Auroville – Matrimandir
Auroville – the City of Dawn, situated 13 km away from Pondicherry, is a unique township in the district of Villupuram, mostly in the state of Tamil Nadu, India, with some parts in the Union Territory of Pondicherry in India. It was founded on February 28, 1968 by Mirra Alfassa (“the Mother”) and designed by Roger Anger, a well-known French architect. The township is based on the principles and vision of Sri Aurobindo.
Auroville is a universal town sprawling over a massive area of 20 sq km, 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 realise human unity in diversity.
The township, being unique in its principles and values, has attracted a large number of tourists since its establishment. The beauty of Auroville lies in the simplicity of the people and the peaceful atmosphere, making it one of the most exotic places to visit in Tamil Nadu. A huge number of curious tourists come here for a day trip from Pondicherry, especially those who have a leaning towards divine consciousness, will find this place compelling. However, an interesting fact to know here is that more than two-thirds of the residents of Auroville are non-Indians.
There are many tourist attractions inside the township that compel tourists to visit the place. The odd but beautiful “Matrimandir” (soul of the city), present at the very centre of Auroville from where the future township radiates outwards, is one of the major highlights. Radiating from this centre are four “zones” of the City Area: the “Residential Zone”, “Industrial Zone”, “Cultural & Educational Zone” and the “International Zone”. Around the city or the urban area, lies a green belt, which is an environmental research and resource area and includes farms and forests, a botanical garden, a seed bank, medicinal and herbal plants, water catchment bunds, and some communities.
Good To Know
Tourist Spot:
Auroville, the City of Dawn - Since 1968.
Distance:
14.7 km from Mahatma Gandhi Statue, White Town.
Entry charge:
The visitors centre is the first entry point for visitors coming to Matrimandir. The Visitors Centre offers a free pass to view the Matrimandir and its gardens from a vintage point.
Information Center Door opening hours:
Open daily from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1:30 to 5:00 p.m. Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Afternoons close.
Visit Matrimandir from Outside hours:
Monday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Afternoons close.
Matrimandir Door opening for booking:
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 2: 00 p.m to 3:00 p.m. On all days except Tuesdays and Sunday.
Special days of Auroville Matrimandir:
Auroville's week-long festival from February 21 to February 28 is dedicated to the celebration of The Mother's birthday and the city's founding anniversary. The festival features a range of activities, including panel discussions, lectures, and cultural programs, and is a great opportunity for tourists to learn about this unique culture.
Matrimandir Inner Chamber:
The Inner Chamber is now open to visitors every morning, except Tuesday and Sunday. Booking on an individual level is required. Please note that places in the inner chamber are limited. Booking requests need to be sent 3 to 7 days in advance to avoid disappointment. Appointments are never given on the same day. For further details, visit: https://auroville.org/page/visiting-the-matrimandir
Allowed Inner Chamber:
Footwear, mobile, camera & children above 10 years.
Not Allowed Inner Chamber:
Group booking, children below 10 years, noise, pet animals, vehicles, eating foods & liquors.
Shop Near:
Kalki Boutique, Visiting Centre Boutique, Mira Boutique & La Boutique d’Auroville.
Food Near:
Neem Tree Café, La Terrace Café.
Stay Near:
Arka Guest House & Mitra Youth Hostel.
Parking:
Free parking outside of Visitor Centre garden.
Restroom:
Available.
Location:
Door Nº 607, Auroville, Auroville Road, Bommayapalayam, Tamil Nadu - 605101, INDIA.
Every year on February 28th, Auroville celebrates its birthday with the Auroville bonfire. This celebration is a symbol of community, celebration, and unity that brings people together for singing, dancing, and other forms of celebration. The bonfire also represents purification, renewal, and the inner light within each individual. It is a time to reflect on the values and principles that underpin the Auroville community.
In order to visit the Matrimandir, free passes are issued at the Visitors Centre to all visitors who wish to view the Matrimandir and its gardens from a vantage point. Apart from this, there are also a lot of places to explore in Auroville. You can even find some excellent cafes and restaurants to enjoy some varied international cuisine, and many boutiques with exotic collections of clothing. With all this, your visit to Auroville will definitely help you relax your body and mind and make you feel rejuvenated.
“Auroville belongs to nobody in particular. Auroville belongs to humanity as a whole.”
Doors Calling
