AQI
101
Average Nightly Rate : 3333
Auroville, Tamil Nadu, India

Auroville, Tamil Nadu, India

About the Auroville

Auroville, meaning 'City of Dawn,' is an experimental township in India founded in 1968. It's conceived as a universal town where men and women of all countries can live in peace and progressive harmony, above all creeds, all politics and all nationalities. The purpose of Auroville is to realize human unity.

Best Time to Visit

October to March (dry season with pleasant weather)

Trip Duration

3 days 5-7 days
allowing time to explore different aspects of Auroville

Best Tourist Places to Visit in Auroville

Matrimandir
Matrimandir

Popularity

Auroville Visitors Centre
Auroville Visitors Centre
★★★★★

4.3

Popularity

Auroville Beach
Auroville Beach
★★★★★

4.1

Popularity

Sadhana Forest
Sadhana Forest
★★★★★

4.8

Popularity

Auroville Botanical Gardens
Auroville Botanical Gardens

Popularity

Unity Pavilion
Unity Pavilion
★★★★★

4.5

Popularity

PTDC
PTDC
★★★★★

4.6

Popularity

Wellpaper
Wellpaper
★★★★★

4.6

Popularity

Centre d'Art des Citadines
Centre d'Art des Citadines
★★★★★

4.5

Popularity

Kalarigram Yogishananda Peetham
Kalarigram Yogishananda Peetham
★★★★★

4.7

Popularity

Activities / Things To Do in Auroville

  • Visit Matrimandir Book your viewing in advance (essential!) and experience the serene atmosphere inside the meditation chamber. Allow ample time for the process, including orientation and the walk through the surrounding gardens.
  • Explore Auroville's Communities Discover the different communities within Auroville, each with its unique focus, such as arts and crafts, sustainable agriculture, or technological innovation. Some communities offer guided tours.
  • Volunteer in Auroville Projects Contribute to Auroville's projects and gain firsthand experience in sustainable practices. Options range from working on organic farms to assisting in eco-building projects. Short-term and long-term volunteering opportunities are available.
  • Attend Workshops and Courses Participate in workshops and courses on various topics, including yoga, meditation, permaculture, sustainable construction, and arts and crafts. Check the Auroville website for a schedule of events.
  • Relax on the Beaches Auroville is located near several beautiful beaches. Serenity Beach and Auroville Beach are popular choices for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the coastal scenery.
  • Shopping for handicrafts Explore the local handicrafts shops and boutiques that promote local businesses of Auroville. Here, you can find unique creations, clothing and souvenirs.

Auroville Best Restaurant | Your Ultimate Dining Guide

Tanto Pizzeria
Tanto Pizzeria
★★★★★

4.1

Popularity

Dreamer's Cafe
Dreamer's Cafe
★★★★

4

Popularity

Naturellement Garden Cafe
Naturellement Garden Cafe
★★★★★

4.5

Popularity

Bread & Chocolate
Bread & Chocolate
★★★★★

4.3

Popularity

La Terrace Cafe
La Terrace Cafe
★★★★★

4.3

Popularity

Auroville Solar Kitchen
Auroville Solar Kitchen
★★★★★

4.4

Popularity

Right Path Cafe
Right Path Cafe
★★★★

4

Popularity

Auroville Bakery & cafe
Auroville Bakery & cafe
★★★★★

4.3

Popularity

Hope cafe @Auroville Main Road
Hope cafe @Auroville Main Road
★★★★★

4.4

Popularity

Solitude Farm of Auroville
Solitude Farm of Auroville
★★★★★

4.4

Popularity

Accommodation

Aurelec Cafeteria
Aurelec Cafeteria
★★★★★

4.3

Popularity

Bonne Chance Heritage Residence
Bonne Chance Heritage Residence
★★★★★

4.8

Popularity

Unearth Hostel
Unearth Hostel
★★★★★

4.8

Popularity

Atithi Griha Guest House, Bharati Nivas
Atithi Griha Guest House, Bharati Nivas
★★★★★

4.1

Popularity

Green's Guest House
Green's Guest House
★★★★

4

Popularity

HostelExp, Auroville - A Rural Retreat Experience
HostelExp, Auroville - A Rural Retreat Experience
★★★★★

4.8

Popularity

Gratitude Heritage
Gratitude Heritage
★★★★★

4.4

Popularity

Palais de Mahe - CGH Earth
Palais de Mahe - CGH Earth
★★★★★

4.5

Popularity

Anandha Inn Convention Centre and Suites
Anandha Inn Convention Centre and Suites
★★★★

4

Popularity

Le Royal Park - Puducherry
Le Royal Park - Puducherry
★★★★★

4.1

Popularity

How to Reach Auroville

Air

The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport (MAA), approximately 135 km away. From Chennai, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Pondicherry and then take local transport to Auroville.

