Field trips for Bengaluru, India
We highly recommend students participate in the following organized field trips, which are included in your program fees. Some trips may be mandatory for specific classes and will be led by the Resident Director, instructors, or International Office staff.
Please note that destinations may only be available during certain terms and are subject to change at the discretion of the Resident Director or on-site staff.
The following are possible field trip destinations, with further details provided upon arrival.
Bengaluru Heritage Excursion
Experience India’s tech hub on a guided tour through Bengaluru (formerly Bangalore). Learn about the rich and layered past as you explore neighborhoods, traditional markets, monuments, and public spaces that tell the story of the city’s transformation from a 16th-century fort town to a modern urban center. Possible sites on the walk include Tipu Sultan’s summer palace, KR Market, Fort Area, Bangalore Pete, Russell Market, Shivaji Nagar Mosque, St. Mary’s Basilica, nearby temples, and the silk weaver’s colony, depending on the selected route.
Coorg and Madikeri
Explore the mountain region of Coorg, home to the Kodava people. Visit Raja's tomb, take a jeep excursion to Abby Falls, visit the Omkareshwar Temple, and take a hike to watch the sunset at Raja's Seat. You’ll also visit the Golden Temple, located in one of the largest Tibetan settlements in the world, and hear from local Buddhist monks about the temple's Tibetan culture and religion.
Hampi and Hospet
Hospet is a vibrant town that serves as the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hampi, home to the historic ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire. In Hospet, you’ll catch a glimpse of contemporary life in a semi-urban setting, with bustling bazaars, local crafts, and agricultural trade. In Hampi, you’ll see incredible Dravidian architecture, including temple and palace ruins from the 14th—16th century, and breathtaking landscapes of boulder-strewn hills and river valleys.
Mysore and Shravanabela-gola
Visit Mysore, known as “The City of Palaces.” Explore ancient historical sites such as the Srirangapatna Fort, the statue of Bahubali in Shravanabelagola*, the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, and St. Philomena's Church. You’ll also visit the Maharaja's palace twice – at night to see it illuminated in stunning fashion, and during the daytime to explore its exquisite carvings and precious works of art.
*The statue of Bahubali is located on top of a hill. To reach the top, students have to climb about 500-600 steps without shoes (socks are permitted) due to restrictions from the temple.