Auroville
Just north of Pondicherry, in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, Auroville is a large-scale international community with residents from around the world, some of whom have lived in the self-described “universal city in the making” since its establishment in 1968.
Today, over 2,000 people from around four-dozen countries call the township home, and many of its younger residents were born and raised there. The official languages are Tamil (the local language), English and French, and there’s a large francophone population, largely attributable to the area’s French colonial roots and to the fact that the project was founded by the late Mirra Alfassa (known locally as “The Mother,”) a spiritual leader originally from Paris.
Aurovillians, as they are called, earn their keep through activities ranging from the production of spirulina (an algae used as a supplement) to cheese-making, and a wide selection of made-in-Auroville clothes, cosmetics, groceries, and accessories are available for purchase at Kalki Gift Shop at the township’s visitor center.
Auroville attracts a regular stream of Indian and international visitors, many of whom come to see its star attraction, the Matrimandir. This large spherical structure resembles a giant golden golf ball (or the Spaceship Earth building at the Epcot Center). A skylight allows sunbeams to enter the building, at the pinnacle of which sits an enormous crystal ball. The space functions primarily as a meditation hall for practitioners of Integral Yoga, the core spiritual practice of most Aurovillians. Althuogh visitors are encouraged to take a look at the building, those who want to go inside need to apply for permission in advance.
Most visitors to Auroville come via the French colonial city of Pondicherry, where there are plenty of taxis and autorickshaws that will make the 15-kilometer journey for a reasonable fee. Travelers taking the bus from Chennai to Pondicherry via the East Coast Road can also ask to be let off at Auroville Road, eight kilometers north of Pondicherry, and take a rickshaw the remaining six kilometers to the visitors center. Those with limited time who want a bit more context to their trip might prefer to book a Pondicherry Day Trip from Chennai with a stopover in Auroville.
-Contributed by Margot Bigg
