For our Guests
What to bring
Almost everything you are likely to need is available locally except LED headlamps, which are especially useful for pedal cyclists.
Slip-on (and off!) shoes are so convenient you may want to have them from day one.
Arrival
Arrival form
All guests must complete an arrival form within 24 hours of arrival. This is an Indian Government requirement.
For most guests the form will be provided by their guest house. Forms are also available from Guest Services (see below).
Guest Card
You can think of the Guest Card as a temporary Auroville membership card. It:
- is required for entry to the Matrimandir and its gardens, to the Auroville beach at Répos and for the Auroville bus to Puducherry.
- allows you to open a Financial Services account (see below).
- indicates we will collect your Guest Fee to support community services like cultural performances, life guard, forest maintenance and road repair.
For most guests the Guest Card will be provided by their guest house. Guest Cards are also available from Guest Services (see below).
The daily Guest Fee is:
- Children under 12: free
- Children 12-18 and students: Rs.30
- Others: Rs.60
Living without cash - opening a Financial Services account
Most of the Services and Facilities in Auroville do not accept cash. You can only pay with a Financial Services account, sometimes called a Pour Tous account.
If you are staying longer than a week you can open an account with Guest Services at the Solar Kitchen or with Financial Services at either the Town Hall or Aspiration Pour Tous.
You will need:
- To be staying in Auroville for a week or more.
- A Guest Card.
- Identification.
- Money including Rs.500 (refundable deposit). Financial Services accept foreign currency and travellers cheques as well as Rupees; Guest Services accept only Rupees.
If your stay is shorter, some places will accept cash on presentation of a valid Guest Card.
Getting around
City Transport
Pick up and Drop off Shuttle Service
Per passenger rates from Rs.80 city area, Rs.110 New Creation/Aspiration/Auromodele/Green Belt, Rs.150 Repos/ECR, Rs.180 Quiet 9.30am-6.00pm
phone 0413-262-2611 Visitors Centre
mobile 94876-50951
Bus
Schedule of the buses From/To Auroville-Pondicherry
Motor cycles
When renting a motor cycle, please check that it is insured. If you have travel insurance and have an accident on an uninsured motor cycle you can’t claim on your travel insurance.
For advice about legal requirements, contact Raju at Auroville Vehicle Service (below).
- Arumugam. Moped Rental Service, ABRI. Ph: 2622741& 94430 42754
- Nagappan. Workshop, Fraternity. Ph: 2622954 & 94434 51016
- Raju. Auroville Vehicle Service, Town Hall. Ph: 2623302 & 98437 34825. avvehicle@auroville.org.in
- Satyavan. Reve. Ph: 2622760
Pedal cycles (including electric pedal cycles)
Cycles are available for daily/weekly rental at the Visitors Centre Kiosk, phone 0413-262-3034 9.00am-5.00pm
Basic lightweight singlespeed Decathlon mountainbikes, 7 and 21 speed geared Decathlon mountainbikes, Rs.60/day, Rs.30/half day, Rs.330/week
sturdy Hercules mountainbikes (with mudguards and back carriers), Ladybird ladies' cycles, Rs.50/day, Rs.280/week
total fleet 130, check for availability 0413-262-3034
Many Guest Houses have pedal cycles for their guests.
For electric pedal cycles: Chandresh. SaraCon, Kottakarai. Ph: 2622973 & 98430 28390.
Taxis
For taxi sharing, especially for airport runs, UTS operate TaxiShare. Mon-Sun 8.30 AM-12.30 PM & 1.30-4.30 PM. Ph: 2623587. taxishare@auroville.org.in
Auroville Units
AuroCabs
Ph.0413-262-3200/3201 mobile 96264-81620 or 98437-34825, 9443074825
avcabs@auroville.org.in
www.aurocabs.com
Auroville Transport Service
Used to be known as New Creation Taxis.
