Auroville, a spiritual village, is one of India’s most popular tourist attractions. This experimental settlement was founded on the spiritual concept and the urge to connect with nature. Visitors from all over the globe come here to participate in various courses, to reflect, to reconnect with their roots, to seek spiritual advice, or simply to visit.
Auroville is located near Pondicherry, in Chennai. Nowadays, when people are busy in their urban hectic lives, it is a great option for nature lovers for some getaway.
Auroville (City of Dawn) is an experimental township in the Viluppuram district of Tamil Nadu, India, with some areas in the Union Territory of Pondicherry. Mirra Alfassa (nicknamed “the Mother”) created it in 1968, and architect Roger Anger designed it. According to Alfassa’s first public communication in 1965:
Auroville’s History
Mirra Alfassa purchased the village in 1968. It was later transformed into this centre for spiritual and holistic study based on natural principles. Everyone is welcome here, regardless of caste, culture, gender, or religion.
A golden orb nestled in the heart of Auroville is commonly referred to as the city’s soul. This sphere represents Yoga practise. The entire structure, including the sphere, appears to have taken 37 years to build. Shri Aurobindo was also the creator of Auroville.
Attractions near Auroville Matrimandir
This is possibly Auroville’s most famous and well-known landmark. After a great organic breakfast, the next thing in itinerary is famed Matrimandir.
Tourists are usually taken aback by the massive golden ball in the centre of Auroville. It appeared to be extremely regal. The structure nearly appears to be from another world. Every item of furniture and the walls within the building are white. Walking inside through these pure white walls and feeling the subtle energies inside the veins is pretty calming. It’s an architectural masterpiece. There is a meditation space with a crystal. The sun’s rays pass through the ceiling and land on this crystal, giving the meditation space a beautiful and royal appearance. It’s quite a sight to see.
This viewpoint is approximately 1 mile from the tourist centre. While the distance isn’t too far, the heat may be oppressive. So, if you are unable to walk, simply hail one of these electric cars and they will transport you to your destination. There are no fees associated with this ride.
The stroll, on the other hand, is quite revitalising, and you will feel blessed. Flowers are hung from little pots, and there are cobbled walks and beautiful green trees to give shade. It’s similar to strolling through a Japanese garden.
One can see serene setting from the viewpoint, and you should meditate here. While I did not have the opportunity to sit and meditate, I have heard that if you meditate here, the blood in your body will vibrate with a new sort of energy. Meditation here is highly therapeutic, and you should do it if you have the time.
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Workshops and Events
Auroville is a location for those who want to broaden their horizons and experience something new. When you visit Auroville, go through the events and try to attend as many as you can. All of these activities will not only force you to try something new, but they will also allow you to meet new people and enjoy a relaxing atmosphere. It was quite freeing for me.
There are a variety of activities available, ranging from yoga courses to pottery lessons, so choose your favourites and have a good time.
When is the best time to visit Auroville?
Throughout the year, the area receives very hot days. The best time to visit is during the northeast monsoon season (late October to November), when it rains all night and is pleasant and breezy throughout the day. It’s like the weather in Utopia.
How to Get to Auroville?
There are no direct bus connections from any city to Auroville; it is better to travel through Pondicherry or Chennai. The nearest airport to Auroville is Chennai Airport, which is 140 kilometres away. Puducherry Railway Station is 14 kilometres away. To get to Auroville, take a taxi or an auto from the railway station.
In Auroville, public transportation is available.
In terms of intra-city commuting, Auroville has several possibilities. Auroville is a laid-back community that attracts numerous foreign visitors throughout the year. Keeping this in mind, there are several possibilities for hiring automobiles on a daily basis. Two-wheelers cost around 200-250 Rs per day, while four-wheelers cost approximately 1000-1200 Rs per day. Vehicles can be rented from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Given that Auroville is a tiny town and it is not difficult to become acquainted with its map, this is undoubtedly the best option. Other choices include shared auto rickshaws, which can cost between 5 and 10 Rs each journey, and buses, which run often.
