[suspended-in-gaffa]

I'm new to this site and I'm looking for advise from people who have some experience of travelling in India. I'm planning on going there for a few months somewhere between summer 2008 and summer 2009.
I'm going with my cousin and we are looking to travel around and do some kind of volunteer work while we're there. We would be interested in pretty much anything: conservation work, helping in orphanages, community projects - that kind of thing. I've been looking through books and on the internet for ideas but its all very confusing and obscure. Can anyone offer any advice or recommend any websites that have simple an accessable volunteer work on offer?
Any advise on being in India in geneal would also be greatly appreciated!
Also, I want to learn some of the basic Indian phrases but I cant figure out what language I should be learning! What language should I try and learn a bit of before I go?  
Thanks.

[john.sw]

http://www.independentvolunteer.org is a useful site for volunteers.  It gives advice and lists organisations that are looking for volunteers.

Although India has 23 official languages (including Hindi and English), at least 800 different Indian languages and around 2000 dialects have been identified.

The Constitution of India has stipulated the usage of Hindi and English to be the two languages of communication for the federal Central Government. However, state governments use their own language along with English for communication with the Central government.

It all depends where you are.  For instance, in South India (where Tamil and Malayalam are the main languages) Hindi is hardly spoken or understood.

Unfortunately, English is your best bet throughout India.  If you want to learn a few words, ask a local when you arrive in a particular area.

All the best,

John

[indiachick]

i'll have a look through, thank you for your help.  I have had a look at children walking tall also, they seem quite good, I really want somewhere where you don't have to pay as volunteering should be free!

.. I  C ..