Akshardham Temple Delhi: Why You Should Visit 2026
Akshardham Temple in Delhi is one of India’s most famous and beautiful temples. It’s also one of the most tourist friendly and easy to visit on your own.
My first glimpse of Akshardham Temple was from the Delhi metro. I had heard about it, but never visited. As soon as I saw a massive temple in the distance, I knew it must be Akshardham. And it looked stunning, even from afar. A few days later I made my first visit.
Visiting Delhi’s Akshardham Temple: Overview
Akshardham Temple Delhi is one of the largest Hindu temples in the world. It is dedicated to the spiritual leader Bhagwan Swaminarayan, believed by many to be an incarnation of Lord Krishna.
Besides the temple, there are several ‘exhibitions’ including a boat ride, water show, 3D displays and large screen movie. There’s also a sarovar (pool of water), stepwell, food hall, visitors centre, gift shop and children’s playground.
Akshardham Temple Delhi is actually one of the best things to do with kids in Delhi.
- Hours: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm (last entry 6:30 pm); closed Monday
- Cost: free, but there is a small fee for the exhibitions
- Location: Pramukh Swami Maharaj Marg, New Delhi
- Website: https://akshardham.com
What To Expect at Akshardham Temple Delhi
When you arrive, the first thing you will do is go through security and leave all your electronics in the secured area. Photography is prohibited.
Akshardham has a strict dress code. Shoulders, chest, upper arms, and waist to below the knees must be covered. Visitors can borrow sarongs if needed. Shoes must be removed before entering the mandir (temple). There is a free shoe storage facility as you walk toward the temple.
There is a bit of walking because there’s a lot to see, but apart from the steps leading up to the temple, it’s mostly wheelchair accessible. There are several toilet facilities and drinking water stations around the complex.
In a separate building beside the mandir there is large food hall that serves North and South Indian food. I’ve eaten there several times – it’s clean and cheap. If you don’t want to eat at Akshardham, there’s a Haldiram’s (casual canteen style eatery) at Parsvnath Mall where the Akshardham metro station is located.
This is a very busy temple, without a lot of shade. I recommend visiting at 10:00 am when they open, or after 4 pm when it’s a bit cooler. You need a minimum of 1.5 hours to see Akshardham.
Insider tip: Every day there are aartis (religious rituals) at 10:30 am and 6:00 pm in the mandir. It’s a lovely ceremony to witness.
Exhibitions and Water Show at Akshardham
One of the more unusual things about Akshardham are the exhibitions.
These include 3D diorama displays, a giant screen movie about the early life of Neelkanth Varni (who later became Swaminarayan), and a 12 minute cultural boat ride extolling the glory of India.
They’re a little cheesy, but fun. The fee for all 3 exhibitions is INR 60 for adults, INR 160 for children 4-11, children under 4 are free.
Every evening there is a hugely popular water and light show which depicts a story from the Kena Upanishad (Hindu holy text). It’s a multimedia event using colour lasers, underwater flames, live actors, music and video projections.
It starts at 7:15 pm, but you must arrive by 6:30 pm. The fee is INR 110 for adults, INR 80 for children 4-11, children under 4 are free.
They are very strict about the timing. I tried to get in to see the water show at 6:45 pm one evening and they wouldn’t let me in.
Akshardham Temple History
Akshardham Temple was the dream of Yogiji Maharaj, who was a disciple of a long line of direct disciples of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
He wanted to build a mandir on the banks of the Yamuna River and begun looking for a suitable site in 1968. In 2000 the Delhi Development Authority approved the land purchase.
Because of the tireless work of 7,000 artisans from across India and 3,000 volunteers who assisted them the temple was completed in 2005.
It’s remarkable not only because of the unique architecture, but because it was built in just 5 years by artisans and volunteers from all over India.
Architecture of Akshardham
Akshardham Temple is built entirely of pink sandstone from Rajasthan and Carrara marble without any structural steel.
Every pillar, dome and spire is intricately carved with devotional stories and designs. It is an artistic masterpiece, both inside and outside.
If you walk around the mandovar (exterior facade) you will see it is all carved images of famous sadhus, gods, sages and flowers. The temple sits on the shoulders of carved elephants, and each carved image depicts a Hindu legend.
Inside the mandir are shrines dedicated to the most important Hindu gods, and colourful murals depicting the life of Swaminarayan. Every part of the mandir from the floor to the ceiling has a spiritual meaning.
How To Get To Akshardham
Akshardham Temple is located in East Delhi, on the other side of the Yamuna River. Because it’s not central, it will take time to get there.
The fastest way is by Delhi metro. The closest station is Akshardham on the Blue line (exit Gate 1). The Delhi metro is excellent and easy to use.
The temple is a 5 minute walk from the metro station, or grab an auto rickshaw – there are always lots outside the metro station.
Uber and Ola are also good for reaching Akshardham Temple – they are the most popular ride share apps in Delhi. Both are reliable.
Where To Stay for Visiting Akshardham
There aren’t any hotels close to Akshardham Temple that I’m comfortable recommending. Instead, I suggest you stay somewhere more central, but close to the highway so you can get to Akshardham easily. These are my top picks:
- Oberoi New Delhi (luxury): Beautiful 5 star hotel. Oberoi is an Indian brand famous for luxury properties. It’s my favourite of the Indian hotel chains, and I’ve stayed at several.
- Bungalow 157 (mid-range): Boutique hotel in Defence Colony, a very upscale residential area. Lots of shops and restaurants within walking distance.
- Zaza Stay (budget): Upscale guest house in quiet Nizamuddin West. Great location for exploring historical Delhi.
Last Words on Why You Should Visit Akshardham Temple
Akshardham Temple should be on every visitor’s Delhi list. It’s a unique and remarkable place. There are many tours that include Akshardham, but it’s an easy site to see on your own.
Because it’s away from Central Delhi, you do need to allot almost a half day for the visit, but it’s worth it.
