Looking for a Calm and Peaceful Vacation in Complete Harmony with Nature? Visit Auroville Pondicherry – The City of Dawn (2020)

Auroville in Pondicherry is a dream come true for many. Just so because it was conceived on the notion of a universal town that thrives on human unity. This experimental township located in the Viluppuram district of Tamil Nadu state still lives by its name and welcomes scores of visitors from all around the world. It is a beautiful place with a good feeling that gives cosy and idyllic vibes, perfect enough for a holiday! But what truly makes Auroville special are the following:

Auroville is a 3-hour drive from Pondicherry and approximately the same from Chennai. You can plan your stay for a few days, weeks or even months. There are several different things to do here, but all of them may not be for you! So, the first thing you can do is to head over to the Auroville Visitors Centre and find out all the events and offerings scheduled in Auroville for the upcoming days. Then, depending on your travel style, you can choose the ones that interest you the most. Here are suggestions of some interesting things to do while in Auroville:

If you ask anybody for the must visit places in Auroville, then Matrimandir is sure to be on the list, no matter what! After all, it is considered as the heart of the township and was established by the founder mother herself. The giant golden coloured dome structure is actually a meditation centre, though not totally suitable for mindful meditation as the place is often pervaded by visitors throughout the day. Entry to the Matrimandir is free on all days of the week, however, you need to register at the visitor’s centre to get a pass for the next day.

Auroville is a small township that thrives on self sustenance. Hence, it is possible to see Auro-farms in different locations that are specifically designed to grow organic fruits and vegetables. The vegetables and ingredients are fresh and free from any chemicals or preservatives. From nuts to herbs, fruits and vegetables, all the produce is totally organic and fit for vegans too! You can find a mix of European and Indian cuisine in several of the eateries. Some of the popular eateries in Auroville are Roma’s Kitchen, Auroville Bakery, Naturellement Garden Cafe, Gelato Factory, Solitude Farm Cafe, Goyo, etc.

The laid-back atmosphere, calming aura and the spirit of inner quiet seen in the whole of Auroville extends into the Sadhana Forest. Focused on indigenous reforestation of 70 acres of severely eroded Auroville land, the Sadhana Forest is indeed a place to visit and cherish. Thousands of volunteers come to work here all year round. They are provided with free accommodation in eco-friendly huts made from natural materials. The community practices several sustainable practices including biodegradable toilets, waste minimisation, generating their own electricity and water conservation. You can take a tour of the forest by riding a free bus service from Auroville on Fridays. Plus, you get free vegan organic dinner too!

Is shopping an integral part of any trip of yours? Then, Auroville in Pondicherry is definitely not going to disappoint you. It may look like a small shop on the outside, but La boutique d’Auroville has a lot more to surprise you as you move inside. You will find an amazing array of locally handcrafted jewellery, clothes, soaps and oils. But watch out for the splendid collection of candles and incense sold here. They are simply awesome! The shop is worth a visit, but the prices aren’t that cheap. But of course, they are fixed and fairly reflect the time and effort spent on creating these handmade goodies of good quality!

The coast of Auroville is lined with mesmerising beaches that are a perfect backdrop for an introspective evening by yourself, or a hangout with friends. Soft golden and black volcanic sand adorn the shores of the roaring sea. Auro beach or Auroville beach is one of the most frequented beaches in Pondicherry. Located at around 10 km from the Auroville Ashram, the beach itself encapsulates the calm atmosphere seen in the ashram. You can get a good view of the popular Auroville lighthouses from here and also take part in some interesting water activities for fun. If you are a peace and tranquillity seeker, we recommend you catch a glimpse of the picturesque sunrise and sunset from here. However, visitors cannot stay late until night and need to leave soon after sunset.

Also known as Auroville’ s health spa, The Quiet Healing Centre is a great place if you want to relax and rejuvenate. The place offers a variety of services including massages, spas and healing therapies that ought to make your relaxed holiday an even calmer one. This centre is located on the beach and hence, provides for a great ambience to unwind and relax your mind.

One of the best ways to explore this pretty town is through cycling, weather permitting. Apart from peak summer, the city usually has pleasant weather which allows you to take a trip around it. The town promotes sustainable living and pollution-free transport. So, cycling is very popular here and in fact, is one of the most fun things to do while you are here in Auroville. You can rent bicycles for any period of time and explore the peaceful roads on your own or with a gang of friends.

Kala Kendra is one of the most popular spots among artists. It is a famous hub for all art activities in the town and actively encourages artists to demonstrate their skills through exhibitions, workshops and art shows. There are many interactive programs that are designed within the community dedicated here. You can also choose to volunteer and stay in Auroville to be a part of this community and thus share and gain knowledge in the relevant fields.

Because of the township’s proximity to Chennai and Bangalore, Auroville Pondicherry rooms get sold out at an alarming rate. So, we suggest that you better get ahead and book your rooms proactively before heading to the place. There are many amazing places for a comfortable stay depending upon your travel style and budget. You can call up Auroville Guest Accommodation Service in Auroville to get a brief about the available guest houses there. Here are a few recommendations of places that are decently big and comfortable for a few days stay:

Here are some of the most important things that you need to know to make your visit to Auroville most enjoyable: