Photo: Rohit Sharma · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Dhamma Giri – Vipassana International Academy
Igatpuri, Maharashtra
Key facts
- Volunteer Yes
- Foreigners can stay Yes
- Minimum stay 10-day course (12 nights incl. arrival/departure days)
- Cost type Free
In short: Main Vipassana centre of S.N. Goenka's tradition at Igatpuri, with around 600 students per 10-day course. Courses are free and run purely on donations from past students. Foreigners are accepted; cost: Free; minimum stay: 10-day course (12 nights incl. arrival/departure days).
Last checked 2026-10-22 · from 3 official sources: Dhamma Giri – home & eligibility · Course schedule & contact · Dhamma Giri today
Can I volunteer here?
Yes, with conditions
Old students who completed a Vipassana course can volunteer as Dhamma servers.
- Foreigners can volunteer: Not confirmed
- Program required
- Min stay course length
Required first: Completed 10-day Vipassana course (old student)
Source · checked 2026-10-22
Volunteering at ashrams is often called seva (selfless service).
Stay details
- Who can stay
- Confirmed course students and Dhamma servers only, aged over 18 and healthy; teenager courses for ages 15–19. Visitors are not allowed inside the centre.
- Foreigners can stay
- Yes
- Cost / donation
- No charge for teaching, food or lodging; donations accepted only from those who have completed a 10-day course.
- Minimum stay
- 10-day course (12 nights incl. arrival/departure days)
- Volunteer (seva) terms
- Old students can serve courses as Dhamma servers (apply via schedule).
- Daily schedule
- Not confirmed
- Rules
- Only confirmed students/servers may enter; do not travel without confirmation
- Cancel if feverish/flu-like symptoms; management may ask students to leave
- Follow course code of discipline
- How to apply / book
- Online applications only, via schedule.vridhamma.org/courses/giri. Many 10-day courses fill up – check status before applying.
- Nearest transport
- Not confirmed
Common questions
How much does it cost to stay at Dhamma Giri – Vipassana International Academy?
No charge for teaching, food or lodging; donations accepted only from those who have completed a 10-day course.
Compare costs across 36 ashrams →Is it free to stay at Dhamma Giri – Vipassana International Academy?
Yes.
How do I book a room at Dhamma Giri – Vipassana International Academy?
Online applications only, via schedule.vridhamma.org/courses/giri. Many 10-day courses fill up – check status before applying.
Can foreigners stay at Dhamma Giri – Vipassana International Academy?
Yes, foreigners can stay at Dhamma Giri – Vipassana International Academy.
What is the minimum stay at Dhamma Giri – Vipassana International Academy?
10-day course (12 nights incl. arrival/departure days)
Last checked 2026-10-22 · Source
Contact
| Phone |
|
|---|---|
| +91 89562 97219 / 89562 97220 (9:30 AM–5:30 PM IST, Mon–Sat) |
Sources: schedule.vridhamma.org · last checked 2026-10-22
Best time to visit
Not confirmed on official pages.
- Annual maintenance period (closed): 12–27 Oct 2026 (schedule.vridhamma.org)
- Golden Jubilee programme: 26 Nov–18 Dec 2026 (schedule.vridhamma.org)
Sources: schedule.vridhamma.org · last checked 2026-10-22
Things to do
Not confirmedHow to get there
| Nearest airport | Not confirmed |
|---|---|
| Rail | Not confirmed |
| Notes | Not confirmed |
What visitors say
Not confirmed
Paraphrased common themes from public reviews; no ratings shown. Read them:
What to pack
Not confirmedQuestions about this ashram
- ▲ 0Does a 10-day Vipassana course at Dhamma Giri cost anything?
Costs✓ Answered · 1 answer · 2026-10-22
- ↗Are there free or donation-based ashram stays in India?
Answered in general
- ↗Best ashram for a silent or Vipassana retreat in India?
Answered in general
See all questions in the Dhamma Giri – Vipassana International Academy community →
Sources
Last verified: 2026-10-22
Stay details above are taken only from the linked official pages; the visit sections (season, things to do, getting there, visitor themes) cite their own sources, which may include travel guides and public reviews. Fields marked “Not confirmed” were not found on official sources. Spotted an error? Tell us via the About page.
Reviews, questions & comments
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