Are you looking for a place to relax, rejuvenate, and reconnect with yourself and nature? Do you want to experience the peace and joy of meditation, yoga, and ayurveda in a serene and beautiful setting? Do you want to learn from the wisdom and teachings of one of the most influential spiritual leaders of our time?
If your answer is yes, then you should definitely visit the Art of Living International Center in Bangalore, Karnataka, India. This is the world’s largest meditation center and the headquarters of the Art of Living Foundation, a global humanitarian organization founded by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. The center offers various programs and activities for personal growth, wellness, and social service, as well as a range of attractions and facilities for visitors.
In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive and updated guide for visiting the Art of Living International Center in 2024, covering its history, architecture, programs, attractions, facilities, festivals, and accommodation options. Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple, a family, or a group, you will find something that suits your needs and interests at this amazing place.
History of the Art of Living International Center
The Art of Living International Center was established in 1986 by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, a renowned spiritual leader and humanitarian who has inspired millions of people around the world with his message of peace, love, and service. The center started as a small ashram with a few huts and a meditation hall, and gradually expanded and developed over the years to become a sprawling campus of 65 acres, with over 30 buildings and structures, and a capacity to host 25,000 people at a time.
The center has achieved many milestones and accolades in its history, such as hosting the World Culture Festival in 2016, which was attended by 3.75 million people from 155 countries and received the Guinness World Record for the largest breathing exercise session; launching the Sri Sri University in 2009, which offers courses in various disciplines such as management, yoga, ayurveda, and agriculture; and receiving the Gandhi-King-Ikeda Award for Peace in 2004, which honors individuals who have dedicated their lives to promoting human rights and non-violence.
Architecture of the Art of Living International Center
The architecture of the Art of Living International Center is inspired by the ancient Vedic and Buddhist traditions and reflects the harmony of nature and spirituality. The center is designed to create a conducive environment for meditation, learning, and healing, and to showcase the rich and diverse cultural heritage of India. Some of the main structures of the center are:
Vishalakshi Mantap:
This is the main meditation hall and the focal point of the center. It is a magnificent structure with a dome-shaped roof and a lotus-shaped base, symbolizing the union of the sky and the earth. The hall can accommodate 8,000 people and has a stunning view of the surrounding hills and lake. The hall is named after Vishalakshi, the goddess of abundance and prosperity, and is adorned with paintings and sculptures of various deities and sages.
Lotus Hall:
This is another meditation hall and a multipurpose venue for events and ceremonies. It is a circular structure with a lotus-shaped roof and a glass facade, creating a sense of openness and light. The hall can accommodate 2,500 people and has a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system. The hall is also used for musical concerts, cultural performances, and spiritual discourses.
Annapoorna Dining Hall:
This is the largest dining hall in the center, where visitors can enjoy delicious and nutritious vegetarian meals prepared with organic ingredients grown on the campus. The hall can serve 10,000 people at a time and has a spacious and hygienic kitchen. The hall is named after Annapoorna, the goddess of food and nourishment, and is decorated with paintings and murals of various food items and cuisines.
Ayurveda Hospital:
This is a holistic health care center that offers authentic and effective treatments based on the ancient science of ayurveda. The hospital has 120 beds and 20 treatment rooms, and provides services such as consultation, diagnosis, therapy, detoxification, rejuvenation, and education. The hospital also has a pharmacy, a laboratory, and a library, and conducts research and training programs on ayurveda.
Programs and Activities at the Art of Living International Center
The Art of Living International Center offers a variety of programs and activities for different age groups, interests, and needs, such as:
Happiness Program:
This is the flagship program of the Art of Living Foundation, which teaches the powerful and unique breathing technique called Sudarshan Kriya, along with yoga, meditation, and practical wisdom. The program helps to reduce stress, improve health, enhance happiness, and unleash the full potential of the individual. The program is conducted over three days, for six hours each day, and is open to anyone above 18 years of age.
Sahaj Samadhi Meditation:
This is a simple and effortless meditation technique that uses a personalized mantra to calm the mind and transcend the thoughts. The technique helps to experience deep relaxation, inner peace, and higher awareness. The program is conducted over two days, for three hours each day, and is open to anyone above 14 years of age.
Yoga and Ayurveda Retreat:
This is a comprehensive and customized program that combines the benefits of yoga and ayurveda to balance the body, mind, and spirit. The program includes consultation, diagnosis, therapy, diet, exercise, and lifestyle guidance, based on the individual’s constitution and condition. The program is conducted over seven days, for four hours each day, and is open to anyone above 18 years of age.
