Akshardham

What it is

The complex was opened in 2005 by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. At the centre is the mandir, built of pink sandstone and white marble without steel, and carved from plinth to dome with gods, dancers, elephants and flowers. Around it are gardens, a stepped kund and a ring of colonnades.

The paid exhibitions include an animatronic show on the life of Swaminarayan, a large-format film and a boat ride through Indian history. Children usually enjoy the boat ride most. After sunset there is a water and light show at the kund.

Getting there

Akshardham station on the Blue Line is about 350 metres from Gate 1. Turn right out of the station, walk a hundred metres, then turn right again. Coming by road from central Delhi, you cross the Yamuna by Nizamuddin Bridge or the ITO side, and both are slow in the evening.

When to go

Last entry is 6:30 pm, and the gates open at 10 am. Arrive by late afternoon to see the mandir in daylight and stay for the water show. Weekends and the Diwali season are very crowded.

Good to know

Phones, cameras, bags, food and most electronics are not allowed. Leave them in the car or at the free cloakroom before security. Exhibition tickets are ₹260 for adults and ₹160 for children aged 4 to 11. The water show is a separate ticket.