Auroville is a township in Villupuram district, Tamil Nadu, India. It was founded in 1968 with the dream of human unity. One of the unique aspects of Auroville is its commitment to environmental sustainability. A large part of the township was barren land when Auroville was founded. Since then, there has been a huge effort to reforest the area. There are three main forest projects that visitors can learn about and even get involved with.
- Sadhana Forest is a non-profit organization located on the outskirts of Auroville. Their mission is to reforest the area, conserve water, and develop sustainable food systems. They offer a variety of volunteer programs, including tree planting, organic gardening, and cooking. Visitors are welcome to participate in these programs or simply take a free tour of the forest on Fridays.Sadhana Forest, Auroville
- Pitchandikulam Forest is another non-profit organization that is working to restore the native forests of the Coromandel Coast. They offer educational programs on forest ecology and conservation. Visitors can also take a guided tour of their ethno-medicinal forest, which contains a variety of plants with medicinal properties.Pitchandikulam Forest, Auroville
- Nine Palms Farm and Protected Forest is a reforestation and water conservation project located near Auroville. They offer a variety of programs and workshops on sustainable living, including natural building techniques, permaculture, and renewable energy. Visitors can also take a guided tour of their forest and farm.
In addition to these three organizations, there are many other parts of Auroville that are covered in forest. These forests provide a habitat for a variety of wildlife, including birds, monkeys, and deer. The forests are also a popular spot for hiking, biking, and birdwatching.
If you are interested in learning more about sustainable forestry practices or simply want to enjoy the beauty of nature, the forests of Auroville are a great place to visit.