A Day at the Art of Living Bangalore Ashram | श्री श्री रविशंकर आश्रम
Written in 2024, updated by Nilabh in October 2026. Prices and timings still change; check before you go.
When to go Bengaluru through the year
Easiest: Jul, Nov to Feb. Tap + for the month-by-month weather and where these numbers come from.
- January: Easy. Daytime about 29°, night about 14°. Rain: dry, about 5 mm.
- February: Easy. Daytime about 32°, night about 15°. Rain: dry, about 4 mm.
- March: Mixed. Daytime about 35°, night about 18°. Rain: dry, about 16 mm.
- April: Mixed. Daytime about 36°, night about 21°. Rain: some, about 39 mm.
- May: Mixed. Daytime about 33°, night about 21°. Rain: wet, about 125 mm.
- June: Mixed. Daytime about 29°, night about 20°. Rain: wet, about 104 mm.
- July: Easy. Daytime about 28°, night about 19°. Rain: some, about 100 mm.
- August: Mixed. Daytime about 28°, night about 19°. Rain: wet, about 148 mm.
- September: Mixed. Daytime about 28°, night about 19°. Rain: wet, about 138 mm.
- October: Mixed. Daytime about 28°, night about 18°. Rain: wet, about 143 mm.
- November: Easy. Daytime about 27°, night about 17°. Rain: some, about 80 mm.
- December: Easy. Daytime about 27°, night about 15°. Rain: some, about 36 mm.
Nilabh: Mild all year, but not equally easy. December to February is the driest and coolest, 27 to 32° by day with nights near 15°. March to May is the hot stretch, up to about 36° in April, and the rain returns in May and stays until October. For anything outdoors near the city, I'd plan around the cool, dry months.
Ten-year averages (2015 to 2024) from NASA POWER satellite data. Conditions change; check before you go.
Where do these numbers come from, and how far can you trust them?
The figures come from NASA POWER, a free NASA project that publishes weather estimates for every point on Earth, put together from satellites and weather models. We took every day from 2015 to 2024 for this place, and averaged each month: the usual daytime high, the usual night low, and the rain.
We compared it with official weather-station figures for a few places. Over flat land it matched closely; in the hills and on islands it can be a few degrees out, and then the strip says so.
Easy, Mixed and Hard are our rule of thumb, not a forecast. Hard means days above about 37°, rain of about 250 mm a month or more, or nights close to freezing. Mixed means days above about 32°, rain over about 100 mm a month, or cold nights (below about 8°). Easy is everything else.
An average is not the weather on your dates, and it knows nothing about festivals, crowds, road closures or this year's monsoon. Check a forecast a week before you go.
The Quick Answer
| You are asking | The answer |
|---|---|
| Where is it? | The Art of Living International Center, 21st km, Kanakapura Road, Udayapura, Bengaluru 560082 (ಕನಕಪುರ ರಸ್ತೆ, ಉದಯಪುರ). |
| What are the timings? | The campus is open every day, 9 am to 8 pm. The Information Center (Gate 5) is open 9 am to 6 pm. |
| When is satsang? | Monday to Saturday 6.30 to 8 pm; Sunday 6 to 8 pm. No photos or video during satsang, phones on silent, and men and women sit in separate areas. |
| What are the food timings? | Prasadam at the Annapoorna dining hall: breakfast 8 to 9 am, lunch 12.30 to 2 pm, dinner from 8 pm (to 9 or 9.30 pm; the ashram's pages differ). Vegetarian only. Cafe Vishala, Panchamrut and Swadishtha cafe for snacks and meals. |
| Nearest metro? | Silk Institute (ರೇಷ್ಮೆ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆ), the last stop on the Green Line, about 3.5 km away; then an auto, bus or cab. From Majestic it is about 33 minutes on the metro. |
