Lotus Temple

This temple was built in 1980 and is the center of the Baha'i religion, a kind of philosophy based on respect and communication between various religions. Visiting is free, but it's strictly regulated (no shoes inside, only a few people in the temple at a time, and no noise). It's basically a guided visit since a person (who invariably reminds you of the rules) tells a little history of the religion and temple, before inviting you go to meditate. The entire tour takes around 30 minutes and of course you can stay longer to explore the gardens or meditate.

The Lotus Temple is primarily a place of meditation, regardless of your spiritual orientation. With its unique architecture, the temple symbolizes spiritual fulfillment through the symbol of the lotus flower. You must enter barefoot and it's a place where anyone can come to find sanctuary and quiet.

I visited the Lotus Temple during a trip to India around two years ago. I organized a stopover in New Delhi and had the lovely opportunity to visit this home of the Bahá'i faith, a group that focuses on free religious thought. The feeling of peace I found there was indescribable.