Auroville

Auroville is an experimental international township located about 8 km northwest of Puducherry, straddling Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa (The Mother) based on the vision of Sri Aurobindo. Conceived as a universal town for human unity, it hosts residents from over 50 nationalities. Its central landmark is the Matrimandir, a golden spherical meditation structure surrounded by gardens, complemented by sustainable communities, pavilions and visitor facilities.

Visitors can expect a planned township set among forested plateaus and red earth with dispersed settlements. The main visitor area includes the Auroville Visitor Centre with exhibitions, videos and information, boutiques and cafes. From there, visitors can walk or cycle to the Matrimandir Viewing Point to see the golden globe and surrounding gardens from a distance. Access to the Matrimandir inner chamber is only with prior booking and orientation. The environment is quiet, green and focused on sustainable living, architecture and meditation.

Auroville was inaugurated on 28 February 1968 with a ceremony where soil from 124 nations was placed in an urn at the centre. It was founded by Mirra Alfassa, known as The Mother, as a project based on the teachings of Sri Aurobindo. Endorsed by UNESCO, it was established to realize human unity and has been governed under the Auroville Foundation Act, 1988 of the Government of India.

Auroville is conceived as an international township dedicated to human unity, sustainable living and spiritual research beyond nationality, religion and politics. It brings together people from many countries living in communities focused on education, environmental restoration, renewable energy, organic farming and cultural exchange, with the Matrimandir as its spiritual centre for silent concentration.