Akshardham Temple

New Delhi, Delhi

Inaugurated in 2005 by BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, Akshardham spans 100 acres along the Yamuna in East Delhi. The central mandir is built entirely without steel — 234 ornate pillars, 9 domes, and over 20,000 murti sculptures of deities, saints, and sages in pink Rajasthan sandstone. The Sahaj Anand Water Show, the Neelkanth boat ride through Indian history, and the 17-minute IMAX film are must-see attractions. The complex is a meditation on Vedic values: Satsang, Sewa, Swadhyay. The evening illuminated fountain show is spectacular. Entry to the main mandir is free; exhibitions are ticketed.