Youth Leadership Training Program:
This is an intensive and interactive program that develops the leadership and communication skills of the youth, and empowers them to become positive change-makers in the society. The program includes workshops, games, activities, projects, and field trips, that challenge and inspire the participants to discover their passion, purpose, and potential. The program is conducted over 10 days, for eight hours each day, and is open to anyone between 18 and 30 years of age.
Volunteer for a Better India Program:
This is a social service initiative that engages the volunteers in various activities and projects that address the issues and needs of the community, such as education, health, environment, women empowerment, and rural development. The program provides opportunities for the volunteers to serve, learn, and grow, and to make a positive difference in the world. The program is conducted throughout the year, for flexible hours, and is open to anyone above 18 years of age.
Attractions and Places to Visit at the Art of Living International Center
The Art of Living International Center has a number of attractions and places to visit that showcase the beauty and diversity of the campus, such as:
Radha Kunj Garden:
This is a lush and colorful garden that is dedicated to Radha, the beloved of Lord Krishna, and represents the love and devotion of the divine couple. The garden has a variety of flowers, plants, and trees, and a fountain that plays soothing music. The garden is also home to many birds and animals, such as peacocks, ducks, rabbits, and squirrels.
Sumeru Mantap:
This is a grand and majestic structure that is used for large gatherings and events, such as the World Culture Festival, the Navratri celebrations, and the Guru Purnima ceremonies. The structure has a capacity to host 100,000 people and has a spectacular view of the lake and the hills. The structure is modeled after the mythical mountain Sumeru, which is considered to be the center of the universe in Hindu cosmology.
Gurukul:
This is a traditional and residential school that imparts the ancient Vedic knowledge and culture to the students, and prepares them for a holistic and harmonious life. The school offers courses in subjects such as Sanskrit, Vedas, Upanishads, astrology, music, dance, and martial arts. The school also organizes cultural events and festivals, such as the Vedic chanting competition, the Dussehra celebration, and the Holi celebration.
Amphitheater:
This is an open-air and circular venue that is used for musical concerts, cultural performances, and spiritual discourses. The venue has a seating capacity of 2,000 people and has a natural and acoustic sound system. The venue also has a stage that is surrounded by water and fire elements, creating a stunning visual effect.
Art Gallery:
This is a creative and artistic space that displays the paintings, sculptures, and handicrafts of various artists and artisans, who are inspired by the vision and values of the Art of Living Foundation. The gallery also hosts exhibitions, workshops, and seminars, that promote and celebrate the art and culture of India and the world.
Facilities and Services at the Art of Living International Center
The Art of Living International Center provides a range of facilities and services for the visitors, such as:
Accommodation:
The center has various accommodation options for the visitors, such as cottages, dormitories, guest houses, and hotels. The accommodation options vary in terms of price, distance, amenities, and ratings, and can be booked online or offline. The center also has a camping site for those who want to experience the nature and adventure of the campus.
Food:
The center serves delicious and nutritious vegetarian meals for the visitors, prepared with organic ingredients grown on the campus. The meals are served at the Annapoorna Dining Hall, which can accommodate 10,000 people at a time. The meals include a variety of dishes, such as rice, roti, dal, sabzi, salad, curd, and sweets. The center also has a cafe and a bakery, where visitors can enjoy snacks, beverages, and desserts.
Transportation:
The center provides transportation facilities for the visitors, such as buses, cars, and bikes. The buses run from the center to the nearby city of Bangalore, and vice versa, at regular intervals. The cars and bikes can be rented from the center for exploring the campus and the surrounding areas. The center also has a helipad, which can be used for emergency and VIP purposes.
Security:
The center ensures the security and safety of the visitors, with a well-trained and professional staff and a CCTV network. The center also has a fire station, a police station, and an ambulance service, in case of any emergencies. The center also has a strict code of conduct, which prohibits the use of alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and non-vegetarian food, and requires the visitors to dress modestly and respectfully.
Medical Care:
The center provides medical care for the visitors, in case of any health issues or injuries. The center has a clinic, a pharmacy, and a first-aid kit, where visitors can get basic treatment and medicines. The center also has a tie-up with a nearby hospital, where visitors can get advanced and specialized treatment, if needed.
Wi-Fi:
The center provides Wi-Fi access for the visitors, so that they can stay connected and informed. The Wi-Fi is available in the common areas, such as the reception, the library, and the cafe. The Wi-Fi is free of charge, but has a limited bandwidth and speed, to encourage the visitors to disconnect from the digital distractions and focus on the spiritual experience.
