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Located in the capital city of India, New Delhi, the Lotus Temple is a great architectural achievement portraying serenity and tranquility. This house of worship was designed by Fariborz Sahba, who is an Iranian architect, and completed in 1986. It gets its renowned lotus flower shape from 27 separate petals made of marble, clustered in threes to form nine sides. The temple allows any person, regardless of their religion, to meditate and realise the soul. Placed amidst gorgeous gardens and pools, this Lotus Temple is not only a beautiful place but also a tourist destination that attracts millions of people every year.
Location
Photo: Yogendra Singh / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The Lotus Temple is situated in the bustling city of New Delhi, India, more precisely in Kalkaji in the southern part of the city. This significant Baha’i House of Worship lies easily accessible from any part of Delhi, with metro stations such as Kalkaji Mandir and Nehru Place nearby. Placed against expansive gardens and serene pools, the temple’s location offers serenity away from the bustles of the city. It is located right in the middle of South Delhi; many people flock here from all walks of life, locals and tourists alike, to enjoy its peacefulness and architectural beauty.
How To Reach
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The Lotus Temple in New Delhi is easily accessible. Here is how you can reach through various commute modes:
By Metro
Nearest Station: Kalkaji Mandir (Violet Line) is the closest metro station to the Lotus Temple.
Route: From the metro station, one can either walk for about 5–10 minutes or take an auto-rickshaw to the temple.
By Bus
Routes: Many DTC buses (Delhi Transport Corporation) pass through Kalkaji. One can take any bus going to Nehru Place or Kalkaji Depot.
Bus Stop: Get down at Kalkaji Mandir or Nehru Place, reach the temple on foot, or hire an auto-rickshaw.
By Auto-Rickshaw Or Taxi
Direct Route: You can easily hire an auto-rickshaw or taxi from anywhere in Delhi. Just brief them that you want to go to the Kalkaji-based Lotus Temple.
Convenience: This becomes convenient if you are carrying luggage or prefer direct travel without transfers.
By Car
Route: Take Outer Ring Road or Lala Lajpat Rai Road to Kalkaji.
Parking: There is a parking area near the temple but it can be quite jammed during peak hours.
By Cycle Or On Foot
If you happen to stay nearby, the cycle or walk to the temple is quite enjoyable. The roads surrounding Kalkaji are generally very friendly to people on foot.
Places To Visit In And Around Lotus Temple
There are a lot of places to visit around the Lotus temple. Some of them are:
1. Shri Kalkaji Mandir
Photo: Shrikalkajimandir / Wikimedia Commons
One of the oldest Hindu temples in Delhi is the Shri Kalkaji Mandir, located in the congested locality of Kalkaji, New Delhi. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali and attracts a huge following of devotees from all over India, especially during the famous Navratri festival. The antiquity of the temple is very ancient, with its legends rooted in the times of the Mahabharata; hence, it is of huge spiritual and cultural importance. This simple, yet powerful architecture speaks a volume about the deeply religious history of the temple. From 11:30 AM to 12 PM, the temple remains closed for offering prasad to the deity and between 3 PM and 4 PM for cleaning.
Prayer Timings: Morning : 6– 7.30 AM (Winter), 5 – 6.30 AM (Summer); Evening : 6.30 – 8 PM (Winter), 7 – 8.30 PM (Summer)
2. Nehru Place
Photo: Santosh4118 / Wikimedia Commons
With computer hardware, software, and electronics making it one of the biggest markets in Asia, Nehru Place in New Delhi is a hustling commercial and IT hub. For all those who have a penchant for technology, Nehru Place is the place to be—starting from the latest gizmos to computer accessories at unbeatable prices. Its timings are from 10 AM to 7 PM from Monday to Saturday. Sundays are closed. Though the weekdays are crowded with prospective buyers of computers and professionals related to this industry, it is surely a must-visit for those who want to get first-hand information about Delhi’s lively computer bazaar.
Nearest Metro Station: Nehru Place
3. Iskcon Temple
Photo: Puru Raj / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The ISKCON Temple is more popularly known as the Hare Krishna Temple; it is an important spiritual and cultural point of interest in New Delhi, located near the Lotus Temple in the East of Kailash locality. This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and comes under the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, founded by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Its striking architecture showcases turreted, multicoloured murals depicting scenes from Lord Krishna’s life that set, quite appropriately, a serene and holy atmosphere.
