Akshardham Temple Delhi: Timings, Rules and Visitor Guide
Swaminarayan Akshardham in Delhi: opening hours, the closed day, no-phone rules, exhibitions, the water show and how long to allow.
Swaminarayan Akshardham is the largest temple complex in Delhi, built of pink sandstone and white marble and carved by thousands of craftspeople. It is spectacular, but it comes with unusually strict rules, so a visit needs a little planning.
This guide covers the timings, the rules and what is inside.
Akshardham lit at night.
At a glance | |
|---|---|
Where | Noida Mor, near the Yamuna, east Delhi |
Opened | 2005 |
Temple entry | Free; exhibitions and the water show are ticketed |
Hours | Usually from about 9:30 am to 6:30 pm; the water show runs in the evening |
Closed | Mondays |
Time needed | 4 to 5 hours with the exhibitions |
What it is
The central monument is a temple with a carved pink sandstone and marble structure, with thousands of sculptures including elephants, deities and dancers. It was built over about five years by thousands of artisans, and it follows traditional temple-building methods.
Around it are gardens, exhibitions on the life of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Indian culture, and a large musical fountain.
Timings and the closed day
The complex usually opens in the morning and closes in the evening, and it is closed on Mondays. The water show is held after dark. Timings differ by season, so check them before you go.
Weekdays: the calmest, especially in the morning.
Weekends and holidays: very crowded.
Mondays: closed.
The rules
Akshardham has strict security.
Phones and cameras: not allowed inside. Leave them in the cloakroom at the entrance, or at your hotel.
Bags and electronics: prohibited.
Food and drink: not allowed inside.
Dress: shoulders and knees covered.
Security checks: thorough, with queues at busy times.
Plan to take only your wallet and a few essentials. Photography is not allowed anywhere inside, which is why you will see so few interior photos.
What to see
The main temple: the sandstone carvings and the central shrine.
The exhibitions: boat rides, animatronics and film shows that tell the story of Indian culture.
The musical fountain: a water, light and music show held in the evening.
The gardens: laid out with sculpture and water features.
How to plan the visit
Arrive in the early afternoon, so you can see the temple in daylight and stay for the water show.
Go through the security and the cloakroom first.
See the temple, then the exhibitions.
Finish with the water show, which starts after sunset.
Check the show time on the day, as it shifts with the sunset.
How it fits Delhi
Akshardham is on the east side of the city, so it fits best on a separate half-day. See our India Gate guide and the Lotus Temple guide for other temples.
Frequently asked questions
Which day is Akshardham closed?
Monday.
Can I carry my phone?
No. Leave it at the cloakroom or at your hotel.
Is entry free?
The temple is free. The exhibitions and the water show are ticketed.
How long does a visit take?
Four to five hours with the exhibitions.
Is there a dress code?
Yes. Shoulders and knees should be covered.
Plan your Delhi days with us
We plan the temple day around the closed day, the cloakroom queue and the water show. Explore the Golden Triangle destination page or talk to a trip designer.
Photo credits
Akshardham facade: Vinayaraj, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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