Auroville, or the City of Dawn, is located in Puducherry at a distance of about 20 KM. It lies in the Viluppuram district of Tamil Nadu. Known for its unique township, this town is unlike any other city in India. Rather than belonging to any particular community, the residents of Auroville are from different parts of the world. That is why it is also called a universal township that can conceive up to 50000 residents.
Let’s know more about the universal township of Auroville:
History of Auroville
In the early years of the 1930s, Mirra Alfassa, Aurbindo’s disciple and popularly known as “Mother”, came up with the idea of Auroville. After fully developing the concept by the mid-1960s, the proposal of Auroville was presented before the Indian government and then to the General Assembly of UNESCO.
In 1966, UNESCO approved this project and termed it an important project for the future of humanity. Then finally, in 1968, Auroville was founded. Currently, this township has 3300 residents from across 60 nationalities worldwide.
Vision of Auroville
The City of Dawn was established with a vision to set up a “City the Earth Needs”. Right in the middle of this city is the Matrimandir located. It is often referred to as the ‘soul of the city’. It is an oval-shaped Peace Area that is surrounded by a lake. The main goal of Auroville is to realize human unity and create a place where men and women, irrespective of their caste, religion, and nationality, live together peacefully and harmoniously.
What is so special about Auroville?
The speciality of Auroville includes
- There is no differentiation based on caste, creed, or religion.
- There is no ruling party or organization.
- Necessities like healthcare, education, and electricity are freely accessible here.
- There is no hierarchy, everyone is equal, and all the decisions are taken by the community collectively.
- This city is entirely cashless. Instead of cash, the Aurovillians use an Auro card.
- Also, there is no private ownership in this city.
How to be an Aurovillian?
The only condition to become an Aurovillian is to live and work in the city for two years.
For more information regarding the process of being an Aurovillian, visit www.auroville.org/page/join-Auroville.
Best time to visit Auroville
The best time to visit Auroville is from November to March. The weather remains suitable for travelling at this time of the year.
How to reach Auroville?
You can reach Auroville in the following ways:
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By Air
The Nearest airport to Auroville is in Chennai in Tamil Nadu in India. You can hire a cab or take any locally available transport to Puducherry. It is at a distance of about 160 KM from the state capital.
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By Train
The nearest railway station to Auroville from other parts of India in Chennai. You can take a train from Chennai to Puducherry. From here, Auroville is located at a distance of 20 KM. Take any locally available transport or hire a cab to reach this fantastic city.
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By Road
To reach Auroville by Road, you need first to reach Chennai. From here, Puducherry is located at a distance of 160 KM. Either drive yourself, hire a cab or reach Auroville by taking any locally available transport.
Places to visit in Auroville
You can visit the following places in Auroville
- Matrimandir
- Auroville Beach
- Marc’s Cafe
- Arka
- Youth Centre
- Peace Tables
- Savitri Bhavan
