My mother and father are pretty religious people, so I was often carted around to various Hindu temples with them. I remember every six months when I was younger and lived in Michigan, my conjoined family (aka two nuclear families smushed into one big Indian family) took six hour road trips to visit the Sri Venkateswara Temple in Pittsburgh. We would pack about 30 idly’s, a bucket full of delicious peanut chutney, and some water in empty 2 liter bottles of soda. My mother would play a Ganesha animated movie on the van TV screens, and we would begin driving at about 5 in the morning to make it back by the night. The family bonding experiences from going to the temples were always the most memorable part.

Though I’m not as religious now, I enjoyed going around to see the gorgeous architectural wonders, even within just the US. They truly were magical places of spirituality.

Sri Maha Vallabh Ganapati Devasthanam, New York

Completed in 1977, this gorgeous temple is located in Flushing, New York. The devasthanam also established a Hindu Religious and Cultural Center Complex on Bowne Street. They also host various events and activities throughout the year.

2. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Houston

I visited this temple myself a few years ago with my family and grandparents, and it is absolutely stunning. It’s open from 9-6 every day, year round, and is open to people from all faiths and spirituality. Plus, entry is free. BAPS also has various other temples across the US that are also equally as beautiful as the one in Houston.

3. Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple, Spanish Fork, Utah

Built in 1998, the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple in Utah is another gorgeous temple to visit. They also have an amphitheater, a vegetarian buffet, and a gift shop. With a whole host of events, workshops, and festivals, the temple is well known for its farm tours, and buffet, of course.

4. Sri Venkateswara Temple, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Established in 1975, this temple is very close to my heart. The Sri Venkateswara Temple is one of the earliest temples built in the US. The food is tremendous here, and the temple’s architecture and energy is one of the most notable.

5. Radha Madhav Dham, Austin, Texas

Radha Madhav Dham is one of the largest Hindu Temples in the US. You can visit regardless of your background to attend religious services, festivals, or even simply to see the beautiful peacocks on the land. Radha Madhav Dham also works with other faith-based institutions to create charitable impact.