Location : Gujarat
Also Known as : Akshardham Gandhinagar
Year of Construction : 1992
Dedicated to : Lord Swaminarayan
Best time to Visit : October to March
About the Akshardham Temple
Situated in the west Indian state of Gujarat, Akshardham is one of the
largest temple complex in India. Built by the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purshottam
Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) under the able guidance of Pramukh Swami
Maharaj, the colossal structure beautifully coalesces elements as devotion,
art, architecture, education and research at a single place. The awe
inspiring structure was given shape using 6000 tonnes of pink sandstone
neatly fashioned together to make for an awe inspiring architectural marvel
consisting of 93 carved pillars, 40 sculpted windows and numerous other
stone statues. It required more than 12 million man hours to build, provided
by 900 skilled craftsmen.
Do Not Miss Out On
The Monument
The imposing 10 stories high intricately carved architectural masterpiece
is one of the major attractions in the state of Gujarat. A beautiful golden
idol of Lord Swaminarayan can be seen inside along with life like idols of
other gods and deities. The walls are ornately done with literally every
inch of the structure carved in the most refined way.
Multimedia Show
Watch how modern technology is helped to deliver the message of
spirituality to the world. The 25 minutes multimedia show Sat-Chit-Anand
played in the granite finished auditorium takes the devotees on a spiritual
journey and presents the message of truth, consciousness and bliss.
Audio Animatronics Show
The first of its kind in the country, the audio animatronics show takes the
people back in 200 years to the times of Lord Swaminarayan. Watch the events
as they took place centuries ago, through the aid of ultramodern audio
animatronics technique.
Other Attractions Around Gandhinagar
Adalaj
Situated just 10 km from Gandhinagar, Adalaj is known for one of the finest
baodi (step well) in the state of Gujarat. Built during the 15th century AD
by Queen Rudabai, the place was a favourite retreat for women of the royal
family, especially during the hot summer months.
Gandhi Ashram
Situated on the banks of the Sabarmati river, the ashram of Mahatma Gandhi
was known as the Satyagraha Ashram during the ancient times. It was here
that bapu spent years of his life and began his famous 'dandi march' to
protest against the salt tax.
Hatheesing Jain Temple
Built in 1850 by a Jain merchant, the Hatheesing temple is dedicated to the
15th century Jain apostle Dharamnath. The temple is built of pure white
marble and is one of the best examples of Jain architecture with neatly
carved walls and pillars.
Jama Masjid
One of the most beautiful and largest mosque in India consists of more than
260 pillars supporting its 15 domes. The mosque, built in 1423 by Ahmad Shah
is located in the old part of Ahmedabad city.
Stay At
Some of the best quality accommodation facilities available in and around
Gandhinagar include Hotel Haveli (3 star, located at sector 11), Sovereign
The Heritage Hotel, Taj Residency Ummed (5 star, 1 km from airport and 8 km
from railway station), Cama Park Plaza (4 star, 11 km from airport, 3 km
from railway station), Comfort Inn Sunset (4 star, 0.5 km from airport, 6 km
from railway station), Inder Residency (3 star, 7 km from airport, 5 km from
railway station), Holiday Inn (3 star, 4 km from airport, 3 km from railway
station), Hotel Westend (3 star, 12 km from airport, 5 km from railway
station) and Fortune Landmark (3 star, 11 km from airport, 6 km from railway
station).
Getting There
Ahmedabad, situated at a stone's throw away from Gandhinagar is the most
convenient place to get access to Gandhinagar. Ahmedabad is conveniently
connected to rest of the Indian cities through Air, Rail and road transport.
Regular local buses connect Ahmedabad with Gandhinagar and can be boarded
from the Lal Darwaja or any of the numerous stops along the Ashram Road.
By Air : The airport at Ahmedabad is situated just 13 km
from the city, from where local buses and taxis are easily available to
reach the city. Indian Airlines
operates regular flights for Ahmedabad from Delhi and other major Indian
cities. Flights are available from Delhi twice each day at 6:00 and 18:15.
For other details on flight schedule and timings, refer to the official site
of Indian Airlines http://indian-airlines.nic.in/
By Rail : Ahmedabad is a major railway station,
conveniently connected with all the major Indian cities. A number of
passenger and superfast trains start from and terminate at the Ahmedabad
station. Daily trains between Delhi and Ahmedabad are the Ashram Exp. and HW
ADI Mail.
By Road : Ahmedabad is well connected by roads to other
cities in Gujarat. State transport buses and private operators provide
regular services to cities within and outside the state.
Distance from Major Cities
- Ajmer : 526 Km
- Aurangabad : 586 Km
- Bhopal : 568 Km
- Nashik : 490 Km
- Mumbai : 545 Km
- Indore : 382 Km
- Porbandar : 394 Km
