Day tour of Temples
AKSHARDHAM TEMPLE: Start out early in the morning on this full-day program, with a visit to the Hindu Akshardam temple complex. Throughout the day you’ll be immersed in traditional Hindu and Indian culture, spirituality, and architecture. The main monument, at the center of the complex, is 141 feet high, and covered top to bottom with intricate carvings of flora, fauna, dancers, musicians, and deities. The temple, which attracts approximately 70 percent of all tourists who visit Delhi, was officially opened in 2005 and has been verified by Guinness World Records as the largest comprehensive Hindu temple complex in the world.
LAXMINARAYAN TEMPLE: Is also known as Birla Temple. A hindu temple that is dedicated to Vishnu with his consort Lakshmi. The temple, inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi, was completed in 1939. Spread over 7.5 acres, this temple complex features many shrines, fountains, and a large garden. The temple is a major local attraction and also draws many thousands of devotees during the Hindu festivals of Janmashtami and Diwali. Gandhi set a condition that the temple not be restricted to Hindus and would be open to people from every caste in Indian society.
LOTUS TEMPLE: Is a Bahá'í house of worship that was completed in 1986. Notable for its flowerlike shape, it serves as the mother temple for the Bahá'í faithful of the Indian subcontinent and has become a prominent attraction in Delhi.
ISKON TEMPLE: Later in the afternoon you’ll drive to the Iskcon Temple, located at Hare Krishna Hills in one of the largest temple complexes in India. Opened in 1998, the temple was built completely in marble, and is situated on a site that covers more than 60 acres. The Goddess Katyayani is the main deity of the complex but there are also temples dedicated to Lord Rama, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Shiva. Both southern and northern Indian styles of temple architecture have been incorporated.
Sri Digambar Temple: Before returning to your hotel you’ll stop at the Sri Digambar Jain Temple, which is the oldest and best-known Jain temple in Delhi. Originally built in 1656, it was constructed of red sandstone and stands directly across from the Red Fort in the historical Chandni Chowk area.
