The Lotus Temple is the Bahá’í House of Worship in Bahapur, Kalkaji, South Delhi, and its distinctive form makes it a memorable stop while you’re in New Delhi. From this three-star hotel in New Delhi, it’s about an 18-minute drive; you can also reach it by metro or on foot.
- Location: Bahapur, Kalkaji, South Delhi
- From the hotel: about 18 minutes by car or 45 minutes on foot
- Typical opening pattern: Open Tuesday to Sunday; closed Monday
- Entry: free
What to expect at the Lotus Temple
The Lotus Temple is a marble-clad, nine-sided House of Worship shaped by 27 free-standing petals. Dedicated in December 1986, the building’s nine doors open into a central hall.
Its architecture is best understood as a whole: the repeated petals form the recognizable exterior, while the doors lead to a quiet central space. The official site welcomes people of all racial, religious and national backgrounds to visit, pray and meditate.
How do you get from The Athena Hotel to the Lotus Temple?
The Lotus Temple is about an 18-minute drive from The Athena Hotel, or about a 45-minute walk. For a metro approach, choose between two nearby stations: Kalkaji Mandir, served by the Violet and Magenta lines, or Okhla NSIC, served by the Magenta line. The House of Worship describes each station as a five-minute walk away.
If you’re travelling from New Delhi Railway Station, take the Yellow Line toward Central Secretariat, change to the Violet Line, and get off at Kalkaji; the walk from there is about 500 m. The temple’s official site also identifies a DDA parking facility opposite the main gate for visitors arriving by car.
For more city transport context, read about getting around New Delhi from Ashram station.
Visiting the grounds and House of Worship
Plan to leave time for the landscaped grounds as well as the prayer hall. Wheelchairs are available at the main gate on a first-come, first-served basis, and washrooms and drinking water facilities are available on site.
Opening hours
- Tuesday to Sunday: 8:30–17:00
- Monday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Shoes aren’t permitted inside the prayer hall; you can leave them in the shoe room. Modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees is suggested. Food and drinks are not allowed on the premises, and large baggage cannot be taken inside.
Photography is permitted on the premises except inside the prayer hall and Information Centre. Professional photographers need prior permission.
Opening times, entry and visitor guidelines
The House of Worship’s published schedule is Tuesday through Sunday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, with Mondays closed. Delhi Tourism says entry is free. Its published hours differ, so use the House of Worship’s official site for the current schedule and practical visitor guidance.
Prayer services take place at 10 am, 12 pm, 3 pm and 5 pm, and each lasts 10–15 minutes. The prayer hall may close when overcrowded, including on Sundays or public holidays, or during heavy rain.
If you’re arranging a group visit for 10 or more people, an appointment may be requested at least three days ahead; appointments aren’t accepted for Saturdays, Sundays or public holidays, and require confirmation.
Before you go: Opening details and visitor arrangements can change, so check the official site before you go.
Pairing the visit with other nearby sights
ISKCON Temple is 2 km from the Lotus Temple, making it a nearby South Delhi sight to consider alongside your visit. If you’re planning a broader day, a one-day New Delhi itinerary can connect the temple stop with other parts of the city.
FAQs
Is entry to the Lotus Temple free?
Yes. Entry is free.
When is the Lotus Temple open?
Open Tuesday to Sunday; closed Monday.
Which metro station should you use for the Lotus Temple?
Kalkaji Mandir is served by the Violet and Magenta lines, while Okhla NSIC is served by the Magenta line. The House of Worship describes both as a five-minute walk from the temple.