Nestled deep in the southern part of India, there lies a city that is unlike any other. Auroville, also known as the City of Dawn, is an international community that was established in 1968. What sets this city apart is its way of life and its principles that are based on the idea of human unity. Auroville attracts people from all walks of life; travellers, yogis, backpackers, and even volunteers who want to make a difference in the world. In this blog post, I’ll explain why Auroville is unique and why you should definitely add it to your travel bucket list.

What is Auroville?

Auroville, also known as the “City of Dawn,” is a unique experimental community that was founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfessa. The goal of Auroville is to create a place where people from all over the world can come together in harmony and work towards a common goal – human unity. At its core, Auroville is an experiment in human consciousness and an attempt to transcend the limitations of nation, religion, and culture.

The idea of Auroville originated from the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. Sri Aurobindo was an Indian philosopher, yogi, and nationalist who believed that spirituality and material progress were not incompatible. Born in Paris, France, The Mother was drawn to India by Sri Aurobindo’s teachings and became his close associate. Together, they articulated a vision for a new way of life that would harmonize spirituality and science.

The community members called Mirra “The Mother”. Her message about Auroville was:

“Auroville wants to be a universal town where men and women of all countries are able to live in peace and progressive harmony, above all creeds, all politics and all nationalities. The purpose of Auroville is to realize human unity”. Alfassa believed that the township would contribute significantly in the “progress of humanity towards its splendid future by bringing together people of goodwill and aspiration for a better world”.

What makes Auroville so unique?

The uniqueness of Auroville lies in its approach to community living. Aurovillians, as the residents of Auroville are called, are committed to working towards the development of a more sustainable future. To achieve this, they experiment with various techniques and practices such as organic farming, renewable energy, natural architecture, and sustainable living. Another unique aspect of Auroville is its governance structure, which operates on a model of participatory democracy. All decisions are made through a participatory process, and all residents have an equal say in the decision-making process.

Sustainable living

One of the most unique aspects of Auroville is its emphasis on sustainability. Residents of the city have taken on a challenge to live in harmony with nature, and they’re leading a successful mission to protect the environment. There are several eco-friendly initiatives taking place in the city such as using solar power, recycling waste, and practicing organic farming. Auroville’s efforts towards sustainability are truly admirable and it’s a place where you can learn a great deal about living a sustainable lifestyle.

A Cultural Melting Pot

Auroville may be situated in India, but it’s a place where all nationalities come together. The city was founded by Mirra Alfassa, also known as ‘The Mother’, who envisioned a world of unity and no boundaries. Residents of Auroville come from all over the world and there are more than 50 different nationalities represented. The city celebrates various cultural traditions and people speak different languages. It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn about different ways of life and cultures from around the world.

Spiritual Haven

For many people, Auroville is a spiritual sanctuary where they can explore their spiritual side. Founded on the principles of yoga and spirituality, Auroville is a place where people can practice various forms of meditation, yoga, and alternative therapies. The city has several places of worship inspired by different religions such as the Matrimandir which is a meditation centre dedicated to the unity of mankind. Auroville is a place where you can take time to nourish your spirit and connect with like-minded individuals.

If you are interested in the history and culture of Auroville, then be sure to visit its Visitor’s Centre. The Centre houses a museum that showcases the community’s history and evolution, as well as a gallery that features the work of local artists and artisans. You can also pick up souvenirs and handicrafts made by Auroville residents.

A Unique Architectural Marvel

The architecture of Auroville is inspired by the ancient Vedic principles of cosmic geometry, which emphasize the relationship between the human body and the universe. As a result, the buildings in Auroville are designed to harmonize with the natural surroundings and to foster a sense of spiritual connection. For example, the Matrimandir, which is a stunning golden dome that serves as the town’s central meeting place, is built on a geometric pattern that represents the human chakra system.

Another remarkable feature of architecture in Auroville is the construction of earth-based buildings. These structures are not only eco-friendly but are designed to withstand earthquakes. The technique used here is called stabilised rammed earth, where soil mixed with cement stabilizer is packed into wooden frames poured into one-meter high layers. Each layer is then compacted to make the structure very stable. These structures are unique in the sense that it’s difficult to distinguish between the exterior and the interior as the materials used in construction blend with the surroundings.

One of the most impressive structures in Auroville is the Visitor’s Centre, which showcases the town’s unique architecture and sustainable practices. The building is made entirely from locally sourced materials and features a thatched roof and rammed earth walls. Besides being a beautiful example of eco-friendly architecture, the Centre also hosts several exhibits and workshops on sustainable living and organic farming.

Auroville’s architecture is not only impressive but also serves a practical purpose. The town is situated in a region prone to natural disasters like cyclones and earthquakes, and the buildings are designed to withstand these events. For example, the Auroville Health Centre is built on a system of columns that allows it to sway during an earthquake, reducing the risk of the building collapsing.

A Place to Make a Difference

Auroville is more than just a tourist destination- it’s a place where you can make a meaningful contribution to society. The city operates on the principle of community work, everyone who lives there is expected to contribute to the community in some way. Volunteers from around the world come to Auroville to offer their skills and time to help the community. There are several organizations and initiatives in Auroville that work towards improving the quality of life for the community and beyond.

What can you do at Auroville?

A visit to Auroville is a must-do experience if you’re travelling to India. There are plenty of things to do and see at Auroville, and the best way to explore the community is by taking a guided tour. Some of the popular things to do at Auroville include meditation sessions, yoga classes, cultural events, and workshops on sustainable living. If you’re interested in volunteering, you can also participate in various projects such as organic farming, renewable energy, handicrafts, and education.

Where is Auroville?

Auroville, mostly located in Tamil Nadu, is a township nestled 150km south of Chennai and 10km north of Pondicherry. It’s a breeze to explore Auroville on a day trip from Pondicherry – you can hop on a bus or opt for a more convenient rickshaw or taxi ride. If you’re heading to or from Chennai, make sure to take a break and visit the captivating monuments of Mahabalipuram.

India travel posts

Discover captivating destinations in India! Immerse yourself in the vibrant cities of Rajasthan and explore the stunning beaches of western India. Need more inspiration? Uncover the historical wonders of Hampi, marvel at Kochi’s colonial architecture, experience the vibrant city of Delhi, or journey to the enchanting UNESCO village of Mahabalipuram. Short on time? Embark on a virtual picture tour of India.

Planning your first trip to India? Dive into the comprehensive Beginners Travel Guide India and kickstart your travel research. For a deeper understanding of Indian culture and Hinduism, delve into the captivating pages of The Beginners Guide to Indian Culture and Hinduism.