MTDC associates with Global Vipassana Pagoda in Gorai to create Buddhist Circuits and promote wellness tourism

~ Global Vipassana Pagoda is one of the seven wonders of
Maharashtra as declared by MTDC in 2013~

Mumbai, 18th April 2018: Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), in association with Global Vipassana Pagoda in Gorai, is looking to encourage visitors across globe to experience tool of meditation for individual and global wellness & peace.

Buddhist Circuits are spiritual homes where Lord Buddha was born, taught, preached and attained Nirvana. In 2014, the Union Ministry announced plans to develop new Circuits to cover routes of important Buddhist destinations of the country.

The Global Vipassana Pagoda in Gorai focusses on the Vipassana form of meditation, which stresses on the systematic investigation of the self, a phenomenon that is unique to the Buddhist tradition. The Pagoda also provides an insight to Buddhism by engaging visitors in a healthy and spiritual way from the hustle and bustle of the city. A tour to the Pagoda includes visit to the Main Pagoda, Bodhi Tree, Ashoka Pillar, Aanapaan Meditation along with a visit to the library and art gallery. The Global Vipassana Pagoda has a large dome where 8,000 visitors can be accommodated in one sitting. Currently, the Pagoda has a 10-day course which is about personal purification of the mind.

Mumbai has a rich Buddhist tradition and can be an ideal destination for travellers seeking solace in spirituality. Keeping that in mind, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) is promoting wellness tourism through the Buddhist Circuits in and around Mumbai. The Circuits in the coastal area of Nalasopara, Chaityabhoomi in Dadar, the Mandapeshwar Caves in Borivali, the Kanheri Caves in Sanjay Gandhi National Park and the Elephanta Caves are definitely going to increase the flow of tourists in the State.

Shri Jaykumar Rawal, Minister of Tourism & (EGS), Government of Maharashtra conveys, “MTDC in association with the Global Vipassana Pagoda is encouraging and promoting the Buddhist Circuit and wellness tourism in the state. Our aim is to endorse the Buddhist circuit, among other spiritual sites that engage people to experience and learn about the rich legacy through Buddhist monuments and centers. I am certain that this step will draw the attention to Lord Buddha’s journey and self-discovery and entice visitors from other friendly nations including Japan, Sri Lanka, Thailand among others to visit the state and boost tourism.”

Commenting on the occasion, Shri Vijay Waghmare, Managing Director, Government of Maharashtra said, “We are pleased to associate with the Global Vipassana Pagoda in Gorai and create new Buddhist Circuits in Mumbai to attract spiritual tourists from around the globe. Since Buddhist Circuits are regarded as the spiritual homes where Lord Buddha was born, taught, preached and attained Nirvana, it gives MTDC immense pleasure to create more such Circuits and develop India’s financial capital as a spiritual and wellness hub too.”

According to MTDC, Tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors in the state, which generates substantial foreign exchange and has culminated in significant employment prospects. Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) was established with the aim of promoting tourism in the state. Since its foundation, MTDC has been at the forefront of development and maintenance of various tourist sites and at present owns and maintains resorts in these regions. To aide tourists, MTDC has opened information centers at all popular destination, which provide travel information about various tourist spots in Maharashtra along with travel maps, Maharashtra tourism guides and travel books at affordable prices.

Maharashtra is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India offering a diverse range of experiences from pristine beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, hill stations, natural caves, waterfalls, to imposing forts, colorful festivals, ancient pilgrimage shrines, museums, and historical monuments.

For further details, please visit: http://www.maharashtratourism.gov.in/