Even more magical than the Dhamma Giri experience may be the location, just three hours northeast from Mumbai (formerly called Bombay).

BBC: Following the Buddha around Bombay

At the end of the rainy season, the hilltop Dhamma Giri meditation centre in the small Maharashtran town of Igatpuri glistens.

BBC: Following the Buddha around Bombay

Today there are 13 retreat centres across the state -- including Dhamma Giri and one right in Mumbai, the Dhamma Pattana Vipassana Centre -- which are open to international visitors as well as locals.

BBC: Following the Buddha around Bombay