Auroville, Pondicherry
This green land was completely barren before the foundation of this township
The Matrimandir, a golden metallic sphere in the center of town
Sunrise at the Auroville Beach
Buildings amidst greenery
Cinema Paradiso
Auroville Beach
Dalai Lama's seat, Tibetan Centre, Auroville
Auroville Main Road
Auroville

Auroville

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Auroville Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 1-2 days

Best Time: November to March Read More

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"The City of Dawn"

Auroville Tourism

Located around 15 km from the city of Pondicherry, Auroville is located in Tamil Nadu and was founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa, a disciple of Aurobindo and fondly known as the 'Mother' of Sri Aurobindo Society. This place is the epitome of tranquillity and proves as the perfect escape for the ones in search of peace. The best way to experience Auroville ashram is to actually just sit in one of the cafes, and talk to some of the residents here about their experience of living in the city.

Conceived as the 'Universal Town', Auroville is an experimental township where people from across the world of all cultures and traditions come and live together in peace. People from 124 countries including Indians from 23 different states came together with some of their native soil brought from their homelands and deposited in a marble urn. Currently, over 2,800 people from over 195 different nationalities are the official residents of this township. The Aurovilleans as they call themselves live together on the principles of peace, harmony, sustainable living and 'divine consciousness' which was the philosophy of the Mother.

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Must Visit Places in Auroville

Matrimandir

Matrimandir
Auroville Beach

Auroville Beach

Things To Do In Auroville

Matrimandir

Matrimandir
Marc's Cafe

Marc's Cafe
Arka

Arka
Youth Centre

Youth Centre
Peace Tables

Peace Tables
Auroville Beach

Auroville Beach
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Top Hotels In Auroville

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Peace Area

In the centre of the city is the peace area or Matrimandir. It is a centre for meditation, internal reflection and quietude. The structure is globe-shaped with a golden metallic plate-like design on the outside. The insides are white as a sign of peace and silence is maintained for tranquillity and serenity. A colossal crystal ball is placed at the centre of the meditation chamber that channels and reflects the sunlight. The area is also equipped with a solar power plant, which works after sunset or when there is no sunlight. A spiralling ramp leads to a white marble covered chamber on the upstairs that is used as a “place to find one’s consciousness”.

Auroville - The Universal Town

Conceived as the 'Universal Town', Auroville is an experimental township where people from across the world of all cultures and traditions come and live together in peace. This universal township was inaugurated on 28 February 1968 with the agenda that it will be a place with people willing enough to make this a hub of uninterrupted education and progress, regardless of their caste, creed, nationality or race. People from 124 countries including Indians from 23 different states came together with some of their native soil brought from their homelands and deposited in a marble urn.

Currently, over 2,800 people from over 195 different nationalities are the official residents of this township. The Aurovilleans as they call themselves live together on the principles of peace, harmony, sustainable living and 'divine consciousness' which was the philosophy of the Mother. Major forestation work was done by the early Aurovilleans which has made this erstwhile completely barren land into a huge patch of greenery. The project was supported by the Govt. of India, and the UNESCO passed a resolution in 1966 commending this as "a project of importance to the future of humanity".

Auroville Architecture and the Matrimandir

The architecture of the city is as interesting as the concept. The city is planned in a circle of radius 1.25kms, and the center of the city is the famous Matrimandir along with the gardens surrounding it. Just outside this are the industrial zone, the cultural zone, the peace zone, and the residential zone. Outside this, the entire city is surrounded by a "green belt" - this is supposed to act as a barrier against urban encroachment, a wildlife habitat, and sources of food/timber/etc. This entire area was created out of a wasteland, demonstrating the ability to conserve nature while developing a town. 
Inside the Matrimandir (Source)

The main attraction here is the "Matrimandir" - you can watch an introductory video about the concept of the city, and sit here in silence to concentrate. With water pooling in from different sides, the sound of the water and cool breeze which always flows provides a perfect atmosphere for meditation. The mandir is an architectural masterpiece with a 30m high globe with a lotus-shaped foundation urn. The entry is free of costs, and you can only buy the tickets in person at the venue, not online. The walk from the entry gates to the centre takes around 10-12 minutes.

People of Auroville

Mirra Alfassa- the founder of the township, believed that Auroville is meant to be a universal town where men and women from all over the world and of all religions can live in harmony and peace above all politics, creed and nationalities. The overall purpose being human unity.

Culture of Auroville

They say "Auroville is a culture still to be invented". As Auroville is a planned township, it draws people from all over the country and globally as well. You can see a mix of Tamilians, Bengalis, Russians, Koreans, British etc. The culture, therefore, is a mixed one. You will hear folk village music and can also find a ballet class to go to. It has cars to travel and also bullock carts. There are jazz concerts held and also recital of the Vedas. Auroville celebrates all kinds of festivals- firecrackers on Diwali and rum cakes on Christmas. Some people wear the usual t-shirt and jeans while others prefer dhoti-kurta.

