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Lotus Temple Delhi
Notable for a flowerlike shape and being one of the prominent tourist attractions in New Delhi, the Lotus Temple is located amidst the lush green landscape. Visiting the temple one could sense the pleasant and tranquil ambience which is perfect for the ones looking for meditation, peace and wisdom. The beautiful structure is visited by the locals and international tourists all throughout the year. The vicinity of the temple comprises gardens decorated with towering trees, short bushes and colorful flowers.
Designed by Iranian-American architect Fariborz Sahba, the Lotus Temple was completed in November 1980 and was opened for the public in December 1986. Also, the architect won acclaim for the project before the completion of the temple project. The Lotus Temple being one of the seven Baha’i Houses of Worship has won numerous architectural awards and has also been subsequently featured in many newspapers and magazines. Later in the year 2001, a report declared Lotus Temple as one of the most visited buildings in the world.
ARCHITECTURE
The construction of the splendid Lotus Temple took nearly 10 years before it finally got the shape of a lotus. Entering the temple complex tourists can witness that the building is composed of white marbles, cement, dolomite and sand with around nine crystal clear pools dotted over it. Also, tourists can witness the 27 freestanding petals that are made of marble. Also, there are nine reflecting pools that encompass the temple from outside that appears to be even more beautiful during the dusk. The temple has the capacity to accommodate nearly 2500 people and has nine doors that open in a central hall.
VISITING TIMINGS
The Lotus Temple is open from Tuesday to Sunday between 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM during the winter season and 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM during the summer season. The temple is closed on Monday.
ENTRY FEES
The entry to Lotus Temple is free.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Although the Lotus Temple can be visited all throughout the year, considering the winter season between November and February would be an ideal choice as the weather remains pleasant and favourable to explore the complex with less humidity.
Location Address:
Shri Jagannath Marg, Tyagraj Nagar, Tyagraj Stadium, Near Safdarjung Bus Terminal, New Delhi - 110003.
TOP THINGS TO DO & PLACES TO SEE NEARBY
Apart from visiting the Lotus Temple, Delhi offers plenty of other options to the tourists to explore near the Lotus Temple.
- Located at a distance of 7 km, a visit to Humayun’s Tomb is a perfect place for the history buffs
- Located at a distance of 10 km from Lotus Temple, a visit to Qutub Minar would take you to the tallest minaret in the world.
- A visit to India Gate which is located at a distance of 9 km from Lotus Temple can be visited especially during the nighttime when the tourist attraction appears to be more beautiful
- A visit to Nehru Place Market which is at a distance of 3 km would take you to the hub of electronics and gadgets.
HOW TO REACH?
One needs to get down at the Kalkaji Mandir Metro Station that falls under the violet line route. Reaching there tourists can avail various private and public transportations to reach the temple.