Auroville Beach, Pondicherry
Keynote on Auroville Beach, Pondicherry
Address: ECR, (opp Auroville entrance), Periyamudaliar Chavadi, Tamil Nadu 605002
Opening time: 4.00 am to 6.30 pm
Entry Fee: Free
Famous for: Picturesque beach
Visit Duration: 2 to 2.5 hours
How to reach: The beach is located 12 km (7.5 mi) away from the main city center. Tourists can board public transport to reach the venue
One of the French colonies of India, Pondicherry or Pondy as referred fondly, became the part of the Indian subcontinent in 1954. Here people can speak French, or English with a French accent –making them more exotic. The boutiques here sell stunning merchandise inspired by the French aesthetics, or the tiny beachside cafes make the place simply stunning.
But away from the noises of the city, the Auroville Beach, Pondicherry is a beautiful oasis – rejuvenating the body as well as the soul. The golden beaches romancing with the stunning Bay of Bengal makes this place enticing as well as soul-stirring. While strolling along the beach you can feel the bohemian Pondy vibe, which is very addictive.
This write-up could help you discover this stunning beachfront.
A Brief Glimpse of Auroville Beach or Auro Beach
Due to its proximity to the city center, as it is 12 km (7.5 mi) from the main Pondicherry town, the Auroville Beach is frequently visited by tourists. The soft black volcanic sand and the unending sea make this place a favorite among the tourists. The gentle waves and the shallow waters make this place ideal for beach activities and swimming. At the end of the day, you will find several tourists relaxing at the Auroville Beach, after hectic sightseeing.Being close to the Auroville Ashram, the beach is always included in the itinerary of the visitors coming to this institution. Also, a great destination for meditation and yoga, the place would surely fill your soul with peaceful vibes.
Being a public beach, the place is very clean and well maintained – thanks to the Auroville Ashram located nearby. While exploring the beach, you can even visit the famous lighthouses of Auroville – one of the most recognized landmarks of this town.
Most travelers to Pondicherry prefer staying at one of the beautiful beach resorts or guesthouses that overlooks the stunning beach. If you are coming to Pondicherry during the peak tourist seasons, remember to book early to avoid reservation-related hassles.
Things to Do at the Auroville Beach, Pondicherry
Just like any beach, this place is also frequently visited by tourists for its stunning view and swimmable water. If you are here, then you should try the following things:1. Splash and Play
One of the first things you should do after reaching Auro beach is dipping your feet in the water. The almost gentle sea-waves make this place a favorite among tourists, both locals as well as outsiders. If you are traveling with toddlers or kids, then this place would surely attract them. But a word of caution for parents, the waves at the beach are milder but paying close attention to the lifeguard instructions and warning signs can prevent serious accidents.2. Reading and Relaxing at the Beach
Nothing can beat the fun of reading a good book while getting an all-natural tan at the beach. The stunning Auroville Beach gets a healthy dose of sunlight, making it an ideal destination for sunbathing. Just remember to apply a healthy dose of sunscreen before heading out in the sun. The Indian sun can get very harsh, so it is very important to keep yourself hydrated. Drink readily available tender coconut water for instant energy and refreshment.3. Take Pictures
Auro Beach is endowed with some stunning landscape, which attracts shutterbugs both professional and amateur. The picturesque lighthouse is one of the popular spots where you will find several tourists flocking in for a stunning shot. Do carry your landscape lenses for getting that perfect shot.4. Collecting Souvenirs
Each day unique and colorful sea-shells wash up to the Auroville Beach, Pondicherry giving the seashore a stunning texture. These stunning collectibles can make up a beautiful gift to take back home. Little offbeat and full of emotions, this would be a perfect gift for someone you love.5. Meditating
The Indian mystic Rishi Aurobindo established his ashram in the secluded Pondicherry Township, where he could teach his followers meditation and other doctrines of Indian philosophy. If the soothing sea waves and the stunning landscape inspire you to meditate, then you should go ahead. After a peaceful meditation session, you will feel relaxed.6. Soaking in the Sunrise View
The view of the sunrise from Auroville Beach, Pondicherry is undoubtedly the most mesmerizing one. Try not to miss the view, as the golden sunshine spreads its rays from the horizon. The view is definitely worth a million pictures.What’s Next?
After soaking in the sunshine at the beach, you can spend the rest of the day exploring different popular landmarks of this bougainvillea-draped town.1. Meditating at the Matrimandir
One of the most recognizable landmarks of Auroville, the Matrimandir is a place that soothes the soul. Although visitors are not permitted to enter the inner sanctum sanctorum, however, the visitor passes permit guests inside the garden area. At the Mandir premises, one can practice meditation and get close to their inner self.2. Sipping Coffee at One of the Offbeat Cafes
One of the popular offbeat destinations of Indian, Pondicherry’s cafe culture is a prime factor for the popularity of this town. The numerous bakeries and cafes serve freshly baked cookies and bread with aromatic coffee.3. Learn Yoga and Meditation
Many people come to Pondicherry for learning yoga and meditation. The city is populated with volunteers, who practice the art of giving. Aurovillians can attend yoga and meditation classes in the township, where there are several other private classes available for visitors outside the Auroville Ashram complex.Pondicherry is a peaceful town, once colonized by the French. Although liberated from the colonial rule, the city still harbors some of the relics of its colonial past.