Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Auroville is an experimental township located in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It aims to be a universal town where people of all nationalities can live in peace and harmony, above all creeds and politics. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 2,500 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is about 30 Mbps with some coworking spaces offering higher speeds. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Indian Rupee (INR), with 1 USD ≈ 83 INR (April 2025). Local ATMs available. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is not drinkable; it's advisable to use filtered or bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity supply is 230V, 50Hz, with Type C and D sockets. Regular power outages can occur. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Mobile providers include Airtel, Jio, and BSNL, with affordable prepaid packages. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Common methods include cash, cards, and mobile wallets; international cards are accepted in many shops. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Accommodations range from guest houses, yoga retreats to long-term rental apartments; Airbnb is also available. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, but cash is still widely used, especially in local markets. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses are perfect for short-term stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel and guesthouse options include Auroville Guest House and Youth Hostel offering dormitory-style beds. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Auroville Township area is ideal due to proximity to visitor centers and attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The Auroville community space around Solar Kitchen and Workspace Collective offers a great atmosphere with coworking and networking opportunities. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Auroville's Workspace Collective offers high-speed internet and collaborative spaces tailored for digital nomads. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Bread & Chocolate cafe is a popular spot with a good ambiance and free Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Auroville hosts various community gatherings and workshops which are excellent for networking. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats can join the Auroville Community Facebook group for events and meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local auto-rickshaws are the primary mode of transport; Ola and Uber may have limited availability. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycles and scooters can be rented from local shops for around ₹150-₹300 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Pondicherry Beach is about 12 km away and easily accessible by bicycle. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | IndiGo and SpiceJet operate flights from Chennai, about 150 km away. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | International flights operate from Chennai International Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The East Coast Road connects Auroville to major cities like Chennai and Pondicherry. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Villupuram Junction is the nearest major rail hub, around 30 km away. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local buses are available but infrequent; hiring a taxi or auto-rickshaw is recommended. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses are available to nearby towns and cities but are not very frequent. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Auroville Healthcare Centre offers basic medical services; Pondicherry has more advanced hospitals. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga and meditation classes are widely available at Auroville's various centers such as Sri Aurobindo Ashram. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Auroville has several community fitness centers and yoga studios. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are available in guesthouses and local shops. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Zomato and Swiggy are popular for food delivery in Auroville and nearby areas. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try South Indian dishes like dosas and idlis at local eateries. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Auroville is known for its vegetarian cuisine, particularly at restaurants like the Solar Kitchen. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Bread & Chocolate for artisanal desserts and cakes. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets around Auroville offer fresh produce and regional delicacies. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon and Flipkart provide delivery options for a variety of products. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local grocery shops may provide delivery; check with stores in Auroville. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Limited nightlife, but Auroville's community events include music and dance nights. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | No local breweries, but several cafes and eateries serve local brews. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited options; most places serve local beverages. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food available near the Auroville visitor center, try the local chaat. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Several restaurants offer international dishes like Italian pizza and pasta. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Matrimandir, a meditation center, is a must-visit landmark in Auroville. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Auroville Earth Institute offers insights into sustainable building practices. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Attractions like the Auroville Founder's Memorial provide insight into its philosophy. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The community hosts various spiritual spaces, notably the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Auroville hosts events like the Auroville Festival, attracting visitors from around the world. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The International Zone within Auroville fosters cultural exchange. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Community spaces like the Auroville Theatre offer performances and workshops. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Visit the Auroville Farmers' Market for local produce and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local artists perform regularly at community events; visit the Auroville Music Collective. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Check for artistic murals around the township, showcasing Auroville's creative spirit. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking workshops are offered regularly, focusing on vegetarian and local cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Auroville's Town Hall often features exhibitions from local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Buildings constructed with sustainable practices showcasing eco-friendly architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Auroville represents an experiment in communal living and sustainable development. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Visit the beaches, including Auroville Beach and Serenity Beach within a bicycle ride. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The nearby Ousteri Lake offers birdwatching and nature trails. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Auroville has numerous cycling paths throughout the community and into surrounding areas. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Matrimandir offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area, particularly at sunset. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Ousteri Lake is a popular spot for birdwatching enthusiasts. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas near the beach for bonfires, mainly during community gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | India Post and private couriers like Blue Dart services are available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer basic repairs; second-hand electronics can be found in the area. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have table tennis arrangements. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Join language classes offered by community centers focusing on Tamil and English. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Auroville Library offers resources and study spaces for residents. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various centers host workshops, classes, and social events for both locals and expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited options; consider outdoor games and community group activities. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos in Auroville; focus is on community-driven activities instead. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₹25,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ₹1,000,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₹18,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ₹720,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₹30,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₹1,800,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₹25,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₹1,500,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₹35,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₹2,800,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₹28,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₹2,240,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% on business profits. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% for foreign shareholders. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Taxation based on residency; worldwide income is taxable for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% for income above ₹15 lakh. |
| 🧾 VAT | Goods and Services Tax (GST) is 18% on most transactions. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable to Indian residents with foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual tax assessed based on property location and size. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 6% on property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific tax advantages for digital nomads; standard rates apply. |