| Is there a bus? | From Banashankari, bus 211 or any bus for Kanakapura Road to the Ashram stop (also called the Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ashram stop). From the airport, the Vayu Vajra KIA-5D comes straight to the campus. |
| Can I stay there for free? | No. Rooms are for people on a programme (a course), and volunteers (seva) are selected through an application, a short online interview and a medical check. Short-term seva is at least 15 days; it is for Indian residents. |
| What should I wear? | Modest clothes that cover the shoulders and knees; Indian wear is preferred. Shoes come off in halls, temples and meditation spaces. No alcohol or tobacco on campus. |
| Is there a campus tour? | There is a guided bus tour and a buggy tour; ask at the Information Center on arrival for that day's times. |
| Navratri 2026? | 11 to 19 October, with the Vijayadashami puja on 20 October: Rudrabhishekam at 6.30 pm each evening until 15 October, then the homas from 16 October (Chandi Homa begins that evening; Shata Chandi Homa on 18 October). Expect large crowds. |
हिंदी में: आर्ट ऑफ़ लिविंग आश्रम, बेंगलुरु
श्री श्री रविशंकर जी का आर्ट ऑफ़ लिविंग अंतरराष्ट्रीय केंद्र बेंगलुरु में कनकपुरा रोड पर है। जाने से पहले ज़रूरी बातें (अक्टूबर 2026 में आश्रम की वेबसाइट से जाँची गईं):
- पता: 21वाँ किलोमीटर, कनकपुरा रोड, उदयपुरा, बेंगलुरु 560082।
- समय: परिसर हर दिन सुबह 9 बजे से रात 8 बजे तक खुला रहता है।
- सत्संग: सोमवार से शनिवार शाम 6:30 से 8 बजे तक, रविवार शाम 6 से 8 बजे तक। सत्संग में फ़ोटो और वीडियो की अनुमति नहीं है।
- प्रसाद (अन्नपूर्णा भोजनालय): नाश्ता सुबह 8 से 9 बजे, दोपहर का भोजन 12:30 से 2 बजे, रात का भोजन 8 बजे से। केवल शाकाहारी भोजन।
- कैसे पहुँचें: मेट्रो की ग्रीन लाइन से सिल्क इंस्टिट्यूट स्टेशन; वहाँ से आश्रम लगभग 3.5 किलोमीटर है (ऑटो, बस या कैब)। बनशंकरी से बस 211 या कनकपुरा रोड जाने वाली बस लेकर "आश्रम" स्टॉप पर उतरें। हवाई अड्डे से सीधी बस KIA-5D आती है।
- पहनावा: शालीन कपड़े पहनें, कंधे और घुटने ढके हों। हॉल, मंदिर और ध्यान कक्ष में जूते-चप्पल उतारें।
- ठहरना: आश्रम में ठहरने की व्यवस्था केवल कोर्स में भाग लेने वालों के लिए है। सेवा (वॉलंटियर) के लिए पहले आवेदन, ऑनलाइन इंटरव्यू और मेडिकल जाँच होती है।
- नवरात्रि 2026: 11 से 19 अक्टूबर, और 20 अक्टूबर को विजयादशमी पूजा। इन दिनों बहुत भीड़ रहती है।
- संपर्क: सूचना केंद्र, 080 6726 2626।
Art of Living Bangalore Ashram- What comes to our minds when we hear the word “Ashram”, is a place that offers a religious retreat, a place where the routine requirements like food and stay are being taken care of, giving you an opportunity to immerse yourself in meditational and spiritual practices.
When in an Ashram, you need not worry about “Shram” or work to sustain your basic life, rather transcend beyond the basics and achieve satisfaction, happiness and a joyous way of living.
Curious about relevant Ashrams in India? read out our most popular blog on Ashrams in India.
- The Art of Living Ashram Bangalore
- Guru Paduka Vanam, AOL Bangalore
- The Art of Shopping
- Vishalakshi Mantap, Art Of Living
- Annapurna Dining Hall
- Sri Sri Gaushala
- Sri Sri Gurukul
- Radha Kunj Garden
- Lord Shiva’s Temple – Sri Samba Parmeshwara Temple
- Ojas Station
- Treat for the Taste Buds
- Bus Tour For Day Visitors to Art of Living Bangalore Ashram
- Programs and Courses at Art of Living Bangalore
- Accommodation
- Volunteering at Art of Living Bangalore Ashram
- How to reach the Art of Living Ashram
- Contact Details for The Art of Living International Center
- Location Map
- Summary
- My Vlog on Art of Living Bangalore
The Art of Living Ashram Bangalore
When in Bangalore, what could have been better than visiting an Ashram, which has become a synonym to seeking the way of living, meditation, spiritualism, humanity and world peace.
