Yesterday we took a short day trip to Akshardham, a Hindu temple and cultural complex. It was built in 2002, so it's quite new. The temple is free to visit but there is an optional change for two shows and a boat ride. (We skipped these.)
The buildings and grounds were stunning, with ornate carvings covering almost every surface. The main temple has a gorgeous gold-leaf shrine as well as several paintings to see. There is also a cafeteria area and a small gift shop. We only stayed around 2.5 hours as it was achingly hot and we were all feeling the effects of the heat.
Some things to be aware of if you're planning a visit:
- You are not allowed to take a wide range of things into the temple including: phones, cameras, purses, bags, pens, books, food, etc. It's worse than airport security! (You may take a small wallet and clear water bottles.) There is a place to check your belongings, just fill out a little form and wait in the line (don't be afraid to push to keep your place).
- After you check your bags, you will walk through a metal detector and be frisked. This process requires waiting in a long line that divides men and women. If you have any of the non-allowed items with you they will be confiscated and you will be fined.
- To view inside the main temple, you must remove your shoes. If it's hot, take socks! The marble gets extremely hot.
- We split a cab between three people and it was ₹500 (about $8.50) each. The cab drove us there, waited, and drove us back for this price. However, we did have to pay for two toll roads and parking which was an extra ₹120 ($2)or so. It was about an hour each way from the volunteer house.