Things to Do at Lotus Temple

Complete Guide to Lotus Temple in New Delhi

About Lotus Temple

The Lotus Temple, officially known as the Bahá'í House of Worship, is one of New Delhi's most iconic architectural marvels and a symbol of unity and peace. Completed in 1986, this stunning white marble structure is designed in the shape of a lotus flower with 27 free-standing marble-clad petals arranged in clusters of three to form nine sides. The temple serves as the Mother Temple of the Indian subcontinent for the Bahá'í faith and welcomes people of all religions, castes, and creeds to worship and meditate in silence. Designed by Iranian-Canadian architect Fariborz Sahba, the Lotus Temple has won numerous architectural awards and is considered one of the most visited buildings in the world, attracting over 4 million visitors annually. The temple's unique design symbolizes purity and represents the Bahá'í principle of unity in diversity. Surrounded by lush gardens with nine pools and walkways, the temple creates a serene oasis in the bustling capital city, offering visitors a peaceful retreat for contemplation and spiritual reflection.

What to See & Do

Main Prayer Hall

The central dome-shaped hall with a capacity of 2,500 people, featuring excellent acoustics and natural lighting through the lotus petals

Lotus Architecture

Marvel at the 27 marble-clad petals that form the distinctive lotus shape, representing purity and peace in various religions

Landscaped Gardens

Explore the beautifully maintained gardens with nine reflecting pools, walkways, and diverse flora surrounding the temple

Information Center

Learn about Bahá'í faith, the temple's history, and its architectural significance through exhibits and displays

Meditation and Prayer

Experience moments of silent contemplation and prayer in the peaceful atmosphere of the main hall

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM (April to September), 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM (October to March). Closed on Mondays and certain Bahá'í holy days

Tickets & Pricing

Free entry for all visitors. No tickets required, but visitors must follow the temple's guidelines for conduct and dress

Best Time to Visit

Early morning (9:00-11:00 AM) or late afternoon (4:00-5:00 PM) to avoid crowds and heat. Winter months (November to February) offer the most comfortable weather

Suggested Duration

1-2 hours including time for meditation, exploring gardens, and visiting the information center

Getting There

The Lotus Temple is located in Kalkaji, South Delhi, and is easily accessible by various modes of transport. The nearest metro station is Kalkaji Mandir on the Violet Line, from where it's a 10-minute walk or short auto-rickshaw ride. Buses on routes 40, 40A, 544, and 717 stop near the temple. For those driving, the temple is well-connected via major roads including Ring Road and Outer Ring Road, with parking facilities available on-site. Taxis and app-based cab services like Uber and Ola provide convenient door-to-door service to the temple.

Things to Do Nearby

Iskcon Temple
A beautiful Krishna temple complex just 2 km away, known for its spiritual atmosphere and vegetarian restaurant
Kalkaji Devi Temple
An ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Kali, located within walking distance and popular among devotees
Nehru Place
Asia's largest IT market and commercial hub, about 3 km away, perfect for electronics shopping and dining
Okhla Bird Sanctuary
A peaceful bird sanctuary about 8 km away, ideal for nature lovers and bird watching enthusiasts
Humayun's Tomb
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and Mughal architectural masterpiece, approximately 12 km from the Lotus Temple

Tips & Advice

Remove shoes before entering the main prayer hall and maintain complete silence inside
Dress modestly with covered shoulders and legs - avoid shorts, sleeveless tops, and revealing clothing
Photography is allowed in the gardens but strictly prohibited inside the prayer hall
Visit during weekdays or early morning hours to avoid large crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience
Carry water bottles as walking through the gardens can be tiring, especially during summer months
Allow extra time for security checks at the entrance, especially during peak visiting hours

Tours & Activities at Lotus Temple