This time we visited the Art of Living Ashram, the brain child of Padma Vibhushan Sri Sri Ravishankar Ji, a renowned spiritual leader, humanitarian and an ambassador of peace and human values.
Along with the meditation and breathing techniques like Sudarshan Kriya, which was devised by Sri Sri Ravishankar Ji, fondly addressed as Gurudev, the Ashram is also famous for being associated with multiple welfare programs for children, women and artisans from rural areas.
Guru Paduka Vanam, AOL Bangalore
Guru Paduka Vanam is an amphitheater which has the capacity to accommodate thousands of devotees at a time.
This beautiful Paduka shaped structure represents the importance of a Guru in everyone’s life and has been built to respect one’s Guru.
There is an artificial pond within Guru Paduka where one can see some ducks enjoying in the water. The ariel view helps one to clearly identify the Paduka or the sandal-shape.
The Art of Shopping
After spending some time appreciating the concept of Guru Paduka Vanam, you may wish to pamper yourself with a bit of shopping at Madhurya, a store which has a range of products to offer.
You can enjoy a guilt-free shopping spree, as many of these products are being procured by the artisans from remote villages, thus impacting their lives directly.
Apart from Madhurya, there are few other stores as well where you can be indulged if you are a shopaholic.
You can look for some ethenic wear for the entire family at BYogi, or even fill in the monthly grocery, personal care products and Ayurveda products from Sri Sri Tattva Shop.
Vishalakshi Mantap, Art Of Living
Named after Sri Sri Ravishanker Ji’s mother, Vishalakshi Mantap, with its architectural magnificence and loads of positivity, clearly stands out as the centerpiece of The Art of Living.
Speaking of the architecture, this beautiful structure is a 108 feet high, five-tiered hall, which has 81 pillars holding it strong.
The design also resembles a blooming lotus, laced with petals, if one could get an ariel view.
Inside the Mantap, the pillars hold the symbols of different religions from across the world and one cannot ignore the intricate designing on the ceiling which represents the Navgrahas and the signs of zodiac.
There are plenty of cushions that can be used to sit comfortably while meditating or during the daily evening Satsang.
Annapurna Dining Hall
After meditating for some time, one can head to the community kitchen, Annapurna Dining Hall, named after Goddess Annapurna, a manifestation of Parvati, Goddess of food and nourishment.
One of the famous mega kitchens of India, the kitchen prepares meals for approximately 23,000 people in a day. (2026: the ashram now says about 20,000 meals a day.) Apart from the visitors and volunteers of Ashram, the food is also sent as mid-day meal to nearby schools supported by the Art of Living.
Although Annapurna Dining Hall has the capacity to feed 60,000 people normally, the kitchen serves up to 1 Lakh people during Navratri festival, when foot-fall is extremely high.
We had our lunch, called Prasad, which included rice, sambhar, potatoes’ gravy, and dry beetroot vegetable. The kitchen provides different Satvik menus for different days of the week. (2026: prasadam is breakfast 8 to 9 am, lunch 12.30 to 2 pm and dinner from 8 pm.)
This environment friendly mega kitchen is fueled by bio-gas and briquettes made of sawdust, groundnut and coffee shells and some other dried agricultural waste.
Sri Sri Gaushala
If you believe that the only important thing that you get from a cow is milk, then you can know few more uses of the byproducts that we get in this Gaushala (Cow-Shelter).
Sri Sri Gaushala takes care of 15 native breeds of cows and had been conceptualized keeping in mind the declining numbers of Indian breeds.
Apart from milk and milk-based products, the cow-dung is used as fertilizers for organic farming and bio-gas fuel is used in the kitchen.
Distilled urine (Gomutra) is used in curing chronic ailments at Sri Sri Ayurveda Hospital and Sri Sri Panchkarma Center.
Sri Sri Gaushala has approximately 2000 cows. Apart from that, there are few horses and two elephants. If you are lucky, you might spot some deer and peacocks.
Sri Sri Gurukul
We nearly had an experience of time-travel while witnessing Sri Sri Gurukul, the institution preserving and reviving the Vedic traditions and education system.
One can hear the chanting of the students coming from all directions and the experience is a pure bliss.
