners who ensure safety and comfort.
6. What should I pack?
Comfortable, modest clothing; walking shoes; sunscreen; a hat; and a spirit of curiosity. A detailed packing list will be shared closer to departure.
7. Can I extend my stay in India?
Absolutely. You may arrange pre- or post-trip extensions independently or through our travel partners.
Come for the beauty of Rajasthan.
Stay for the connection, compassion, and change your presence can bring.
