.svg){kind=small}
Top Conservation Projects You Can Volunteer For in India
Discover the top wildlife and environmental conservation projects you can volunteer for in India—from marine turtle programs to tiger tracking. Make a real impact while exploring India’s rich biodiversity.
India’s natural heritage is as vast as it is diverse—ranging from dense rainforests and high-altitude Himalayan ecosystems to dry deciduous forests and coastal wetlands. But this biodiversity is under constant threat from habitat loss, poaching, pollution, and climate change.
Thankfully, a growing number of conservation initiatives across India welcome volunteers who are passionate about wildlife, sustainability, and making a tangible difference. Whether you're a student, researcher, traveler, or nature lover, these projects offer the chance to work on the frontlines of environmental protection.
Here are some of the top conservation projects in India that you can volunteer for:
1. Wildlife SOS – Elephant and Bear Rescue Projects (Uttar Pradesh & Karnataka)
What They Do
Wildlife SOS is one of India's most impactful conservation NGOs, focused on rescuing and rehabilitating exploited elephants and sloth bears. Their centers in Mathura and Bannerghatta (near Bangalore) provide a safe haven for animals once subjected to cruel conditions.
Volunteer Activities
- Feeding and bathing elephants
- Cleaning and maintaining enclosures
- Behavioral observation and data collection
- Educational outreach and awareness work
Why It’s Worth It
Get hands-on with some of the most iconic species in India while learning about animal welfare and the ethical challenges of wildlife tourism.
2. Turtle Conservation Project – Velas, Maharashtra
What They Do
Velas is a quiet coastal village where Olive Ridley sea turtles return every year to nest. The Sahyadri Nisarga Mitra organization, in collaboration with local communities, runs this grassroots conservation project.
Volunteer Activities
- Monitoring nesting beaches
- Assisting in hatchling release
- Participating in the annual Velas Turtle Festival
- Educating tourists about marine biodiversity
Why It’s Worth It
A rare opportunity to witness and protect one of nature’s most magical moments—baby turtles crawling into the sea.
3. Snow Leopard Conservancy India Trust – Ladakh
What They Do
In the cold deserts of Ladakh, snow leopards face threats from human-wildlife conflict. The Snow Leopard Conservancy works to promote coexistence and community-led conservation.
Volunteer Activities
- Installing camera traps
- Assisting with eco-tourism homestays
- Collecting data on snow leopard habitats
- Teaching local children conservation education
Why It’s Worth It
Experience Himalayan wildlife and support one of the world’s rarest big cats while contributing to sustainable tourism models.
4. Centre for Wildlife Studies (CWS) – Karnataka & Tamil Nadu
What They Do
CWS focuses on scientific research, conservation education, and policy advocacy—particularly around tiger and elephant corridors in Southern India.
Volunteer Activities
- Field research support
- Human-wildlife conflict resolution
- Data entry and GIS mapping
- Assisting in community engagement programs
Why It’s Worth It
You’ll gain real-world conservation science experience while helping preserve India’s crucial wildlife corridors.
5. ReefWatch Marine Conservation – Andaman & Nicobar Islands
What They Do
Dedicated to protecting India’s fragile marine ecosystems, ReefWatch works on coral reef restoration and marine education in the biodiverse Andaman Islands.
Volunteer Activities
- Coral transplanting and reef monitoring
- Beach cleanups and waste audits
- Assisting in marine biodiversity surveys
- Diving and underwater photography for research
Why It’s Worth It
Live on a tropical island and dive for a cause—this is marine conservation at its most immersive.
6. Madras Crocodile Bank Trust (MCBT) – Tamil Nadu
What They Do
Founded by herpetologist Romulus Whitaker, MCBT is a world-renowned reptile conservation center working on breeding, research, and education.
Volunteer Activities
- Assisting in feeding and caring for crocodiles, snakes, and turtles
- Public education and guided tours
- Data management and research
- Habitat cleaning and maintenance
Why It’s Worth It
Perfect for aspiring herpetologists and those fascinated by reptiles and amphibians.
7. Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF) – Multiple States
What They Do
NCF is a science-driven NGO working across India—from the Western Ghats to the Himalayas—on forest, marine, and grassland ecosystems.
Volunteer Activities
- Field ecology and biodiversity monitoring
- Documentation and photography
- Working with local schools and community programs
- Supporting sustainable livelihood initiatives
Why It’s Worth It
Collaborate with some of India's top conservation scientists and contribute to real impact in underrepresented ecosystems.
Tips for Volunteering in Conservation Projects
- Do Your Research: Choose a program aligned with your values and skillsets.
- Pack Mindfully: Bring appropriate gear—binoculars, notebooks, eco-friendly toiletries, etc.
- Be Respectful: You're a guest in nature and local communities—follow all guidelines.
- Commit Fully: Conservation is slow work that needs patience, consistency, and humility.
- Stay Connected: Many programs offer long-term networking and research opportunities.
Volunteering in India’s conservation projects is a life-changing experience—but planning logistics in remote regions can be tricky. That’s where Hi DMC comes in.
Whether you want to spend a week monitoring turtles on a beach or trek across Himalayan valleys for snow leopard research, Hi DMC will customize the perfect eco-travel itinerary for you. Contact Hi DMC today and start your journey into the wild side of India—with purpose, passion, and impact.
