It was the wildlife that first drew me to the Mudumalai area at the foot of the Nilgiri Hills where 3 major wildlife sanctuaries converge and there a chance meeting with a group of local, mainly tribal, villagers literally changed my life.

They'd started a youth/sports club for the tribal youngsters which had become a sort of forum for discussing the many problems they faced. They weren't professional development workers, just a very genuine group of friends trying to do something for their own community. We became friends and naively decided to form a small NGO to put some of their development ideas into practice. As you can imagine, it wasn't easy but we eventually got things off the ground and for the next 20 years I spent much of my time with them in India experiencing the rewards and challenges of volunteering at first hand.

I'm Jill, I've been associated with the project since 1987 when I helped them to set up and fundraise. I experienced the rewards and challenges of volunteering with them for 25 years and wouldn't have missed it for the world. I'll be handling your booking, if you have any queries or doubts about whether this sort of experience would suit you perhaps a chat with me would help.

The benefits for me have been enormous. The reward of knowing I've played a small part in helping them to improve the lot of some of the poorest communities in India. Achieving my goal of getting well and truly off the beaten track and experiencing a totally different way of life. Just spending time in such a stunning location. And most of all - getting to know the tribal people whose unique warmth and humour have made it such fun.

I have a daughter of my own now who loves the place as much as I do. Some of her highlights so far - being shown how to collect wild honey and make a reed flute by a tribal friend; drinking sugary tea in the villages; and watching elephant and sloth bear at a nearby water hole.

If you feel inspired to experience life here for yourself please do contact me for further details or just an informal chat.