Auroville

Located in southern India, Auroville is an intentional community designed to foster the integration of global values and promote harmonious living among its residents. Established in 1968, it was founded by Mirra Alfassa, also known as "The Mother", who dedicated her life to the work of her spiritual mentor Sri Aurobindo. Since then, Auroville has established sustainable systems for its members, attracting thousands of visitors every year who are intrigued by the opportunity to learn and practice various spiritual disciplines, including yoga and meditation.

Travelling to India with an e-Visa

For international travelers planning to visit Auroville, it's essential to obtain a visa in advance to enter India. Fortunately, the Indian government has introduced the easy and convenient e-Visa, which greatly simplifies the process of obtaining the necessary permit. Here's an overview of what you need to know about this travel option.

Type of e-Visa for travel to Auroville

The Indian government offers several types of e-Visa for tourists, trade officials and medical professionals. For a spiritual journey such as Auroville, the Tourism e-Visa would be the most appropriate option. This visa also provides access to other tourism-related activities in India.

1. e-Tourist Visa: This type of visa is valid for up to 60 days from the date of entry into India. You can apply for this e-Visa twice.
2. Business e-Visa: This is issued to people traveling for business or entrepreneurial purposes. This type of e-Visa is valid for one year and allows multiple entries into India.
3. e-Visa Medical Visit: This visa is for individuals wishing to receive medical treatment in India. It is valid for up to 60 days and can be used three times.

How to apply for an e-Visa for India

Apply for your e-Visa directly on the official Indian e-Visa website or through authorized agencies. Here are the main steps:

• Enter your personal details, the e-Visa category you require and your travel details.
• Upload a recent photograph (JPEG format).
• Attach a scan of your passport's biographical data page (PDF format).
• Pay the processing fees associated with the type of e-Visa you require.

Scattering ashes in Auroville - a unique spiritual practice

In addition to its many other spiritual aspects, Auroville also has a special tradition of scattering ashes. The ashes of people who have lived in this community are scattered in the "Boneyard", a consecrated place near the center of Auroville. This reflects the ideal of living consciously, even after death, and participating in the cycle of life and energy that unites all living beings.

Yoga and rejuvenation in Auroville

Yoga is at the heart of Auroville's spiritual practices, and many centers offer classes, workshops and courses for participants. These programs offer a wide variety of yoga styles, including Hatha, Iyengar, Vinyasa and Ashtanga, as well as complementary disciplines such as meditation, dance and energy healing. Whether you're an experienced yogi or a beginner, you can easily find the class that suits your level and interests.

Attend conferences and cultural events in Auroville

Auroville regularly hosts events, conferences and workshops on various topics relating to personal development and spirituality. By visiting this unique town, you'll have access to a wealth of valuable information and many opportunities to develop your own spiritual practice. Be sure to consult Auroville's events calendar before planning your stay, so you don't miss out on any fascinating activities that may be taking place during your visit.

Living in an ecologically sustainable and sharing society

One of the most attractive aspects of Auroville is its determination to build an ecologically sustainable and caring community. Sustainable practices encompass many areas such as natural resource management, forest preservation, pollution-free transport, solar energy, waste management and much more. As a visitor, you can learn a lot about these ecological approaches and even adopt them in your daily life.

India e-Visa application form