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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 10 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Amar Grover

Five years in the making with a vast workforce, the huge Akshardham Temple complex was completed in 2005 by the Swaminarayan sect of Hinduism. Drawing on the venerable traditions of temple architecture, colossal amounts of carving were augmented by spacious parkland and gardens.

Yet it’s more than just a temple – a musical fountain, animatronic displays and a ‘Hall of Values’ aims to distil the wisdom and spirituality of India in a kind of cultural campus, all infused with Swaminarayan’s philosophy.

It was built according to ancient Hindu texts, which describe specific methods for constructing Hindu temples. 7,000 artisan sculptors and thousands of volunteers helped build the vast building, adorned with thousands of intricate carvings including sages, rishis, devotees and playful elephants.

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

Akshardham stands on the eastern edge of New Delhi – there’s plenty of car parking available, but the roads in this area are often congested during morning and evening rush hour. You may find it faster and simpler to use the Delhi Metro and make for Akshardham station.

The temple complex is free to visit (though tickets are required for exhibitions and the water show); there are no guided tours. Dress modestly – in particular no shorts, short skirts or tank tops.

When to do it

It’s open all year Tuesday to Sunday. Closed Mondays.

Mornings and late afternoons are the most pleasant times with the latter being more practical for catching the musical fountain. May and June are ferociously hot and uncomfortable.

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Akshardham Temple Evening Tour with Musical Fountain Show

Akshardham Temple Evening Tour with Musical Fountain Show

New Delhi

Explore the marvelous Akshardham Temple and witness the enormity of this exceptional monument under the guidance and knowledge of your exper...

$39 | Rating 4.81 / 5 [11 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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New Delhi: Akshardham Light and Water Show

New Delhi: Akshardham Light and Water Show

New Delhi

As the sun sets, please take your seat at this traditional step well and experience an eternal truth. Transport yourself to the courtyard of...

$61 | Rating 4.8 / 5 [15 ratings]

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Mughal Heritage Tour Including Lodhi Garden, Humayun Tomb and Akshardham Temple

Mughal Heritage Tour Including Lodhi Garden, Humayun Tomb and Akshardham Temple

New Delhi

The tour gives a deep insight into Mughal rule, and the monumental history of Delhi. Experience faith in the historic Sai Baba Temple and le...

$72 | Rating 4.42 / 5 [14 ratings]

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Private Spiritual Tour: Akshardham Temple, Lotus Temple & ISKCON in South Delhi

Private Spiritual Tour: Akshardham Temple, Lotus Temple & ISKCON in South Delhi

New Delhi

Book the tour offered by one of the most reputable local tour companies in India! As a family business since 1971, the company specializes i...

₹4,500 | Rating 4.58 / 5 [24 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Imperial New Delhi Hotel

Delhi, India[5.9 miles]

Superb, centrally-located property whose refined ambience and vintage decor distills the glamour and flair of the Raj’s high-point in creating New Delhi.

Official star rating:

Haveli Dharampura

Delhi, India[6.3 miles]

Elegant boutique hotel in the heart of Old Delhi which lends a more immersive experience to this fascinating corner of the capital.

Official star rating:

Thikana Delhi

Delhi, India[8.7 miles]

A small but comfortable B&B with the ambience of a homestay, featuring recently-renovated rooms and super-friendly hosts.

Official star rating:

Leela Palace

Delhi, India[9.4 miles]

Modern, high-rise and self-consciously palace-styled hotel, set beside the capital’s genteel diplomatic enclave with an ‘Indo-baroque’ vibe, slick service and rooftop infinity pool.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Delhi

India

India’s intense sight- and monument-filled capital is a compelling blend of the modern Raj-influenced New Delhi, and the sights, sounds and smells of Old Delhi’s heaving and exotic lanes and bazaars.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Humayun’s Tomb

Delhi, India[3.4 miles]

Stunning mausoleum and precursor to the Taj Mahal, with tranquil well-maintained gardens.

Best for ages: 13+ | £1

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Red Fort

Delhi, India[6 miles]

Vast sandstone-walled fort with gardens, audience halls and royal apartments – a high point of Mughal military architecture.

Best for ages: 13+ | £5

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Friday Mosque

Delhi, India[6 miles]

Completed in 1656 by Emperor Shah Jahan, this is one of India’s largest and most beautiful mosques.

Best for ages: 18+ | £3

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Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

Qawwali singing

Delhi, India[4.2 miles]

A unique opportunity to experience traditional devotional music, performed in the courtyard of an ancient Sufi tomb-shrine in south Delhi.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 1 hour

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National Gallery of Modern Art
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National Gallery of Modern Art

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Formerly a palace belonging to the Maharaja of Jaipur, the gallery is now a superb repository of Indian paintings, sculpture and even photography.

Best for ages: 18+ | £5

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Lodi Garden
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Lodi Garden

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Among Delhi’s quietest and leafiest parks, Lodi Gardens contain several 15th- and 16th-century tombs and monuments, most relating to the Afghan Lodi dynasty, which was eventually replaced by the Mughals.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum
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Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum

Delhi, India[7.1 miles]

The former bungalow residence of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi is now a slightly macabre museum. Assassinated here in 1984 by her bodyguards, even that very spot remains spotted with blood.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Round-ups that include this experience

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The great civilisations of the past have left a legacy of constructions that still stand out and inspire. Built without the wonders of 20th-century technology, many are also monumental feats of engineering; others offer such grace and beauty, that they’ll literally take your breath away.

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