Festivals and Events at the Art of Living International Center
The Art of Living International Center celebrates and organizes various festivals and events throughout the year, that showcase the diversity and vibrancy of the Indian and global culture, such as:
Navratri:
This is a nine-day festival that honors the nine forms of the goddess Durga, who represents the power and energy of the universe. The festival is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm, with daily rituals, prayers, music, dance, and fasting. The highlight of the festival is the Durga Puja, which is a grand and elaborate ceremony that involves the worship of a huge idol of the goddess, followed by the immersion of the idol in the lake. The festival also features the Garba and Dandiya, which are traditional and colorful folk dances that involve the use of sticks and costumes.
Guru Purnima:
This is a day that celebrates the guru, or the spiritual teacher, who guides and enlightens the disciples on the path of knowledge and wisdom. The day is marked by offering gratitude and reverence to the guru, and seeking his blessings and guidance. The day also coincides with the birthday of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the founder of the Art of Living Foundation, who is revered and respected by millions of people as their guru. The day is celebrated with special prayers, meditations, satsangs, and cultural programs, that honor and appreciate the life and teachings of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
International Yoga Day:
This is a day that celebrates the ancient and universal practice of yoga, which is a system of physical, mental, and spiritual exercises that harmonize the body, mind, and soul. The day is observed by performing mass yoga sessions, workshops, seminars, and demonstrations, that promote and popularize the benefits and importance of yoga for health, happiness, and peace. The day also features various yoga styles, such as hatha yoga, ashtanga yoga, iyengar yoga, and bikram yoga, that cater to different levels and preferences of the practitioners.
World Peace Day:
This is a day that celebrates the vision and mission of the Art of Living Foundation, which is to create a stress-free and violence-free society, and to spread the message of peace, love, and harmony among all. The day is observed by organizing various activities and events, such as peace marches, rallies, concerts, exhibitions, and dialogues, that involve and engage the people from different backgrounds, religions, cultures, and countries, and that foster and facilitate the understanding and cooperation among them. The day also features the Sudarshan Kriya, which is a powerful and unique breathing technique that reduces stress, enhances happiness, and increases peace.
Accommodation Options near the Art of Living International Center
The Art of Living International Center has various accommodation options for the visitors, such as:
Cottages:
These are cozy and comfortable cottages that are located within the campus, and offer a close and intimate connection with nature. The cottages have a bedroom, a bathroom, a living room, and a balcony, and are equipped with basic amenities, such as a bed, a fan, a heater, and a locker. The cottages are ideal for couples, families, and groups, who want to enjoy the privacy and tranquility of the campus. The cottages cost around 2,000 INR per night, and can be booked online or offline.
Dormitories:
These are spacious and shared dormitories that are located within the campus, and offer a social and friendly atmosphere. The dormitories have bunk beds, lockers, and common bathrooms, and are equipped with basic amenities, such as a fan, a heater, and a charger. The dormitories are ideal for solo travelers, students, and volunteers, who want to meet and mingle with other visitors and share their experiences. The dormitories cost around 500 INR per night, and can be booked online or offline.
Guest Houses:
These are modern and luxurious guest houses that are located outside the campus, and offer a comfortable and convenient stay. The guest houses have air-conditioned rooms, attached bathrooms, and balconies, and are equipped with advanced amenities, such as a TV, a fridge, a kettle, and a Wi-Fi. The guest houses also have a restaurant, a gym, a pool, and a spa, where visitors can enjoy the facilities and services. The guest houses are ideal for business travelers, celebrities, and VIPs, who want to enjoy the comfort and convenience of the city. The guest houses cost around 5,000 INR per night, and can be booked online or offline.
Hotels:
These are standard and budget hotels that are located near the campus, and offer a decent and affordable stay. The hotels have air-conditioned rooms, attached bathrooms, and windows, and are equipped with basic amenities, such as a bed, a fan, a heater, and a TV. The hotels also have a restaurant, a laundry, and a parking, where visitors can avail the facilities and services. The hotels are ideal for backpackers, tourists, and pilgrims, who want to explore the nearby attractions and places. The hotels cost around 1,000 INR per night, and can be booked online or offline.
The Art of Living International Center is a place where you can experience the peace and joy of meditation, yoga, and ayurveda, and learn from the wisdom and teachings of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. The center also offers a range of attractions and facilities for visitors, such as the Vishalakshi Mantap, the Lotus Hall, the Annapoorna Dining Hall, and the Ayurveda Hospital. The center also celebrates and organizes various festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Navratri, the Guru Purnima, the International Yoga Day, and the World Peace Day. The center also has various accommodation options for visitors, such as the cottages, the dormitories, the guest houses, and the hotels.
If you are looking for a place to relax, rejuvenate, and reconnect with yourself and nature, then you should definitely visit the Art of Living International Center in 2024. You will not only have a memorable and enriching experience, but also make a positive contribution to the world.
Thank you for reading this article, and we hope you found it helpful and informative. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to contact us. We would love to hear from you.
