Auroville - Purpose: Everyone to live together in Peace

India’s most popular experimental township, Auroville is often considered as one of the places to visit within Pondicherry, though it is geographically in Tamil Nadu. However, in recent years, Auroville and the areas around it have really proved as a standalone offbeat destination that deserves more than just a passing visit. While visiting the Auroville township, it requires prior permission. Conceived as the 'Universal Town', this township is an idea to create a place for everyone to live together in peace. Founded in 1926 by Sri Aurobindo and his disciple French Lady known as 'The Mother', this is a place where you can relax and calm your inner being. The project was supported by the Government of India, and UNESCO passed a resolution in 1966 commenting this as "a project of importance to the future of humanity". The town was officially inaugurated in 1968. Mira Alfassa was a spiritual collaborator of Sri Aurobindo, who believed that ‘man is a transitional being’. Alfassa expected that this experimental "universal township" would contribute significantly for a peaceful world. It is a site of approximately 20 square kilometres of barren wasteland aside the coast. The Matrimandir is the most prominent landmark within Auroville and is only open to Aurovillians. Visitor passes are available for free and they can get up to the dedicated viewing area. Food points are available in that region. Almost all the raw materials for the dishes come from their own farms. Botanical garden, started here in 2000 is over 50 acres, featuring a full-fledged artificial Tropical Dry Evergreen Forest (TDEF), which is native to the region. The main role for the volunteers here is the practice of giving back to society what they have learnt. Yoga and meditation classes are extremely popular in the township. Auroville beach is also famous for the people who have taken their entry passes.