Nearest Metro Station: Nehru Place
4. Astha Kunj Park
Photo: Ranjeet Chauhan / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Astha Kunj Park is a green public area of 200 acres in New Delhi. Its much cleaner atmosphere than the polluted city air makes many city dwellers and visitors come to the park. This park has enough area to play football and cricket and even permits walking, jogging, and walking pets. There is an open-air gym for young and old health enthusiasts, with benches in the pre-planned rest areas. Astha Kunj Park is a place of retreat where one can relax and enjoy his time away from the hectic urban life.
Timings: 4 AM – 9 PM
Price: No entry fee
Nearest Metro Station: Kalkaji Mandir/Nehru Place
5. Nehru Planetarium
Photo: Wiki-uk / Wikimedia Commons
If you feel that reaching for the stars is just way beyond your reach, well then that’s just all the more reason to step into the Nehru Planetarium in Delhi to get a close view of the sun, the moon, the stars, and the planets. The Delhi Planetarium is one among five to be christened in honour of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. It is a wing of the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library on the sprawling campus of the Teen Murti Bhavan, a historic structure of the city. It attracts not only astronomy enthusiasts, but also children who want to explore the secrets of space in detail.
Opening Days: Tuesday to Sunday; closed on Mondays and gazetted holidays.
Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM
Entry Fee: Adults: ₹100, Children (4–12 years): ₹70, School Students: ₹50 per student
Show Timings: English Shows: 11 AM & 3 PM (2D), 2 PM & 6 PM (3D)
Hindi Shows: 12 PM & 4 PM (3D), 5 PM (2D)
Best Time To Visit
Photo: User:JarrahTree / Wikimedia Commons
The ideal time to visit Lotus Temple is during the cooler months. The temperature is mild and pleasant, so visitors can make the most of their visit. The timings of the temple are from 8:30 AM to 6 PM. The temple remains closed on Mondays. To witness beautiful sunset views, it is recommended to visit the temple during evening hours.
Where To Stay
Photo: Derek Jensen (Tysto) / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
There are multiple options for travellers to stay near the temple. These hotel options range from budget-friendly hotels to exclusive hotels. Each hotel promises to cater for the needs of their guests and obliges to offer the best hospitality. A few of the options for budget-friendly hotels include The Orion Plaza, ITT Inn, The Pamposh and Hotel Kundan Palace. The options for exquisite hotels include The Grand Orion, The Suryaa New Delhi and Eros Hotel New Delhi.
Where To Eat
Photo: Basile Morin / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
There are multiple options to consider when it comes to tasting the yummiest delicacies of Delhi. There are several restaurants in the proximity of Lotus Temple for the best dining experience. The restaurants serve the best dishes and cater to every individual’s taste preferences. A few of the notable options are Gastronomica, The Big Chill Cafe, Carnatic Cafe, HOP House Of Proteins and the Potbelly Restaurant.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Aashaa / Wikimedia Commons
To have a hassle-free experience at Lotus Temple, there are a few factors which have to be considered by visitors.
Timings And Days: The temple remains closed on Mondays, so visitors shall plan their visit to the temple accordingly. There might be different timings for special occasions and festivals, so it is recommended to check their timings and visit.
Photography: Certain areas of the temple might restrict photography. It is recommended to check the rules and regulations of the temple before proceeding ahead.
Facilities: There are multiple facilities provided to visitors at Lotus Temple. There is an audiovisual room and an information centre where they can gain more insights about the place and religion. Visitors shall make the most of their visit by exploring these places too.
Essentially, the Lotus Temple embodies brotherhood and peace for all human beings who crave to feel a moment of introspection or unity. Timeless beauty and open doors are a metaphor for collective human aspiration: to live in harmony and understanding. It adds to New Delhi’s cultural landscape and reminds one and all the never-ending quest toward inner peace and the oneness of humanity. Plan your day with TripXL and have a wonderful experience!
Cover Photo: Lonely Boy / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
