The name of Auroville ever so often comes up when you look up places to visit in Tamil Nadu or places to visit near Puducherry. Featuring a community that comprises people from different social circles and countries, Auroville is one of those places that don’t require an introduction. However, beyond the realm of this experimental township lies the beautiful Auroville Beach, often nicknamed “Auro Beach.” Featuring pristine shores and a soulful connection to nature, this beach is perfect to unwind and relax while soaking in some peace from the surroundings. If you are planning your trip to Auroville sometime in the future, a visit down to the Beach is an absolute must.
Where Is Auroville Beach Located?
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The exact location of the Beach is in Bommayapalayam, Puducherry. It is around 12 km from the main town of Puducherry, making it easily accessible to tourists. From the Pondicherry railway station, the Beach is roughly 7.5 km away. Once you are in Puducherry’s main town, you can hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw to get to the beach.
Must Read: Things To Do In Pondicherry
Information About Auroville Beach
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Location: Bommayapalayam, Puducherry.
Timings: 07:00 AM to 06:30 PM
Entry fees: There is no entry fee associated with exploring Auroville Beach. You can do it for free.
Activities: While there are limited commercial establishments at the Beach, visitors can enjoy swimming (during low tide), sunbathing, long walks, beachcombing, etc.
Cleanliness: The beach is generally well-maintained, with the Auroville Ashram making efforts to preserve its natural beauty.
Best Time to Visit
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The best time to visit Auroville Beach is frankly anytime that works for you. Like the rest of Puducherry sightseeing spots, the beach is open throughout the year for tourists. The winter months, from October to March, are usually considered the absolute best time to explore the beach and the area. Due to the pleasant weather and comfortable temperatures from 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F), it becomes easier for you to explore the expanse of the beach without any hassle. Another period that’s great to visit the Auroville beach is from March to May. It’s technically off-season in Puducherry, so the crowds are less and the prices are affordable too.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Auroville
Things To Do
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Auroville Beach Tamil Nadu is ideal for relaxation since the beachside isn’t equipped for water activities. So, the list of activities you can indulge in while at the beach includes ones that are laid back and relaxing.
The following are a few to consider:
Enjoy the sunrise and sunset
Beaches are perfect for sunrise and sunset, so while you are at the Beach, that’s the first thing you need to add to your itinerary.
Surfing and swimming
Among the list of thrill-filled activities that you can do at the Auroville beach, surfing and swimming are usually the only ones.
Beach sports
Up next is the wide range of beach sports available at the Auroville beach. Options include volleyball and frisbee or you can sit around and build sand castles on the beach.
Explore the local cuisine
Although not directly related to the Beach Tamil Nadu, one thing that must not miss out on is trying the local cuisine.
Collect shells
Beachcombing is a fun activity and given the long stretch of shoreline in the beach, collecting shells is a pretty amazing activity to indulge in.
Places To Visit Near Auroville Beach
Auroville Beach Pondicherry is just the tip of the iceberg. The area around is so beautiful that you can’t miss out on any of the nearby sightseeing spots. Following are a few of the must-visit places:
1. Auroville
Without a second thought, the first spot that you need to stop and explore is Auroville, aka, the experimental township. Established in 1968, Auroville stands as a true example of what love, community and humanity look like. The township is home to thousands of people who cohabitate together, despite the differences in their culture, backgrounds and heritage. There’s innovation within the area and there is a kind of belonging among the people that’s very hard to find outside.
Distance from Auroville Beach: 10.9 Km
2. Puducherry
Next on the list of places to visit after exploring Auroville Beach Tamil Nadu is Puducherry. With its French colonial heritage and historical significance, the city offers a lot of amazing experiences. Several beaches in Puducherry including Paradise Beach, Promenade Beach, Serenity Beach, etc. are worth exploring. Besides that, pay a visit to the Sri Aurobindo Ashram for spiritual peace and awakening.
Distance from Auroville Beach: 7.4 Km
3. Chunnambar Boat House
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Located roughly 8 km from Puducherry, the Chunnambar Boat House is another offbeat and often unexplored place you need to add to your itinerary. The place is ideal for boating and picnicking, making it a popular spot among families. You get to enjoy boat rides on the Chunnambar River and also get a glimpse into the beautiful backwaters. The boat house also offers access to the popular Paradise Beach, which is a bonus.
Distance from Auroville Beach: 14.2 Km
4. Arikamedu
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About 7 kilometres from Puducherry, Arikamedu is an ancient Roman trade centre. The archaeological site includes remnants of Roman settlements and artefacts, offering a glimpse into the region’s historical connections with ancient Rome. It is a popular sightseeing spot among history buffs, so if you are one and like looking into historical artefacts and learning more about their role in the history of a place, Arikamedu is the place to be.
Distance from Auroville Beach: 15.0 Km
5. Ousteri Lake
Alternatively known as Osudu Lake, Ousteri Lake is a gorgeous lake that’s located 10 km from the main city centre of Puducherry. Besides offering tranquil views of the surroundings, with lush greenery covering the sides, the lake is also a hit among tourists who love birdwatching. Due to its habitat, the lake attracts a wide range of native and exotic species of birds that you can witness with your eyes. For better visibility, consider carrying binoculars with you.
Distance from Auroville Beach: 15.3 Km
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Pondicherry
How To Reach
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As mentioned before, the Beach is around 12 km from the city centre of Puducherry. So, once you are there, you can take an auto-rickshaw or hire a taxi to be able to explore the beach and the surrounding areas. Depending on the pace of the vehicle and the mode of transportation you choose, the journey shouldn’t take you more than 30-40 minutes.
Note: For a more affordable journey, public buses are plying from Puducherry to Auroville. You can take that and then walk the rest of the way to the beach.
Further Read: Pondicherry Guest Houses
Auroville Beach is a haven for those seeking a peaceful escape. This is it if you want to visit a beach that’s a bit secluded but well-connected to the city. The beauty of this beach somehow lies in its tranquil white sand and the lush greenery surrounding it. As you embark on your next trip to Tamil Nadu, Auroville Township and Auroville Beach are two spots that are a must in your travel itinerary.
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Cover Image Credit: Rosh Prakash for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Auroville Beach
What is the best time to explore Auroville Beach?
The Auroville Beach best time to visit Auroville Beach is during the winter months, from November to February.
Are there surf schools at Auroville Beach?
Since surfing is a popular activity at the Beach, there are a handful of surfing schools and operators around the coastline.
How can I reach Auroville Beach from Puducherry?
The Beach is easily accessible from Puducherry via auto-rickshaws, taxis and public buses too.
What kind of accommodation is available near Auroville Beach?
While you might not find accommodation right on the beach, there are some amazing hotels and hostels in Auroville that are ideal to book.
What are the Auroville Beach entry fees?
There is no entry fee for exploring the Beach.
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