Real Immersion India
Real Immersion India
Step outside the "tourist bubble" and dive into the authentic heart of India.
14 Days | 18-30s Years | Max Group: 16
Tour Summary
This is not a standard holiday; it is a high-impact, 14-day immersion designed for those who want to engage deeply with local communities while experiencing the country's most iconic landscapes. From the chaotic energy of Delhi to the spiritual silence of the Thar Desert and the community-led projects in Goa, you will build high-level life skills and global understanding.
You will travel side-by-side with local experts, navigating the "real" India through overnight trains, tuk-tuk rides, and village stays. This program is managed by our strategic alliance with The Green Lion, providing verified infrastructure and 24/7 on-ground support.
Private Squads & Family Journeys
Traveling as a family or a group of friends? If you have 3 or more travelers, we can arrange this Real Immersion as a private, dedicated program on your preferred dates. Enjoy the same high-impact itinerary with the exclusivity of your own squad. Contact Us for Private Group Details
Price: £1,345 | €1,495 | $1,725
Start Dates 2026: July 5, August 2, September 6
How This Tour Scores:
Travel (4/5):
Diverse transit including iconic overnight trains, desert drives, and a flight to the southern coast.
Adventure (5/5):
Camel safaris in the Thar Desert, overnight camping, and exploring the "Venice of the East.
Culture (4/5):
Deep dives into Indian heritage through cooking sessions, pottery workshops, and heritage walks
Volunteer (5/5):
High-impact, community-managed projects supported by our 25-year operational alliance
The Abroad Escape Difference
Stop comparing prices and start comparing value. Most operators hide their costs behind "Registration Fees" and leave you to find your own meals. We don’t.
Zero Registration Fees: The price you see is the price you pay. No hidden admin costs.
Total Fueling: Unlike most tours, we include breakfast, lunch, and dinner nearly every day.
Safe: We provide 24/7 ground-truth support that "budget" tours skip.
One all-inclusive fee. Total transparency. Maximum impact.
Why Join Abroad Escape?
25 years of operational framework. One dedicated alliance. Real impact in 21 countries.
Powered by a 25-year operational framework in international volunteer program management and coordination.
21 countries currently hosting active community-led volunteer projects across five continents.
Long-term partnership with local pioneers to ensure ethical on-ground operations and safety.
Tour Highlights
-
The Golden Triangle & Beyond: Witness the dawn over the Taj Mahal in Agra and navigate the historic corridors of the Red Fort in Delhi. This is not just sightseeing; it is an exploration of the architectural power that shaped modern India.
-
Thar Desert Camel Safari: Leave the grid behind for a deep-desert experience in Jaisalmer. You will trek by camel into the rolling dunes of the Thar Desert for an overnight camping session under the stars, accompanied by traditional folk music and fireside cultural sessions.
-
The "Lake City" Immersion: Explore Udaipur, the Venice of the East. Beyond the stunning City Palace, you will engage in traditional puppetry workshops and sunrise yoga, gaining insight into the artistic heritage of Rajasthan.
-
Direct-Impact Volunteering in Goa: Shift from traveler to change-maker. Your time in Goa is dedicated to structured service in Old Age Homes, Special Needs Care, or Kindergartens. You will work side-by-side with local teams to provide essential support in community-managed infrastructure.
-
Cultural Skill-Building: Master the basics of Indian cuisine in a professional cooking session and participate in a traditional pottery workshop. These sessions are designed to move you beyond a surface-level understanding of Indian life.
-
The Iconic Transit Experience: Navigate India like a local. From the high-energy tuk-tuk rides through Delhi’s markets to the atmospheric overnight trains and buses, you will experience the authentic logistics of the subcontinent.
-
Beachside Farewell in South Goa: Conclude your 14-day mission with a road trip to the pristine beaches of South Goa. A final reflection and farewell lunch provide the space to process your impact before departure.
14-Day Itinerary: The Real Immersion India
Ready to swap the ordinary for the extraordinary? This 14-day journey takes you from the chaotic charm of Delhi and the golden sands of the Thar Desert to the soul-stirring volunteer projects of tropical Goa. It’s more than a trip; it’s a deep dive into the heart of India designed for the bold, the curious, and those ready to make a real difference.
