Matrimandir View Point — Attraction in Tamil Nadu

This review is about mine and my family's experience as a day tourist at Matri Mandir viewing point as a lot of people are and is not a review on the auroville or its infrastructure or its activities.

First of all, parking is a scam. For one or two hours, they charge 150 INR.

Then comes the best scam. You have to walk 1.5 kilometres to the view point. But they have two free passes printed in different colours, which they give to people who can walk and can't walk.

Now the criteria for people who can and can't walk is determined by God knows what. I travelled with 6 people, and except me and my brother, all 5 people were over 55 and 3 were over 65 years old. We asked what is the criteria, and all 3 guys at pass station was rude saying if you have a plate in your leg, you'll get buses, if not you won't.

The beauty is, buses are for everyone to come back, but still they won't take everyone to the view point. This is because they make us travel through shops and commercial buildings. There is a straight road, but they'll make us walk through shops and there is security to divert it through the same. Just for the making a. Sale out of us, they made us walk through all those places, a zig zag road.

Now another scam. You see the Matri Mandir and come back to the bus boarding point. There are two type of buses, one large 30 seaters ( The Tata Starbus') and there are mahindra maxis 6-7 seater. The maxi's are the ones they use for transportation of people who can't walk to the destination. They have pink coloured passes. The security over there was very clear that you need a pink pass to go in that van and only if you can't walk is only that possible.

Now a group of people came, all youngsters around their 25's. They spoke with security and security nodded. When the next Van came, they got in, and they secretly gave the security money.

Now we and around 20-30 people Waiting at the designated place for around 15 minutes in open sun asked him, he was like one of them was pregnant, which wasn't the case as he took money. We started asking him you took money and hence they are being given the vehicle and asked him to show the pink pass. He didn't.

Now the next scam. We are now Waiting for over 30 minutes and finally a bus came. He told us to wait at the place and said the bus would take a turn and come back to board us. But what happened was that the bus took people who just came out from matri Mandir view point, one of them gave some money to the driver, and he allowed boarding. See around 40-50 people were Waiting for over half an hour and the driver, just for some money made people board the bus from turning point. We asked the security and he kept on telling us, we have to wait at the place we were waiting for second bus, but as we understood that was a plan to make people board the bus from the turning point taking money, we ran to the bus and got in.

The driver of the second bus now told he won't allow boarding. We told him you were allowing people to board from there. After a long time he took bus. Bus is full with people till outside the door. This guy then did a rash driving on corners and edges with those many people on board.

Now after we got in a lot of people along with us went to pass issuing point and told us this. They denied all of this and mocked us by asking for proof for all this. We were running to get a bus, because of their corruption and they were now asking for video. There were no cctv's

So the take is, the place is good, but the tourism isn't. The people are corrupt and if you are ready to give a bribe, it would be a really good experience. Else skip.

We travelled on the 23rd of March...

Auroville is an experimental township located in Tamil Nadu, India, near the city of Pondicherry (Puducherry).

Nearest City: Auroville is about 12 km from Pondicherry (Puducherry). Transportation: You can reach by auto-rickshaw, taxi, or rental vehicle. Public transport options are limited.

Best Time to Visit The best months to visit Auroville are from November to February, as the weather is cooler and more pleasant.

Paid Car Parking, Restaurants & Toilet available.

Photography: Photography is allowed in certain areas but not inside the Matri Mandir. Always ask before taking pictures of people.

Stay Options Auroville offers guesthouses ranging from budget-friendly options to eco-luxury stays. Advance booking is recommended, especially during peak seasons.

some important notes and tips for visitors:

Visitor's Centre: Begin your visit at the Auroville Visitor's Centre. Here, you can learn about Auroville's history, philosophy, and functioning through exhibitions and videos. Timings: The Visitor's Centre is typically open from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Confirm timings before your visit, as they may vary.

Entry Fee: No entry fee is charged to enter the township, but specific activities or facilities may have charges.

Matri Mandir Access Viewing Point: Visitors can see the Matri Mandir from the designated viewing point. No prior booking is required for this.Meditation Inside: If you'd like to meditate inside the Matri Mandir, you must make prior bookings (at least 1-2 days in advance) at the Visitor's Centre. Dress Code: Wear modest, comfortable clothing, respecting the spiritual ambiance.

Activities and Experiences Workshops and Events: Check the Visitor's Centre for workshops on yoga, meditation, sustainable living, and more.Cultural Events: Look out for music, dance, or art performances organized by the community. Volunteering: If you're staying for an extended period, inquire about volunteering opportunities in various projects.

Exploration Auroville Forest: Walk or cycle through the green zones to experience the afforestation efforts. Sustainable Practices: Visit organic farms, eco-friendly buildings, and solar energy installations to understand Auroville's commitment to sustainability.

Local Cafes: Enjoy wholesome, organic food in community-run cafes like Solar Kitchen or Auroville Bakery.

Dos and Don’ts Respect the Philosophy: Auroville is not a tourist attraction but a living community. Be respectful of its ideals and residents.

Silence at Matri Mandir: Maintain silence in and around Matri Mandir and its gardens.

Eco-Consciousness: Avoid littering and use reusable...

Mantrimandir View Point in Pondicherry (Puducherry) is a serene and spiritual spot located in Auroville, a township known for its experimental and communal living. The viewpoint offers a panoramic view of the Matrimandir, a golden spherical structure that serves as a meditation center and the soul of Auroville.

Key Features: Matrimandir: The structure is an architectural marvel, designed for silent meditation and inner reflection. It is surrounded by lush greenery and gardens, creating a peaceful atmosphere. Scenic Beauty: The viewpoint provides a stunning view of the Matrimandir and its surroundings, making it a great spot for photography and quiet contemplation. Spiritual Ambiance: The area exudes tranquility, making it ideal for those seeking peace and spiritual connection. Gardens: The well-maintained gardens around the Matrimandir add to the beauty and serenity of the place.

Visitor Experience: Meditation: Many visitors come here to meditate and soak in the calm environment. Guided Tours: Guided tours are available for those who want to learn more about the history and significance of the Matrimandir. Timings: It’s important to check the timings before visiting, as access to the Matrimandir itself may require prior booking or permission.

Reviews: Positive: Visitors often praise the peaceful ambiance, beautiful architecture, and the sense of spiritual upliftment they experience. Negative: Some mention that the area can get crowded during peak times, and the strict rules (like no photography inside the Matrimandir) can be a bit restrictive.

Overall, the Mantrimandir View Point is a must-visit for those interested in spirituality, meditation, and unique architectural experiences. It’s a place where one can disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and reconnect with...