Lotus Temple

What it is

The temple was finished in 1986 to a design by the architect Fariborz Sahba. It is made of 27 free-standing petals clad in white marble, arranged in threes around a central hall, with nine pools around the base. Baha'i houses of worship have no idols, sermons or rituals. People of any religion can come in to sit, pray or read from their own scriptures.

The grounds are large and well kept, and the view of the petals from the approach path is the photograph everyone takes.

Getting there

Kalkaji Mandir station, on the Violet and Magenta Lines, is a short walk away. Nehru Place is close too. There is a car park, and the Kalkaji temple nearby adds to the traffic on festival days.

When to go

Weekday mornings are quietest. On weekends and holidays the queue to enter can be long, though it moves. Avoid summer middays, as you queue in the sun. A visit takes less time than people expect, so it pairs well with Nehru Place or a meal in Kalkaji.

Good to know

You leave your shoes at the counter before going up. Inside, silence is expected and photography is not allowed. Volunteers will explain the rules at the door. Entry is free. Dress modestly, and keep children close in the queue, which winds through open gardens.