Auroville & Matrimandir
About
Auroville is a unique international township 12 km from Pondicherry, founded in 1968 as an experiment in human unity and conscious living. Residents from over 50 countries live and work here in a community dedicated to sustainable development, education, and cultural exchange. At its physical and spiritual center is the Matrimandir a striking 29-meter golden sphere made of gold-plated discs, housing an inner chamber of white marble for silent meditation. The surrounding gardens are named after different aspects of consciousness (Serenity, Existence, Unity), and the Auroville township includes eco-farms, handmade paper units, craft workshops, and organic restaurants.
Highlights
What makes this place special
Matrimandir Golden Sphere
A 29-meter-diameter golden sphere covered in gold-plated discs, housing a pure white marble meditation chamber with the world's largest optically perfect glass crystal at its center.
Gardens of Unity
Twelve themed gardens surrounding the Matrimandir, each representing a different quality of consciousness — designed for contemplative walks through carefully landscaped greenery.
Sustainable Community Visit
Tours of Auroville's eco-friendly initiatives solar energy, organic farming, rainwater harvesting, and handmade crafts showcasing practical sustainable living at scale.
Things to Know
- •The Matrimandir viewing point is open daily — but entering the inner chamber requires advance booking (1 day prior)
- •The visitor center has an exhibition about Auroville's philosophy and history
- •Several Auroville craft units are open to visitors — pottery, handmade paper, incense
- •The cafes in Auroville (Solar Kitchen visitors' area, Tanto, Marc's Cafe) serve excellent organic food
- •Dress modestly — Auroville is a spiritual community
- •The township is spread over a large area — a vehicle is necessary for exploring
- •Buy Auroville products (perfumes, essential oils, handicrafts) from the visitor center shop
