Global Vipassana Pagoda -Mumbai, Maharashtra , India & nearby places you can visit Complete Guide to Travel (2025 ) - Borivali West & East
The Global Vipassana Pagoda, located in Gorai, Mumbai, India, is a prominent meditation hall and monument dedicated to the practice of Vipassana meditation. It serves as a center for promoting peace and mindfulness through meditation. The pagoda, completed in 2009, features a massive central dome and is one of the largest stone structures in Asia without support columns.
The structure is designed to accommodate large groups for meditation sessions and retreats, reflecting the teachings of S.N. Goenka, a prominent Vipassana teacher. The pagoda also aims to preserve and spread the practice of Vipassana meditation, emphasizing its benefits for personal and global peace.
Architecture of theGlobal Vipassana Pagoda in Gorai :
The architecture of the Global Vipassana Pagoda in Gorai, Mumbai, is notable for its grandeur and unique design, reflecting both traditional Buddhist architecture and modern engineering techniques. Here are some key aspects of its architecture:
1. Central Dome: The pagoda features a massive central dome that is one of the largest of its kind in the world. The dome is designed to be an enduring symbol of peace and meditation, and its size underscores the pagoda's role as a major meditation center.
2. Design Inspiration: The architectural design of the pagoda is inspired by the Shwedagon Pagoda in Myanmar and other ancient Buddhist structures. It combines traditional Buddhist elements with modern engineering to create a structure that is both functional and symbolic.
3. Materials: The pagoda is constructed using a combination of stone and concrete. The outer surface is clad in marble, giving it a polished and majestic appearance. The choice of materials not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also contributes to the durability of the structure.
4. No Support Columns: One of the most remarkable features of the Global Vipassana Pagoda is its vast central dome, which is supported without any internal columns. This design allows for an uninterrupted meditation space, accommodating large groups of practitioners. The engineering behind this feature is both complex and innovative, showcasing advanced techniques in structural design.
5. Meditation Hall: The main meditation hall inside the pagoda is designed to be spacious and serene, providing an environment conducive to deep meditation. The hall is circular, reflecting traditional Buddhist architectural principles, and is intended to create a sense of unity and focus among meditators.
6. Surrounding Gardens and Structures: The pagoda complex includes beautifully landscaped gardens and smaller structures that support its function as a meditation retreat. These areas enhance the overall atmosphere of peace and tranquility.
7. Symbolism and Purpose: Architecturally, the pagoda symbolizes the spread of Vipassana meditation and the promotion of global peace. Its imposing presence serves as a reminder of the values of mindfulness and compassion.
The architecture of the Global Vipassana Pagoda is both a tribute to traditional Buddhist architecture and a testament to modern engineering, creating a space that supports the practice of meditation on a grand scale.
Entry to Global Vipassana Pagoda : Free
Nearest Airport : Mumbai (Chhatrapati Shivaji international airport)
From Gorai Creek : You can board a boat to the other side of the creek. There are two options : Take the Esselworld Ferry Service, costing Rs. 50 for a return trip (cost may change with time), or take local ferry service, costing Rs. 5 for a one-way trip (cost may change with time).
From Bhayander Railway Station West you can Board MBMT buses which run from Mira - Bhayander Municipal Corporation to Pagoda every 30 minutes. Bus no .4 is available from Bhayander Railway West Station.
By Private Vehicle : Put Global Vipassana Pagoda Gorai Borivali West in Google Maps and the Route to Pagoda will be shown.
Taking Pictures is Allowed in the Pagoda .There is a Meditation hall , two Canteens are present in the premises of Global Vipassana Pagoda Gorai .There is also a Garden area where you can Chill with your Friends and Family .
It has a Central Meditation Hall which approx 65,000 sq feet and has sitting capacity of 8000 seats. Pagoda dome contains relics of the Buddha . Ten-day vipassana meditation courses are held free of charge at the Dhamma Pattana meditation center that is part of the Global Vipassana Pagoda complex .There is also a library and a Museum & Auditorium where they show a short film which one can visit & Enjoy. At exit gate there is a souvenir shop where you can shop .
1. Route from Mumbai City to Global Vipassana Pagoda:
- Start from Mumbai City and head towards the Western Express Highway (WEH) or the Eastern Express Highway (EEH) depending on your location.
- If you're on the WEH, continue northbound towards Borivali. If you're on the EEH, head west towards Sion to connect to the WEH.
- Take the exit towards Borivali from the WEH.
- From Borivali, follow the signs towards Gorai Jetty.
