Auroville

Understanding Auroville

Founded in 1968 on a plateau of eroded land north of Pondicherry, Auroville is home to around 3,400 people from more than 60 countries. It is neither a tourist attraction nor a spiritual retreat. Read before you visit.

What is Auroville?

Founded in 1968 as an experiment in human unity, Auroville is home to around 3,400 people from more than 60 countries. I…

The Matrimandir

The golden sphere at the heart of Auroville is not a temple. It is a place for silent concentration, built over 37 years…

Sustainable Living

Since 1968, Auroville has reforested a barren plateau, pioneered solar cooking for a thousand meals a day, and developed…

Arts & Crafts

Auroville's workshops produce handmade paper, natural incense, ceramics, ethical fashion and one of India's most unusual…

Food & Cafés

French pastries, solar-cooked community meals, wood-fired Neapolitan pizza and organic farm cafés. Auroville's food scen…

How to Visit

Auroville covers 20 square kilometres. The Matrimandir requires a pass from the Visitors' Centre. A scooter gives the mo…