Modhera Sun Temple (Modhera Surya Mandir)

The basics

The first thing you'll see at the temple is the Ramakund, a rectangular reservoir adorned with 108 shrines dedicated to different deities. From here, you can head into the Sabha Mandap, or assembly chamber, characterized by 52 carved pillars carved with scenes from the great Hindu epics. As you go deeper into the sanctum sanctorum—positioned to align with the sun during the equinox—you'll see a dozen ancient carvings of the sun god carved into pillars.

Things to know before you go

• The temple is a must-see for those interested in spirituality and architecture.

• Bring bottled water with you, as it may not be available on-site.

• Much of the Modhera Sun Temple is inaccessible to wheelchairs.

How to get there

The Modhera Sun Temple is located in the village of Modhera, about a 2-hour drive from Ahmedabad, Gujarat's biggest city. It's easiest to get there by taxi or by joining a tour, but if you'd rather rely on public transportation, you can take a train to Mehsana Junction, a 40-minute drive from the railway station, and take a bus or taxi the rest of the way.

When to get there

The best time to visit the temple is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant enough for outdoor exploration. April and May tend to be too hot for many people, and the monsoon season, which usually runs from around June until September, brings with it significant rainfall. Light shows using 3D mapping are sometimes staged here and create a beautiful after-dark ambiance among the already enchanting structures.

Adalaj Stepwell (Adalaj ni Vav)

If you’re impressed by the Ramakund pool in front of the Modhera Sun Temple, be sure to see the Adalaj Stepwell, about a 1.5-hour drive away, toward Ahmedabad. This traditional well, designed to harvest rainwater during the monsoon for later use, is five stories deep and is decorated with carvings from Hindu and Jain mythology. It’s arguably among the finest in the state.