Best Organization for Volunteering With Children/Orphanages?

I am looking to volunteer with children (hopefully an orphanage) in Dec 2012/ Jan 2013 for approx 2 weeks. I would prefer South India (mostly I can find Bangalore orphanages available for volunteers) but I am wondering what organization to go through. The prices range from around $400 to over $1200.

Does anyone have any suggestions? I don't HAVE to volunteer through an organization, but I will need somewhere to stay, etc as I will be coming alone. Also approximately how much is travel insurance (health) and how long does the visa process take and what are the approximate fees? I already have my passport. I am in the US.

Thanks very much!

I would vote for 'CRY' (Child Rights and You) or the 'Missionaries of Charity' started by Mother Teresa.

Why are you being asked to pay for volunteering? Does that money go directly to the charity or perhaps to western-travel agency? Often it ends up in the orphanage's owners pockets. Be advised the levels of corruption in India are severe.

If you're looking for a reputable charity that helps children please IM me. I've volunteered there myself and can highly recommend it. Unfortunately its in north India, not south.

You can find cheap guesthouses to stay, so no need to spend money on an expensive organization. No idea about travel health insurances in the US, but in Europe you get them very cheap up to 4 weeks travelling time. Health care in India is not expensive, so it won't cost a fortune.

Regarding visa: Just check the visa subforum here on IndiaMike, you'll most probably get your answer there already in a sticky thread.

Regarding your volunteering plans:
2 weeks is no time in India, so I would suggest volunteering with an organization that is experienced with volunteers.

Visa questions are best answered at Travisa, the organization that administers the visas for India. https://indiavisa.travisaoutsourcing...ocessing-times

I believe I would state "tourism" rather than "volunterring" as a reason for going there.

What draws you to volunteering in India? What sort of voluntary work do you do in your home?

I did not understand about the pricing. Why pricing for volunteering? I know one orphanage in Hyderabad. If you need any help let me know.

Children walking tall Goa.....


http://www.childrenwalkingtall.com/Volunteer-Goa.htm

Hi Telugammayi,
I volunteered at a small residencial school for mentally challenged children in Kochi, Kerala, last year. I was provided with a room in exchange for the work that I did there. I would definitely recommend that, though it is tough work sometimes. I guess that kind of volunteering always is, though.
Cheers,
A.