🇺🇸 Life in Houston | There’s a Taj Mahal in Texas?! ✨ All-White Temp

✨ BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir If you’re visiting Houston, Texas, don’t miss this hidden "White Palace"—the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir! 🏰 When I first saw it, I was stunned—it felt like I’d teleported to an Indian royal palace! 🤯 This temple is the first Hindu mandir in the U.S. built entirely from hand-carved stone. The materials were shipped from India and assembled on-site, using white marble and beige limestone with intricate carvings so detailed you’ll want to snap a million photos. It’s a masterpiece of architectural art! 🎨 Stepping inside, you’ll instantly feel the serene, healing atmosphere. The temple is free to enter (yes, you read that right—🆓!), so you can explore, meditate, take photos, and learn about Hindu culture. There’s even a small exhibition area about the temple’s history—great for kids! 🧒📚 Pro tip: Visit at sunset when the golden light hits the carved marble—it looks like a maxed-out Instagram filter! 🌅 The surrounding gardens and pools are also postcard-perfect for photos. 📸 Important notes: Dress modestly (cover shoulders & no shorts) 👗 Remove shoes before entering (shoe storage areas on both sides) 👟⚠️ No photography inside (outside is fine, but phones are a no-go indoors!) ❌📱 The temple isn’t huge—you can explore it in 30-40 mins. Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (closed 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM) ⏰ Best time to go? Avoid midday—it gets super hot! ☀️ Located 20-30 mins from downtown, this place is a must-visit for culture lovers and photography enthusiasts. Highly photogenic! ✨ 📍 BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Houston 1150 Brand Ln, Stafford, TX 77477 #TexasTravel #ExoticVibes #HiddenGem #IndianTemple #TexasRoadTrip #OffTheBeatenPath #ArtsyPhotospot #HoustonLife #TravelBlogger