Field Trips for Bengaluru (Bangalore), 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.
Belur and Halebeedu
Students will explore temples and monuments built by the Hoysala Dynasty from the 11th and 12th Century AD. The Hoysala temples are known for intricate carvings and sculptures with metal-like polishing. The outer walls of one of the temples have 645 unique elephant carvings and it took about 103 years to complete the temple construction. Students will also visit the world's largest monolithic stone statue, 17 meters (58 feet) high of the Lord Gommateshwara, also referred to as Baahubali.
Bengaluru Heritage Excursion
This walk takes you over 450 years back in time to the rule of Kempe Gowda, the founder of Bengaluru. Discover what made the city so prosperous and why the British occupied it. Learn about the battles that took place, and visit the last surviving silk weavers to see them reel, dye, and weave silk yarn. Walk through Bengaluru's oldest market; learn about famous philanthropists, Sufi saints, temples and much more as you explore the oldest part of Bengaluru.
Coorg
Travel to the mountain region of Coorg, home to the Kodava people. There you will 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. Visit the Golden Temple, located in one of the largest Tibetan settlements in the world. At the Buddhist temple, you will see monks of all ages in traditional clothing who will speak to you about the temple's Tibetan culture and religion.
Mysore
Visit Mysore, the City of Palaces, which was the capital of the Kingdom of Mysore until 1947. You'll visit ancient historical sites such as the Srirangapatna Fort; stop at the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple; and visit St. Philomena's Church. That night, you'll see the Maharaja's palace illuminated in lights and you'll visit again during the daytime to explore its exquisite carvings and precious works of art.