Akshardham is a Hindu temple complex in Delhi. This was developed by pramukh Swami Maharaj. 7000 artisans along with 3000 volunteers worked hard to construct this temple. It is located near the banks of river Yamuna. This is dedicated to lord Swaminarayana. So this temple is also known as Swaminarayana Akshardham. Area covered by this temple is 100 acres. In this complex several small structures are constructed. All are constructed according to Vaastu Shastra.
Tourists can find several stone statues of elephants on the temple. This place is also known as Gajendra Plinth. 234 pillars are supporting this temple. It consists of 11 huge mandapas. Height is 141 feet and 370 feet long. In the construction of the temple white marbles and pink sand stones are used. Electronic items and cameras are not allowed inside the temple. On 17th December 2007 this was entered into Guinness book of world Records. This is the 8th wonder of the world.
What to see in Akshardham:
Musical Fountain: one of the attractions in Akshardham is Musical fountain. It is the largest step well in the country. It represents the circle of life.
Theatre: This is the largest screen in Delhi. Measurement of the screen is 85/65 feet. Other name of the theatre is Neelkanth Kalyan Yatra.
Sahajanand Pradarshan: Other name is Hall of values. Pictures of Swaminarayana’s life can be seen here. The hall features worlds’ smallest animatronics robot in the child form of Swaminarayana and in the form of Ghanshyam Maharaj.
Boat Ride: Here visitors can find peacock shape boats. Visitors will be explained 10,000 years of Indian history in the boat.
Yogi Hraday Kama: Other name is sunken garden. Shape looks like Lotus. When visitors seen this from the above statues of swaminarayana, Swami Vivekananda, Martin Luther King, Shakespeare etc can be seen here.
Other places to see in Akshardham: Gardens of India, Narayan Sarovar, Neelakanth Abhishek, Premvati Ahargruh, AARSH Centre.
What to see around Akshardham:
Humayun Tomb: After the death of Humanyun his wife Hamida Begum commissioned the construction of his tomb. It was constructed between 1562 to 1572. It is located 9 Kms away from Akshardham.
India Gate: It was constructed by Edwin Lutyens in the memory of the soldiers who lost their lives in First World War. It is located 8 Kms away from Akshardham.
Other attractions near Akshardham : Jantar Mantar, National Museum, National Railway museum, Parliament house, Iron pillars, Qutub Minar, Red fort etc..
Getting to Akshardham: This place is well connected with Road ways. Both Government and private buses are available to reach this place. Delhi is connected with best railways and airways. There are 3 main bus stands in Delhi. They are Anand Vihar Bus terminus, Sarai Kale Khan Bus Terminus and Interstate Bus Terminus. 3 important railway stations are Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway station, Old Delhi Railway station, New Delhi Railways station.
Getting around Akshardham: Taxis and buses are available to visit the place s around Akshardham
Best time to visit Akshardham: Visitors can plan to visit this place between October to March.
Where to stay in Akshardham: Inside the temple complex there are no accommodations available to stay. In Delhi several hotels are available to stay. Best hotels in Delhi are Hilton Garden Inn, Hotel Samrat, Qutab Hotel, ITC Maurya, and The Manor.
Where to eat in Akshardham: Only limited food courts are available. Outside food is not allowed to take inside the temple complex. In the food courts vegetarian food and snacks are available.