While I regularly visit Pondicherry for its cheap booze and beautiful beaches, Auroville has struck me as an overloaded pizza with mediocre cheese—expensive and low quality, with excessively dirty beaches. However, earlier this year, I had the opportunity to spend a few days there, resulting in a mixed experience.
Founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa and designed by architect Roger Anger, Auroville is locateap proximately 10 km north of the Pondicherry. It is also referred to as the “City of Dawn” due to its French origins, with “Auro” signifying dawn and “Ville” meaning city/town.
A significant portion of Auroville is situated in the Viluppuram district in Tamil Nadu, with some parts extending into Pondicherry. The inhabitants of Auroville, known as ‘Aurovillians,’ adhere to the principle of sustainable living. They prioritize respecting and cherishing the land they inhabit.
What is Auroville?
Auroville stands as an experimental township located in proximity to Pondicherry.
At its center lies the Matrimandir, often referred to as the ‘soul of the city.’ This iconic structure is a popular tourist attraction in Pondicherry, drawing many visitors with its scenic and calming ambiance.
The golden orb, a symbol of profound spiritual significance for practitioners of integral yoga—a philosophy practiced by Shri Aurobindo and “The Mother”—took 37 years to complete.
The inception of Auroville dates back to February 28, 1968, when approximately 5000 individuals from diverse nationalities gathered beneath a banyan tree at the place what would become Auroville. Representatives from across India and 124 nations contributed soil from their respective homelands, blending it in a white marble urn. This ceremonial act marked the inauguration of the experimental township, Auroville.
Is Auroville a Cult
Many people before arriving here ask, “if Auroville is safe” or “is Auroville a cult”. In short and simple terms, no, it is not. Auroville is a sereneplace where you can wander even late at night without concerns.
However, it is recommended to exercise caution when interacting with locals. The area attracts a lot of tourists seeking cheap substances, leading to encounters with drug addicts both around and within the Matrimandir. Understanding who is a tourist and and who is a Matrimandir resident is pretty easy, as the latter may exhibit suspicious behavior and come across as inauthentic. Unfortunately, there’s a subtle undertone of racism among foreign visitors and Matrimandir residents, who tend to avoid mingling with Indians. Even the shop owners inside matrimandir don’t really help you out unless you come across as a rich spender.
Similar issues extend to accommodations, with hotels and hostels in Auroville attracting individuals searching for cheap alcohol, sometimes leading to disruptive behavior. The the places to stay in Auroville don’t even match the standards of the hotels and backpackers hostels Pondicherry.
To reiterate, while Auroville may have a distinct community, it does not align with the stereotypical image of cults involving human sacrifices or doomsday scenarios. Nevertheless, it’s advisable for tourists to stay in their own lane and exercise discretion.
Unusual Things to Do in Auroville
While most tourists stick to the Matrimandir and Auro Beach, there’s a hidden side of Auroville waiting to be explored. If you’re planning an extended stay or coming to remote work from Auroville, take time to explore beyond the usual hotspots.
Discover lesser-known places that offer a true sense of community, away from the crowds. These offbeat gems are free from the typical tourist influx, providing a unique Auroville experience.
Breakfast at Auroville Bakery (Boulangerie)
Begin your day at 7 AM at the Auroville Bakery for a delightful breakfast. Head straight to the bread and croissant section – items tend to sell out by afternoon. Don’t miss the rice masala dosa and idli for a hearty meal. While the service may be a bit slow, the affordability of everything compensates for it. Enjoy a budget-friendly and satisfying breakfast to kickstart your morning in Auroville.
Visit Unity Pavilion
Acting as the unifying symbol of the Auroville community, Unity Pavilion is situated in the International Zone. Check out the various workshops organized here; details are available around the Visitors Center. Explore the multi-purpose hall for exhibitions, the Hall of Peace featuring the Asian peace table crafted from Eastern black walnut trees, and the office building. Unity Pavilion offers a deeper insight into the ethos and activities of Auroville.
Indulge in Sound Healing at Svaram
A visit to Svaram, the sound garden, is also an unique and recommended experience. The idea of strolling through a garden and exploring a room filled with unconventional musical instruments is truly fascinating.
One experience I joined was the sound bath session. The sound bath session in Auroville happens every Wednesday from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm.
Visit Savitri Bhavan
Savitri Bhavan is a tribute to Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. Admire Aurobindo’s statue, a gallery showcasing “Savitri,” termed by The Mother as the ‘supreme revelation of Sri Aurobindo’s vision,’ and a series of paintings by The Mother. Dive deeper into understanding Aurobindo’s profound work.
Visit Sadhana Forest
Sadhana Forest, a volunteer-based organization near Auroville, has successfully reforested 70 acres of dry land. The place embraces and promotes sustainable living through ecological transformation, wasteland reclamation, and veganism, the organization offers a free tour with dinner every Friday, welcoming spontaneous visits. Additionally, those inclined can actively participate by volunteering, contributing to the ongoing ecological initiatives.
Visit Solitude Farm
Solitude Farm, established in 1996, is a notable Auroville unit dedicated to building a self-sustaining farming community inspired by Masanobu Fukuoka’s principles. Spanning 6 acres, it serves as an exemplary model of alternative farming. Visitors are welcome to experience organic breakfast at the farm. Additionally, there are volunteer opportunities, allowing you to engage in farming tasks or contribute to the operation of the organic Solitude Cafe.
How to get to Auroville from Pondicherry
The Auroville Visitor Centre is a 13 km (8 mi) drive from White Town in Pondicherry.
From Pondicherry, you can reach Auroville by:
- Scooter: The most flexible way to get to Auroville from Pondicherry is by scooter. You can easily find a scooty or a bike on rent in the town.
- Rickshaw: You can take an autorickshaw to Auroville. Before getting on one make sure to negotiate the price in advance. You can also book an auto via the Ola app. Auto to Auroville costs 500 to 600 rs which is pretty high and be ready to pay more if you arrive here early in the morning.
- Taxi: Taxis are available too, but these are more expensive than rickshaws. Only use Ola to book a taxi since the local ones may dupe you.
Overrated Places to Avoid in Auroville
Bread and Chocolate: Despite tourist and blogger hype, the wait times at both branches can be excessive, and the staff, overworked and rude. Opt for Zomato delivery if truly keen.
GoStops Hostel: Catering to group bookings, this hostel is unsuitable for solo travelers and leans towards a party atmosphere, contrary to Auroville’s ambiance.
Marc’s Café – Store: While a Bread and Chocolate alternative, it attracts the same crowd. The overpriced food doesn’t justify the expense. Consider exploring other dining options for a more authentic experience.
La Boutique d’ Auroville: Only consider going here if you want to spend money on low quality yet overpriced products. The staff is also rude so they won’t help you much.
Is Auroville Worth Visiting?
Yes, Auroville is worth visiting, but perhaps for a one-time experience. I will advice you to plan a short visit from Pondicherry unless you’re volunteering or have a booked meditation session. Manage your expectations, and aim to explore unique aspects beyond the usual tourist activities. Make your visit to Auroville distinctive, diverging from the typical tourist route for a more authentic and fulfilling experience.
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