Auroville - Meditation center in Bommayapalayam - Villupuram, India

You have to book earlier to get inside the popular auroville globe. Or you can just go by walk and see the globe afar. Only the outside view. There is this oldest banyan tree, covering the large surface making it look like a tree house. The place is very well maintained. You will get to meet different people from different countries here either as a visitor or a aurovillian. Even with lot of people and communities inside, the place is not abolished as usually done. Most trees and plants are well preserved and taken care of. Water service and resting places are abundant but do rent a bike before visiting this place. There are many spots inside auroville, make sure you research a lot before or you can talk to guides in the visitors centre. You have to travel a lot inside and around. Only bikes are comfortable with the proper roads and even the muddy ones.

Experience a unique humanitarian approach towards attainment of divine consciousnes and self unity.

Peaceful place to visit during weekends. Weekdays will be even better because of less crowd. It would be nice if they start allowing people inside globe again. Go for a cycling around aroville and grab a pizza from nice cafes around. Must visit if you are in pondy or planning a trip to pondicherry.

Iconic of pondicherry. 10 KM is distance from the center. Must visit. Free of cost no entry fees. Only parking charges need to be paid. It's 20/- for a 2 wheeler. You will get a free visitor pass from the reception. You can also rent a bicycle from inside, you must rent it and get a good experience with beautiful nature. Food cafes are available inside.

With a pleasant climate and with each others happy company , me and my friends had been at Auroville campus . The place was interesting and had all elements for us to have a memorable brunch. It was green,comfortable and the temperture was just perfect for us to enjoy a nice time. However given the raving reviews our experience was quite the contrary.At Auroville Bakery,right from the staff taking the breakfast order to the staff serving us was yelling at us. There were used plates lying on our table for about 30 minutes despite politely asking the staff to clear them for about umpteen number of times. We had waited patiently as we could see only one staff serving. We even helped her to clear the plates. The food was cold and after our meal they even ordered us to clear our plates from our table before leaving in a rude way. This gesture kept continuing wherever we went in Auroville. Staff were yelling at us at visitors centre, bakery, while we were leaving,walking. The yelling pattern was so predictable and prevalent that initially it started leaving us feeling uncomfortable and humiliated but by the time we left Auroville, we were well equipped with retorting back, well should I say leaving us liberated.It turned out into a game were we all burst into fits of laughter each time we got yelled at. It was more like who would be the next victim?? However I must say to be fair , it was eventful and fun. From our experience Auroville means throwing out all your frustration to anybody and everybody and getting a kick out of it. Not sure if we can coin huge terms like racism...but definitely unpleasant. My advice would be that you make sure that you go in a group that turns every unpleasant event into a big joke and yes dump out your hidden frustrations at each other ..it seemed quite normal.Cant deny but there was an element of healing to it...

Visiting the Auroville in Pondicherry was a memorable experience. Even though we had to trek a lot, it was worth it and definitely one of the best places to explore! I found the opportunity to explore the Auroville incredible. The site is sheer beauty and what I saw were very different from other sights in India. The experience of exploring Auroville was a great one. would like to come back someday soon!

Place is surrounded by beautiful trees. To enter inside need to book 3 days in advance via online.

If you are not a yoga or meditation enthusiast, don't visit this place. Advance booking is required (atleast 3-7 days) to go inside. Free pass only gives you a burds view of the place. During hot days it's a nightmare to visit. Bus service is available inside the center. Family visitors with kids please try to use it.