Sri Sri Gurukul is one of the leading institutions providing expertise in Vedas, Agama, Sanskrit and many other specializations like Astrology, Music, Yoga and more. The list is quite long.
Students across India come over to be a part of Gurukul. The day starts at 5:00 am at Gurukul and ends at 9:30 pm, with multiple breaks within the schedule.
Radha Kunj Garden
The gardens of Nidhivan and Seva Kunj in Vrindavan, famous for Raslila of Lord Krishna and Radha Ji, being the inspiration, Radha Kunj Garden is the most apt name that could have been thought of.
With a beautiful lake on one side, Radha Kunj is like a bouquet studded with exotic flora, complementing the lush greens in and around the garden.
A small waterfall, the lily ponds and the silvery fountains brings in a free flow of energy throughout the surroundings.
The sight becomes more enchanting at night with the multi-colored lights adding more life to the water bodies and the fountains.
Lord Shiva’s Temple – Sri Samba Parmeshwara Temple
After spending some time at Radha Kunj Garden, one can head to Lord Shiva’s Temple called as Sri Samba Parameshwara Temple which has a resemblance to one of the holiest Shiva’s temples – Amarnath Cave.
The main Shivling further has 1008 Lingas carved and you can also do a Jal-Abhishek of the Shivling.
Lord Shiva, believed to be Adi-Yogi, is present in most of the ashrams/places associated with Yoga and meditation.
Ojas Station
Your “Ojas” meaning “Body Strength” is taken care of at this reenergizing point where you can get some milk-shakes which are made from Ojasvita, a health drink from Sri Sri Tattva.
Treat for the Taste Buds
If you are tired after a long visit and are craving for something tasty and high on energy, there are few options available.
You can relish some healthy eggless bakery products made using whole wheat and also have a fine dine experience at Café Vishala.
Panchamruth is another restaurant offering multi-cuisine options along with Satvik food.
Alternately, for some sweet and spicy flavors, along with some strong tea, you can definitely rely on Swadishta Café.
Bus Tour For Day Visitors to Art of Living Bangalore Ashram
Ashram provides a free bus tour of the facility to all the day visitors. For now, we were informed that the tour is organized on Fridays and Sundays. (2026: there is now a buggy tour too; the ashram asks visitors to check that day's tours at the Information Center on arrival.)
The schedules, however, are flexible as per the real time situation and the number of visitors. You can book your seat for the bus at the Information Center, near Vishalakshi Mantap.
Programs and Courses at Art of Living Bangalore
The Art of Living offers multiple Yoga and Meditation programs and courses for beginners and advanced practitioners.
The basic program to start with is called Happiness Program which includes the practice of Sudarshan Kriya, the world’s most powerful breathing technique developed by Sri Sri Ravishankar Ji.
To know more details of the different programs, you may contact at the below numbers: 8618787089 & 8310240886 (2026: we could not confirm these numbers; the Information Center, 080 6726 2626, can put you through.)
Accommodation
The Art of Living has developed multiple residential options suiting different budgets and convenience.
The accommodation is available for the program participants only. (2026: still so, on the ashram's site.) For the details regarding the accommodation, you may contact at the numbers mentioned below:
8067262804/05
Volunteering at Art of Living Bangalore Ashram
To be eligible as a Volunteer, one should be above 18 years of age and should have done one or more of the below courses:
Happiness Program or Yes!+
Youth Leadership Training Program
Online Meditation and Breath Workshop
Volunteers get three meals a day which is free of cost at Annapurna Dining Hall. Accommodations are provided only to the ones who opt to volunteer for at least a month. If a volunteer wishes to stay for less, the option of paid accommodations is available. (2026: seva now begins with a form at bangaloreashram.org/volunteer, a short online interview and a medical check on arrival; short-term seva is at least 15 days and long-term seva, internships and the 45-day Learn While You Serve, for 18 to 35, are also offered, all for Indian residents.)
How to reach the Art of Living Ashram
By Bus –
From KSR Railway station, you can go to Majestic Bus Stand which is a walking distance (Approx. 300 meters). From Majestic Bus Stand, you can board any bus which is going towards Kanakpura. The ticket should cost between Rs. 20.00 to Rs. 30.00 (2026: the ashram suggests a bus from platform 11 at Majestic to Banashankari, then bus 211 or any Kanakapura Road bus to the Ashram stop. From the airport, the Vayu Vajra KIA-5D runs straight to the campus.)
