A short ride of 3 hours from Chennai takes one to the magical world of Auroville, a part of Pondicherry district.

Pondicherry and Auroville though are chalk and cheese. There are like the siblings who always wanted different things and never got along. While Pondicherry is known for its beaches, booze and French hangouts, Auroville is known for its spiritualism.

Most tourists include Auroville as a day trip, go click selfies with the Matrimandir and think the purpose has been solved.

Only people who stay inside Auroville can experience its beauty and rhythm; it’s soul and sanctity.

The beautiful hanging glass bottles

Founded by the Mother in 1968, it was Sri Aurobindo’s mission and vision to create a city that sustained by itself. A community of its own.

As per the official website Auroville.org, “Auroville wants to be a universal town where men and women of all countries are able to live in peace and progressive harmony above all creeds, all politics and all nationalities. The purpose of Auroville is to realise human unity.”

Hence, Auroville belongs to nobody and doesn’t discriminate. It is an area where one can attain peace, tranquillity and connect with their consciousness.

In the middle of Auroville stands the Matrimandir in all its glory, sunshine reflecting off the gold panels. A chamber of peace, one can meditate inside for free. A prior appointment needs to be taken at the Visitors Centre to enter the Matrimandir. It is usually recommended to go a day earlier to book the slot.

Matrimandir

The guided tour explores the area surrounding the Matrimandir and the delicate balance it possesses. People are expected to be quiet and enjoy their time with the Divine – feeling the connection. All meditation sessions can be availed for free with prior intimation.

Banyan tree around the Matrimandir. One tree or many trees ?

Apart from the Matrimandir, Auroville offers a ton of other opportunities and activities around the area. Plenty of guest houses provide classes ranging from Yoga to sound meditation, healing sessions, soul dance classes and therapy sessions.

A weekly newsletter is circulated across Auroville that has all the required information and activities listed. It also lists cab services, shared rides, events in Auroville, masseurs and reiki healers, eating joints and general information. If you cannot get your hands on the newsletter, feel free to drop into the Visitors centre and ask your queries. They are more than happy to help you.

Auroville Newsletter

If you are planning to stay in Auroville, there are plenty of guest house options. An elaborate list can be found on http://guesthouses.auroville.org/ . Do not worry if you want to go solo. There are rooms available for single occupancy and its completely safe for girls.

Verite guest house where i stayed. Absolutely peaceful and amidst nature.

The best way to explore Auroville is by a cycle. You get cycles on rent for 30-50 rupees per day. Though you can get mopeds and scooties on rent too, the majority recommend a cycle. Just pedal your way around and soak in the place.

Food is grown organically here and most of the restaurants and guest houses offer vegetarian meals. Non vegetarian meals are not found here easily though you may find some dishes at a few places. It is a place where you are prohibited to drink alcohol and smoke, a place as holy and cleansing as it can be. Dinners take place early around 7pm and a dark hush falls over the town. A few places are lit up by the streetlights but majority is engulfed in darkness as the night comes in early at Auroville. Hence, if you plan on attending an event or catch up the daily free screening at the Town Hall, do not forget to carry a torchlight in your cycle.

Quirky roadsigns you come across when you explore Auroville on a cycle

A hassle free way to pay in Auroville is by using an Aurocard. It can be issued from the Town Hall and is the universal currency around the town. Use it to buy meals, shop and pay your guesthouse bills. Don’t forget to reimburse and return the card before leaving.

Once you are done detoxing, you can go and relax a few days in Pondicherry, a stone’s throw away.

Life really changes in Auroville. For anyone looking for a calm holiday, looking for peace and discovering themselves, Auroville is your answer.

Do not think, pack your bags and go!

How does one reach Auroville?

Flight – Nearest Airport is Chennai. On request, the guest house you booked with can send a car to pick you up from the Airport.

Bus – Take any bus going towards Pondicherry. Get down at Periyarmudaliyarchavadi. From there, hire a cab. Auroville is roughly 8 kms away.