Are you planning a trip to one of India’s most spectacular spiritual landmarks? Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple in Delhi is an architectural wonder that draws millions of visitors every year — and for good reason. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning devotee, this complete guide covers everything you need to know about Akshardham Temple Delhi timings, ticket prices, water show, boat ride, and how to make the most of your visit.
What Is Akshardham Temple Delhi?
Swaminarayan Akshardham Delhi, often simply called Akshardham Temple, is one of the largest Hindu temple complexes in the world. Located on the banks of the Yamuna River in Pandav Nagar, New Delhi, it was inaugurated on 6th November 2005 by then-President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. Built by the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), the temple holds a Guinness World Record for being the largest comprehensive Hindu temple on earth.
Spread across approximately 100 acres, the complex is constructed entirely from Rajasthani pink sandstone and Italian Carrara marble — with no steel or concrete used. It features 234 intricately carved pillars, 9 ornate domes, 20,000 statues and murtis, and a breathtaking 148-elephant plinth at its base.
Beyond being a place of worship, Akshardham is a living museum of Indian culture, history, and spirituality — making it a must-visit destination for tourists and devotees alike.
Akshardham Temple Delhi Timings (2026)
One of the most commonly searched questions is: “What time does Akshardham Temple open?” Here’s everything you need to know.
Temple Complex Hours:
- Open: Tuesday to Sunday
- Opening Time: 9:30 AM
- Closing Time: 6:30 PM
- Last Entry: 6:00 PM
- Closed: Every Monday (weekly maintenance) and on major festivals like Diwali and Christmas
Boat Ride Timings:
- Open: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Tuesday to Sunday)
- Last Boarding: 5:00 PM
Sahaj Anand Water & Light Show Timings:
- The show takes place after sunset
- Multiple shows are conducted on weekends
- Ticket counter for the water show closes at 5:00 PM
Pro Tip: Arrive at the Akshardham Temple opening time (9:30 AM) on a weekday to avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful darshan experience.
Akshardham Temple Delhi Ticket Prices (2026)
Good news — entry to the Akshardham Temple complex is completely free! You can visit the main temple, stroll through the lush gardens, and enjoy the spiritual atmosphere without spending a single rupee on admission.
However, tickets are required for the exhibitions, boat ride, and water show. Here’s the complete price breakdown:
Exhibition Hall Tickets (Sahajanand Darshan, Neelkanth Darshan & Sankruti Darshan)
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Adults (Age 12+) | ₹110 |
| Seniors (Age 60+) | ₹110 |
| Children (Age 4–11) | ₹80 |
| Children (Below Age 4) | Free |
Sahaj Anand Water Show Tickets
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Adults (Age 12+) | ₹80 |
| Seniors (Age 60+) | ₹80 |
| Children (Age 4–11) | ₹50 |
| Children (Below Age 4) | Free |
Sanskruti Vihar Boat Ride Ticket
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Adults (Age 12+) | ₹125 |
| Children (Age 4–11) | ₹65 |
| Children (Below Age 4) | Free |
Combo Ticket (Best Value)
A combined ticket covering all paid attractions is available for approximately ₹170, making it the most economical option for families and groups.
Important: Akshardham Temple does not offer online ticket booking. All tickets must be purchased in person at the on-site ticket counters on a first-come, first-served basis.
Top Attractions at Akshardham Temple Delhi
1. The Main Mandir
The centrepiece of the complex stands at a majestic 141.3 feet tall and is 356 feet long and 316 feet wide. Its pink sandstone exterior is adorned with carvings of flowers, animals, musicians, and deities. Inside, you can seek blessings from idols of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, Radha-Krishna, Sita-Ram, Shiva-Parvati, and Lakshmi-Narayan.
2. Sahajanand Darshan (Hall of Values)
This interactive exhibition uses life-like robotics and animated dioramas to narrate stories from Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s life, celebrating values of peace, harmony, and devotion. It features the world’s smallest animatronic robot — the child form of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
3. Neelkanth Darshan (Giant Screen Film)
Watch the journey of the young Nilkanth — an eleven-year-old yogi who traversed India to revive spirituality — on Delhi’s first and only large-format screen measuring 85 ft × 65 ft.
4. Sanskruti Vihar (Boat Ride)
This 12-minute cultural boat ride takes you on a mesmerising journey through 10,000 years of Indian civilisation. From ancient Vedic times to medieval India, the ride unfolds the story of India’s glorious past through animated scenes and dioramas.
5. Sahaj Anand Water & Light Show
The crown jewel of the evening experience, this spectacular show combines water fountains, laser beams, fire effects, and light projections to tell the story of ancient Indian philosophy. It’s a visual feast that should not be missed.
6. Yagnapurush Kund & Gardens
The complex features beautifully landscaped thematic gardens and a stunning step-well (kund) that is the world’s largest, with 108 shrines and 108 small domes surrounding it.
How to Reach Akshardham Temple Delhi
Address: NH 24, Pramukh Swami Maharaj Marg, Pandav Nagar, New Delhi – 110092
By Metro (Recommended): Take the Blue Line and alight at Akshardham Metro Station — the temple is just a 350-metre walk (about 5 minutes) away.
By Road: The temple is easily accessible via NH-24 (Noida Link Road). DTC buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws are all available. Ample parking is available on-site.
By Train:
- Hazrat Nizamuddin Station – 6 km
- New Delhi Railway Station – 11 km
By Air: Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) is approximately 21 km away. From there, take the Airport Metro Express to New Delhi station and then board the Blue Line metro.
Important Rules & Tips Before You Visit
- Photography is strictly prohibited inside the temple premises, including mobile phones and cameras. A cloakroom is available (free of charge) for storing your belongings.
- Dress modestly: Shoulders, chest, back, and upper arms must be covered. Wraps are available for a refundable deposit of ₹100.
- Electronic devices such as phones, cameras, and tablets must be deposited before entering.
- No online booking is available — tickets are sold at the counter only.
- The temple is closed on Mondays, Diwali, Christmas, and certain other major festivals.
- Allow 3–4 hours to explore the entire complex, exhibitions, and gardens.
Best Time to Visit Akshardham Temple Delhi
The ideal time to visit is during the winter months from October to March, when Delhi’s weather is cool and pleasant — perfect for exploring the outdoor gardens and attending the evening water show.
Within the day, arriving early (9:30 AM on weekdays) is the best strategy to enjoy peaceful darshan before the crowds arrive. Weekends and public holidays tend to be significantly busier.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is Akshardham Temple Delhi free to visit? A: Yes, entry to the main temple complex is completely free. Charges apply only for exhibitions, the boat ride, and the water show.
Q: Can I book Akshardham Temple tickets online? A: No. Online booking is not available. All tickets must be purchased at the on-site ticket counters.
Q: What days is Akshardham Temple closed? A: The temple is closed every Monday and on major festivals including Diwali and Christmas.
Q: How long does a visit to Akshardham Temple take? A: Plan for at least 3–4 hours to see the main temple, exhibitions, boat ride, and the evening water show.
Q: Is photography allowed at Akshardham Temple? A: Photography and all electronic devices including mobile phones are strictly prohibited inside the temple premises.
Q: What is the water show timing at Akshardham Temple? A: The water show begins after sunset. The ticket counter closes at 5:00 PM, so plan accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple Delhi is far more than a place of worship — it’s a gateway into India’s rich cultural soul. With free entry to the main temple, affordable tickets for world-class exhibitions, and the unforgettable evening water show, it offers extraordinary value for every visitor.