Parks & nature

When Auroville was founded in 1968, the land was a severely eroded, barren plateau. Today, it is recognized globally as a highly successful ecological restoration project. * **Sadhana Forest:** A massive reforestation and water conservation project that relies heavily on volunteer energy to restore the local ecosystem. * **Auroville Botanical Gardens:** Established to preserve the dry evergreen forest native to the Coromandel Coast, featuring extensive plant nurseries, a labyrinth, and educational programs. * **Pitchandikulam Forest:** A bio-resource center functioning as a sanctuary for indigenous flora and fauna. * **Matrimandir Gardens:** Twelve precisely landscaped gardens surrounding the central sphere, each named after a specific spiritual quality (e.g., Existence, Consciousness, Bliss).