The Journey
Day 1: Arrival in the Chaos Touch down in New Delhi! We’ll grab you from IGI Airport and get you settled into your new home base. Tonight, meet your new travel crew over a massive Welcome Dinner as you prep for the madness and beauty of India. Overnight: Delhi Hotel (D)
Day 2: Delhi Foundations & Street Vibes Get your bearings with a deep-dive orientation on how to navigate India like a pro, covering everything from local etiquette to safety. Then, jump in a Tuk-Tuk for a whirlwind tour of the Red Fort and the neon energy of Connaught Place markets. Overnight: Delhi Hotel (B/L/D)
Day 3: The Icon (Agra) It’s an early start for the express train to Agra. Stand in awe before the Taj Mahal—yes, it’s even better in person. After a day of exploring the world's most famous monument to love, we board an overnight train to Udaipur—a true rite of passage for any real traveler. Overnight: Sleeper Train (B/L/D)
Day 4: Udaipur: The City of Lakes Wake up in the "Venice of the East." After checking in, we’ll dive into the program's local impact goals followed by a visit to the Udaipur Palace and a traditional cultural dance show. We’ll end the day with a sunset walking tour of Ganghor Ghat. Overnight: Udaipur Hotel (B/L/D)
Day 5: Yoga, Puppets & The Night Bus Start your morning with a Sunrise Yoga session followed by a local puppetry workshop to learn the ancient art of Rajasthani storytelling. You’ve got a free afternoon to explore the winding lakeside alleys before we board our overnight sleeper bus into the deep desert. Overnight: Sleeper Bus (B/L/D)
Day 6: Into the Thar Desert Welcome to the Golden City, Jaisalmer! We’re heading straight into the dunes for an epic Desert and Camel Safari. Tonight, we’re camping under a blanket of stars in the Thar Desert, complete with a cultural fire-side evening and local folk music. Overnight: Desert Camping (B/L/D)
Day 7: Jaisalmer Heritage Explore the intricately carved Havelis and the serene Gadisagar Lake via Tuk-Tuk. After a heritage walk through the fort, you’ll have a free afternoon to hunt for leather goods and silver in the markets before our overnight return bus journey. Overnight: Sleeper Bus (B/L/D)
Day 8: Transition to the Tropics We touch back down in Udaipur just long enough to catch an internal flight to Goa. Swap the desert dust for salty air as we arrive at the TGL Goa Centre. Drop your bags, meet the Goa team, and settle into the tropical life. Overnight: TGL Goa Centre (B/L/D)
Day 9: Coastal Orientation & Fort Views Time to meet the community. Today involves an orientation of our local volunteer projects followed by a visit to the historic Reis Magos Fort for epic ocean views. Enjoy a free evening to soak in the relaxed Goa atmosphere. Overnight: TGL Goa Centre (B/D)
Day 10: Community Impact & Spice Your morning is dedicated to high-impact volunteering at our local projects, whether it's an old age home, special needs care, or a kindergarten. In the afternoon, we’ll wander the colorful, Mediterranean-style streets of Fontainhas before an authentic Indian cooking session back at the center. Overnight: TGL Goa Centre (B/L/D)
Day 11: Markets & Salt Water Spend your morning giving back at your volunteer placement. In the afternoon, we hit the legendary Anjuna Flea Market for the best shopping in India, followed by a sunset session on the sand at Anjuna Beach. Overnight: TGL Goa Centre (B/L/D)
Day 12: Artisans & Bollywood Final morning of volunteering—make it count! Later, get your hands dirty in a pottery workshop with local artisans to learn traditional techniques. We’ll wrap up the day with a massive Bollywood Movie Night back at the center. Overnight: TGL Goa Centre (B/L/D)
Day 13: South Goa Road Trip We’re heading south to the pristine, quiet beaches for a well-deserved rest. This is our Farewell Beach Day, featuring a massive road trip, a farewell lunch, and plenty of time to soak up the sun with your team before a final dinner. Overnight: TGL Goa Centre (B/D)
Day 14: Final Goodbyes It’s been a wild 14 days. Swap contact info with your new lifelong friends and say goodbye to the local team. We’ll provide your departure transfer to the airport for your journey home. Meals: (B/L/D)
Where You’ll Sleep (The Base)
We don’t do boring hotels. Your accommodation is part of the adventure, chosen to keep you close to the action and the squad.
