5 Temples and Spiritual Places to Visit in South Delhi in One Day

Delhi Desk, Delhi Magazine: South Delhi has some well-known temples and spiritual places that people visit throughout the year. If you are planning a one-day visit to this part of the city, you can explore Kalkaji Mandir, ISKCON Temple and the nearby Lotus Temple. All three places offer a different experience, from traditional Hindu worship to prayer and meditation.

These places are located around Kalkaji and East of Kailash, so visitors can include them in one trip without travelling to different parts of Delhi. Here is a guide to these places, their importance, how to reach them and what you should know before visiting.

1. Kalkaji Mandir: An Important Temple Dedicated to Goddess Kali

Kalkaji Mandir is one of the famous Hindu temples in South Delhi. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali, also known as Goddess Kalka, and is located near Nehru Place in the Kalkaji area.

According to the District South East Delhi administration, the locality of Kalkaji gets its name from this temple. There is also a traditional belief that the temple dates back to the Satya Yuga and that the image of Goddess Kalka appeared on its own.

The temple is visited by devotees throughout the year, especially during Navratri. During this festival, many people visit the temple to offer prayers to Goddess Kalka and seek her blessings.

The temple is also close to the Nehru Place business centre, making it easy to reach by public transport.

Location: Ma Anandmayee Marg, Block 9, Kalkaji, New Delhi.

Nearest Metro Station: Kalkaji Mandir Metro Station.

Why visit: If you want to begin your South Delhi trip with traditional Hindu darshan, Kalkaji Mandir is a good place to start.

Travel tip: Try to visit early in the morning, especially during weekends and Navratri, as the temple can get crowded.

2. Lotus Temple: A Peaceful Place for Prayer and Meditation

After visiting Kalkaji Mandir, you can visit the Lotus Temple, which is located nearby. It is one of the most recognised buildings in Delhi and attracts visitors because of its unique lotus-shaped architecture.

The Lotus Temple was completed in 1986 and is a Bahá’í House of Worship. It is important to mention that it is not a Hindu temple. People from different religions and backgrounds are welcome to visit and spend time in prayer or meditation.

The building is made of white marble and has nine pools around its structure. Its design is inspired by the lotus flower, which is also associated with different religious and cultural traditions.

Unlike many other religious places, visitors can sit quietly inside the prayer hall without any religious ceremony or ritual. This makes it a popular place for people looking for a peaceful environment.

Location: Bahapur, near Kalkaji, South Delhi.

Nearest Metro Station: Kalkaji Mandir Metro Station.

Entry Fee: Free.

Opening Days: Tuesday to Sunday. Monday closed.

Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, according to Delhi Tourism’s published information.

Why visit: Visitors can explore the architecture, enjoy the gardens and spend some quiet time inside the prayer hall.

Travel tip: Photography inside the prayer hall is not allowed. Check the latest visiting arrangements before travelling.

Visitors planning to explore more places can also read our guide to safe places for couples in Delhi NCR.

3. ISKCON Temple: A Popular Place for Lord Krishna’s Devotees

The ISKCON Temple at East of Kailash is another important religious place to visit in South Delhi. The temple is located on Hare Krishna Hills and is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha. Its official name is Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir.

The temple is associated with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, which is popularly known as ISKCON. Devotees visit here to offer prayers, attend aarti and take part in kirtan.

The temple has a beautiful prayer hall where visitors can see the idols of Radha and Krishna. It also organises religious programmes and spiritual activities throughout the day.

One of the main attractions is the evening aarti, when devotees gather for prayers and kirtan. Visitors can also have vegetarian food at Govinda’s Restaurant inside the temple complex.

Location: Hare Krishna Hills, Sant Nagar, East of Kailash, New Delhi.

Nearest Metro Stations: Nehru Place and Kailash Colony.

Entry Fee: Free.

Darshan Timings: 4:30 AM to 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, according to the temple’s published schedule.

Why visit: It is a good place for people who want to experience Krishna bhakti, attend aarti and spend time in a devotional atmosphere.

Travel tip: If you want to attend the evening aarti, plan your visit accordingly. The main sanctum remains closed between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM.

If you are looking to explore popular lifestyle hubs or enjoy great food after your temple darshan, you can also check out our guide on Priya Market, Vasant Lok: The Ultimate Shopping Destination in Vasant Vihar, Delhi, which is famous for its vibrant cafes and restaurants.

One-Day South Delhi Visit Plan

If you are visiting South Delhi for the first time, you can cover these three places in one day. Start with Kalkaji Mandir in the morning, visit the Lotus Temple afterwards and finish your day at ISKCON Temple.

Here is a suggested schedule:

The timings are suggested for planning purposes. Actual visiting time may change depending on traffic, queues and temple schedules.

How to Reach These Places by Delhi Metro

The Delhi Metro is a convenient option for visiting these places.

• Kalkaji Mandir: Get down at Kalkaji Mandir Metro Station.
• Lotus Temple: Kalkaji Mandir Metro Station is the nearest station.
• ISKCON Temple: Nehru Place and Kailash Colony are the nearest metro stations.

You can also use an auto-rickshaw or cab to travel between these places.

4. South Delhi: Chhatarpur Mandir

If you have another day to explore South Delhi, Chhatarpur Mandir is also worth visiting.

The temple is dedicated to Goddess Katyayani, a form of Goddess Durga, and is located in the Chhatarpur area. It is known for its large temple complex, beautiful architecture and spacious surroundings.

According to the Government of India’s Incredible India tourism portal, the temple complex has around 20 large and small temples spread across three sections. Apart from Goddess Katyayani, visitors can also find temples dedicated to Lord Rama, Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha and Lord Hanuman.

The temple was built by Baba Sant Nagpal Ji in 1974. It attracts many devotees, especially during Navratri, when people visit to offer prayers to Goddess Durga.

Location: Chhatarpur, South Delhi.

Nearest Metro Station: Chhatarpur Metro Station, Yellow Line.

Chhatarpur Mandir is better planned as a separate visit because it is located farther from the Kalkaji and East of Kailash route.

5. Temple Near South Delhi: Malai Mandir (Uttara Swamimalai Temple)

Malai Mandir, officially known as Uttara Swamimalai Temple, is located in Sector 7, R.K. Puram, New Delhi. It is one of the important South Indian temples in the capital and is dedicated to Lord Swaminatha, a form of Lord Murugan.

The temple is built on a small hill and is known for its traditional South Indian architecture. Its design and religious practices reflect the temple traditions of Tamil Nadu. The name Malai Mandir comes from the Tamil word ‘Malai’, which means hill.

Devotees visit the temple throughout the year to offer prayers to Lord Murugan. The temple also celebrates important South Indian religious festivals, including Thaipusam and Skanda Shashti.

Location: Sector 7, R.K. Puram, New Delhi 110022.

Nearest Metro Stations: Vasant Vihar and Durgabai Deshmukh South Campus.

Main Deity: Lord Swaminatha (Lord Murugan).

Why visit: It is a good place for devotees interested in South Indian temple traditions and architecture.

Travel tip: Malai Mandir is located in South-West Delhi, so it is better to plan it as a separate visit rather than combining it with the Kalkaji and East of Kailash route.

About the Author

Delhi Magazine Team