Auroville – Matri Mandir

History of Auroville:

Auroville, located 15 km from Pondicherry in Tamil Nadu, was founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa, also known as the ‘Mother’, a follower of Aurobindo. It’s a peaceful place ideal for those seeking tranquility. To truly experience Auroville, sit in cafes and chat with residents about their lives here.

Auroville is an experimental township envisioned as a ‘Universal Town’, where people from diverse cultures and backgrounds live together harmoniously. Residents, called Aurovilleans, come from 195 countries, bringing soil from their homelands to symbolize unity. They live by principles of peace, harmony, sustainable living, and the ‘divine consciousness’ inspired by the Mother’s philosophy.

How to reach Auroville?

By Air: The nearest airport to Auroville is in Pondicherry. Once you reach you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Auroville.

By Train: Take a train from Bangalore to Villupuram Junction (VLR) or Pondicherry (PDY), which are the nearest railway stations to Auroville. From Pondicherry, Auroville is around 10 km away. You can take a taxi or a local bus to reach Auroville.

By Road: Several private and government buses operate on this route from Bangalore. The journey takes around 6-7 hours depending on traffic and road conditions. From Pondicherry, proceed to Auroville by local bus or taxi.

Best time to visit Auroville:

Summer Season (March – June): Summer in Auroville is typically hot and humid. Daytime temperatures can rise quite high, often exceeding 30°C (86°F). This season precedes the onset of the southwest monsoon. 

Monsoon Season (July – October): The monsoon season brings the majority of Auroville’s annual rainfall. Rainfall is heavy and frequent, particularly from June to August.This season is characterized by lush greenery and cooler temperatures compared to summer.

Winter Season (November – February): Winter in Auroville is mild and pleasant. Daytime temperatures are generally comfortable, ranging from 22°C to 30°C (72°F to 86°F). Nights can be cooler.

Things to do at Auroville:

Matrimandir: Visit the Matrimandir, the iconic golden spherical structure at the center of Auroville. You can participate in guided tours or attend meditation sessions inside the Matrimandir’s inner chamber.

Auroville Beach: Relax at Auroville Beach, also known as Auro Beach, which is a serene and less crowded beach located near Auroville. It’s a great spot for swimming and sunbathing.

Bicycle Tour: Take a bicycle tour around Auroville to explore its lush greenery, quiet roads, and the diverse architecture of its residential communities. Bicycles are a popular mode of transport in Auroville.

Cultural Programs: Attend cultural programs and events organized by Auroville’s residents, which often include music concerts, dance performances, art exhibitions, and workshops on spiritual and alternative lifestyles.

Visit Boutiques and Cafés: Explore Auroville’s boutiques and cafés, which offer a variety of handmade crafts, clothing, organic products, and delicious food. These places often reflect Auroville’s ethos of sustainability and creativity.

Alternative Healing and Wellness: Experience alternative healing practices and wellness therapies available in Auroville, such as yoga sessions, Ayurvedic treatments, meditation retreats, and holistic health consultations.