Ph: 0413-2622400, 0413-2622183, mobile 94433 51169
avtransportserv@auroville.org.in
Maha Travels
Ph: 2622535 & 2622102 cell 9943881067
mahatravels@auroville.org.in
Unity Transport Service (UTS)
Ph: 2623586 & 2623587 Cell 9047015801
uts@auroville.org.in www.auroville-unity-transport.com
Local Private Taxi Services
Team Transport Service
0413 262 3151 ext. 2623152
MM Mother's Travels
Kuilapalayam, Ph. 0413-2622489 or 3208, Cell 94439-56635
Yoga Travels
Ph: 2622691, 94430 35795 & 98947 86883
Walking
Orientation
General tips
Take it easy!
Anyone not accustomed to the heat, humidity, dust of India, and distances around Auroville is advised to go slow at first. Take it easy! Don't try to do too much too quickly.
Living with nature
The plentiful insect and wildlife around you reflects a healthy environment.
Help keep it that way - and clean - by not dropping waste around the countryside. Meanwhile note that most insects and creatures you encounter are harmless. The only advisable protection against mosquitoes is by way of a repellent especially in the early mornings and evenings 5.30 - 8.
Effective mosquito repellents are available at Pour Tous.
Fooftwear and flashlights
You are advised not to walk barefoot outside buildings, especially after dark, and to always carry a flash light/torch at night.
Security - safety after dark
Although Auroville is generally a peaceful and safe place, theft is not uncommon, and there have been occasional incidents on the roads over the years. All our guests, but especially women, are advised not to walk or cycle alone anywhere after dark.
Sun protection
Don't under-estimate the strength of the Indian sun. If you're not used to it, use sun block creams, minimize exposure from 11 AM to 3 PM, wear a hat or cap, and drink extra amounts of liquid.
Valuables
You are advised to deposit valuables such as passport, air ticket, cash and travellers cheques in your guest house safe. We also recommend that you don't leave cash, cameras, walkman or similar valuables in your room when away from the guest house. The guest house management can take no responsibility for lost or stolen articles or papers.
Beggars or hawkers
Guests are requested not to give money to beggars anywhere in the township, or to buy things from people hawking goods, drinks or food who may come to the guest house or public places, or sell at the beach, etc. To do so only creates a problem for Auroville residents.
Visiting vocational or work places
Guests are requested not to drop in casually at commercial units, or schools and similar educational sites, as this can be disruptive. If you wish to visit a school or commercial unit, please make prior appointments.
See the Auroville Directory or Handbook for contact numbers.
Interaction with local population
As a general rule, you are specially asked to respect local traditions and culture, and to be at all times polite and correct in your dealings with the local people.
Dress and general behaviour
Noting that Indian women generally dress very modestly, covering most of their body and legs, Western women are advised to dress decently in order not to send out the wrong message and attract unpleasant attention.
It is generally not done for couples to show physical affection for each other in public, such as holding hands, kissing or cuddling.
Buying sex from village women, men or children is absolutely prohibited within Auroville.
Drugs and alcohol
As all forms of narcotic drugs are banned under Indian law, under no circumstances are they permitted in the guest house. Consumption of alcohol is discouraged throughout Auroville, and alcoholic drinks cannot be purchased anywhere in the township.
Information sources
A good place to begin is at the Visitors' Centre. There you can find introductory information and Auroville maps.
Auroville Websites
Guest Service
Located upstairs at the Solar Kitchen.
Mon-Fri 9.30 AM-l PM. Ph: 2622704. avguests@auroville.org.in
The Guest Service provides information regarding Guest Introduction programs on Auroville, work possibilities, leisure and sport activities, events in Auroville etc., and generally tries to assist guests in every way.
You will also find there for browsing a full selection of brochures, books and issues of "Auroville Today".
The Guest Service also issues Guest Cards and opens Financial Services accounts (see “Arrival” above).
Matrimandir Information Kiosk
Open daily 8.45 AM to 5.30 PM. Ph: 2622373.
Provides information and issues passes for entering Matrimandir area and/or visiting the Gardens, Petals and Inner Chamber.
