We’re Experience Enthusiasts!
committed to
Vision
Pioneering outdoor education in India
We’re proud to be redefining the concept of education: to not only be a part of, but lead, innovative approaches to experiential learning - especially out in natural environments.
CoursesMission
Fostering young leaders of tomorrow
The Centre is a safe space for students to discover their capabilities, form their own value systems and practise them, to speak out and be heard. We help them find the best versions of themselves.
Blog
Responsible Living is at the heart of our work.
Whether it’s on the world, the outdoors, the local community or even just each other, we aspire to have a positive impact through what we do. Our purpose and practice aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals laid out by the United Nations (UNSDG).
From shared adventures to a whole new way of life
Prof. Ganesh Nayak founded the Human Powered Endeavours Club in MIT back in 2016 to promote adventure. He spent the next few years gaining the professional qualifications required to facilitate educational experiences in the outdoors while also building a network of like-minded educators, researchers, conservationists, and adventurers.
In November 2022, the Centre for Outdoor Studies was, offering students credited courses in cycling, sea kayaking, and trekking - guided by diverse mentors and fellow explorers.
Zanskar Valley
Feature one
Expedition: Zanskar Valley
Six students took on quite the adventure - a three-week bike tour through the Greater Himalayas, reaching altitudes as high as 5100m and pedaling 550km. Yup, all on a bike.
Sea Kayaking
Feature two
Expedition: Sea Kayaking
Our five-day expedition along the Karnataka coast with three students wasn’t just about taking on the sea or learning a new sport. Paddling 70km through churning waters, we also documented 76 species of birds - making this a one-of-a-kind interdisciplinary adventure.
Expedition: Sikkim
Feature three
Expedition: Sikkim
The Himalayas called out to us again - this time to the its eastern edge. Eight students (and one alum) embarked on a 500km tour over two weeks, climbing as high as 4100m, and still managed to document 63 species of bird. Now that’s multi-tasking.
Expedition: Spiti Valley
Feature three
Expedition: Sikkim
The Himalayas called out to us again - this time to the its eastern edge. Eight students (and one alum) embarked on a 500km tour over two weeks, climbing as high as 4100m, and still managed to document 63 species of bird. Now that’s multi-tasking.
We’ve got lots to say!
From our annual publication to fun collabs and academic research, the Centre is all about developing your voice, sharing knowledge and stories, and trying new things.
Created by our students, COSMag is a space for creativity, reflection, and celebration - because, they’ve definitely earned the bragging rights.
DownloadCOSMag is back - new voices, thrilling narratives, and even more reasons for you to join us.
DownloadCreated by our students, COSMag is a realm for creativity, reflection, and celebration—because they’ve certainly earned the bragging rights.
DownloadIn a collaboration with illustrator-designer Sagarika Bhatia, we created a traveller’s guide to Udupi - filled with tidbits from our adventures and a call for sustainable travel. Creativity X Responsbility.
DownloadDriven, fun, and just getting started
Meet the brains and backbones of the Centre of Outdoor Studies -
the who’s who of COS.
Find answers to your questions about our programs and how to participate.
Find answers to your questions about our programs and how to participate.
Manu lives in the Western Ghats and manages a BnB at the foothills. He loves the outdoors and loves to travel, hike, kayak & packraft. He has been working as a sea kayaking instructor with COS and has coordinated many workshops for students. Manu was also part of the COS Seakayaking expedition of 2024.