Residential programmes at the Art of Living campus combine meditation, yoga and Ayurvedic diet for weekend to week-long stays.
The Art of Living International Centre sits on Kanakapura Road in southern Bengaluru, Karnataka, on a large wooded campus that runs residential programmes in meditation, yoga and breathwork. The setting is that of a retreat compound rather than a spa: open grounds, meditation halls, dining areas and simple accommodation, with a large community of volunteers and participants on site. The atmosphere is devotional and communal, and the campus can be busy during festivals and large courses.
The organisation is best known for Sudarshan Kriya, a rhythmic breathing practice taught in its flagship introductory course, and for guided meditation and yoga classes. Residential programmes range from weekend introductions to week-long courses, and typically combine morning yoga, breathing sessions, guided meditation, talks and periods of silence. Ayurvedic-style vegetarian meals are served, and some programmes include wellness or Panchakarma-style therapies supervised by Ayurvedic practitioners, though the core offering is instruction rather than massage.
Instruction is given by teachers trained within the Art of Living organisation, founded by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, and the centre has a long-standing national and international reputation as a meditation destination. Facilities include meditation halls, yoga spaces, a dining hall and on-campus lodging of varying standards, from shared dormitory-style rooms to private rooms. Participants generally follow a set daily timetable, so the experience is structured and group-based.
Booking norms are course-based. Programmes are reserved in advance through the organisation, with the specific course, dates and accommodation type chosen at registration. Published fees have ranged from about INR 3,000 to INR 12,000 per programme, depending on the course and lodging, and visitors should confirm current prices and inclusions. Drop-in visits for individual treatments are not the standard way to use the campus, so travellers hoping for a spa-style session should look elsewhere in Bengaluru. The campus is roughly 20 kilometres south of the city centre, and travel time varies widely with traffic.
| Price | INR 3,000-12,000 (approx $31-125 USD) per programme |
|---|---|
| Session length | 2-7 days |
Treatments
- Sudarshan Kriya breathing
- Guided meditation
- Hatha yoga classes
- Ayurvedic vegetarian diet
Location
12.8250, 77.5090 View on map
Highlights
- Residential courses in Sudarshan Kriya breathing, meditation and yoga
- Wooded Kanakapura Road campus with meditation halls and on-site lodging
- Weekend to week-long programmes suited to first-time meditators
- Vegetarian meals and a structured daily timetable of practice
- Community atmosphere with volunteers and participants from many countries
Tips for visiting
- Register for a specific course in advance and choose the accommodation type at booking.
- Wear loose, modest, comfortable clothing suitable for yoga and floor seating.
- Start with an introductory breathing and meditation course before longer residential programmes.
- Allow generous travel time; Kanakapura Road traffic can add substantially to the journey.
- Check current rules on phones, food and silence periods with the organisation before arriving.
- Carry a light layer, as meditation halls and early mornings can feel cool.
Frequently asked questions
What is taught at the Art of Living campus?
The core offerings are Sudarshan Kriya breathing, guided meditation and yoga. Some programmes add Ayurvedic-style wellness elements.
How long are the residential programmes?
Programmes typically run from about 2 to 7 days, from weekend introductions to week-long courses.
Is prior meditation experience needed?
Introductory courses are designed for beginners. Advanced programmes may have prerequisites, which should be checked when registering.
How much do programmes cost?
Published fees have ranged from about INR 3,000 to INR 12,000 depending on the course and accommodation. Current prices should be confirmed at registration.