India has gained a lot of popularity since erstwhile times for its wide array of wonders. Some of the ancient civilizations have originated in the Indian subcontinent. India has developed to become one of the most attractive countries in the world over a period of 1000 years. Indian wonders reflect the natural beauty, dynamic population, rich wildlife, historic buildings, architectural marvels and many more. This vast land has been ruled by several rulers and the culture and traditions of these rulers and their culture has been imbibed by natives. Because of the presence of some awe inspiring wonders in the country, Indian tourism is growing with leaps and bounds.

India’s rich heritage is reflected in the “Seven Wonders”. From places of worship to a mighty monolith, a university to a mausoleum, our country is known to offer a wide array of attractions. In true essence, India can be called as a treasure trove of wonders. Visiting India seems to be a never ending journey and it is great fun to discover incredible India.

Over the period, several lists pertaining to World Wonders have been compiled to catalogue some of the world’s most alluring man-made constructions and natural attractions. For the very first time, a SMS poll was carried out by Times Of India, a leading national daily from 21st day of July to 31st day of July, 2007 urging voters to Vote for India’s greatest seven wonders. They had to choose from among twenty identified sites, both ancient and mediaeval for the purpose. Out of these identified sites, four are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Now these seven wonders of India have been chosen by TOI Readers. These sites vary greatly, one is a mighty monolith, other is a place of worship, a University and a Mausoleum.

Most of these seven wonders are located either in countryside or in small towns, with exceptions of the Golden Temple and the Taj Mahal. Out of 20 identified sites, 4 are located in metro cities like Qutub Minar and Lotus Temple in Delhi, Kolkata’s Howrah Bridge and Mumbai’s Victoria Terminus.

List of Seven Wonders of World

Gomateshwara: An Arihant, Gomateshwara is also referred to as Bahubali. As per Jainism, he was Rishabha, the first Tirthankar’s second son out of hundred. Rishabha was Podanpur’s king. A lot of information about first tirthankaras ten lives is available in Adipurna. This is a text in Kannada written by Adikavi Pampa, a Jaini poet in the 10th century. This text is written in Champu style which reflects an eclectic mix of verse and prose and the same is spread over in sixteen cantos. Besides Rishabha, who was the first Tirthankara, information is available about his two sons, Bahubali and Bharata. Attaining liberation, he was the first human being in this half time cycle as per Digambaras...See More Details

Harmandir Sahib: Also known as Darbar Sahib, Harmadir Sahib is today popular as the Golden Temple. It is a very famous Sikh Gurudwara and it is situated in Amritsar in the state of Punjab. It was built in the 16th century by Guru Arjan Dev, the 5th Sikh guru. Adi Granth was completed by Guru Arjan Dev in the year 1604. This Adi Granth is Sikhism’s Holy Scriptures. This granth has been installed in the Gurodwara. Getting into Harmandir Sahib is not difficult; it has four doors that pave the way for the devotees to enter this place of worship. These doors are also symbols of Sikh follower’s openness for all people and religions. In 1764, the current Gurudwara came into existence when it was rebuilt by Jassa Singh Ahluwalia. Panjab region was secured by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in pre nineteenth century against foreign attacks. The Gurudwara’s upper floors were covered with gold imparting it a unique appearance and today it is referred to as the Golden Temple...See More Details

Taj Mahal: Famous mausoleum located in Agra, the Taj Mahal is another seven wonders in India. This famous wonder was built by Shah Jahan, erstwhile Mughal Emperor in the loving memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Today Taj Mahal is a symbol of Mughal architecture’s finest jewel in the country and one of the world’s finest example of a unique architectural style of Mughals that reflects an eclectic mix of Persian, Islamic, Indian and Ottoman Turkish architectural styles. The Taj Mahal in the year 1983 became a World UNESCO Heritage Site...See More Details

Hampi: In the north of Karnataka, a state in the south of India, a village known as Hampi is located. It is positioned close to Vijayanagara ruins, which was Vijayanagara Empire’s former capital. Today, this destination is famous for being a prominent religious center. The premises also house the Virupaksha Temples and many other monuments that belong to erstwhile times. This ruin is listed as Monuments Group at Hampi and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site...See More Details

Konark Sun Temple: A popular thirteeth century temple of Sun, the Konark Sun Temple is also referred to as the Black Pagoda is situated in Orissa at Konark. This temples was built using ferruginous sandstone and oxidized that is weathered with time by King Narasimhadeva I belonging to Eastern Ganga Dynasty. This temple is a fine example of Ganga Dynasty’s Orissan architectural style. One of the most prominent temples in India, this temple is also a World Heritage site. As per NDTV’s poll, it is one of India’s Seven wonders. As per legends, this temple was built by Samba who was Lord Krishna’s son. As the story goes, Samba suffered from leprosy because of his father’s curse on him. Samba was cured by Surya after completing 12 years of penance. In honor of Surya, the Sun God, this magnificent Konark Temple was constructed...See More Details

Nalanda: A prominent centre of learning, Nalanda is located in the state of Bihar, about 88 kms away from Patna. During the Sakraditya’s reign, this center of learning flourished. This center of learning was also patronized by Gupta rulers and Harsha, Buddhist emperors besides many Pala Empire emperors. This place has gained a lot of popularity...See More Details

Khajuraho Group of Monuments: It is located about 620 kms from New Delhi. It is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the country. These caves are famous for their unique sculptures and paintings. Tourists not only from India but many other foreign countries come here to see this magnificent destination...See More Details