Auroville is not a typical tourist town. Founded in 1968 as an experimental township, it is spread across forests, farms and small communities just north of Pondicherry. There is no single “centre” to walk around, so the best way to enjoy it is slowly – ideally on a scooter or bicycle.
Here are our favourite things to do in Auroville, based on what our guests enjoy most.
In this guide
1. See the Matrimandir
The golden Matrimandir is the spiritual heart of Auroville. Most visitors see it from the free viewing point after watching a short introduction video at the Visitors Centre. Entry to the inner chamber for silent concentration must be booked online a few days in advance. Read our full Matrimandir visit guide.
2. Spend time at the Visitors Centre
The Visitors Centre has an exhibition about Auroville, a café and boutiques selling locally made clothing, incense, pottery and organic products. It is the best first stop to understand the township.
3. Relax at Auroville Beach
A laid-back beach with cafés, fishermen’s boats and a local crowd. Swimming can be risky because of strong currents, so enjoy the sand and the sunrise instead. See our Auroville Beach guide.
4. Walk in Sadhana Forest
Sadhana Forest is a volunteer community working on reforestation and water conservation. It is open to visitors, and on Fridays it has traditionally run a free open day with a guided tour, a documentary and a vegan dinner (with pickup from the Solar Kitchen). Check their current schedule before you go.
5. Eat at a farm café
Auroville has a strong food culture built around organic farming. Look for farm-to-table cafés, bakeries and the Solar Kitchen, which cooks meals for the community using solar energy.
6. Join a workshop
Pottery, yoga, meditation, sound healing, dance and eco-building – many Auroville units run short workshops for visitors. Ask at the Visitors Centre or check community notice boards.
7. Ride the red-earth roads
The shaded red-mud roads between communities are made for slow riding. A gearless scooter is perfect here. You can rent a scooter in Auroville by the day, week or month.
More ideas
- Watch sunrise at Auroville Beach or Serenity Beach
- Visit the botanical gardens and seed banks
- Shop at local boutiques for handmade products
- Attend a concert or talk at one of the cultural centres
- Ride to Pondicherry’s White Town for dinner (about 12 km)
- Try surfing at Serenity Beach
- Take a day trip to Mahabalipuram along the ECR
- Explore Kottakuppam fishing village on the way to town
How to get around Auroville
Auroville is spread over a wide area and public transport is limited. Most visitors rent a scooter or a bicycle. Walking between places is possible but distances add up quickly in the heat. For airport or station transfers, book a taxi pickup and drop.
FAQs
How many days are enough for Auroville?
Two to three days lets you see the Matrimandir, the beach, a few communities and cafés at a relaxed pace. Many people stay much longer as volunteers.
Is Auroville open to tourists?
Yes. Visitors are welcome at the Visitors Centre, the Matrimandir viewing point and many cafés, shops and workshops. Some community areas are private, so respect signs.
What is the best way to travel inside Auroville?
A rented scooter is the most practical option because places are spread out over forest roads.
Need a bike, scooter or taxi?
Tell us your dates on WhatsApp – we reply fast and keep your ride ready.