Cultural Zones

Situated on the east of the Peace area is the Cultural Zone, on a 103-hectare area. It is a site for research in an educational field, for artistic expressions etc. It is planned to have various centres for sports, education, arts and research centres for related fields. It can be used for local city level use like auditoriums, exhibitions, parks, playgrounds, convenience stores, stadium etc.

Visitor and Resident

You can either come to Auroville for a day trip or stay on as a resident and /or volunteer. The center of attraction is the Matrimandir, a globe -shaped meditation center. Prior booking has to be made if you wish to enter it. There are a lot of activites like teaching and handicrafts which you can try out.

Restaurants and Local Food in Auroville

There are tons and tons of restaurants and cafes in this place. It has a lot of plush restaurants, not in terms of the prices they charge but in terms of the cuisines that they have on offer. This is kept in mind to cater to the large number of foreign tourists that Auroville gets each year. The most popular restaurants are The Solar Kitchen and La Terrace. One can find all sorts of cuisines out here ranging from exquisite Italian to traditional South Indian dishes. Auroville is truly a foodie's heaven.
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Suggested Itinerary for Auroville

Day 1 - Reach Auroville by morning. Check out the Visitor's Centre. Explore the township and sample the delicious multicultural cuisine available.
Day 2 - Make sure you have permission to enter the Matrimandir ( bookings have to be made well in advance ) Devote this day fully to strolling through the gardens that lead to the Matrimandir and meditating in the serene settings.
Day 3 - Check out the shops and cafeteria that sells handmade products like incense, pastries , clothing ,accessories etc. Spend the evening at the Auroville beach.

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Auroville Photos

Auroville, Pondicherry
This green land was completely barren before the foundation of this township
The Matrimandir, a golden metallic sphere in the center of town
Sunrise at the Auroville Beach

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FAQs on Auroville

What are the places near Auroville?

The top places near to Auroville are Pondicherry which is 10 km from Auroville, Vedanthangal which is located 58 km from Auroville, Chidambram which is located 68 km from Auroville, Chennai which is located 126 km from Auroville, Mahabalipuram which is located 80 km from Auroville

What are the things to do in Auroville?

The top things to do in Auroville are Matrimandir, Yoga and Meditation, Youth Centre, Auroville Beach, Adishakti Theatre, Quiet Healing Centre. You can see all the places to visit in Auroville here

What are the top hotels in Auroville?

There are 627 in Auroville which can be booked through Holidify. The most popular hotels in Auroville are Traditional 1BHK Stay near Pondicherry City Centre, Serene 2BHK Dwell in Pondicherry City Centre, Standard 1BHK near Pondicherry City Centre, Hotel O M Residency, Compact Studio Home near Pondicherry City Centre, The Green Box TGB. You can see all the hotels in Auroville here

What is the best way to reach Auroville?

There are no direct transport services to Auroville from any city, its best to come via Chennai or Pondicherry.
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What is the local food in Auroville?

There are tons and tons of restaurants and cafes in this place. It has a lot of plush restaurants, not in terms of the prices they charge but in terms of the cuisines that they have on offer. This is kept in mind to cater to the large number of foreign tourists that Auroville gets each year. The most popular restaurants are The Solar Kitchen and La Terrace. One can find all sorts of cuisines out here ranging from exquisite Italian to traditional South Indian dishes. Auroville is truly a foodie's heaven.
Read More

What is the best time to visit Auroville?

November-March are the best months to visit this place. The weather of Auroville is tropical in nature. The summers are hot and humid with average temperatures ranging from 40-44 degrees. The occasional rainfall starts from July though the main rainfall experienced by Auroville is during the month of October-December. The winter season arrives in the month of December-March, this is the best time to visit the town of Auroville.
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Who should visit Auroville?

Those looking to experience spirituality, looking to recharge their mind and body.

What is not so good about Auroville?

Food and accommodation may be a bit on the higher side.

What is famous about Auroville?

Very tourist friendly has a great cosmopolitan feel. Exudes vibes of calm and spirituality.

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Popular Questions And Answers on Auroville

Q. How is the theatre scene in Auroville?

Kaveesh Nair

6 years ago
The Auroville Theatre Group has been performing in the town for more than 10 years. You should check for their events if you're looking for a good show.
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Q. What will be the budget if I want to visit each and every place of Auroville? And where I can see most beautifully designed homes?

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Auroville Reviews

Your rating

Elamanchili Rama Murthy

on Savitri Bhavan 6 years ago
Physically speaking Savitri is the one which brought her husband (Satyavantha) back to life, winning with God of Death YAMA. But metaphorically it is spiritual practice and following the path of Yoga (Read More) that makes you overcome the fear of Death, and live as Universal Consciousness. Unattached to worldly life.

Pallavi Siddhanta

6 years ago
- Try and interact more with the people, they will give you the deepest of insights into the making of this township. The locals are very friendly.
View All Reviews About Auroville

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