Prabhupada's Palace of Gold, West Virginia

The New Vrindaban community was founded in 1968 as part of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) founded by Srila Prabhupada. It is a spiritual center and pilgrimage site for Hare Krishnas and other Hindus and, along with the nearby Palace of Gold, a tourist attraction for everyone else. The mughal-style palace was built from 1973-79 by unskilled Krishna devotees, who used do-it-yourself books to guide the construction of the palace's marble inlaid walls and ceilings, crystal chandeliers, teakwood furniture, and stained glass windows. The community center grounds include a man-made pond, statues, guest cottages, a health food store, a snack bar, and an organic garden; a schedule of festivals is maintained on the community's web site.