Located near Chennai, Auroville is an underrated tourist destination. The place has residents from different places around the globe, so it is not just an architectural wonder but as much a culturally rich place. The town is built with the vision of achieving higher consciousness and human unity. If you are planning to visit this amazing place…
We Have A List Of Best Places To Visit In Auroville
1. Learn More About Auroville At The Visitor Centre
If you have just begun your trip, the Visitor Centre is a good place to sneak peek into the town. You will learn about the town’s history and all the major places that can be on your list. They also have a video clip showcasing Auroville. You can also take brochures and leaflets to plan your itinerary and buy some books. Do not forget to get a ticket for Matrimandir from the ticket counter at the Centre free of cost.
2. Visit The Matrimandir
Located around 1 km from the Visitor Centre, it is one of the most visited spots in Auroville. Also called the “soul of the city”, and for rightful reasons, the temple was built by the Mother and Sri Aurobindo as a place of striving for spirituality and peace. The temple is among the most beautiful landmarks in not just Tamil Nadu but the entire India. Building it took almost 4 decades, so you don’t want to miss the architectural wonder it is.
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3. See The Savitri Bhavan
A fascinating place to visit if you want to learn about Sri Aurobindo and his life journey. The centre is built on the vision of spiritual learning fostered by Sri Aurobindo. The focal point of the Bhavan is Savitri, the magnum opus of Sri Aurobindo, which focuses on consciousness and spirituality.
Within the Bhavan, you can visit the Picture Gallery, which has paintings depicting small pieces of Sri Aurobindo’s poems.
4. Relax At The Auroville Beach
If you are someone who enjoys nature more than learning history, Auroville Beach should be on your list. The beach is located in Pondicherry. It is about 8 kilometres away from the Visitor Centre, so the easiest way to reach it is by taking a scooter on rent or going by rickshaw. The beach is relatively less crowded than other beaches you might have visited. It is a great place to relax and walk around while admiring the beauty of nature.
5. Explore The Sadhana Forest
Sadhana Forest will not only expose you to the wonders of nature but also to community living. Rooted in a reforestation project of nearly 70 acres of land at the periphery of the town, the forest is running on voluntary work. The best day to visit the forest is Friday– you will get to be a part of a huge tour around the area and the screening of a documentary that ends with a vegan dinner served by the team. The food and the tour are free of cost. You can also visit the place any other day– there are no tickets or reservations.
6. Read At The Auroville Library
If you are tired from travelling, take some rest at the Auroville library while learning more about the history of the rare town as well as about the two great personalities behind it, Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. They have a great collection that is worth exploring at least once, and it is a great place for book lovers.
7. Visit Auroville Botanical Gardens
Established in 2000 to conserve some rare plant species, Auroville Botanical Garden is a great place to learn more about the plants and the need to conserve them. The garden encapsulates around 1300 plant species. It also houses an educational centre where you can learn more about plant conservation. The place is an amazing location to take in the greenery while walking and connecting with nature– a chance that city life barely gives us.
8. Try Yoga At The Vérité Learning Centre
Did you always make up your mind to do yoga but never end up doing it? This is your chance to finally explore it under the guidance of professionals! The centre organises healing sessions, yoga and meditation classes, and treatment sessions as it offers stress management and hypnotherapy. You can take part in them and enjoy a relaxing and healthy experience.
9. Explore The Adishakti Laboratory For Theatre Arts & Research
One of the renowned art and theatre centres, Adishakti, should be on the top of your list if you are interested or totally into art and theatre. Adishakti organises many events and sessions, so you may end up watching one of them. You can watch live performances of skilled actors and may even get a chance to meet them.
10. Be a Volunteer
The best thing in Auroville, finally is to live like a local. You can enroll in short volunteer programs or even take a long-term commitment extending from 6 months to a year. You will learn a lot about community living, teamwork, veganism, organic farming, and other sustainable practices. It will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for sure.
Conclusion–
Auroville is not your everyday tourist destination. It has a lot more to offer to its guests. From taking relaxed walks around the beach, relieving your body of stress with meditation, learning about the history of this rare town, and connecting with nature– the place is a wonderful experience, one that you would not want to miss. Since the idea of the town was based on gift economy, you do not have to plan with a high budget– so pack up your bags and plan your trip to the wonders of nature and spirituality.
Source – A Peek Into Community Living: 10 Best Places To Visit In Auroville