Auroville Ashram
Auroville Ashram is a safe haven for the people from across the world who aspire to live a life devoid of any discrimination in language, culture, religion, money and everything. This lovely paradise is founded by the visionary Sri Aurobindo and his disciple “Maa”. This is the ashram where one can live in peace and harmony. UNESCO passed a resolution in 1966 commending this as "a project of importance to the future of humanity".
The town was officially inaugurated in 1968. Auroville Ashram is considered as the “Universal town” and the city is perfectly planned in a circle of radius 1.25kms.
Auroville Ashram - Pondicherry
A visit to Auroville will be an enthralling experience touching your heart and soul. The whole construction of this city is interesting and very unique. At the center of the town is the Matrimandir engulfed in lush greens. The outer rim of the city is beautified with lovely gardens. Beyond this circle lies the industrial zone, the cultural zone, the peace zone, and the residential zone.
The whole area is a lovely sight to behold as the whole place is draped fully in lush greens. The main idea of creating this ideal land is to conserve nature and turn waste land into a useful habitat.
The important things to know before you go to Auroville are the interesting history of Sri Aurobindo and the Maa, the founders of the Aurobindo Ashram. The sacred place where thousands of devotees meditate in silence, seeking the blessings of their Gurus and get relieved from their sorrows. A hassle free travel to Auroville itself will be an unique experience. “The Matrimandir” is the major attraction of the town.
The open air theatre that surrounds the mandir paves a perfect atmosphere for meditation and to spend some time in peace. The architecture of Matrmandir is a masterpiece, which measures 30m high globe like structure with lotus like petals. The ambiance accompanied by the cool breeze will take our soul to another world.
Entry Fee:
Entry to Mathrimandhir is free for adults and children above 10years of age. Under aged kids will have to stay in the Visitors’ center with one of the family members
Timing :
Matrimandhir is open on all days except Tuesdays. From 9 am to 3 pm with breaks in between, the visitors can visit the Mathrimandir and a walk around many places on the way which will take a maximum of two hours.
Best Time To Visit :
The Auroville and Mathrimandhir can be visited during any time of the year with prior booking of at least a week in advance. But due to heavy rains or the approach roads to the Mathrimandhir being muddy, the visits can be cancelled.
Other Tourist Attractions Near Auroville:
Pondicherry is a promising tourist destination for its predominant French culture and life style. The Pondicherry Aurobindo Ashram, Promenade beach, Shopping areas, the 400 years old Manakkula Vinaaygar Temple are the attractions of Pondicherry flocked by lakhs of tourists round the year.