Lotus Temple
Lotus Temple
4
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
About
This architectural wonder looks like an enormous lotus blossom, reminiscent of the Sydney Opera House. Too bad the interior isn't even worth a look.
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How to get there
- Kalkaji Mandir • 6 min walk
- Nehru Place • 10 min walk
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See what travellers are saying
- Amy BStanford in the Vale, United Kingdom16 contributionsIncredible to see. Well worth a visitThe lotus temple was incredible to see! The architecture was brilliant and the interior space allows you to see the gardens any which way you look. All are welcome here - no matter your faith. The lotus stands out in its green setting and also hosts a small museum on site. I wasn't feeling well on the day of my visit so the heat was a little unbearable at times - so bring an umbrella (and iced water) as shelter from the sun is few and far between. Also note there are no places to eat around the temple/grounds. If you are coming from the railway station, this is quite a walk with nothing to see - there are some stalls on route, but this is mainly souvenirs and warm bottled water.Visited June 2020Travelled as a coupleWritten 23 September 2023
- JohnRegoParkRego Park, New York1,242 contributionsLovely temple with symbolic architecturePlaced along spacious grounds and gardens, this temple is like a floating lotus plant nested in a pond. After a fairly long walk, you get to a point where you must remove your shoes and place them in a provided bag and check it. There is a traffic jam here. Then you can enter the temple, although you must wait until an appropriate time when they let a group in at once. Once inside there are no photos allowed. You don't stay more than ten minutes because it's empty inside. Again, there will be a traffic jam to get your shoes.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 3 November 2023
- travelbug5NycNew York City, New York62 contributionsStunning architecture and easy to visitGot there at open and no lines or crowds even an hour later on a Sunday. Required to take shoes off but efficient storage system- just follow signs. Beautiful architecture and embeds a feeling of great peace.Visited December 2023Travelled soloWritten 3 December 2023
- Abovetheclouds2,216 contributionsSome tips in my review!Stunning structure. Very busy. All are welcome. This is a Bahai House of Worship. Designed for tranquil worship. The temple was created to bring faiths together. Visitors are invited to pray or meditate silently according to their own beliefs. Lines are long to go in but they move quickly. Staff manage the lines so they can control the inflow and outflow. Despite how big the space is inside, it is never full so you can get lost in your thoughts. You must be silent and any photography or recording is strictly prohibited. I was with a guide and he kept my shoes. You cannot wear footwear inside. He said to me if you leave your shoes outside they sometimes get taken or the staff mix up the tokens if you keep it with them so you end up with the wrong pair of shoes. Be mindful! You cannot take any food inside and bags are checked. Just to note, if they start chanting which is what happened when I was there (lasted about 15 minutes), you cannot leave the building, so if you need to go then exit before then. The staff will tell you if any chanting will take place. You can enter but just not exit. I had to wait till it had finished. The gardens surrounding the Lotus Temple were nice and well looked after.Visited January 2024Travelled soloWritten 3 January 2024
- Lauren B64 contributionsBeautiful temple. Great to see in real lifeWe went in the afternoon and it was very busy and was in a very long line to get in. We went to other monuments etc for our early morning must sees, so if this is high level of must see for you then go early morning. The actual temple is amazing and very nice to see and go inside for a look it's very cool. They give you a bag to put your shoes in as you're lining up to go in. Very busy and overwhelming when we left to try get our uber. Too many people trying to sell you stuff but just ignore at your best.Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 21 January 2024
- macedonboyGlasgow, United Kingdom185,662 contributionsBeautiful BuildingThis is a Baháʼí temple named for its architectural design. Notably its shape is similar to the closed petals of a lotus. As a Baháʼí is welcoming to all religions, even during a service, it’s possible to enter. I had to queue for about half an hour to get in. The interior is devoid of pictures, statues or images as required by the Baháʼí scripture, but is beautiful. It felt like being in the interior of a flower.Visited February 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 19 February 2024
- LestertheinvestorLos Angeles, California2,084 contributionsLotus Temple: A Baha'i Area of TranquilityWhat an amazingly tranquil and peaceful setting in the middle of the throbbing New Delhi city. The Baha'i house of worship has been created in a lotus shape, with the central area a place for mediation and relaxation. No talking is allowed and no cell phones can be used, so it is truly a respite from the hubbub of the city. The gardens are well maintained and the sanctuary is pretty.Visited March 2024Travelled soloWritten 21 March 2024
- LolaGo1Washington DC, District of Columbia6,632 contributionsBeautiful Gardens, Simple Interiors!There is a huge garden areas with beautiful flowering plants around this temple. We left our shoes and got a number to keep track of their location. There is a huge body of water or a pool as one walks towards the Temple. Guided by two staffs, we fell in line and waited for our turn to get in. Inside are rows of seats, ceiling and wall areas are bare. Said my brief prayers here and proceeded to retrieve my shoes.Visited April 2024Travelled soloWritten 5 April 2024
