Fodor's Expert Review Umbilo Shree Ambalavaanar Alayam Temple

One of Durban's most spectacular Hindu shrines is in Cato Manor. The temple's facade is adorned with brightly painted representations of the Hindu gods, notably Ganesha, Shiva, and Vishnu. The magnificent doors leading to the cellar were salvaged from a temple built in 1875 on the banks of the Umbilo River and subsequently destroyed by floods. The culmination of a long fast results in the carrying of "kavadi," a sacrifice in honor of Lord Murugan, held annually in March, where unshod fire walkers cross beds of burning, glowing coals. There are no set visiting hours. The kavadi-carrying devotees, often adorned in pins and needles walking in a deeply meditative state known as "trance," draw huge crowds of spectators and well-wishers. If the temple is open you'll be welcome to go inside; if not, the exterior of the building is still worth seeing.