By Metro –
The nearest Metro Station to the Art of Living Ashram is Yelachenahalli, which is approximately 10 KMs apart. (2026: the nearest is now Silk Institute, the last station on the Green Line since 2021, about 3.5 km from the ashram, as a reader pointed out in the comments. From Majestic it is about 33 minutes; from Yeshwanthpur, about 45.)
- From KSR Railway Station, one can reach using the below route:
- 1st Train Towards -> Baiyappanahalli -> Platform 1 -> Purple Line
- City Railway Station
- Nadarprabhu Kempegowda (Change Metro from Purple Line to Green Line here)
- 2nd Train Towards -> Silk Institute -> Platform 2 -> Green Line
- From Yelachenahalli, you can board an auto or any bus going towards Kanakpura.
Contact Details for The Art of Living International Center
For more details, please contact the numbers mentioned below:
Ashram Information Center: 8067262626/27/28 (2026: still the number the ashram gives, +91 80 6726 2626 / 27 / 28.)
Programs Helpline Number: 8067612345 (Monday-Friday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm) (2026: not confirmed.)
You can also refer the below mentioned websites for specific information:
www.artofliving.org (2026: the ashram's own visitor site is bangaloreashram.org.)
Alternately, you can also mail for more information on the below mentioned email:
Location Map
You can reach this beautiful place by following the below map:
Your location to art of living bangalore – Google Maps
Summary
Let me summarize few important details about this blissful campus:
- Distance – 21 KMs from Bangalore
- Timings – 9:00 am to 7:00 pm (2026: 9 am to 8 pm, every day)
- Parking Space – Ample usually, but overcrowded during Navratri
- Parking Charges – INR 20/-
- Free Lunch – Annapurna Dining Hall, free lunch for visitors
- Lunch Timing – 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm (2026: 12.30 to 2 pm)
- Multi-cuisine meals/snacks – Swadishta, Café Vishala, Panchamruth
- Café Timing – 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
- Drinking Water – RO Water Coolers Available to refill your bottles. Mineral water bottles available at Café.
- Toilets – Hygienic Toilets available
- Activities – Meditation, Shopping
Interested to know about Isha Ashram? check out our popular and most relevant blog on Isha Yoga Center, Coimbatore.
My Vlog on Art of Living Bangalore
More on Ashrams and Bengaluru
- Ashrams in India: where you can stay, what it costs and how to apply.
- Isha at Chikkaballapur: the Adiyogi, about 70 km from Bengaluru.
- Isha Yoga Center, Coimbatore.
- A spiritual journey through India: the ashrams, temples and pilgrimages we have written about.
- Weekends from Bangalore.
8comments
4 conversations from readers on the earlier site.
Thank you for your insightful article on the Art of Living Bangalore Ashram. I was fascinated by your experience of visiting this spiritual center and learning about its founder, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. You have given a detailed and informative guide on the various programs, facilities and activities offered by the ashram, such as yoga, meditation, ayurveda and music. You have also shared some personal stories and reflections on how the ashram has changed your life and perspective. Your article is very inspiring and motivating for anyone who wants to find peace and happiness.
Thanks a lot for taking out time and sharing your experience about the article 🙏🙂
Thank you for providing such an informative blog. Its so inspiring and well explained. This has motivated us to surely visit the Art of Living Ashram on our next Bangalore trip and seek both physical and mental peace..!
Thanks a lot for sharing a detailed feedback 🙏🙂
I just read your blog post about the Art of Living Bangalore Ashram, and I must say it was a refreshing and uplifting read! Your vivid descriptions of the serene surroundings and the experiences you had during the visit made me feel like I was there with you. Thanks for sharing your journey, and I'm inspired to plan a visit to this tranquil retreat soon! 🕉️🧘♂️🌿
Thanks a lot for sharing your feedback 🙏🙂
The author has given an incorrect information about the nearest Metro station from The Art of Living International Center.
The actual nearest station is Silk Institute and not Yelachanhalli.
yes you are correct, we will correct this!