Dhamma Giri- A Photo Essay

Continued from here

Dhamma Giri, came to us as a big surprise. I was browsing for a day's trip from Mumbai, and came across Dhamma Giri meditation center in Igatpuri. We had been to Buddhist Monastry in Madikeri and felt this would be something similar. But instead this is a meditation center and nothing to do with any religious practices.
Dhamma giri is one of the World's largest meditation centers, dedicated to the teaching of Vipassana Meditation as taught my S.N Goenka. You can find more information on the center and meditation courses on their site http://www.giri.dhamma.org/..

Very narrow road reaches you to the Myanmar Gate. There is parking for visitor vehicles.. The guard at the gate guided us to the visitor's hall. Another person at the visitor's hall asked us to register with name and in-time... Then asked to go-through the paintings related to Lord Buddha's life and attend a 15 mins video session..The gallery has great collection of paintings.. After watching the video, we were guided to the main center, which is at the foot hill and almost half a km from the Myanmar gate. You can drive to this place in your vehicle.. There is a beautiful park on the way, and the whole place is scenic and beautiful. After nearing the center, a guide takes you through a detailed tour of the place and the meditation courses..The marvelous architecture and colorful walls takes you to a different world...

Myanmar Gate

Visitors Hall and Painting Gallery

Painting of Lord Buddha's life

The road heading to the center

The Park on the way to the meditation center

The Meditation Center

Another view of Meditation Center

   

The Bell, which guides the students with their schedule

Travel Tips:

• Location: Igatpuri is 120 kms from Mumbai and 45km from Nasik
• How to reach:
• By Train: Igatpuri has a railway station and trains playing between Mumbai and Nasik stop here.
• By Road: 
• Driving directions: Igatpuri is on NH3.
• Buses playing between Mumbai and Nasik stop at Igatpuri, auto-rickshaw play between center and Igatpuri town.
• By Air: Nearest airport Nasik's Ozar Airport which is 65kms from Igatpuri. But Mumbai airport at 135km has better connectivity
• Accommodation: There is accommodation facility at the center if  you are registering for meditation course.. As a visitor, you can find decent lodges in Igatpuri at nominal rates.

Linked to Our World Tuesday, Tuesday Around the World, Outdoor Wednesday, Skywatch Friday