OurBus to the Largest Hindu Temple in NJ

Book the 3:30 PM Ourbus to Akshardham Temple Robbinsville, NJ and the return trip departing the temple at 7:10 PM. Round trip fare is $50. I booked my ticket.

Bus stop: 426 11th Ave, New York, Hudson Yards 11th Avenue between W. 35th and W. 36th Streets, directly across from Javits Convention center, in front of the windowless gray building.

BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham is one of the largest Hindu temple campuses ever built outside India. Opened in phases beginning in 2014, with the main Akshardham monument inaugurated in 2023, the complex spans more than 180 acres and was constructed using millions of hand-carved pieces of Italian marble, Indian pink sandstone, and limestone assembled by thousands of artisans and volunteers. The central monument rises about 191 feet high and contains intricate carvings, domes, pillars, and devotional spaces inspired by traditional Indian temple architecture. The campus serves a large regional Hindu community across New Jersey, New York, and the Northeast, while also attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors, tourists, students, and worshippers each year from around the world.

The temple is free to visit and no reservation is required.

BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham captures thousands of years of inspiring thoughts, values, architecture, and culture.

4:30 PM — Arrival & Security

• The bus drops us near the main visitor entrance.
• There’s airport-style security screening.
• Phones are usually allowed in outdoor areas, but photography rules vary inside sacred spaces.
• Saturdays can be busy, so expect lines, families, and tour groups.

You’ll first notice:

• huge carved stone architecture,
• wide marble walkways,
• fountains and gardens,
• very clean and quiet grounds despite the crowds.

4:45–5:30 PM — Explore the Main Mandir
The central mandir is the emotional centerpiece:

• hand-carved marble and limestone,
• domes, pillars, and intricate sculptures,
• devotional music playing softly,
• people praying quietly or sitting in silence.

Inside, visitors usually move slowly through:

• the sanctum areas,
• carved ceilings,
• exhibits explaining Hindu traditions and values.

Even non-Hindu visitors often spend a long time just looking at the craftsmanship.

5:30–6:00 PM — Walk the Campus
ou’d probably wander through:

• the large courtyards,
• reflection pools,
• gardens,
• viewing areas around the monument.

Around this time the light becomes especially beautiful for photos outside.

6:00–6:30 PM — Food / Snacks
Nany visitors stop at the dining area or café for:

• samosas,
• dosas,
• chaat,
• pizza,
• Indian sweets,
• chai or mango lassi.

The food court tends to be lively on Saturday evenings.

6:30–7:00 PM — Sunset & Evening Atmosphere
This is often the best part of the visit.
As sunset approaches:

• the stone changes color in golden light,
• lights gradually illuminate the temple,
• the atmosphere becomes calmer and more reflective.

Depending on the season, you may also hear or witness evening prayers (arti), which many visitors find memorable even if they’re not religious.

7:00–7:10 PM — Head to Departure
We start walking back toward:

• Parking Lot D for buses like OurBus,
• or the rideshare pickup area.

Saturday evenings can get crowded leaving the campus, so giving yourself 10–15 minutes of buffer is smart.
A few practical notes:

• Wear comfortable shoes — you’ll walk a lot.
• Shoulders/knees should be covered.
• Bags/security checks can slow entry slightly.
• If reservations are required that Saturday, have the QR code ready before arrival.