Akshardham Temple and Spiritual Sites of South Delhi Including ISKCON Temple

Your day starts with hotel pickup by a private driver, who takes you to Akshardham Temple, India’s largest temple complex, which opened in 2005. This the only attraction you'll visit without your private guide, as outside guides aren't allowed in, but temple staff is available if you have questions or need directions. 

Akshardham Temple features a fascinating combination of grand temple architecture and high-tech interactive displays that resemble a theme park. There's a boat ride that takes you through 10,000 years of Indian history illustrated by 3D dioramas; a technicolor fountain that spouts music and light displays; an IMAX-like theater that plays a film about an 18th-century child yogi; and an exhibit of robotics, fiber optics and sound effects that tells the life story of the temple guru. 

When you leave Akshardham, you'll meet up with your guide, who stays with you for the rest of the tour and provides informative commentary about each site. When you need a snack break or are ready to purchase lunch, just tell your guide, who can offer recommendations. 

Head to your next stop, the Lotus Temple, a Bahai house of worship designed in the shape of a lotus flower. Built in 1986, the stunning white marble ‘flower’ sits within 26 acres (10.5 hectares) of landscaped gardens, pools and red sandstone walkways. The central prayer hall accommodates about 2,500 people and looks as if it's open to the sky. 

Nearby, pop into the extravagant ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) temple, which the Hare Krishna movement opened in 1998. The sprawling complex features elaborate high-tech exhibits based on the Bhagavad Gita (a classic Hindu scripture), as well as extensive gardens and cavernous halls. 

Your last stop is Shree Adya Katyayani Shaktipeeth Mandir, also known as Chattarpur Temple. Dedicated to the goddess Katyayani, the temple complex is the second largest in India, after Akshardham. Founded in the 1970s by Baba Sant Nagpal, the complex is home to dozens of shrines and large halls, colorful altars and paintings, lodging for devotees, and a towering Hanuman statue.

Your tour then ends with drop-off at your hotel.

Exclusions: Guide at Akshardham 

Additional Information:

1. Shoes must be removed at most places of worship
2. Please dress modestly; arms and legs must be covered at places of worship. Some places of worship will require your head to be covered; a scarf or a handkerchief will be enough, and headgear will be available at these locations, as well
3. Comfortable walking shoes and sunscreen are recommended
4. Cameras and mobile phones are not allowed inside Akshardham Temple; these devices can be held for you at the cloakroom before entry
5. If your tour falls on a day that has a religious significance, places of worship may be very crowded on these occasions
6. Overall duration of the tour may vary depending on traffic conditions and the time spent at each site