Art of Living Bangalore – Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ashram, Timings, Distance, and Entry Fee
The Art of Living Bangalore International Center is the headquarters of the Art of Living Foundation, a global humanitarian and educational organization founded by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in 1981.
The Art of Living Bangalore also known as Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ashram is located on the top of the Panchagiri Hills, 36 km southwest of Bangalore, near Udipalya village.
The Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ashram offers a variety of programs, courses, events, and activities for people of all ages, backgrounds, and interests.
In this blog post, I will share with you some information and tips on timing, Entry fees, what to expect, how to reach, what to do, and where to stay at the Art of Living International Center in Bangalore.
Consider reading: Isha Foundation Bangalore – Adiyogi
I hope this will inspire you to plan your visit soon and experience the joy and peace that this place has to offer.
Art of Living Bangalore Timings, Entry free, Address and Contact Number
| Opening Timings | 8 AM to 8 PM Everyday |
| Entry Fee | No Charge |
| Parking Fee | Rs 20 |
| Contact Number | 08067262802 |
| Website | www.bangaloreashram.org |
| Address | 21st KM, Udayapura Post, Kanakapura Rd, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560082 |
| Map | Google Map Link |
Consider reading: Best Places to Visit in Bangalore
Overview and History of Art of Living Bangalore
The Art of Living International Center was established in 1986 by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar as a place for people to learn and practice the Sudarshan Kriya, a powerful breathing technique that he had discovered.
The Art of Living Center Bangalore started as a small hut with a few rooms and gradually expanded into a sprawling campus that covers an area of 65 acres.
The center now hosts thousands of visitors every year from across the world who come to participate in various programs and events.
The center is also home to several landmarks and attractions that reflect the vision and mission of the Art of Living Foundation. Some of these include:
- The Vishalakshi Mantap: A magnificent meditation hall that can accommodate up to 25,000 people. The hall is named after Gurudev’s mother and features a stunning dome that is adorned with paintings depicting scenes from Indian mythology and culture.
- The Sumeru Mantap: A multipurpose hall that can host up to 10,000 people. The hall is used for cultural programs, concerts, celebrations, and gatherings.
- The Annapoorna Dining Hall: A spacious dining hall that can serve up to 15,000 people at a time. The hall offers delicious vegetarian meals that are prepared with organic ingredients grown on campus.
- The Ayurveda Hospital: A holistic health care center that offers treatments and therapies based on the ancient science of Ayurveda. The hospital has well-equipped facilities and experienced doctors who can diagnose and treat various ailments and disorders.
- The Sri Sri College of Ayurvedic Science and Research Hospital: A premier institution that offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Ayurveda. The college has state-of-the-art infrastructure and faculty who impart quality education and training to students.
- The Sri Sri University: A world-class university that offers courses in various disciplines such as management, arts, science, law, yoga, meditation, etc. The university aims to provide holistic education that integrates modern knowledge with ancient wisdom.
- The Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Vidya Mandir: A school that provides value-based education to children from kindergarten to grade 12. The school follows the CBSE curriculum and incorporates the Art of Living principles and practices in its pedagogy.
- The Sri Sri Ravishankar Bal Mandir: A preschool that nurtures the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual development of children from age 2 to 6. The preschool follows the Montessori method and uses creative activities and games to enhance learning.
- The Gurukul: A residential school that offers Vedic education to boys from age 8 to 18. The school teaches subjects such as Sanskrit, Vedas, Upanishads, astrology, music, etc., along with modern subjects such as mathematics, science, etc.
- The Satsang Stage: A platform where Gurudev conducts Satsang (spiritual gatherings) every evening when he is at the center. Satsangs are an opportunity to listen to Gurudev’s wisdom, sing devotional songs, meditate, and experience bliss.
- The Lotus Pond: A serene pond that is surrounded by lotus flowers and has a statue of Lord Buddha in the center. A pond is a place for relaxation and contemplation.
- The Goshala: A cow shelter that houses more than 300 cows of various breeds. The goshala provides organic milk and dairy products to the center and also serves as a source of biogas and manure.
- The Organic Farm: A farm that grows fruits, vegetables, grains, herbs, and flowers using natural and sustainable methods. The farm supplies fresh and healthy food to the center and educates visitors about organic farming.
- The Amphitheater: An open-air theater that can seat up to 2,000 people. The theater is used for cultural events, performances, and screenings.
- The Art Gallery: A gallery that showcases the artworks of various artists who are inspired by Gurudev and the Art of Living. The gallery also hosts workshops and exhibitions for budding artists.
- The Souvenir Shop: A shop that sells books, CDs, DVDs, clothing, accessories, handicrafts, and other items related to Gurudev and the Art of Living. The shop also offers online shopping and delivery services.
How to Reach Art of Living Bangalore
The Art of Living International Center is located on Kanakapura Road, 36 km southwest of Bangalore, near Udipalya village.
The center is easily accessible by road, rail, and air. Here are some of the ways to reach the center:
- By road: You can drive to the center by taking the NICE Road from any part of Bangalore and exiting at Kanakapura Road. You can also take a bus from Majestic Bus Station or K.R. Market Bus Station to Kanakapura Road and get down at the Art of Living stop. You can also book a cab or an auto-rickshaw from any part of Bangalore to reach the center.