News and Notes
Auroville's weekly "newspaper" carries Auroville news and announcements of events. Most guest houses provide copies for their guests @@anywhere else?
www.auroville.org/journals&media/avnews/avnews.htm
Notice boards
- Afsanah
- American Pavilion
- Aspiration
- Athiti Griha
- Aurelec
- Bakery
- Centre Guest House
- College Guest House
- CSR
- Gaia's Garden
- Ganesh Bakery
- Kala Kendra/Square Circle
- La Terrace
- Mitra Guest House
- New Creation Corner
- New Creation Guest House
- Pitanga
- Pour Tous
- Quiet
- Répos
- Solar Kitchen
- Tibetan Pavilion
- Travel Shop
- Unity Pavilion
- Vérité
- Visitors' Centre
- Youth Camp
Visitors' Centre
Opening times are 9-1 and 1.30-5.30 PM on weekdays, and 9.30-1 and 2-5 PM on Sundays.
While management and staff at the guest houses are available to answer miscellaneous questions affecting your stay, for more comprehensive information on Auroville you may go to the Visitors' Centre. You will find there an Information Service Desk (ph: 2622239), a photo exhibition on Auroville, a Matrimandir Information Room, shops selling a very wide selection of Auroville products, a bookshop, a Cafeteria (ph: 2622248), and an Auroville video viewing service in the afternoon. Passes for day visitors to view Matrimandir Gardens and Amphitheatre are issued from Monday to Saturday 9.45 AM to 12.30 PM and 1.45 PM to 4 PM. First time access to the inner Chamber is on Sunday afternoons only; passes are issued at Matrimandir after the visit to the Amphitheatre:
Guests staying in an Auroville guest house may obtain a pass for the inner Chamber by showing their valid Guest Card at the Matrimandir (office) entrance desk between 4.30 and 4.45 PM. The meditation pass will hold the same validity of the Guest Card. @@update!
Winter Integral Studies Programme (WISP)
Auroville Winter Integral Studies Program (WISP) offers a range of courses, classes, lectures, and study programs around the theme of transformation and integral learning.
Auroville, as a living laboratory committed to unending education, is continuously exploring ways to provide an environment that nourishes the needs of its residents and visitors who come to experience a way of life that integrates the body, mind and soul. This program is one attempt to present you with a range of possibilities for engagement in such learning.
Printed catalogues are available from the Guest Service, Town Hall Reception, Pitanga and Vérité. Listings and updates appear in News & Notes.
www.auroville.info/WISP/index.htm
Places to Eat
Aurolec canteen
Kuilapalayam, in front of Fraternity path.
Mon-Sat breakfast 7.45-10 AM, buffet lunch 12.30-2 PM.
Sun special vegetarian buffet lunch 12-2 PM.
Ph: 2622293 & 2622294
Auroville Bakery tea shop
Kuilapalayam
Mon-Fri 7 AM-5 PM.
Cakes, coffee, croissants, juices, sandwiches, snacks, tea.
Lunch: soups, salads, omelettes, crepes.
Ph: 2622159
Cafe La Terrace coffee bar and cafeteria
Solar Kitchen, upstairs.
Fri-Wed 9 AM-9 PM. Lunch 12 to 3 PM. Dinner 6 to 9 PM.
All day: banana lassi, brownies, cheese cake, crepes, croissants, fresh juices, homemade ice creams, kambucha, organic teas & coffees, muffins, snacks ...
Breakfast: as "All day" plus curd, eggs to order, French pastries, fruit salads, mueslies.
Lunch and dinner: as "All day" plus fresh pastas, galettes, salads, sandwiches, soups, tortillas ... and plato del dia.
Ph: 2622665.
http://cafelaterrace.blogspot.com/
Ganesh Bakery restaurant and cafeteria
Kottakarai
Mon-Sun 7 AM-9 PM. Breakfast 7-10.30 AM, lunch 12 -12.30 PM, dinner 6-9 PM.
Local dishes mainly for breakfast and lunch, some western dishes for dinner.
Ph: 2622535
Indus Valley restaurant and cafeteria
Between Kala Kendra in Bharat Nivas and the Tibetan Pavilion.
Mon-Sun 8.30-5 PM. Lunch 12 onwards.
@@Offerings?
