Auroville

Auroville is an experimental township near Pondicherry, nestled in the green forests and red earth of the Tamil Nadu coast. It was founded in 1968 and is based on the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. It was envisaged as a place where people from all over the world could live together in peace, free from religion, politics and rivalry.

The heart of Auroville is the Matrimandir (a large golden sphere surrounded by gardens) which is a place people come to sit and meditate in peace. There's a Visitor Centre where you can get information about the township, have a look around at the various craft outlets and cafés and meet some of the residents who are involved in sustainable farming, education, art and handicrafts. Pondicherry's French Quarter and the Sri Aurobindo Ashram are both very close by and easily combined.

The best time to visit is between October and March (cooler weather). Wear comfortable clothes as it's a very calm, quiet place. You need to book entry to the inner chamber of the Matrimandir so be sure to check the current procedure prior to your visit.

Quick Facts & Information About Auroville

Region

Universal International Township, major parts in Viluppuram district (Tamil Nadu) and certain parts in Puducherry district (union terrotory)

Establishment Year

28 February 1968.

Location

South-eastern India, a short distance inland from the Coromandel Coast on the Bay of Bengal.

Area

Approximately 20 sq. km.

Languages Spoken

Tamil, English, and French.

Climate

Tropical savanna climate, featuring hot and humid weather for most of the year, with warm, pleasant winters.

Key Attractions

Matrimandir, Auroville Visitor's Centre, Savitri Bhavan, Auroville Beach, and the SVARAM Sound Garden.

Famous Festivals

Auroville Foundation Day (28 February), Pongal, and various international cultural celebrations.

Cuisine

Organic vegetarian and vegan dishes, farm-to-table cuisine, artisanal breads and pastries from the Auroville Bakery, wood-fired pizzas, and fusion South Indian fare.

Unique Experiences

A silent concentration session inside or around the golden sphere of the Matrimandir, cycling through extensive reforested woodlands, and exploring sustainable permaculture initiatives like Solitude Farm.

Economy

Driven by sustainable living projects, artisanal handicrafts (such as Maroma incense and handmade paper), organic farming, boutique workshops, and mindful tourism

Specialty

Known as the "City of Dawn", Auroville is famous as an experimental universal township dedicated to human unity, massive tropical reforestation, and alternative architecture.