Located about 10 km north of Pondicherry, Auroville is a UNESCO-endorsed international city-in-the-making, dedicated to the ideals of peace, unity, and evolutionary consciousness. People from over 60 nations live and work here, building a new society beyond nationality, politics, or religion.
Noteworthy Attractions
Matrimandir
The central meditation space and spiritual heart of Auroville, known for its golden geodesic dome and silent inner chamber.
Sustainable Living Projects
Innovative initiatives in organic farming, eco-architecture, renewable energy, and waste management.
Auroville Visitor’s Centre
Offers exhibitions, guided tours, cafés, and shops with artisan crafts and natural products.
History & Culture
Origins & Legacy
Founded in 1968 by The Mother, Auroville was created to fulfill Sri Aurobindo’s vision of a divine life on earth. Its charter emphasizes unity in diversity, collective evolution, and human transformation.
Sacred Importance
Auroville is not a religion or sect, but a space to discover one’s deeper self and contribute to a unified humanity. The Matrimandir symbolizes the soul of Auroville, and the township’s economy and governance evolve through community consensus and conscious collaboration.
Rituals & Traditions
- Meditation at Matrimandir: Silent concentration in the inner chamber.
- Community Farming & Eco-Workshops: Residents engage in hands-on sustainability projects.
- Shared Meals & Cafés: Promoting healthy, plant-based food and fair-trade practices.
- Volunteerism & International Internships: Open to global participants seeking conscious community living.
- Art, Music & Yoga: Integral to everyday life and individual growth.
Practical Guidance
When to Go
Best time to visit is November to March, when the weather is pleasant and many community events, workshops, and art festivals are in full swing.
Respect & Reverence
Guidelines
Visitors should be mindful of silence zones, eco-rules, and respectful interaction with Aurovilians.
Restrictions
Entry to Matrimandir meditation chamber requires prior booking. Plastic, loud noise, and disruptive behavior are discouraged.
Arriving Here
By Air
The nearest airport is Puducherry Airport (12 km). Chennai International Airport (140 km) is the major international hub.
By Rail
Closest station is Puducherry Railway Station (10 km).
By Road
Well-connected via ECR (East Coast Road) from Chennai and Pondicherry, with local taxis, bikes, and shared transport available.
Immersive Experiences
Spiritual Practices
Silent meditation, yoga, and workshops on integral philosophy.
Local Rituals
Volunteer in forests, farms, schools, and sustainable projects.
Closing Reflection
Auroville is more than a place—it’s a living experiment in human evolution. For those seeking meaning, peace, and a higher purpose, Auroville offers a profound journey into collective harmony and inner discovery.
Come Explore the City of Dawn : Auroville Awaits You!
Explore Other Spiritual Places
Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple, one of the oldest Vaishnavite shrines in Pondicherry, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu as Varadaraja Perumal. Known for its grand Brahmotsavam festival and Dravidian temple architecture, this temple is a sacred pilgrimage site.
Auroville is an experimental township in South India, envisioned by The Mother of Sri Aurobindo Ashram. It is a globally recognized hub for sustainable living, spiritual growth, and international community life.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva as Vedapuriswarar, this historic temple is a revered center of Shaivite worship and Vedic learning, where ancient traditions and divine rituals continue to thrive.
Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple is one of the oldest and most revered Lord Ganesha temples in South India, known for its divine elephant blessings, grand festivals, and spiritual serenity in Pondicherry.