Sometimes I forget how in London one can travel far without leaving the city. I am not talking about the long commute, which is, unfortunately, an issue Londoners face. Since this place has welcomed so many different people from around the world, we are gifted with the sense of being able to taste the whole world within the borders of London.
Read moreThis is one of the things I most adore about living here. I didn’t know how little I knew of the world until I met with London. To the point that if I was to send you the below photo and if I told you – I’m in India – wouldn’t you believe me?
Located in North London, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (known as the Neasden Temple) is a Hindu Temple built entirely using traditional methods and materials. It’s been considered one of Britain’s first authentic Hindu temples and it’s Europe’s first traditional Hindu stone temple.
Entrance is free, but you can’t take pictures inside and, of course, you will have to take off your shoes – so be sure to wear the right pair of socks 🙂 I have never been to India (still on the list) so this is probably the closest I’ve been to an authentic Hindu temple. Except when I got lost back in 2017, trying to find it, only to find out there was another one – I wrote about it here.
What do you think? If you come to London on a tight budget, these are free things you can do in the city and will impress anyone back home. You can even pretend you were actually in a much more exotic place 😉
Love, Nic
The Winged Bone 
Absolutely stunning Nic. This is going straight onto our “next time” in London list. A great share.
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Aw I’m glad! It’s absolutely worth it 🙂
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I would never think that your photo of the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir was taken in London. Yet another reason to put London back on my travel wish list. Thanks for sharing and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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London does require multiple trips, there is a whole world here to explore 🙂 Thanks Aiva, have a great weekend ahead!
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Very likely the stone sculptors that built this temple were from my home state-Rajasthan. You are unlikely to find a Hindu temple built out of India where the contribution of these artists is missing.
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