Introduction

Named after the ‘universal town’ of Auroville owing to its proximity, Auroville Beach is about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) from Pondicherry town off the East Coast Road. It is a sprawling one kilometer stretch of silvery sand that remains mostly secluded. The shallow waters of Auroville Beach make it ideal for a refreshing swim; add to it the gentle slope of the beach. Early morning and sundown are the best time to appreciate the understated beauty of this beach.

A trip to Auroville Beach opens up innumerable photo opportunities. Behold the scenery of sun-dappled beach thick with swaying palms, an azure sea stretching into distance and merging with a clear blue sky. Lounge under a shady palm and watch the sea as it gets whipped white by the wind at noon, or stroll along the shoreline collecting shells in varied shapes and colors. While browsing, you will come across shell fragments and shingles that are deposited by the waves along the beach. The beach gets many visitors on weekends; and if you prefer seclusion, plan your trip on a weekday. After sunbathing, relax in the shade sipping fresh coconut water. When hungry, head to the French café nearby and feast on some delicious sandwiches and coffee.

Auroville Beach is along the shoreline that borders the Bay of Bengal, and mostly remains washed by small white waves. This stretch of beach, like most beaches in Pondicherry, is pristine sans littering of any kind, thus enhancing the ambience of the place. After a day trip to Auroville, spend the evening strolling the Auroville Beach, and enjoying a magnificent sunset. Carry your camera along and take back some memorable photographs of your visit.

Special Attributes

The shallow waters of Auroville Beach make it ideal for swimming.

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress is whatever you find comfortable.

Connectivity

To get around Auroville you will need your own transportation, as everything is spread out. You can take the coastal road from Pondicherry and turn off at the village of Chinna Mudaliarchavadi. You may have to ask where the turn off is located, as it is poorly indicated. You can also get here by going on the Pondicherry "Tirunallar" to Chennai road, turning off at Promesse, about a kilometer after the police station.

Buses only go to the villages of Chinna Mudaliarchavadi and Periya Mudaliarcha-vadi, from where you have to get an auto-rickshaw to the Matrimandir. An auto-rickshaw roundtrip from Pondicherry should come close to Rs 200 and a taxi Rs 500. The daily PTDC (Pondicherry Tourism Development Corporation) city tour of Pondicherry goes to the Matrimandir. You can even hire a bike from Pondicherry, though the road can be rough in places.

Enjoyed by

Families, Kids, Backpackers, Honeymooners

Exposure

You will be under the open sky. In the morning and evening, enjoy the fresh breeze wafting from the sea. But noon gets quite warm and the sun rays are rather strong. You are advised to wear a lot of sunscreen lotion, carry along sunshades and a bottle of drinking water.

Avoidable Season

April, May, June, July, August, September

Facilities

Its proximity to Auroville makes the beach a favored evening trip destination, where you can view a breathtaking sunset.

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction.

Tip

You can carry your swim wear along if you wish to enjoy swimming here. The waters are warm and shallow making it suitable for swimming.

Type of site

Beach close to Auroville