Swaminarayan Akshardham is the most spectacular modern landmark in Delhi, and a complete contrast to the city’s Mughal monuments. Built by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha in traditional style, without steel, the central mandir is a riot of hand-carved pink sandstone and white marble, with domes, pillars and thousands of carved figures of deities, dancers, musicians and animals; around its base, a frieze of life-size stone elephants tells stories from Indian tradition. Inside, under the central dome, is a gilded murti of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. The wider complex includes landscaped thematic gardens, the stepped Yagnapurush Kund, and three exhibitions sold on one ticket: Sahajanand Darshan, with robotic displays telling the life of Swaminarayan; Neelkanth Darshan, a giant-screen film; and Sanskruti Darshan, which includes a boat ride through ten thousand years of Indian heritage. After sunset, the Sahaj Anand water show uses fountains, lights and projection. Entry to the complex and the mandir is free. This page links to the official visitor information.
How to visit: Akshardham is on the east bank of the Yamuna, about 350 metres from the Akshardham metro station on foot. It is open Tuesday to Sunday, with first entry at 10:00 and last entry at 18:30, and it is closed every Monday. Entry to the complex and the mandir is free with no booking needed; the exhibitions cost a modest fee for adults, with lower prices for seniors and children, and their ticket window runs from 11:00 to 18:00. The water show runs after sunset, currently at 19:30, for a small separate fee.
What to expect: security is strict. Mobile phones, cameras, electronic items, bags, food and drink are all banned, so leave them at the free cloakroom before you join the security queue, or better still, leave them at your hotel. There is a dress code: shoulders, chest, back and upper arms must be covered, and lower wear must reach below the knees; sarongs can be hired at the gate.
Making the most of it: allow three to four hours if you want the exhibitions and the water show, arriving in the afternoon, walking the mandir and gardens, then staying for the show after dark. Agree a meeting point with your group in advance, since you will not have phones inside.
What to expect
The experience
A free visit to the carved mandir and gardens, with optional ticketed exhibitions, a boat ride and an evening water show.
Best time
Mid-afternoon from Tuesday to Sunday, staying on for the water show after sunset; never on a Monday, when it is closed.
How long
One to two hours for the mandir and gardens, three to four with the exhibitions and show.
Tips
Leave your phone and bag at the hotel or the free cloakroom, dress modestly, and agree a meeting point in advance.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Visitors who want to see a dazzling modern temple and learn about Hindu tradition.
- Families
- Children love the boat ride and the water show, and entry to the complex is free.
- Couples
- An evening of carved stone, gardens and the illuminated water show.
- Pair with
- Humayun’s Tomb earlier in the day, a short ride across the river.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
Is Akshardham open on Mondays?+
No, Swaminarayan Akshardham is closed every Monday. It is open Tuesday to Sunday, with first entry at 10:00 and last entry at 18:30.
Is there an entry fee for Akshardham?+
Entry to the complex and the mandir is free, with no booking needed. The exhibitions and the water show have separate, modest fees.
Can I take my phone into Akshardham?+
No, mobile phones, cameras and other electronics are not allowed inside. A free cloakroom is available before the security check.
What is the dress code at Akshardham?+
Shoulders, chest, back and upper arms must be covered, and lower wear must reach below the knees. Sarongs can be hired at the entrance.
What time is the Akshardham water show?+
The Sahaj Anand water show runs after sunset, currently at 19:30. Tickets are sold separately for a small fee.