- By rail: Art of Living Bangalore is 35 kilometers from Bangalore Railway station. You can take a train to Bangalore City Railway Station or Yeshwantpur Railway Station and then take a bus, cab, or auto-rickshaw to reach the center.
- By air: Art of Living Bangalore is 60 kilometers from Bangalore Kempegowda International Airport. You can fly to Kempegowda International Airport and then take a bus, cab, or auto-rickshaw to reach the center.
What to Expect in Art of Living Bangalore
The Art of Living International Center is a place where you can expect to experience peace, joy, and harmony.
The center is designed to create a conducive environment for personal growth and social transformation. Here are some of the things that you can expect to experience at the center:
- A warm and welcoming atmosphere: The center is staffed by friendly and helpful volunteers who are always ready to assist you with your queries and needs. You will also meet people from different walks of life who share a common bond of love and service.
- A clean and green campus: The center is well-maintained and eco-friendly. You will see lush greenery, colorful flowers, and exotic birds all around. You will also notice that the center follows practices such as waste segregation, composting, rainwater harvesting, solar energy, etc., to conserve natural resources and reduce environmental impact.
- A spiritual and cultural vibe: The center is imbued with a spiritual and cultural essence that uplifts your spirit and enriches your mind. You will see statues, paintings, murals, and symbols that reflect the diversity and unity of India’s rich heritage. You will also hear chants, music, bells, and drums that create a soothing and sacred ambiance.
I visited the Art of Living Bangalore Ashram multiple times with family and friends. My parents liked the place very much as it gives a spiritual experience away from the busy city life.
My daughter had a fun time at the open amphitheater after looking at fishes in the pond.
I highly recommend this place if you want to have spiritual time away from Bangalore city life.
Food at Art of Living Bangalore
The Art of Living International Center offers delicious vegetarian meals that are prepared with organic ingredients grown on campus.
The meals are served at the Annapoorna Dining Hall, which can accommodate up to 15,000 people at a time.
The dining hall follows a buffet system and offers a variety of dishes such as rice, roti, dal, sabzi, salad, curd, pickle, papad, etc., along with desserts and beverages.
The dining hall operates from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day and serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks.
The timings and menu may vary depending on the season and availability of ingredients. The dining hall also caters to special dietary needs such as gluten-free, vegan, Jain, etc., upon request.
The cost of food at the dining hall is included in the fees for program participants and long-term visitors.
For day visitors, there is no fixed charge for food but they are requested to make a voluntary donation of any amount at the donation boxes placed at the dining hall. The donation helps to support the center’s food production and distribution.
Courses at Art of Living Bangalore
The Art of Living International Center offers a wide range of courses for people who want to learn or deepen their knowledge of yoga, meditation, breathing techniques, and other aspects of personal and social development.
The courses are designed to suit different age groups, levels, and interests. Some of the courses that are offered at the Art of Living Bangalore center are:
| Course Name | Duration | Age Group | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Happiness Program | 3 days | Adults | Teaches Sudarshan Kriya, a powerful breathing technique to reduce stress, enhance immunity, and improve well-being. Also covers yoga, meditation, wisdom, and interactive sessions for self-discovery. |
| The Sahaj Samadhi Meditation | 2 days | Adults | Teaches a simple and effortless meditation technique to calm the mind, relax the body, and connect with the inner self. Includes guidance on regular and effective meditation practice. |
| The Sri Sri Yoga | 5 days | Adults | Offers a holistic approach to yoga, balancing physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions. Covers asanas, pranayamas, mudras, bandhas, kriyas, yoga philosophy, and lifestyle. |
| The Art of Silence | 4 days | Adults | Provides a deeper yoga, meditation, and breathing experience with periods of silence, introspection, and reflection for inner peace. |
| The DSN (Divya Samaj Nirman) | 4 days | Adults | Involves intense physical and mental exercises to overcome limitations and fears, developing courage, confidence, leadership, and service skills. |
| The Art Excel (All Round Training) | 6 days | Children (8-13 yrs) | Teaches basic yoga, meditation, breathing techniques, values, ethics, and life skills to enhance creativity, concentration, and confidence in children. |
| The YES! (Youth Empowerment Seminar) | 6 days | Teenagers (14-18 yrs) | Teaches advanced yoga, meditation, breathing techniques, teamwork, problem-solving, decision-making, and leadership skills for coping with stress, peer pressure, and achieving goals. |
| The Utkarsha Yoga | 4 days | Children (5-8 yrs) | Introduces fun and easy yoga, meditation, breathing techniques, games, stories, songs, and crafts to improve children’s health and happiness. |
The cost of joining any course at the center varies depending on the type, duration, and level of the course.
The cost includes accommodation, food, and course materials. You can check the details and fees of each course on the website or contact the program coordinator for more information.
How to Join Art of Living Bangalore
If you are interested in joining any program or event at the Art of Living International Center in Bangalore, you need to register online before coming to the center.
