One of the beautiful places situated about 15 kms from Pondicherry is Auroville. This was a project of Sri Aurobindo Society and was founded in the year 1968 by Mirra Alfassa. She established this placed based on the principles and teachings of Sri Aurobindo.
Although not a recognised tourist place, it attracts visitors with it uniqueness. There is no such thing as an ashram here. Charter of this place states that, this place belong to humanity as a whole and not to anyone in particular. It is a place of unending education and a bridge between the past and the future. Auroville wants to be the universal town of peace and harmony. It aims at creating an environment where men and women of all countries are able to live in peace and realise the human unity and values.
Sometimes it is quite shocking for visitors to comprehend here with the absence of an ashram. However, the heart of this place is the ’Matrimandir’. It means ‘Temple of the Mother’. Anyone who wishes to visit Auroville have to get a visitors pass from the visitor center which works between 9.30 am and 4.30 pm. Access to other places here is only with the visitors pass. People who stay here make contributions in terms of work and money. One can approach the Information desk at the visitor center to arrange for a tour or to visit any facility.
Activities like Yoga, Tai-Chi, Watsu and other types of alternative healing are commonly available here. Peak period of visit is between December to March. Among the 14 farms here or for any other activities people can volunteer on daily basis. About 130 kms from Chennai it is easily accessible by road and by air. If flying to Chennai and then taking buses or cabs is one way to travel. Else one can easily travel by buses or private vehicles from other parts of the state.