Chatsworth: Temples, History and Shopping Centre

Chatsworth offers travellers several specific points of interest: the Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple of Understanding, the history of the relocations in the 1950s, and Chatsworth Centre in Westcliff. These topics appeal to different interests: the temple and its festivals, the area’s historical development, and shopping and dining. If you’re looking for hotels in Chatsworth, it may help to first decide which of these topics will shape your trip. A stay focused on history has different priorities from a trip centred on the temple or the centre.

Temple and festivals

The Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple of Understanding is located in Chatsworth. Admission to the temple and its festivals is free. If you’re planning a visit, check with the temple before travelling for its current visitor guidelines. The admission information applies to both the temple and its festivals; you should confirm the specific visitor guidelines before your visit.

Historical context

In the 1950s, Indians from across Durban were relocated to Chatsworth under the Group Areas legislation. Both locations are important to the historical context: Durban is identified as the place of origin, and Chatsworth as the destination of the relocation. In this way, Chatsworth’s history connects the area’s development with a change that affected people across Durban. Travellers interested in history will find a specific starting point here, alongside the topics of the temple and shopping centre.

Shopping in Westcliff

Chatsworth Centre is a shopping centre in Westcliff, Chatsworth. A tourism listing mentions more than 110 shops and several food and beverage outlets in connection with the centre’s 30th anniversary, which was celebrated in 2019. These figures relate to that historical context and do not confirm the current tenant mix. As individual tenants may change, check current information about specific shops or dining options if you’re planning a particular visit.

Durban Metro: Museums and culture in the wider area

In the wider destination of Durban Metro, eThekwini’s municipal museums include the Durban Local History Museums, covering cultural and historical heritage; the Durban Art Gallery, focusing on visual art; and the Durban Natural Science Museum, which explores natural science aspects of heritage. There are 19 Local History Museums sites in eThekwini, all managed directly by the Municipality. The collection may change; check the Municipality’s current information when planning a specific visit. The museums’ areas of focus can help you choose between historical, art-related and natural science interests.

Leisure and geographical setting in Durban Metro

uShaka Sea World and uShaka Wet n Wild are also part of the wider destination of Durban Metro. uShaka Sea World is an aquarium offering dolphin shows, seal viewing and penguin presentations. uShaka Wet n Wild is a water park. This makes it easy to distinguish between different leisure interests: an aquarium and animal presentations on the one hand, and a water park on the other. Presentation schedules may change. If you want to see a particular presentation, check the current schedule in advance. The eThekwini Municipality stretches from cosmopolitan coastal areas in the north to rugged valleys in the west. This geographical range describes the wider Durban Metro area.

Discover more destinations: Umdloti, Craigieburn, KwaMashu, Kingsburgh, Tongaat, Durban North, Gillitts

Back to the wider travel guide: Durban Metro.