Swaminarayan Akshardham

Swaminarayan Akshardham is a modern Hindu temple complex on the east bank of the Yamuna, built by the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, known as BAPS. Construction started in November 2000 and the complex was consecrated on 6 November 2005. In 2007 Guinness World Records recognised it as the largest comprehensive Hindu temple in the world at that time.

The central monument is built from Rajasthani pink sandstone and Italian Carrara marble and follows traditional temple-building principles, which means no steel or other ferrous metal was used in its structure. It is 43 metres high, 96 metres wide and 109 metres long, and every surface is carved with deities, dancers, animals and floral patterns. The temple is surrounded by the Narayan Sarovar lake, and the Bharat Upavan garden is lined with bronze figures from Indian history and culture.

Entry to the complex and the temple is free, while the exhibitions and the water show are ticketed separately. Sahajanand Darshan, the Hall of Values, uses 15 dioramas to tell the life and teachings of Swaminarayan. Neelkanth Darshan is a large-format film about his pilgrimage across India as a teenager, and Sanskruti Darshan is a 12-minute boat ride through scenes of ancient Indian life and learning. After sunset, the Sahaj Anand water show, a 24-minute performance of fountains, lights and projections, is staged at the Yagnapurush Kund.

Security is strict. Mobile phones, cameras and other electronic devices, luggage, umbrellas, food and drink are not allowed inside, and a free cloakroom before the security queue takes anything you cannot bring. Wallets, passports, shoes, jackets and water bottles are fine. The dress code asks for shoulders, upper arms and back to be covered and for clothing to reach below the knee; sarongs can be hired at the entrance. The complex is closed on Mondays; on other days first entry is at 10am and last entry at 6.30pm.

Allow at least three hours to see the temple, gardens and one or two exhibitions, or a full afternoon if you want to stay for the water show. The complex is well organised for families, with wide paths, food courts and plenty of space, and children usually enjoy the boat ride and the fountains.

Akshardham metro station is about 350 metres on foot from the complex. The site lies close to the Noida border, so it is easiest to visit on its own rather than combine with sights in central or south Delhi.