Join one week of language and cultural immersion program in the bustling and happening city of Bangalore, also known as "Silicon Valley of India” before you begin your volunteering journey in South India. Bangalore, the third largest city in India lies 1000m above sea level. Apart from the pleasant climate and the exotic landscape, this beautiful city referred as India’s garden city has much to offer to large number of people from any walks of life. The one week language and culture program offers learning opportunities to our volunteers with time enough to explore the fascinating city and its majestic surroundings.
Language Immersion Itinerary (Tentative)
Day 0: Airport arrival and transfer to accommodation
Day 1: Orientation on South Indian religion, culture, history, customs, geography, including information on heath and precautions, etc. Karnataka language lesson begins
Days 2-3: Karnataka language lessons for 2-3 hours a day. Visit the ethnic villages and meet the local people. Volunteers can try to converse in the new language while experiencing the cross-cultural opportunities and discussing the local culture and religions with the people
Day 4: Explore Bangalore – Visit Kempe Gowda, Tippu Palace, Venkataramanaswamy Temple, Gangadhareshware (Cave Temple). Explore Lal Bagh, the botanical gardens laid out by Hyder Ali; and the Bull Temple with a giant Nandi. Visit Dharmaraja Temple, the Ravindra Kalakshetra,
St. Mary's Church, and Gandhi Bhavan depending on time availability
Day 5: Belur - Halebid – Travel to Belur situated on the banks of the Yagachi River. The Chennakesava Temple basks in the glory of one of the greatest monuments of medieval art in India. An outstanding example of Indian temple architecture is found in Halebid. The Hoysaleshwara Temple’s entire surface is covered with a succession of friezes running its entire length, featuring elephants, lions, horsemen, and an incredible display of celestial beasts and birds. At night, view the splendidly illuminated City Palace. Stay overnight at Mysore
Shravanabelagola - Situated almost 51 kilometers southeast of Hassan, this is one of the most revered Jain pilgrimage centers. Here you will find the 17-meters-high monolith of Lord Bahubali, the world's tallest monolithic statue. Thousands of devotees gather here to perform the Mahamastakabhisheka - a spectacular ceremony held once in every 12 years when the
1000 year old statue is anointed with milk, curds, ghee, saffron, and gold coins
Day 6: Mysore - Often called the City of Palaces, Mysore Palace was built in 1912 by the Wodeyars in the Indo-Saracenic style. Its highlights are the Golden Royal Elephant Throne, the Durbar Hall, the Kalyana Mandap, and the Gallery. You may also visit the gothic-style St. Philomena's Church, one of the largest churches in the country with beautiful stained glass windows. Visit the monolith of Nandi bull on the slopes of Chamundi Hills, a fitting introduction to the 2,000-year-old Chamundeswari Temple. Discover the Brindavan Gardens with their musical fountains and colorful lights.
Day 7: End of language and culture immersion program and transfer to volunteer’s project site/host family
Remarks: program itinerary is just a sample and is subject to change to meet the needs of volunteers and our home office.
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Volunteer program in South India |
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