Ph: 2622488
Groups bigger than 6 please book. Takeaways by arrangement. WiFi hotspot.
www.auroville.org/thecity/bharat_nivas/bharat_nivas_indus_valley.htm
Le Morgan restaurant and cafeteria
Town Hall
Mon-Sat 7:30 AM-5 PM, later for dinner on Tue, Thu & Sat.
Speciality: fish dishes.
WiFi hotspot.
New Creation Corner restaurant
Kuilapalayam road.
Mon, Wed-Sun 9 AM-9.30 PM. Lunch 12-2.30 PM, dinner 7-9 PM.
Snacks, tea, coffee, cool drinks.
Ph: 2622368.
Pour Tous snack bar
Aspiration
Mon-Sat 7 AM-4.30 PM. Lunch 11.30 AM-1.15 PM. Cool drinks only 2-4.30 PM.
Hamburgers, snacks, cool drinks.
Ph: 2622952
Roma's Kitchen restaurant
Auromodel
Tue-Sun (including public holidays) lunch 12.15-1 PM, dinner 6-9.30 PM. At times open for dinner only.
Ph: 2622032.
Shaam
@@Location?
@@Times?
@@Offerings?
Solar Kitchen canteen
Mon-Sat 12.15-1.15 PM.
The best is to book the day before, or as early as possible on the day. If you haven't booked, just try your luck.
Ph: 2622197
Sun Bliss snack bar
Repos beach
Tue-Sun 9 AM to 6 PM.
Snacks and fruit juices.
Visitors' Centre restaurant and cafeteria
Tue-Sun 8 AM-9.30 PM. Mon 8 AM-4 PM
Snacks, tea, coffee, cool drinks plus breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Ph: 2622248
Services & Facilities
Banking
One of Auroville's aspirations is that "money shall not be the sovereign Lord". Apart from our own Financial Services there are no banking services in Auroville.
Financial Services
Near Pour Tous and in Town Hall.
Mon-Sat mornings 9-12.30, afternoons 3-4.30. Ph: 2622171. Exchanges foreign cash and traveller's cheques.
ATMs
The nearest ATM is in Kuilapalayam, the next nearest is where the Kuilapalayam road meets the East Cost Road (ECR). There are many ATMs in Puducherry.
Beach
Répos
Beach guard/security daily 9 AM - 6 PM. Cool drinks & snacks 9.30 AM-5 PM.
At times the current can be strong and deceptive, so avoid swimming too far out.
Health
Dental Clinic
(Protection)
Appointments can be made Mon-Sat 8.30 AM-@@ PM and 2-4 PM. Ph.2622007 or 2622265.
Health centre
(near Aspiration)
Mon-Sat mornings 8.30-1, afternoons 2-4.30. Ph: 2622123 or 2622018. A 24-hour 'on call' service is provided for emergency cases only.
Quiet Healing Centre
(Consultation by appointment only) Open Mon-Sat mornings 8-12.30, afternoons 1.30-5. Sundays l0 AM-4 PM. Ph: 2622329 or 2622646.
Libraries
Laboratory of Evolution
(Bharat Nivas)
Main library
(Bharat Nivas)
Open Mon-Sat mornings 9-12.30.
Only Guest Card holders having a Financial Services account can sign out books.
Vérité
Matrimandir
Access to the Matrimandir Viewing Point
The Matrimandir Viewing Point is a garden located at the southern border of the Park of Unity. This Park includes the Matrimandir, the Matrimandir gardens, the Amphitheatre and the Banyan Tree.
All first-time visitors are requested to watch a short introductory video on the Matrimandir at the Visitors' Centre and thereafter visit the Viewing Point, before seeking access to the Matrimandir.
- Passes for the Viewing Point can be obtained from Auroville's Visitors Centre.
- A shaded footpath leads from the Visitors' Centre to the Viewing Point. An electric shuttle service is available for those who are physically challenged.
- Timing for issue of Passes at the Visitors' Centre
Weekdays : 9.30 am to 12.30 pm & 1.45pm to 4.00pm
Sundays: 9.30 am to 12.30 pm ONLY - Visiting hours at the Viewing Point:
Weekdays: 10 am to 1 pm & 2 pm to 4.30 pm
Sundays: 10 am to 1 pm ONLY
Access to the Park of Unity: Matrimandir and other areas
The Park of Unity is accessible ONLY to those who have visited to the Matrimandir Viewing Point.
