Chennai's Naturally yours: The Auroville Boutique

The Auroville Boutique at Khader Nawaz Khan Road forms an integral part of the retail landscape at posh Nungambakkam, for it’s the only shop that is au natural.

Part of the Auroville township in Pondicherry, this boutique sells handmade natural products, designed by the denizens of the ashram. However, this is not your ordinary run-of-the-mill destination, as Auroville sells not just different articles ranging from ceramic pottery to leather-wear to food, but a philosophy as well.

What started off as a small haven for shoppers seeking alternative products, has only grown bigger over the years owing to its immense popularity. The Auroville Boutique typically houses earthy ceramic mugs, tea sets, incense holders, scented candles, vases, handmade paper pads, colourful paper lamps, beautifully-designed cut-work bedcovers, designer mirrors lined with painted wood, and many more.

Their signature item includes liquid incense and agarbatti sticks and colourful and unusual-looking footwear. Books and CDs on meditation find place on the shelves as well. An exclusive range of garments, naturally dyed, are too part of the ware.

They even have a little section that sells foods, prepared without any chemical additives or preservatives. Choose from their range of jams, breads, cakes, and everyone’s hot favourite: the brownies!

But do be warned, this boutique is not meant for the budget-conscious.