Rising dramatically over the eastern suburbs, the Hindu Swaminarayan Group’s controversially ostentatious Akshardham Temple draws elements from traditional Orissan, Gujarati, Mughal and Rajasthani architecture.
Surrounding this spiritual showpiece is a series of Disneyesque exhibitions, including a boat ride through 10,000 years of Indian history, animatronics telling stories from the life of Swaminarayan, and musical fountains.
The interior offers an almost psychedelic journey through Hindu mythology, with 20,000 carved deities, saints and mythical beings. Allow at least half a day to do the temple justice (weekdays are less crowded).
