We will start our tour at 7:45 am in midtown Manhattan, 8th Avenue between 33rd and 34th Street on the East side of 8th Avenue, across the street from 5 Penn Plaza (Google Street address is 460 8^th Ave. New York, NY10119. It is written 470 on the building) (Old Duane Reade building, we are not sure what it will be in 2025) DON'T BE LATE! Please come 15 minutes early to sign in.

You will be greeted by your tour guide for the day. You will sign our liability waiver, and after departure a light breakfast will be served on board the van.

For people who joined us in 2016 visiting the Hindu temple in Robbinsville, this is a totally new experience. The temple is about 10 times bigger now than last time we visited in 2016.

We will start the tour driving to the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (Temple); this is an amazing masterpiece of exquisite Indian design and workmanship.

Start the visit in the visitor center where you will see a short informative film about the history and building process of the Mandir.

Learn about the world’s oldest living faith, Hinduism. You will also get an insight to the efforts of building this 162-acre temple complex, which is the second largest in the world. (Only second to Angkor Wat in Cambodia)

One of the temples, which finished in 2014, is made entirely from 68,000 cubic feet of Italian marble.

The beautiful carvings (Handmade in India) seen around the Mandir are not only aesthetically appealing, but also all have a meaning as well.

You will also find a souvenir shop with different Indian souvenirs and crafts.

There is also a store where you can purchase traditional all vegetarian Indian food and snacks. We are sure that you will find your visit to this spectacular traditional Hindu temple both educational and inspiring.

On this tour we do not include food, we want to give you the opportunity to eat delicious Indian food at the temple’s cafeteria. Please note that all the food is vegetarian. Here you can view how the menu was in 2024, we cannot predict how exactly the menu will be on the day of our visit. If you don’t want to buy food at the temple, you are also welcome to bring some food yourself, please just remember that outside food is not allowed at the temple, and you would have to eat it in our transportational vehicle either before or after our visit.

Temple dress code

At the temple, you must follow the following dress code:

Gasko's Family Farm and Greenhouses

Next, we will visit one of the largest nurseries in New Jersey, the Gasko's Family Farm and Greenhouses. The greenhouses are full of flowers, hanging baskets, vegetable and herb plants. The nursery is also stocked with a huge selection mulch, soils, and gardening supplies.

This is a huge place that is very popular due to its great selection and very low prices, so you will have to expect some wait at the check-out counter. Their prices are excellent, but you will have to bring cash as they do not take credit or debit cards.

They usually also have fruits that are in season for very low prices.

Rutgers Gardens

We will visit this 180-acre botanic garden, which is the official botanical garden of Rutgers University. The gardens are cared for by the students of various agricultural and horticultural programs at the university.

You will also find a bamboo garden.

You will have amble time to walk around and enjoy the beautiful flowers that are in bloom.

We will drive back to NYC.

Arrival back to NYC at approximately 6 - 6:30 pm.

The following is included in the price of this tour:

• Transportation with deluxe air-conditioned van from NYC
• Friendly and professional tour coordinator
• A light breakfast 
• Snacks on the van 
• One bottle of water
• Any Admissions for all attractions
• All taxes and fees

Not included:

• Lunch
• Gratuities are left to your discretion.
• Any other food not mentioned.

WHAT TO BRING AND WEAR FOR THE TOUR

ID: Please bring a valid government issued identification. (Adults only)

CONFIRMATION EMAIL: Either on your phone or printed out

CLOTHES: according to the weather. 

FOOTWEAR: Good walking shoes or sneakers. Do not wear dress shoes or high heels.

RAINGEAR: Even with no rain/snow in the forecast, we recommend you bring some rain gear.

WATER: In a plastic bottle.

CAMERA: With extra memory/film is highly recommended. You will experience beautiful nature.

CASH: It is advisable to bring some cash for lunch, snacks, and gratuities for the guide which is left to your discretion.

INSURANCE: Even if this is just a day tour, if you are concern about losing money due to illness (including Covid-19) or other unpredictable matters, we highly recommend you buy a travel insurance. We can recommend www.insuremytrip.com or www.squaremouth.com (Hines Tours is not affiliated with either of these sites in any form). We do not give tour refunds or tour credits if you are not able to make the tour for any unforeseen reasons.