Global Builders – India

• 8:00 – Breakfast
• 9:00 – Begin building at work-site
• 12:00 – Lunch
• 1:00 – Continue building
• 4:00 – Evening free for dinner and relaxation
  
  Exact schedules can be discussed and set depending on the team’s preferences.

We are building with bricks or concrete blocks and stuccoing the completed homes. The homes are built in a very traditional Indian style, with white walls and a flat, concrete roof that gets used almost like a porch or backyard in the United States. Work will typically involve helping the masons and carpenters. At times there will be painting, and any other work that could be expected on a masonry build project. We will provide necessary tools, but as with most build sites, it never hurts to bring a few small hand tools with you.

The level of hospitality is so high for their honored guests like our Global Builders teams that we find we must continually emphasize that the teams are coming to work very hard, even our esteemed older volunteers. Respect and care for one’s elders is taken very seriously in India.

We offer two housing options in Trivandrum – a guest house with semi-private rooms (recommended), or a nearby hotel. Each group will stay entirely in one or in the other, as determined by the team leader prior to the trip. The guest house is run by an Indian couple who live next door and work hard to accommodate their guests’ requests, including food requests. Volunteers will experience traditional Indian food and have bottled water available. Each room has 2-4 beds and fans and air conditioning, and internet is available, albeit only at a single computer work station. The place is simple, but clean, and ideal for mission-minded groups.

Here is a link to their website: http://www.pushpakamhomestay.in

A van or small bus will be rented to transport the group throughout each day. The distance from the hotel to each work-site will vary, but on average it is about 20 minutes.

Bedding and towels are provided by the hotel, but we recommend you bring your own washcloth. Luggage can often get delayed, so bring your luggage as a carry-on if possible. Sturdy work clothes and closed-toed shoes are essential, and we recommend coordinating with your teammates to bring enough sunscreen and bug spray.

This part of India is incredibly beautiful with much to do, from visiting beaches to touring parks and historical sites. Groups can even choose to spend a night in a houseboat. We expect each group to spend at least a couple of days seeing the sites – or more if the group desires.

Trips range from 7-14 days, and trip costs vary accordingly. A standard trip is roughly two weeks and costs around $1,400-$1,800. More precise budgets are custom developed for each trip. Trips lasting 7-10 days will naturally cost less than 14-day trips.

Are you unsure of how to prepare for such an experience or just looking for some tips on how to be better prepared? If so, we suggest you take a look at our Trip Preparation page where you will find a lot of helpful information and links – Preparing For Your Trip!