Goenka tradition · India
Dhamma Giri
Igatpuri, Maharashtra, India
Flagship centerFounded
1976
Capacity
400 students
Tradition
Goenka tradition
Languages
English, Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati
About this center
Global headquarters of Vipassana meditation in the Goenka tradition. Founded by S.N. Goenka in 1976 in the Sahyadri hills three hours from Mumbai. Runs continuous 10-day, 20-day, 30-day, and longer courses for old and new students. Site of the Global Vipassana Pagoda outreach. The reference center every other Dhamma center in the world models itself on.
How to reach
- Nearest airport
- Mumbai (CSIA) — 130 km
- Nearest railway
- Igatpuri — 2 km
- Climate
- Cool monsoon, mild winter, warm summer
- Best season
- October to March
Before you apply
Largest center — strong support infrastructure for first-timers. Individual cells available for serious students. Books out 3-6 months in advance for popular dates.
New to Vipassana? Read the full guide before applying — the 10-day course expects you to know what you are committing to.
Apply for a course
Applications go directly to Dhamma Giri. Darshya does not handle bookings — the center reviews each applicant personally. The course itself is donation-based (no fee).