Swaminarayan Akshardham is one of the largest Hindu temple complexes in the world — when it was completed in 1992, it held a Guinness record. The main shrine is an extraordinary piece of carved pink sandstone: every surface is covered with figures, friezes, elephants, and ornamental bands, rising through multiple tiers to the central shikhara. It is overwhelming in scale and extraordinary in detail. Photography inside the complex is not permitted, and bags and electronics must be left at the entrance (paid lockers are available).
The complex also has an exhibition hall, an IMAX-style theatre showing a film on Swaminarayan's life, and extensive gardens. The musical fountain show each evening, in which water, fire, and light are choreographed to a mythological story, is popular — arrive early for the best spots. Security screening at entry is thorough; allow an extra 20 minutes. The complex is closed on Mondays.