-
The Journey: Spend nights on India’s iconic overnight trains and buses, experiencing the authentic pulse of the country.
-
The Impact Base: Stay in dedicated volunteer houses in Goa—social hubs designed for forming lifelong friendships with fellow travelers
. -
Security: All locations feature verified cleanliness, security, and storage for your gear (bring a small padlock!)
.
What You’ll Eat (The Fuel)
With almost all meals included, we ensure you are powered up for your service and exploration
-
Authentic Flavors: Skip the tourist buffets for real Indian curries, street food finds, and regional Rajasthani dishes
. -
Fresh, healthy meals per day provided at base camp
.
Prices & Start Dates
-
Start Dates 2026: July 5, August 2, September 6
-
Price: £1,345 | €1,495 | $1,725
-
Private Room Upgrade: £545 | €595 | $685
What’s Included
-
14-Day Full Loop: Complete itinerary.
-
The Squad: A vetted group of 18–30s year-old travelers (Max 16).
-
Fuel: meals included as per itineray (Local, authentic, and high-energy).
-
Impact Projects: Fully organized volunteer placements backed by 25 years of operational expertise.
-
Transport: All internal travel and transfers as per itinerary.
-
Local Experts: 24/7 support from our on-ground operational alliance and local coordinators.
-
Accommodation: Shared accommodation. Private accommodation can be booked as an add-on.
What’s Not Included
-
Flights: Your international flight to/from India.
-
Insurance: Mandatory travel insurance.
- Visa: Most travelers require an e-Visa to enter India. This is not included.
-
Personal Spending: Cold drinks, souvenirs, and late-night snacks.
Getting There
-
Arrival: You need to fly into Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) on Sunday between 06:00 to 23:00.
-
Departure: Your journey ends on Day 14.
FAQ’s
-
What is the "Small Group Guarantee"? We need a minimum of 3 travelers to activate a trip to ensure a vibrant social atmosphere and meaningful impact. Your deposit is fully protected and refundable until activation.If your date doesn't hit the minimum, we offer a full refund or we can arrange a transfer to another of our programs in and around India.
-
Do I need prior experience to volunteer? No. Our projects are designed for high-impact service that anyone with energy and a good attitude can contribute to.
Transparent Pricing: No Hidden Fees, Just Real Impact
One simple fee. Total peace of mind.
Unlike other volunteer organizations, we believe in radical transparency. We’ve eliminated the industry-standard "Registration Fee"—saving you up to £300 before you even leave home. We don’t charge for credit card processing or admin overhead. Your payment goes exactly where it belongs: toward your experience and the communities we serve.
Why our all-inclusive price wins:
-
Zero Registration Fees: No "membership" or "application" costs.
-
Most Meals Included: We cover breakfast, lunch, and dinner nearly every day, saving you an estimated £250 in local food costs.
-
24/7 Ground Truth: You aren't just paying for a bed; you’re paying for a secure, vetted, and professionally managed safety net.
Secure Your Spot with a Flexible Deposit
Lock in your 2026 squad without paying the full balance today.
-
Low-Barrier Entry: Secure your placement with a deposit of £175 | €200 | $225.
-
12-Month Validity: Plans change. Your deposit is valid for a full year from the date of booking.
-
Ultimate Flexibility: Change your start date or destination at any time up to 60 days before departure.
Ready to Join?
Don’t miss out before it gets fully booked!
BOOK NOW & SECURE YOUR SPOT
We are Loved ♥️ by our Trusted Customers
I volunteered with Abroad Escape, which was definitely the best trip and the best experience of my life!
The program was a great experience for me. The kids I taught were very smart and happy. They were very willing to learn which was amazing.
I had an amazing time in volunteering with Abroad Escape. I was happy with the whole experience and would love to go back in the future!