Imagine driving one hour from Chicago and being in India!

That’s actually possible in Bartlett. This little suburb has the best relaxing and inspiring getaway near to Chicago: the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir temple. This hindu temple is surrounded by trees in a peaceful atmosphere. Built in 1953 like an ancient hindu architecture it was made with marble and limestone from Italia and Turkey. If the architecture itself is amazing the stunning part is inside the temple were a labyrinth of hand-carved columns is taking your breath away (photos are not allowed inside the building). You can also visit the small museum and bookstore inside the complex if you want to know more about Hinduism.