- Once you reach Gorai Jetty, you have two options:
- If you have a vehicle, you can take a car ferry from Gorai Jetty to reach Gorai Island. The ferry will drop you off at Gorai Beach.
- Alternatively, you can park your vehicle at Gorai Jetty and take a ferry ride to Gorai Beach.
- From Gorai Beach, you can hire an auto-rickshaw or take a bus to reach the Global Vipassana Pagoda. It's a short ride from Gorai Beach to the pagoda.
2. Local Transportation Options:
- Once you reach Gorai Beach, you can hire an auto-rickshaw or take a bus to reach the Global Vipassana Pagoda.
- Auto-rickshaws are readily available at Gorai Beach and will take you directly to the pagoda.
3. Navigation Apps:
- Utilize navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze for real-time navigation and updates on the best routes considering traffic conditions and ferry timings. These apps can guide you from your specific location in Mumbai City to the Global Vipassana Pagoda.
4. Travel Time:
- The travel time from Mumbai City to the Global Vipassana Pagoda by road typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and ferry timings.
5. Road Conditions and Safety:
- Ensure your vehicle is in good condition for the journey.
- Pay attention to traffic rules and drive cautiously, especially during peak traffic hours.
- If you're taking the car ferry, be mindful of the ferry timings and plan your visit accordingly.
By following these directions and considering local transportation options, you should be able to reach the Global Vipassana Pagoda in Gorai, Borivali West from Mumbai City by road.
1. Route from Pune to Global Vipassana Pagoda:
- Start from Pune and head towards the Pune-Mumbai Expressway (NH48).
- Drive on NH48 towards Mumbai.
- Take the exit towards Borivali from the expressway once you reach Mumbai.
- From Borivali, follow the signs towards Gorai Jetty.
- Once you reach Gorai Jetty, you have two options:
- If you have a vehicle, you can take a car ferry from Gorai Jetty to reach Gorai Island. The ferry will drop you off at Gorai Beach.
- Alternatively, you can park your vehicle at Gorai Jetty and take a ferry ride to Gorai Beach.
- From Gorai Beach, you can hire an auto-rickshaw or take a bus to reach the Global Vipassana Pagoda. It's a short ride from Gorai Beach to the pagoda.
2. Local Transportation Options:
- Once you reach Gorai Beach, you can hire an auto-rickshaw or take a bus to reach the Global Vipassana Pagoda.
- Auto-rickshaws are readily available at Gorai Beach and will take you directly to the pagoda.
3. Navigation Apps
- Utilize navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze for real-time navigation and updates on the best routes considering traffic conditions and ferry timings. These apps can guide you from your specific location in Pune City to the Global Vipassana Pagoda.
4. Travel Time:
- The travel time from Pune City to the Global Vipassana Pagoda by road typically takes around 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic and ferry timings.
5. Road Conditions and Safety :
- Ensure your vehicle is in good condition for the journey.
- Pay attention to traffic rules and drive cautiously, especially during peak traffic hours.
- If you're taking the car ferry, be mindful of the ferry timings and plan your visit accordingly.
By following these directions and considering local transportation options, you should be able to reach the Global Vipassana Pagoda in Gorai, Borivali West from Pune City by road.
1. Essel world Bird park ( For all age groups)
2. Water Kingdom ( For all age groups)
3.Tic Tac Tot ( only for Kids & Parents)
4. Gorai Beach ( one can also enjoy Water sports at Gorai Beach)
Rides |
Sitting |
Pricing ( Cost May change with
Time ) |
Family Speed Boat |
9 people |
150 per head |
Banana Ride |
10 people |
200 per head |
Bumper Ride |
8 people |
200 per head |
Twister Ride |
8 people |
300 per head |
Jet Ski Ride |
1 only |
400 per head |
5. Marve Beach
6. Madh Fort
7 . Velankanni Church Uttan Beach - Mini Goa also known as Mata Velankanni Shrine - Bhatebander, Uttan check out the link
Hotel On Rocks: 099301 04475
Starwoods Hotel & Resort : 074000 09912
Ocean Hills, Pereira Farms: 09821165378
Silverador Resort Club : +919769966338, +918898005000, +919820788788, +919820588588, 022-28452187
C Cube resorts : 098676 22360
J.K FARMS - 2500/- included all meal Prices for J.K Farm is been changed, for details please contact property.
For any Queries regarding Location please contact on the given number.
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- Global Vipassana Pagoda- Borivali West Gorai Mumbai.

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