Help Center for foreign nationals & NRIs

• Do I need a visa to attend a course at the Art of Living Bangalore Ashram in India?

You need a visa to travel to India unless you are an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder. India has many visa categories. Make sure you get the right visa for the purpose and duration of your travel. Ensure your visa is valid for the duration of your stay. We recommend checking the website of the Indian Embassy in your country of residence. 

• What documents are required for the visa application? 

Request you to kindly check the guidelines related to the VISA application process at the following link - https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/

• My passport will expire in a few days. Can I enrol for the program with my old passport?

The valid passport (unexpired) will have to be presented upon arrival at the Ashram. Please plan accordingly.

• Do I need any kind of vaccination to travel to India?

It depends on which country you are coming from. You can check in the Indian embassy in your country of residence or you may refer to the below link to know more:

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/india#vaccines-and-medicines

• How do I get from Bangalore Airport to the Bangalore Ashram?

Please route your cab to the following address:

The Art of Living International Center,

21st Km, Kanakapura Road, Udayapura, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560082

Map link -- https://goo.gl/maps/BhUomZkBRHdoZyF56

• How do I register for a course at the Art Of Living?

Step 1: Fill the following form: https://forms.gle/Pi25J5vDmU5obBw96

Step 2: One of our volunteers will get back to you with the details

• What are the program registration and check in formalities I need to do after reaching the center?

» Participants who have already registered through the website

   (This option is on hold until further notice):

Step 1 :  Keep the required documents ready with you before arriving at the Ashram. The list of documents are given below.

Step 2 : Report at the Ashram Reception.

Step 3 : Produce the required documents for verification purposes.

Step 4 : Collect the participant’s tag .

» Participants who will pay on arrival at the Ashram

   (This is currently in process)

Step 1 : Keep the program confirmation email and required documents ready with you before arriving at the Ashram. The list of documents are given below.

Step 2 : Report at the Ashram Reception.

Step 3 : Produce the required documents for verification purposes and make the contribution applicable

Step 4 : Collect the participant’s tag .

» Mode of payment and documents required are listed below:

Note: For mode of payment and documents required, kindly check the Section titled - Financial considerations and payments

Please enquire for below at the check in desk:

• Demo lock for your room

• Ashram Map

• Program venue (understand the same in the Ashram map)

• Program start time

• Participant’s WA group scan code (for Happiness program)

• Ashram shuttle for drop to your room

• What types of accommodation are available at the Art Of Living International Center? 

The center generally offers the following accommodation types: 

» 04 sharing Non AC rooms

» 03 sharing Non AC rooms

» 03 sharing AC rooms

» 02 sharing Non AC rooms

» 02 sharing AC rooms

The confirmation is given by our team subject to availability. 

• Do I need to book accommodation separately? 

Accommodation is included in the program contribution (residential option). However, confirm the type of accommodation during your registration process.

• Are meals included in the course fee? 

Yes, the meals are included in the program contribution. The center provides vegetarian meals as part of the program. Please be mindful if you have specific dietary requirements or restrictions.

• What should I bring with me for the program?

» Loose, comfortable, modest clothing is recommended

» Water bottle

» Personal toiletries

» Medications (if any)

» Essential travel documents and ID cards

» Umbrella

» Cap / Hat (for sunny days)

» Yoga mat (can be purchased at the center also)

» Towel

» Mobile charger

» Easy and inexpensive footwears (for travel inside center)

» Travel Adaptor (In India, the supply voltage is 230V)

• Are there specific clothing guidelines at the Art of Living Center? 

Modest and comfortable clothing is suggested. Kindly avoid tight and revealing outfits. For ladies it is recommendable to keep the shoulders covered.

• What kind of facilities are available at the center? 

» Ashram Enquiry: The Information Centre (also called Ashram Enquiry) can be contacted for all general queries and information that you might need during your stay at the Ashram.

» Wi-Fi: For the international participants there is Free Wi-Fi available (with restricted access) at the Ashram Reception.

» Cyber Café is there to avail the Internet facility.

» Divine Services: Ashram convenience store for all your daily needs.  

» Emergency Clinic is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week within the Ashram premises.

» Sri Sri Tattva Pharmacy: Based essentially on the traditional system of Indian medicine, the Ayurveda pharmacy within the premises will take care of your medicinal needs.

» Locker room: We accept no responsibility for loss or damage to your valuables during your stay at the Ashram. Hence we recommend you to use this facility within the premises to keep your valuables and important documents safe.

» Laundry (washing and ironing): Available at a reasonable price inside the premises with 2-3 days turnaround time.

» Automatic Teller Machines: 3 ATMs are available inside the premises for cash withdrawal.

» Wheel Chair facility: Available at the premises for people with walking difficulty.

» Shuttle Service: Facility for senior citizens and people with walking difficulty / specially abled to help them commute within the premises. However during check-in and check-out time, the facility is available for all.

» Hot water facility: Available in the bathrooms (attached with the room) from 04:30 am to 08 am.

» B YOGI is one the best ethnic wear brands in India offering a wide, colorful range of clothing that is elegant and convenient.

» Madhurya brings to you an exquisite heritage collection of sarees, jewelry, furniture, paintings, sculptures and home accessories.

