Palace of Gold (New Vrindaban)

Visited on this past Labor Day. What an amazing experience?! I've never set foot in a Hindu temple much less even seen one. However, this was a wonderful experience. The grounds are very serene and quiet, a great place to just take in nature. You don't have to know who Krishna is to take a tour, they're actually very welcoming. We were the only ones on our tour not in saris. But I thought enlighten still. It doesn't cost anything just to walk the grounds, but if you want to see inside the temple it will take you about 20 minutes and cost you eight dollars. They also sell candles and posters that are available in the temple as a fundraiser. I really liked the gift shop and walked away with a little elephant. The Rosegarden is a little sparse because they are transitioning to organics but it was still a beautiful place. I really liked seeing the animals and how well they were taken care of. Even on a holiday they were quite a few people there. The road is Windee to get there however you're driving in West Virginia so we didn't really expect less. It is a bit far out there and when you look off the road you can see down into the valley which can be a little intimidating. There is also the state pen, a toy museum, and a paranormal archives nearby. So we plan to head back and visit again plus the other great spots. Apparently there is also a restaurant on site, but we never found it. I would pack a cooler next time. There is a water fountain near the bathroom so if you have a water bottle it's easy to refill there. The palace is it made of solid gold it's goldleaf so you will see where it is wearing down but I think that adds to the character of the place. Go early in the morning if you want to get a better look at the cows and even milk them yourself. Really great place for people of any age.

Literally one of the wildest places I've EVER been to. Regardless to how far out of the way this is, you will not be disappointed. Great statues, beautiful wildlife & plants (which includes free-roaming peacocks) and strangely friendly locals. The tour is worth the $6 or whatever it costs. Sometimes they give free tours as well - just be sure to remove your shoes!!

After many (MANY questionable roads through the backroads of the most rural area that I've ever been in...) we arrived at the Palace of Gold.

There is a quiet serenity that accompanies this place. Perhaps it's the peacocks that are wandering about, or the ample gardens, or the fact that it's completely out of place where it sits, but whatever the case, this was a wonderful find.

Lush, exotic gardens line the path and in front of you is an aging, but beautiful, building. The landscaping was immaculate, and as you climb the stairs your eyes are greeted with a buffet of color and peacefulness of the empty mountains. You truly feel alone in the vast green and blue of the surrounding landscape.

We purchased a small silver elephant from the gift shop, and the gentleman behind the counter engaged in pleasant small talk with us, excited that we had stopped at the temple.

If you're in the area, and don't mind a death defying drive through roads that dip and turn on a dime without notice...then this is definitely worth the visit.

This palace really is looks like a Palace of GOLD because of its amazing architectural building. It was very peaceful and beautiful. You can really see that the palace is taking cared of very well. Its a long way to drive before to get to this place but its worth to visit.

This is an experience well worth the country road drive if you're anywhere in the area.
The memorial building is truly breathtaking and the tour is informative and you get to see the beauty of it and learn about the beliefs of the Krishnas.
Go.

Great place and learned lots. There was also a wedding about to begin when we came, which was pretty cool because we got to watch them. We also took the tour, which was beneficial. Overall, a must-visit place.

It’s truly amazing. 22-carat gold lines the palace. You aren’t allowed to take pictures in the actual palace, but the rest of the property, it’s fine. Peacocks just roam the area. It’s a truly beautiful place for tolerant people. An amazing Hare Krishna community cultivates the area. Be sure to see the temple while you’re here.

Beautiful gardens and views. Lovely photo ops.

Visited in the late spring and it was absolutely gorgeous. Make sure that you watch for the peacocks and the grounds are very serene and beautiful. They have a place where you can interact with animals like cows and the grounds are free.

Very interesting and informative place. We attended a service in the temple. And toured the grounds. There are cottages on the grounds where people can stay and new construction for even more cottages. I found it to be relaxing, beautiful and welcoming. All the staff including the groundskeepers spoke as we approached, each giving their recommendations and asking if we had any questions as we meandered through the grounds. This was definitely worth the drive through the hills surrounding Moundsville. The cost to tour the palace was $9.50 per adult but not required to visit the temple or attend their service. Even without paying you may walk the grounds, through the gardens and around the palace.