FAQ

Select the workshop that you are interested in by clicking on the ‘learn more’. At the bottom of the page on the right, select the date of the workshop and click on ‘book now’. You will be asked to fill up a registration form.

Once you submit the form you can proceed to pay:

• for online payments – select the option and you will be redirected to the payment gateway where you can pay by a debit/credit card,
• for bank transfers or payments by cheque – an email will be sent to you with bank details; every organizing unit also has bank details listed on their page
• for workshops without the listing of any payments, please contact the organizer after registering.

By Air

The closest airports to Auroville are in Pondicherry and Chennai. Chennai has an international as well as a domestic terminal whereas, Pondicherry operates flights from Hyderabad and Bangalore. Auroville is approximately 10 km and 150 km from Pondicherry and Chennai respectively.

A taxi service from Auroville can be booked prior to your arrival to bring you to Auroville. These are cheaper, reliable and drivers are trained to be courteous to guests. You can book a taxi 24 hours a day.

Please find recommendation below:

Unity Transport Service – phone: +91 413 2623586 / 2623587 /  +91 9047015801;

email: uts@auroville.org.in 

By Bus 

From Chennai: there are regular, almost hourly A/C and non A/C  buses from Chennai to Pondicherry from Central Bus Stand, Koyambedu (about a 3 hour journey) through East Coast Road (ECR). Tickets cost approximately Rs. 150 – 300.  From Pondicherry you can travel to Auroville either by auto rickshaw or a pre-booked taxi.

From Bangalore: All buses from Bangalore halt at the Pondicherry main bus stand from where you can travel to Auroville either by auto rickshaw or a pre-booked taxi.

By Train

Trains from major cities in India arrive at Pondicherry and Chennai railway stations including New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Mangalore, Bhubaneswar, Chennai.

TRANSPORTATION

• For electric cycles, you can contact Kinisi at: 0413-2622168 / 8300460679 / 8300460680
• Other bike providers can be found at Kuilapalayam, at the entrance of Auroville

Accommodation in Auroville is limited and often booked 6 months in advance. Therefore, in some workshops, for your convenience, we have blocked rooms in selected hotels and guest houses in Auroville. The accommodation is basic and on a sharing basis. In such cases, transportation to take you to the workshop venue and drop you back is also organized. In case you opt for a workshop without accommodation, we advise you to book rooms at these hotels directly once you have confirmed your participation.

Please click the following link to view all listed accommodation in Auroville: http://guesthouses.auroville.org 

Below is a list of some popular guest houses:

• Centre Guest House
• Atithi Griha Guest House
• Auromode Apartments
• Verite Guest House
• Afsanah Guest House
• Sharnga Guest House
• Isai Ambalam Guest House

Accommodation around Auroville

Here are a couple of hotels around Auroville for your consideration:

• Mango Hill Hotel
• Purple Resorts

Eateries

There are many restaurants in Auroville which serve a wide variety of cuisines (Indian, Italian, Middle Eastern, Continental etc.). Most restaurants are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner but take their last dinner orders at 08:00pm.

Below is a list of some popular food units:

• Visitors Centre Cafeteria
• Tantos Pizzeria
• Neem Tree

Unless mentioned otherwise, no preparatory work is necessary in advance. It is not mandatory to bring a laptop, and tools will be provided at the workshop for hands-on work.

The workshops typically start around 08:30 – 09:00 and end around 17:00. Participants often choose to explore Auroville/Pondicherry on their own. It is advisable to go out in groups and to keep the guest house management informed about when you are likely to return.

Weather:

Auroville is typically hot and humid through the year. It rains between November to December and the weather is relatively pleasant in January. It is advised to wear comfortable clothes and footwear and bring sun glasses, cap, sandals and a water bottle that you can refill.

Mobile network connectivity

In most areas of Auroville, BSNL and Vodafone reception is relatively good but a few zones have poor reception. Internet access is available at all Auroville guest houses and a few public hot spots such Visitor’s Centre, Solar Kitchen and Town Hall.

Power outage

There are frequent power cuts in Auroville and some buildings have solar power and are equipped with batteries or generators. Some guests often carry a torch.

Wildlife

Auroville, with the tropical climate and TDEF forest cover has a variety of wildlife like snakes, termites, ants, mongoose, mosquitoes, scorpions, and many migratory birds. Snake and scorpion bites are not common as they shy away from humans. Many tend to walk bare feet to enjoy the sand between their toes, please avoid this, as this may lead to infections of many sorts.

You can plan a visit to Matrimandir either before or after the workshop.

There is an exhibition and video screening at the Visitor’s Centre to know more about Matrimandir. Passes to see Matrimandir from the outside are also issued here.

If you would like to visit the Inner Chamber, you can visit the booking office at the Visitor’s Centre. A pass will be given to you based on availability. Visitors and guests should bear in mind that the Matrimandir is not a ‘tourist’ site; it is a place for silent concentration.

Click here for more Information