» The Art of Living Book Store offers an incredible collection of wisdom books on various aspects of life - spiritual, Ayurveda & Yoga, relationships, lifestyle, self help, biographies, inspirational etc.

• What if I have health issues during my stay? 

The center has medical facilities available to assist you with health concerns (if any). Inform the volunteer (whom you are in touch with over WA / email) about any pre-existing medical conditions when you register. 

It is mandatory for the participant(s) to share the following health issues with us in advance at the following number +91 9071112261 (call / WA) or email at internationalevents@vvmvp.org so that we can guide accordingly.

» Disorders like Schizophrenia / Bipolar and related medication (if any)

» Any serious heart issues or BP or Asthma

» Pregnant ladies

» Undergone any major surgeries in the recent past (02 years)

» Undergoing any psychiatric treatments and taking any related medication

» Any other serious medical issues (if any)

• Are there any cultural norms I should be aware of? 

Kindly respect local customs, maintain silence in designated areas, and follow the center’s guidelines. Kindly avoid public display of affection and dress modestly.

• Will language be a barrier? 

English is widely spoken at the Art of Living Center, so language shouldn’t be a barrier.

• How do I stay connected with family and friends? 

For the international participants there is Free Wi-Fi available (with restricted access) at the Ashram Reception. You can purchase a local SIM card at the Bangalore International Airport for full mobile connectivity.

• What is the cost of attending a program at the center? 

The contribution varies depending on the program and the accommodation type selected. You will be updated about the same during the registration process.

• Which payment modes are accepted ?

For International passport holders, below are the guidelines:

Cash on arrival is the only option available as of now. 

For a smoother payment process, we recommend making the contribution in a single currency (Either in INR or in USD or in EUR or in GBP etc.). Multiple currencies may lead to longer registration processing time.

Currency condition notes must be free of ink and damage. Notes that are damaged or stained will not be accepted.

1. Accepted notes:

» USD: Notes from 2015 or later

» EURO: EUROPA series (2013 or later)

» GBP: G-Series Polymer notes only

For Indian passport holders, below are the guidelines:

Kindly carry a photo identity card with address proof (Aadhaar Card or PAN Card) to make your registration process easier.

» Currency: We accept in INR (Cash) only 

» Card: We accept all Indian Cards - Debit/Credit (Except AMEX Card)

We don't accept - International/NRE/NRO Cards

• Which documents are required during program check-in & payment?

Original copies of the following documents are required:

»  Passport and OCI / PIO

»  Visa / e-VISA

»  ETA (in case of e-visa)

»  Country Resident ID

»  Aadhar Card / PAN card (Indian passport holders)

»  Latest arrival stamp (it can be collected upon arrival and submitted at the time of check-in)

»  C FORM: to be filled by those people who do not hold an Indian passport and are registered as residential participants i.e. those who will stay inside the Ashram premises. Please fill the C form digitally here:  aolic.org/cform

• Is there any currency exchange facility available at the Ashram?

We recommend you to kindly arrange the required currency (as per the guidelines shared earlier) before reaching the Ashram. The currency exchange facility at the Ashram is usually not always available. 

• Can I make changes to my course dates after getting the program confirmation email?

Once the program confirmation email has been sent, we are unable to make changes to the course dates. However in case of any emergency / unavoidable situations, please contact internationalevents@vvmvp.org or whatsapp us on  +919071112261. We will see the possibility of rescheduling and updating you.

• Will I get a refund if I have to cancel my program booking or discontinue the program after joining?

If you’re unable to make it or discontinue the program, please note that contributions are non-refundable. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

• I am yet to receive the program confirmation. What should I do ?

Please get in touch with the International events coordinator via email at  internationalevents@vvmvp.org or whatsapp at +919071112261.

• Do I need to reconfirm my program details before I travel?

If you have already received the program confirmation via email, that would suffice. 

• I wish to stay at my friend’s place in Bangalore. Is there any non-stay option available ?

Yes, you can avail the non stay option as well. Please get in touch with the International events coordinator via email at  internationalevents@vvmvp.org or whatsapp at +919071112261.

• How soon should I arrive for the course?

You need to arrive one day prior i.e  on the check-in day for your registred course.

• What are the charges if I want to come a few days in advance or extend my stay?

For extended stay charges please contact International Event coordinator  at internationalevents@vvmvp.org or whatsapp us on  +919071112261.

• I have difficulty with walking. How will I commute in the ashram?

We have shuttle service inside Ashram for people with walking difficulty. In severe cases people may also take the wheelchair facility available.

• What is the time window for registering for the course ?

It varies for different courses. However we suggest registering at least 07 days in advance.

• Can I bring infants or kids to the Ashram?

While we truly value families, our ashram is designed to provide a serene and quiet environment for guests seeking deep relaxation and rejuvenation. If you are planning to do a program at Ashram and bring kids, we suggest you make alternative arrangements for children during your stay to ensure the best experience for everyone.

• Can I do the course if I eat non-veg and drink and smoke or do drugs?

While yoga is all about embracing balance and flexibility, we recommend a more mindful approach to your diet. For the best experience, a vegetarian diet is recommended. Moreover alcohol, smoking, drugs are strictly prohibited in the campus.