- BBreeSyracuse, New York5 contributionsLotus Temple LoveWe were a group of 7. The holy grounds are so peaceful (even with so many people/tourists visiting). Be prepared to put your personal items in a locker room and you will also take off your shoes and carry them in a bag. Waiting in line and attending a service inside the temple was ABSOLUTELY WORTH IT!! The inside is ethereal and the acoustics resonated in your whole body.Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 10 April 2024
- Map My DestinationNew Delhi, India61 contributionsLotus Temple: Exterior Elegance Fades WithinThe Lotus Temple captivates with its striking resemblance to a blooming lotus, echoing the iconic allure of the Sydney Opera House. However, the exterior's promise of architectural marvel belies the disappointment within. Regrettably, the interior fails to match the grandeur of its exterior, lacking the captivating allure and enchanting ambiance one might expect. While the facade may inspire awe, visitors may find themselves longing for a more memorable experience within its walls.Visited March 2024Travelled soloWritten 14 April 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.0
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75
Mattias
3 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
Go at a time when Chanti is held. We came just before 3 in the afternoon and got to sit inside this great building and audience a beautiful Chanti, held only four times a day and closed on mondays, with birds coming to participate as usual in the chanting, eccoing through the majestic ceiling, which if lucky you get to hear the stories from one of the volunteers, explaining its architectural backstory of why it is formed as a Lotus flower. Enough talk - go experience guys.
Written 13 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SalimM
London, UK1,912 contributions
Dec 2019
This temple is built in shape of a lotus flower hence the name. There was a huge queue to get in. It is free but the security check ask for cigarettes and lighters not to be taken inside. There is a bin to throw things in. The structure itself is at the far end and a long walk along meticulously tended gardens. You have to take off shoes to get inside. There is facility to put them in bags and leave them outside, you get a token to collect them on your way out.
So you get a small talk before you go in with emphasis on silence and meditation. So some people walk in and straight out as there is nothing but benches to sit and contemplate. Most visitors believe there is something to see inside and are somewhat disappointed when they get there. There is a water pool on both side but during our visit it was empty being repaired.
Personally I did not think it was worth walking all the way to the structure.
So you get a small talk before you go in with emphasis on silence and meditation. So some people walk in and straight out as there is nothing but benches to sit and contemplate. Most visitors believe there is something to see inside and are somewhat disappointed when they get there. There is a water pool on both side but during our visit it was empty being repaired.
Personally I did not think it was worth walking all the way to the structure.
Written 7 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
annehA4231CL
Cardiff, UK69 contributions
Feb 2020
My son had been here before and recommended to us. This time he had his two year old daughter. The design is reminiscent of the Sydney opera house and the pools around it are so delightful. A very calming and spiritual place. We arrived early in the morning and access in was easy though it got much busier as we were leaving. It is free to get in. The temple is very striking. It was difficult managing a two year old so would not stay long but a pleasant walk through the grounds.
Written 23 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brandon G
Phnom Penh, Cambodia6 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
If you are looking for a different kind of visit to a famous attraction then the Lotus Temple will be a great way to have a new experience. Silence your phone and disappear from the noisy world for a while. Quietly pray and meditate in a vast hall without the distraction of idols, effigies or decoration.
The Baha'i faith is an independent, world religion whose purpose is to unite all people in one universal cause, one common faith. The Baha'is are the followers of Baha'u'llah, who we believe is the promised one of all ages.
The inside hall is meant for silent prayer and meditation, for the people of all
religions you may pray as long as you desire.
Prayer is a loving conversation with God, our Creator. It is like a ladder that brings us
closer to God. Prayer is the food for our soul.
According to the Baha'i Holy Writings; "There is nothing sweeter in the world of
existence than prayer. Man must live in a state of prayer. The state of prayer is the
most blessed state."
"In the highest prayer, men pray only for the love of god, not because they fear him
or hope for bounty."
Privacy and silence are required during these times of devotion, so they ask that you remain silent while inside and switch off your mobile phones and cameras.
A small pamphlet with some information about the Baha'i Faith and prayer is
available with the volunteers.
The Baha'i faith is an independent, world religion whose purpose is to unite all people in one universal cause, one common faith. The Baha'is are the followers of Baha'u'llah, who we believe is the promised one of all ages.