First time visitors
Matrimandir provides a guided introduction for first-time visitors. During this visit an explanation will be given of the significance and meaning of the Matrimandir. The visit's duration is approximately 90 minutes. Advance booking is required. [See below]
The introduction will take place in a shaded area adjacent to or inside the Park of Unity. Visitors will then be guided to the Banyan Tree before going up to the Inner Chamber inside the Matrimandir. The concentration in the Inner Chamber will be for 10-15 minutes
The presence of all who have booked their visit is required at the Matrimandir Office Gate by 9.15 am, and no later than 9.30 am.
Regular visitors
The following conditions apply to regular visitors who have already participated in a guided introduction.
Visiting the Park of Unity
- Timing: 9.30 – 11.00 am. Last entry 10.30 am.
- Advance booking required – except for regular donors, other regular visitors and holders of a valid Auroville Guest Pass who have already participated in a guided tour introduction and have obtained a Matrimandir pass valid for a limited period of time.
Concentration in one of the Petal Rooms
- Timing: 9.30 – 11.00 am. Last entry 10.30 am.
- The 12 rooms are not all open at the same time, but in turn – usually two at a time.
- Passes are issued for one room at a time.
- Advance booking is not required.
Concentration in the Inner Chamber
But then, people will not come for “regular meditations” or anything of the kind... it will be a place for concentration. Not everyone will be allowed in... Only for those who are... serious – serious, sincere, who truly want to learn to concentrate. ...people will be let in in order to concentrate – to learn to concentrate! No fixed meditations, nothing of the sort, but they will have to stay there in silence – silence and concentration.
The Mother
- Timings: 9 AM to 10.00 AM
- Last entry in the Chamber: 9.30 PM.
- Advance booking required.
- Children below 8 years are not granted access.
Pass bookings
- Requests for passes can be made any day from 9.00 to 11.00 am by phone (0413) 2622268 or (0413) 2622204, or by visiting the Matrimandir Access Office personally.
- Requests are attended to in the order of receiving them and can be made up to 7 days in advance.
- Bookings are made on an individual basis only. Minimum age requirement is 8 years.
- Matrimandir reserves the right of admission.
- Passes which have been booked in advance are to be collected on the day of appointment from the Matrimandir Access Office before entering the Park of Unity.
- Each pass specifies the area to be visited, the date and the time.
General conditions
- The Park of Unity is a quiet zone and absolute silence is required inside the Matrimandir and the Petal Rooms, under the Banyan Tree and around the Lotus Pond below the Matrimandir
- The entrance for all visitors to the Park of Unity : Matrimandir and other areas is at the Matrimandir Office Gate.
- Vehicles are to be parked at Visitors Centre or outside the Matrimandir Office Gate. Visitors parking at Visitors Centre will be ferried by electric shuttle to the Matrimandir. We encourage all visitors to avail of this non polluting, silent mode of transport.
- Bags, cell phones and cameras are to be deposited with the attendant at the Access Office.
- Cell phones are to be switched off.
- Visitors are requested not to bring any valuables with them.
- Photographs can be taken only from outside the Park of Unity.
- Cleanliness of body and garments is indispensable.
- Smoking is prohibited
- Children under 8 are not allowed inside the Matrimandir.
- In case of rain or any exceptional circumstances the Matrimandir will remain closed and all appointments will be cancelled for the day.
- Matrimandir reserves the right to refuse entry or cancel a visit and request a person to leave the Park of Unity on account of bringing a person under age; making unauthorised audio, video or photographic recordings; or exhibiting a behaviour which is not in accordance with these guidelines.
All timings and procedures are subject to change without notice.
For information call: Matrimandir Information room ph: 2623449
E-mail: mmaccess@auroville.org.in
Shopping
In Auroville shops you can find books, home needs, and crafts. Nearby, Kuilapalayam has a wider range of shops and there is a very wide range in Puducherry.
