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Art of Living Ashram, Bengaluru
The Art of Living International Center, the ashram of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on Kanakapura Road, is open to visitors every day from 9:00 to 20:00. Day visitors walk in without a ticket. It is a 250-acre campus of gardens, halls and temples on the southern edge of Bengaluru, where quiet is arranged rather than imposed, and a few clear rules (modest dress, no photography, vegetarian only) keep it that way.
For many Indian families a weekend at an ashram is an ordinary outing, the way others drive out of town: meditation at dawn, yoga under the trees, and a day arranged around quiet.
Art of Living in Bengaluru is one of India's most unusual ashrams. It breaks the conventional image of spiritual centers: you don't need to hide from the world to feel harmony here. Instead, everything is arranged to remind you that spirituality isn't always about asceticism and renunciation. Sometimes it's about rich cultural life, manicured gardens, excellent food, lectures, concerts, and even shopping.
People here smile. Someone sits under a tree writing; someone helps in the kitchen; someone simply listens to the silence. Evening programs feature concerts, lectures, and conversations. And none of it feels like "forced practice"; people simply live here.
The ashram was founded by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. His mission: "A smile on every face." From this seed grew an entire movement. The organization operates in 180 countries, with volunteers teaching breathwork practices in prisons, disaster zones, and to ordinary people, showing them how to manage stress, free of charge and without sermonizing.
Within the ashram itself, thousands are fed daily, schools are opened for children, and shelter is provided for those with nowhere else to go. Elderly people and foreigners dedicated to service live here; everyone finds a place.
An ashram on the outskirts of Bengaluru
Tickets
Visiting hours and entry
- Campus open: Monday to Sunday, 9:00–20:00.
- Entry: free for day visitors; there is no ticket.
- Meals (prasadam) at Annapoorna Dining Facility: breakfast 8:00–9:00, lunch 12:30–14:00, dinner 20:00–21:00. The ashram notes that times may vary.
On arrival, go to the Information Center: it handles wheelchair requests and can tell you whether a campus tour is running that day. A shuttle inside the campus is available for senior citizens and anyone who finds walking difficult. Distances are real: from reception it is about 1 km to the Annapoorna dining hall and 1.2 km to Radha Kunj.
What the ashram is like
For many Indian families a weekend at an ashram is an ordinary outing, the way others drive out of town: meditation at dawn, yoga under the trees, a day arranged around quiet. Art of Living breaks the image of an ashram as a place of renunciation. It is closer to a small town with a spiritual centre: manicured gardens, halls, cafés, shops, lectures and evening concerts.
Someone sits under a tree writing, someone helps in the kitchen, someone simply listens. Evenings bring concerts, lectures and talks. The main gathering is satsang, with music, chanting and talks; when Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (whom followers call Gurudev) is on campus, he comes to it.
The ashram is the headquarters of a movement that works in around 180 countries, with volunteers teaching breathing techniques for stress in prisons, disaster zones and ordinary neighbourhoods. On campus thousands are fed every day, there are schools for children, and elderly residents and volunteers from many countries live here.
Places worth walking to include Vishalakshi Mantap, the large hall where satsang is often held (650 m from reception); Guru Paduka Vanam (350 m); the Shiva temple (900 m); and Radha Kunj (1.2 km).
✅ Dress code and rules for visitors
These come from the ashram's own guidelines for visitors. None is hard to follow, and they explain a lot about the calm of the place.
- Dress modestly — Indian ethnic wear is preferred. Cover shoulders and knees; avoid sleeveless tops, very short, transparent, cropped or tight clothes.
- Shoes off — Remove footwear before entering halls, temples and meditation spaces.
- No photos or video — Photography and videography are prohibited.
- Vegetarian, alcohol-free campus — Only vegetarian food is served and non-vegetarian food may not be brought in. Alcohol, tobacco and any intoxicants are strictly prohibited on campus and around it.
- Quiet — Keep silence in meditation halls, use headphones for any audio, and avoid public displays of affection.
- At satsang — Men and women sit in separate areas. Put your phone on silent, stay seated once Gurudev arrives, and do not move the chairs.
- Nature — Do not feed the birds and animals, and do not pick flowers.
👣 How to get to the Art of Living Ashram
Address: Ved Vignan Maha Vidya Peeth, 21st km, Kanakapura Road, Udayapura, Bengaluru 560082.
- By metro
Take the Green Line to Silk Institute, its last station. The campus is 3.5 km on, by bus, auto or app cab. From Majestic the metro ride takes about 33 minutes.
- From the airport
BMTC's air-conditioned Vayu Vajra bus KIA-5D runs from Kempegowda International Airport directly to the campus, with luggage space. Check the current timetable on the ashram's site; if no KIA-5D is due, take KIA-5 to Banashankari and continue by Green Line metro.
- By bus or cab
From Banashankari bus terminal, bus 211 or any bus along Kanakapura Road stops at the Ashram stop. Ola, Uber and Rapido all go to the campus.
❓ FAQ
Is there any entry fee for the Art of Living Ashram?
No. Day visitors enter free during campus hours, 9:00–20:00 every day.
What are the Art of Living Ashram timings?
The campus is open Monday to Sunday, 9:00–20:00.
How do I book a stay at the Art of Living Ashram in Bangalore?
Stays are linked to the ashram's programmes, which are listed with registration details on its official site, bangaloreashram.org. The cost depends on the programme.
What should I wear to the Art of Living Ashram?
Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees; Indian ethnic wear is preferred. Avoid sleeveless, short, transparent or tight outfits.
Can I take photos in the ashram?
No. The ashram's visitor guidelines prohibit photography and videography.