The inside hall is meant for silent prayer and meditation, for the people of all
religions you may pray as long as you desire.
Prayer is a loving conversation with God, our Creator. It is like a ladder that brings us
closer to God. Prayer is the food for our soul.
According to the Baha'i Holy Writings; "There is nothing sweeter in the world of
existence than prayer. Man must live in a state of prayer. The state of prayer is the
most blessed state."
"In the highest prayer, men pray only for the love of god, not because they fear him
or hope for bounty."
Privacy and silence are required during these times of devotion, so they ask that you remain silent while inside and switch off your mobile phones and cameras.
A small pamphlet with some information about the Baha'i Faith and prayer is
available with the volunteers.
Written 17 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sharad_Ind
Ajmer, India115 contributions
Mar 2022
The weather was hot and my visit experience was made worse due to weekend. There was a long queue of people waiting to enter the premises.
The structure looks stunning with lush gardens surrounding it. There is no entry fee but you cannot take eatables inside. Water bottles are allowed.
You are allowed only to take a round of the building from outside as the gates are locked for public entry. May be this was due to the huge crowd gathered.
The only place where you can have some relief from the scorching sun is the little shade outside the closed building gate. There are no benches to sit. You may sit on floor though before making all the way back to outside.
Avoid in summer especially if you are travelling with family. If you are still too keen, just look it from distance and that will be good enough.
There is no decent option outside for a quick meal. The snacks being served outside by the street vendors looks unhygienic and unhealthy in such weather. Paid parking is available.
The structure looks stunning with lush gardens surrounding it. There is no entry fee but you cannot take eatables inside. Water bottles are allowed.
You are allowed only to take a round of the building from outside as the gates are locked for public entry. May be this was due to the huge crowd gathered.
The only place where you can have some relief from the scorching sun is the little shade outside the closed building gate. There are no benches to sit. You may sit on floor though before making all the way back to outside.
Avoid in summer especially if you are travelling with family. If you are still too keen, just look it from distance and that will be good enough.
There is no decent option outside for a quick meal. The snacks being served outside by the street vendors looks unhygienic and unhealthy in such weather. Paid parking is available.
Written 21 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Neelam Rawat
Los Angeles, CA1,017 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
You easily commute to this place - there is no entry fee - a lot of food options outside.
This place is a bit crowded during weekends but weekdays are best time to visit.
It's very peaceful and we'll managed, you can carry your stuff like, mobile, camera, wallet or water bottle there is no restrictions.
I find this place suitable for photography and hanging alone as it's very safe you can also visit with your family or friends !!
Must visit at least once !! Enjoy !!
This place is a bit crowded during weekends but weekdays are best time to visit.
It's very peaceful and we'll managed, you can carry your stuff like, mobile, camera, wallet or water bottle there is no restrictions.
I find this place suitable for photography and hanging alone as it's very safe you can also visit with your family or friends !!
Must visit at least once !! Enjoy !!
Written 5 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Natalie1204
Kolkata (Calcutta), India7,884 contributions
Nov 2022 • Solo
It’s commendable how clean they manage to clean the place. Personally I found a lot of peace once inside the temple - I wish people were more mindful and considerate of others though.
It’s absolutely free to enter which is one of the reasons why hundreds throng to it. It’s very organised. They take your shoes in a bag and you walk into the main hall bare feet. It’s a stark white room - very peaceful and a great place to reflect and meditate. Loved how calm and connected I felt in there. You Photography is not allowed in the main hall and silence is requested here. There’s no rush and the volunteers allow you to spend as much time once inside the hall. It’s recommend to visit this site in winter as it’s quite a long walk before you reach the inside and it can get quite harsh in the Delhi sun.
It’s absolutely free to enter which is one of the reasons why hundreds throng to it. It’s very organised. They take your shoes in a bag and you walk into the main hall bare feet. It’s a stark white room - very peaceful and a great place to reflect and meditate. Loved how calm and connected I felt in there. You Photography is not allowed in the main hall and silence is requested here. There’s no rush and the volunteers allow you to spend as much time once inside the hall. It’s recommend to visit this site in winter as it’s quite a long walk before you reach the inside and it can get quite harsh in the Delhi sun.