Auroville Bakery
Kuilapalayam
Mon-Fri 7 AM-5.30 PM.
Bread, pastries, quiches & pizza.
Farm Fresh
Kuilapalayam, opposite Auroville Bakery.
Mon-Sun 8 AM-8 PM.
Truffles and chocolates, cakes, organic pastries, vegan pies, ready-made dishes, healthy snacks, staples and some seasonal organic fruits as well as delicatessen foods manufactured in Auroville like cheese, tofu, jams and syrups. Orders, home delivery and shipping service.
Ph: 2622996
Ganesh Bakery
Kottakarai.
Mon-Sun 7 AM-9 PM.
Bread, pastries.
H.E.R.S.
Kottakarai, by Ganesh Bakery.
Mon-Sat 9 AM-6 PM. Sun 9 AM-5 PM.
Food and household items.
Lively Boutique
Kottakarai, opposite Ganesh Bakery.
Mon-Sat 8.30 AM - 12.30 & 1.30 - 5 PM.
Clothes, ready made and made to sample. Profits go to Life Education Centre.
Pour Tous
Aspiration, Kuilapalayam
Mon-Sat 9 AM-5.30 PM.
Range of fresh fruit & vegetables plus dry goods, stationery, toiletries.
SVARAM
Kottakarai
Musical instruments, made on the premises.
The Visitors' Centre
Extensive range of "made in Auroville" products.
Telecommunications
Fax
At New Creation Corner restaurant.
Mon-Sat 8.30 AM-10 PM, Sundays 10 AM-10 P.
You can receive faxes sent to +91 413 2622274. Please ask the sender to include your name, the name of the place you are staying and a contact telephone number.
Internet
- Arka. No laptops. Ph: 2622443 & 2623799
- AuroNET wired and WiFi. Laptops welcome. La Terrace. Mon-Sat 9 AM-9 PM, Sundays 1 PM-9 PM, Thu 9 AM-5 PM. Ph: 2622524
- AuroNET wired. Laptops welcome. Pour Tous. Mon-Sat 9 AM-5.30 PM
- AuroNET WiFi. Laptops welcome. Aurelec Cafeteria. Ph: 2622416.
- and in Kuilapalayam.
Post Offices
The main post office is located at Bharat Nivas (open mornings 9-1.30, afternoons 2-4.30).
The other one is near Pour Tous (open 10-12 AM and 1-2 PM).
Telephone - Public Call Offices (PCOs)
Auroville PCO
(next to New Creation Corner restaurant)
9 AM-11 PM
Except Tue 9 AM-5 PM
and Sun 10 AM-11 PM
Metered local, Indian and international calls.
If you have a Financial Services account you can use the Auroville PCO via any landline. They will connect you and charge your account. Their numbers are 2622509 and 2623617.
AuroNet at La Terrace PCO
Local calls.
Non-Auroville PCOs
For example, in Edayanchavadi and Kuilapalayam.
Toilets
Toilets easily accessible to the public are at Visitors' Centre, Bharat Nivas, Matrimandir Information Kiosk, Solar Kitchen, New Creation Corner and Pour Tous.
Travel Agents
Inside India (The Travel Shop)
Pillayar Koil Street, Kuilapalayam (the white building near Segar’s bike workshop on the way to Pour Tous)
Mon-Sat 9 AM-12.30 & 1.30-5 PM
Ph: 2622047 (tours), 2622078 (international), 2623030 (domestic & flight reconfirmations)
Yatra Nova
Papyrus Building, 2nd Floor, Fraternity
Mon-Fri 9 AM-5.15 PM
Sat 9 AM-5 PM (9 AM-2 PM in May & June)
Ph: 2622095 & 2622096
Leaving
Here's a checklist to help smooth your departure.
- One week before leaving, if flying, reconfirm flights.
- One week before leaving, if leaving by taxi, book it.
- A couple of days before leaving, if paying by Financial Services account, settle outstanding bills.
- Collect anything given into safe keeping: valuables, travel documents.
- Close Financial Services account.
- Return any hire motor/pedal bicycle.