You can visit the website and browse through the various options available to you. You can also filter your search by date, location, language, etc., to find the most suitable program or event for you.
Once you find your desired program or event, you can click on the ‘Register’ button and fill in your details and preferences.
You can also make an online payment or choose to pay at the center. You will receive a confirmation email and SMS with your registration number and other details.
You can also contact the program coordinator or the center reception for any queries or assistance regarding your registration.
Places to Visit Near Art of Living Bangalore
The Art of Living International Center is not only a place to learn and practice yoga, meditation, breathing techniques, etc., but also a place to explore and enjoy the natural beauty and cultural diversity of Karnataka.
There are many places to visit near the Art of Living Bangalore center that can offer you a memorable experience. Some of these places are:
- Bannerghatta National Park: A wildlife sanctuary that is home to various animals such as tigers, lions, elephants, bears, leopards, etc., as well as birds, butterflies, and plants. The park offers safari rides, nature walks, zoological gardens, butterfly parks, etc., for visitors who want to witness the wildlife in their natural habitat.
- Pyramid Valley: A spiritual center that houses the world’s largest meditation pyramid. The center offers meditation sessions, workshops, retreats, and festivals for visitors who want to experience the power and benefits of meditation.
- Wonderla: An amusement park that offers thrilling and fun rides, attractions, and shows for visitors who want to have a blast of entertainment and adventure. The park has various zones such as land rides, water rides, high thrill rides, kids rides, etc., that cater to different age groups and preferences.
Things to Keep in Mind While Visiting Art of Living Bangalore
The Art of Living International Center is a place of peace, harmony, and spirituality. Therefore, visitors are expected to respect and follow some rules and guidelines while visiting the center.
Here are some of the things to keep in mind while visiting the Art of Living Bangalore center:
- Dress code: Visitors are requested to dress modestly and appropriately while at the Art of Living Bangalore center. Avoid wearing shorts, skirts, sleeveless tops, or any revealing or tight-fitting clothes. Wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothes that cover your shoulders, knees, and chest. Preferably wear white or light-colored clothes that reflect purity and positivity.
- Shoes: Visitors are required to remove their shoes before entering any building or hall on the campus. There are shoe racks provided at each entrance where you can keep your shoes safely. You can also carry a pair of socks or slippers to wear inside the buildings or halls.
- Mobile phones: Visitors are advised to switch off or silence their mobile phones while at the center. Avoid using your phone for calls, messages, or internet browsing while on campus. Use your phone only for emergencies or urgent matters. Respect the silence and serenity of the place and do not disturb others with your phone.
- Photography: Visitors are allowed to take photos or videos of the campus and its attractions for personal use only. However, visitors are not allowed to take photos or videos of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, his family members, or any other dignitaries without their permission. Visitors are also not allowed to take photos or videos of any program or event that is happening on the campus without prior approval from the organizers.
- Smoking and drinking: Visitors are strictly prohibited from smoking or drinking alcohol or any other intoxicating substances while at the center. The center is a smoke-free and alcohol-free zone that promotes a healthy and pure lifestyle. Visitors who violate this rule will be asked to leave the campus immediately.
- Food and beverages: Visitors are not allowed to bring any outside food or beverages to the center. The Art of Living Bangalore Center provides nutritious vegetarian meals that are prepared with organic ingredients grown on campus. Visitors can enjoy these meals at the Annapoorna Dining Hall or order them from the canteen or cafe on the campus. Visitors can also drink water from the water dispensers that are available at various locations on the campus.
Final Thoughts on Art of Living Bangalore Center
Thank you for reading my blog post on the Art of Living Bangalore. I hope you found it useful and informative.
If you are interested in visiting or staying at the center, I suggest you register online as soon as possible.
I also recommend you check out some of the places near the center that can offer you a memorable experience. You can visit Bannerghatta National Park, Pyramid Valley, or Wonderla, depending on your mood and preference.
I hope you enjoyed this blog post and learned something new. If you have any feedback or suggestions for me, please feel free to share them in the comments section below.
FAQs on Art of Living Bangalore Center
Where is the headquarters of The Art of Living in Bangalore?
The headquarters of The Art of Living in Bangalore, known as The Art of Living International Center, is located 35 km southwest of Bangalore on Kanakapura road, atop the beautiful Panchagiri Hills. It is easily accessible by road via Nice Ring Road or Banshankari – Kanakapura Road.
Can we visit Art of Living Ashram Bangalore?
Yes, you can visit the Art of Living Ashram in Bangalore without enrolling in a residential program. Exploring the ashram is a popular activity for tourists, offering insights into the Art of Living International Center’s teachings and experiences. Make sure to include a visit to the ashram in your list of things to do in Bangalore.
Can we stay in the Art of Living Centre?
Yes, you can stay at the Art of Living ashram. The ashram offers various types of residential blocks to suit different budgets and convenience for program participants. However, please note that this accommodation is exclusively available for participants in the program.
How big is The Art of Living Bangalore?
The Art of Living Bangalore is spread over 65 acres of land, providing a serene and beautiful environment for yoga and meditation workshops on inner peace and human values. Founded in 1986, this international center is a haven for those seeking nature’s tranquility and personal growth.