Written 27 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ronald L
Denver, CO2,936 contributions
Mar 2020
Visited the Lotus Temple as a part of our Golden Triangle tour. This facility was constructed between 1980 and 1986 to celebrate the one religion, one ruler
philosophy of the Bahia Religion. Have temples in eight countries at this time and will build one more in keeping with their feeling that nine is their sacred number. 11 million ‘visitors last year, surpassing the Taj Mahal with only 9.4 million. Lotus is the national flower of India.
philosophy of the Bahia Religion. Have temples in eight countries at this time and will build one more in keeping with their feeling that nine is their sacred number. 11 million ‘visitors last year, surpassing the Taj Mahal with only 9.4 million. Lotus is the national flower of India.
Written 16 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cedric N
Mumbai, India693 contributions
Mar 2019 • Family
Had visited this magnificent temple in New Delhi a long back ago. This temple is a popular tourist attraction and is visited by tourists.
This temple is located in Bahapur area. It was built in 1986 by Iranian architect, Fariborz Sahba. Its structure is in the shape of a lotus and is the last of the 7 major Baha'i shrines in the world. This temple is dedicated to the Baha'i faith. Its interior was a spacious and well decorated having wooden pews. There is a choir reciting hymns, but no musical instruments being played. There is no idols or paintings inside the temple.
Its exterior has 27 marble-clad petals and 9 ponds on 9 sides. There is a huge sprawling garden outside the temple. People belonging to different faith can visit this temple and pray inside. Had admired the interior of the temple and seen a few devotees meditating inside the temple as a school going child. It was so calm, serene and peaceful inside.
This temple is an ideal place of worship for those people from different faiths. It is a must visit place and should not be missed when in New Delhi.
This temple is located in Bahapur area. It was built in 1986 by Iranian architect, Fariborz Sahba. Its structure is in the shape of a lotus and is the last of the 7 major Baha'i shrines in the world. This temple is dedicated to the Baha'i faith. Its interior was a spacious and well decorated having wooden pews. There is a choir reciting hymns, but no musical instruments being played. There is no idols or paintings inside the temple.
Its exterior has 27 marble-clad petals and 9 ponds on 9 sides. There is a huge sprawling garden outside the temple. People belonging to different faith can visit this temple and pray inside. Had admired the interior of the temple and seen a few devotees meditating inside the temple as a school going child. It was so calm, serene and peaceful inside.
This temple is an ideal place of worship for those people from different faiths. It is a must visit place and should not be missed when in New Delhi.
Written 12 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vivek
1 contribution
Nov 2021 • Family
Place is good but security staff is very rude. Food is not allowed inside. Visitors will come to know that food is not allowed only at temple entrance gate so it's disappointing. Security staff throw food in dustbin . Also the way security staff tells visitors that food is not allowed inside is very disappointing and rude. Seen visitors arguing with staff because of security staff rude behaviour. Women security personnel is very rude. If some visitor is short tempered, then visitor person will definitely argue with security staff because security staff is very rude. Security staff can tell and guide people in more polite manner. 1 star for rudeness of security staff and I will never visit again. If someone wants to lose their self esteem, then they can come as security staff will make you realise that you are just nothing for them.
Written 27 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is outside or home cooked food allowed in the premises? Do they allow to sit there and have food?
Written 3 January 2020
We are travelling with 2 kids and are planning to take stroller for the kids. Is it advicable to take the stroller for avoiding the walk for kids? Or will we have to hold them by ourselves? How about other tourist sites in delhi? Thanks in advance for the answers.
Written 21 October 2019
Delhi is a historical place. There are so many other places to visit. Can't list them all here.
Written 1 November 2019
I'm planning to take my parents to lotus temple, she can't walk much. So I need to know how much distance from main gate to temple. I may take can and reach.
Thanks in advance.
Written 2 June 2019
Approximately 250 metres, from gate to temple. If you call ahead, you may be able to arrange some assistance, eg wheelchair and alternative access.
Written 2 June 2019
Ankit S
New Delhi, India
Can someone confirm the days and timings of lotus temple and is there any entry fee or something like that and from kalkaji metro station how far is it?
Written 28 December 2018
8am to 7pm is the time for this temple and kalkaji metro station is just within a kilometre from this temple
Written 17 January 2019
Can I get close enough for good photos on Monday when the temple is closed?
Written 29 October 2018
Добрый день, я не знаю, мы были с группой в 6 человек и гидом. Но и с дороги зв звбором дклали все фото. И все получились хорошо. Возможно можно договориться с охраной, лучше иметь местного гида, все и везде решается очень легко.
Good afternoon, I do not know, we were with a group of 6 people and a guide. But from the road svborom zklom all photos. And everything turned out well. Perhaps you can agree with the security, it is better to have a local guide, everything and everywhere is solved very easily.
Written 30 October 2018
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