palace of gold

This place is old and outdated to a large extent. Some of the walls and windows need serious maintenance/renovation. There is a fee to enter the main building and no photography is allowed. The front desk worker was nice or lazy and didn't stop me when I took some pictures.The website does a great marketing job by labeling it as 'America's Taj Mahal' but it's far from it. What doesn't help is the secluded location and excessive driving to get here. Save your time as this wasn't worth the time for me. This place is only recommended for followers of Srila Prabhuapada or other religious experience seekers....

The Palace of Gold is a great side-trip to take if you're in the Wheeling area, or passing through. The history Krishna Consciousness in the US is really interesting, the building and grounds are beautiful and impressive. I stopped in on a weekday afternoon, and it was pretty slow. I think there was like a $5 donation requested to tour the palace. I'd like to come back for the color festival or other events they do. Definitely worth checking out.

I went in May 2014, the summer after the polar vortex. They have an extensive rose garden but because of the cold temps the prior winter there were only a few roses in bloom. One of the ladies told us August is peak time if you want to experience the gardens at their best. It's a temple for Krishna followers so if you take the tour (which I think was $8) you learn a little more about the guru and why this temple is in the middle of West Virginia. It's worth it to see the beautiful, intricate architecture of the inside of the temple. Worth a stop for sure.

Off the beaten path. A very beautiful and peaceful place to visit ( Animals, gorgeous gardens, the overlooks& the palace itself). It is a quiet serenity that accompanies this place.Did not get to take the tour so we will be back to do so!

I like the strange and unusual, and had heard about this place in passing for a number of years. So on a road trip we decided to make a pitstop. And boy are we ever glad. At the time we visited the complex, there were no cars in the lot. We were the only ones to take a tour and visit the palace, which is gorgeous. It's amazing to think this was made by amateurs. The temple further down the hill is even more amazing. Who knew you could find this on a hill in West Virginia? I won't lie, it was a little creepy near the end of our visit after speaking with some of the members of the community, but we wouldn't trade the experience for the world. If you're around, definitely go!

This place is so serene overlooking the mountains and the valley. There is a tour that takes you inside and shows you the various parts of the house. It is worth a visit even if you do not pay and join the tour.

Likes- Palace of Gold - there is a tour every 30 minutes. - Price to the Palace Of Gold is nominal- Cow worship, Milking of cow, we were lucky to see a cow that was just 3 weeks old- Awesome restaurant that serves best vegetarian food at a cheaper price- Nice temple, swan lake, elegant elephant statue to take pics- Since it is in a hilly area, we were able to spot a lot of deer and we were lucky to take pictures with them

This was (literally) a hidden gem and one of the best spontaneous off the beaten path stops we have made. The drive is twisty but lovely, giving great views of the country. When you pull up, the palace takes your breath away. The grounds are fully open to the public and the tour was excellent and informative. Our guide had lived there for almost 20 years and was knowledgeable and open to questions. I cannot highly enough recommend this place.

I came across the brochure for the Palace of Gold and it looked fantastic. Plus, they had quotes from USA Today etc., stating what a great place it was. First - when you get on the website it tells you not to use your GPS. I printed off the driving directions and we headed for the Palace of Gold which should have taken us 1 1/2 hours. This place is hidden away out in the countryside. Well apparently whoever wrote the directions doesn't know their right from their left. Once we exited the highway the directions told us to turn R. We drove around for quite away and finally went back to our starting point and turned L. Well that seemed to work better. At the next intersection the directions stated to turn L. We quickly realized that once again the directions were wrong. All in all it took us over 2 1/2 hours.The Palace is run done and in disrepair on the exterior. None of the fountains are working, some of them are laying down everything needs to be painted. The interior is in better condition but quite small. We paid $8.00 per person for a 15-20 minute tour. The best thing we saw were peacocks roaming around the grounds. My recommendation - Do not waste your time or money.

We have caves in PA and mountains in West Virginia. They have caves and mountains in Kentucky and caves and mountains out west. But how many states have their own Hare Krishna temple? Yes it is a long and winding road to get there but it is a unique structure and something special to see if you need a road trip. It is in the process of being restored so it is not at it's most beautiful but you can walk around the grounds for free and forego the tour inside if you don't want to spend the money. It is a tranquil environment and you can definitely relax once you are here. Walk around. There are other special surprises besides the palace. (also a place to get into the mind of the later Beatles)

I brought my daughters up one Sunday since I haven't been back in 10 years. The temple happened to be in the middle of a Krishna festival with people from everywhere. As always , it is beautful in execution and design albeit does appear a little ragged around the edges. Nonetheless, this is part of the charm of a place built and cared for solely by the love of their devotees. Though exotic, the spiritual principles are comparable to most mainline western denominations. Between the gardens, buildings and gentle inhabitants, it is a serene and lovely place to visit

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.

Beautiful view of the mountains. It is very peaceful....offers a great spot for quiet reflection. Grounds are spread out and the entire place just has a beautiful ambience.

Take the time to travel up the mountain side, along the winding road and relax. The view from here is gorgeous! The rose gardens, the lotus pond, the beautiful peacocks and the Palace itself ... unbelievable!!! Well worth the drive.

Long drive to get there. From far away looked great. When we got close in bad need of repair. Pond was grimy. Do not waste time or gas.