 – with Sister Rose & Sister Reesa
Pristine beaches, colorful temples, a language and culture uniquely its own, South India is a land of treasures. Lured by a distinct culture and gentle climate, travelers find themselves welcomed by the gracious people of Southern Indian. You can read more about this region on our Kerala Page.
In this spectacular region, however, live many whose quality of life could be greatly improved. On this tour, clients will travel to the southern state of Kerala to assist two inspirational nuns, Sister Reesa Pal and Sister Kusuman Rose (both of whom were Honorees at the 2009 "Unsung Heroes of Compassion" presided by His Holiness the Dalai Lama). These nuns run the Deepthy Special School in Muhamma Village, a "home and school for intellectually disabled children."
Each morning a speed boat ride will carry us across the waters of Lake Vembanadam to the Deepthy Special School. Our clients will have an opportunity to work closely with the nuns and their students for four school days. The school offers education, life skills and job training to seventy-five disabled children. Beyond academic studies, students participate in yoga, team sports, crafts, gardening, music, and job training for potential employment in local industries.
Lengths of time for relaxation and sight-seeing are built into this itinerary, and the Kumarakom Lake Resort has an exceptional Ayurvedic Spa. A final leisurely day is reserved for the exploration of the colorful and culturally-rich port city of Kochi.
This is a ideal Service Tour for individuals who would like to experience the peace and wonder of South India while making a positive impact on the lives of members of India’s most disenfranchised population. Volunteer travelers will work in the school under the guidance of Sister Rose and Sister Reesa, assisting the children in their daily learning routine. No specific educational experience is necessary. Travelers with expertise in teaching children with special needs will also have the opportunity to work with and train the school's teachers. Professional medical expertise is always welcome.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1, Fri: DEPART USA
Day 2, Sat: EN ROUTE TO INDIA
Day 3, Sun: ARRIVE BANGALORE & TO Kochi - Most international flights arrive in Bangalore very early in the morning. You will be met on arrival and transferred to the Airport hotel for a few hours of rest before flying to Kochi. Met on arrival and transferred to our hotel, the Kumarakom Lake Resort (KLR), on the banks of banks of Lake Vembanadam. Orientation meeting in the evening followed by a welcome dinner.
Day 4, Mon: DEEPTHY SPECIAL SCHOOL - This morning we will take a speed boat across the lake to the Deepthy School in Muhamma Village. After an orientation meeting with the Principal and Director of the School, we will meet all the children at this day & boarding school. We plunge right into their daily routine, assisting the staff as required. At the close of the school day we will board our boat and cross the lake to our hotel.
Days 5 – 8, (Tue - Fri): DEEPTHY SPECIAL SCHOOL – We have four full days to work with the "special needs” children. After breakfast at the hotel we will take speed boats to cross the river and reach the school and start our work day. We will have lunch at the schools with the children and return to our hotel at the end of the school day. Balance of the day are at your leisure to enjoy the wonderful setting of the hotel. KLR also has an exceptional Ayurvedic Spa.
At the end of the school week on Friday, we will transfer to Kochi where we will have a closing meeting to discuss the week’s activities, followed by a farewell dinner.
Day 9, Sat: TO BANGALORE & DEPART TO USA - We have the morning to visit sights or shop in Kochi. Early evening fly back to Bangalore and connect on our return flight back to the USA.
Day 10, Sun: ARRIVE USA
Note: If you have additional time, Destination Himalaya will be happy to make arrangements for you to visit other sites in India.
Click here, If you are unable to join us on this tour, but would still like to make a donation towards this project.
Other Voluntourism Trips:
- Medical Boat in the Sunderbans
The Sunderban Islands lie off the shores of India and Bangladesh, where the Ganges River pours itself into the Bay of Bengal. This service trip (no medical expertise required) travels by boat to assist the millions of farmers and fishermen who eek out a living on small islands
- Munsel-Ling School: Spiti
The isolation that preserved the Spiti culture and traditions, also left the children far behind, without an opportunity for education. We will assist in the school founded by Lama Tashi Namgyal, called Munsel-Ling or “Place Illuminating the Darkness.”
Other itineraries featuring South India:
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Call us toll free at 1-800 MY INDIA (1-800-694-6342) or email us to request a detailed day-to-day itinerary. |
“My ardent desire is to give whatever God gave me to others in the form of love, care and service.”
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Sister Rose
Sister Rose with one of her students
Photo: Sahzil Khan
Features:
Volunteer work
Bazaars of Kochi (Cochin)
Houseboating
Ayurvedic Spa |
It's Included:
Medical & evacuation insurance
All accommodation, meals, ground transportation,
local guides and entrance fees
Fully escorted trip |
2012/2013 Departures:
2nd Friday of the month October – March |
Note:
This tour dove-tails with Sunderbans Service Trip
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Land Cost:
2-5 participants: $3845
6+ participants: $3685 |
Entrance to Deepthy Special School
Students with their artwork
Kathakali performer |