Bus

Auroville is well-connected by road. Regular buses operate from Chennai, Pondicherry, and other nearby cities. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are also readily available.

Train

The nearest major railway station is Villupuram Junction (VM), about 35 km from Auroville. From Villupuram, you can take a taxi or bus to Auroville.

Important Notes

Respect the Auroville community's values and way of life.
Dress modestly, especially when visiting the Matrimandir.
Booking for Matrimandir visit has to be done in advance.
Quietness is encouraged in certain areas, especially around the Matrimandir.
Be mindful of water and electricity consumption.
Obtain necessary permits if you plan to stay long-term or volunteer.
Internet access can be limited in some areas.

Auroville Nearby Destinations

Puducherry

Puducherry

A former French colony with colonial architecture and beaches.

Distance : 8 KM (approx)

Rating : 4.7

Popularity Score : 4.6

Must Visit : Paradise Beach, Promenade Beach, Sri Aurobindo Ashram.

Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram

Historical town known for its ancient rock-cut temples and monuments (UNESCO World Heritage site).

Distance : 80 KM (approx)

Rating : 4.6

Popularity Score : 4.5

Must Visit : Shore Temple, Five Rathas, Arjuna's Penance.

Tharangambadi

Tharangambadi

Danish colonial town with a fort and quaint streets.

Distance : 109 KM (approx)

Rating : 4.3

Popularity Score : 4.2

Must Visit : Dansborg Fort, New Jerusalem Church, Town Gate.

Gingee Fort

Gingee Fort

Fortress complex in Villupuram District

Distance : 51 KM (approx)

Rating : 4.2

Popularity Score : 4.1

Must Visit : Kalyana Mahal, Kamala Kanni Amman Temple.

Chidambaram

Chidambaram

Famous for the Thillai Nataraja Temple.

Distance : 69 KM (approx)

Rating : 4.4

Popularity Score : 4.3

Must Visit : Nataraja Temple.

Pichavaram Mangrove Forest

Pichavaram Mangrove Forest

Second largest Mangrove forest.

Distance : 60 KM (approx)

Rating : 4.5

Popularity Score : 4.4

Must Visit : Forest.

Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary

Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary

One of the oldest water bird sanctuaries in the country.

Distance : 65 KM (approx)

Rating : 4.2

Popularity Score : 4.1

Must Visit : Bird watching points

Kanchipuram

Kanchipuram

City of thousand temples

Distance : 93 KM (approx)

Rating : 4.3

Popularity Score : 4.2

Must Visit : Ekambareswarar Temple, Kamakshi Amman Temple.

Vellore

Vellore

Home to Vellore Fort.

Distance : 131 KM (approx)

Rating : 4.4

Popularity Score : 4.3

Must Visit : Vellore Fort.

Tiruvannamalai

Tiruvannamalai

Famous for Arunachalesvara Temple.

Distance : 85 KM (approx)

Rating : 4.6

Popularity Score : 4.5

Must Visit : Arunachalesvara Temple.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Auroville?
Auroville is an experimental township in India, founded in 1968 with the aim of realizing human unity.
Do I need permission to visit Auroville?
No, you do not need permission to visit Auroville. However, you need to book in advance to visit Matrimandir.
How can I visit the Matrimandir?
Book your visit well in advance through the Auroville website or visitor center. The process involves an orientation session and a walk through the gardens before entering the meditation chamber.
Is Auroville a religious community?
No, Auroville is not a religious community. It is a spiritual community based on the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother, emphasizing human unity and spiritual growth.
Can I stay in Auroville?
Yes, you can stay in Auroville in one of the guesthouses or homestays. Booking in advance is recommended.
What languages are spoken in Auroville?
English and Tamil are widely spoken in Auroville. Many residents also speak other languages.
Is Auroville vegetarian or vegan?
Auroville is not strictly vegetarian or vegan, but vegetarian and vegan options are readily available in many restaurants and cafes. Solar Kitchen predominantly offers vegetarian meals.

Location Map

Coordinates: Latitude 12.0075, Longitude 79.8225 (Auroville, Tamil Nadu, India)