Auroville, India 🇮🇳
#109 12.007392, 79.809947

Nomad Score: 65%
Overview Guide Scores Costs

Essentials

🏙️ City Auroville is an experimental township in the state of Tamil Nadu, India, known for its unique philosophy of human unity and sustainable living.
👥 Population Approximately 2,800 residents.
💻 Internet Speed Average of 25-50 Mbps depending on location within Auroville.
💸 Currency & Banking 1 INR ≈ 0.012 USD. Most transactions are done in Indian Rupees (INR).
🚰 Tap Water Not drinkable, it's advisable to drink bottled or filtered water.
🔌 Power 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/D sockets.
📶 SIM Card Providers include Airtel and Jio, with good coverage in Auroville.
💳 Banking for Expats Axis Bank and State Bank of India have local branches; cash is widely accepted.
🛌 Accommodation Options range from guesthouses to shared accommodation. Websites like Auroville.com and local classifieds are helpful.
💳 Cashless Friendly Yes, many places accept digital payments, but cash is still widely used.
🏠 Short Term Rentals Airbnb and Auroville's own accommodation website offer varied options.
🛏️ Budget Accommodation The Youth Centre offers dormitory-style accommodations at affordable rates.

Working and Networking

🏢 Best Coworking Space The Hub is a popular coworking space with a peaceful environment.
☕ Best Cafe for Work Café Auroville offers a quiet setting with good internet.
💼 Networking Events Regular community gatherings and workshops at the Visitor Centre.
🥂 Social Events for Expats Auroville community events and potlucks are often organized, facilitating networking.

Transportation

🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App Local taxis can be booked via WhatsApp or through the village taxi services.
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental Auroville has several shops renting bicycles and scooters; AuroCycle is a reliable choice.
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby The nearest beach, Auroville Beach, is approximately 9 km away.
✈️ Top Regional Airline IndiGo and SpiceJet operate out of Puducherry Airport, about 10 km away.
✈️ Top International Airline Chennai International Airport (120 km away) is the nearest major airport.
🛣️ Highway Access Access to NH 32 is available, connecting to major cities.
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub Villupuram Railway Station is the nearest major train station, around 30 km away.
🚍 Public Transport Passes State-run buses are available, but no specific transit passes are offered.
✈️ Regional Travel Local buses from Auroville connect to surrounding towns and cities.

Health and Wellness

🏥 Best Hospital The Auroville Health Centre provides various medical services to residents.
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers Numerous yoga studios, including the Auroville Yoga Centre and Savi Wellness.
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers Auroville has several fitness options including the Auroville Gym.
🧺 Laundry Services Laundry services are available near the Visitor Centre and in several guesthouses.

Food and Drink

📱 Best Food Delivery App Local eateries generally offer takeaway; Zomato operates in the area.
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try Try the Auroville Sourdough Bread, popular among locals.
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options Most restaurants in Auroville are vegetarian, including Café Auroville.
🍫 Best Dessert Spots The Baker Street Café serves excellent pastries and desserts.
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots Daily markets in Auroville offer local produce and goods.
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store Amazon India and Flipkart operate; deliveries can be slow.
🛒 Grocery Delivery Some local shops offer delivery, but it is limited.
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area Auroville is known for its low-key nightlife; Café Auroville is a popular hangout.
🍻 Local Brewery Local brewing is not widespread; however, wines from nearby vineyards can be found.
🍷 Wine Bars Wine is available at select cafés and restaurants.
🍲 Street Food Stalls Street food is minimal but popular snacks can be found during local festivals.
🍕 Popular International Cuisine Café Ethnic offers a varied international menu.

Culture and Attractions

🎟️ Must-See Landmarks The Matrimandir is the spiritual center and a must-visit.
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues The Auroville Museum showcases the township’s history and philosophy.
🏰 Historical Sites The community’s foundation site is significant for its history.
🕍 Religious Sites The Matrimandir also serves as a spiritual and meditation site.
🎉 Annual Events Auroville celebrates the Birthday of Auroville on 28th February every year.
🎨 Cultural Districts Each neighborhood offers unique insights into the diverse cultures of residents.
🎭 Theater Venues The Auroville Theatre is a space for performances and community gatherings.
🛍️ Local Markets Several local markets operate, especially on weekends for crafts and local goods.
🎼 Music Scene Live music events often feature at the Visitor Centre and local cafes.
🎨 Street Art Street art can be seen throughout Auroville, promoting local culture and themes.
🧑‍🍳 Cooking Classes Cooking workshops are occasionally offered at various community centers.
👩‍🎨 Art Galleries Local art initiatives hold exhibitions throughout the year.
🕰️ Historic Buildings Several buildings designed by notable architects, emphasizing sustainable and aesthetic design.
🏴 Local Heritage Auroville embodies the ideals of international cooperation and community living.

Nature and Outdoor Activities

🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes The nearby Auroville Beach and the forests around Auroville offer ample nature exploration.
🏞️ National Parks Nearby Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve is approximately 40 km away.
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths Multiple biking and walking trails exist throughout the township and surrounding areas.
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints The Matrimandir offers panoramic views of the lush gardens surrounding it.
🦉 Birdwatching Locations The wetlands around Auroville are great for birdwatching.
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots Designated bonfire spots are available in certain community quarters.

Other Services and Amenities

📦 Parcel Delivery Service DHL and local couriers can handle parcel delivery.
🛠️ Tech Repair Services Local shops offer basic tech repair services, mainly in Puducherry.
🏓 Table Tennis Spots Multiple community centers have table tennis facilities.
🧑‍🏫 Language Classes Various language classes, including Tamil and English, are offered in Auroville.
📚 Libraries & Study Spots The Auroville Library is a quiet place for studying and gathering information.
🏘️ Community Centers Several community centers provide space for meetings and activities.
🕹️ Gaming Lounges Gaming facilities are limited; typically available in larger towns like Puducherry.
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls No casinos are available in Auroville; the nearest would be in Puducherry.

Business

🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. ₹4,500 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = ₹135,000).
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. ₹3,500 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = ₹105,000).
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. ₹3,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₹228,000).
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. ₹3,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₹180,000).
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. ₹3,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₹256,000).
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. ₹2,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₹224,000).
💼 Corporate Tax 25% for companies in India.
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax An applicable rate of 10% for dividends.
🏦 Tax System Residents are taxed based on their worldwide income.
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket Maximum personal income tax rate is 30%.
🧾 VAT Goods and Services Tax (GST) is applicable at varying rates, commonly 18%.
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules Yes, India has regulations in place.
🏠 Property Tax Annual property taxation is based on state regulations.
🏠 Property Transaction Tax Stamp duty is around 7% of the property's sale price in Tamil Nadu.