India is a land of unlimited wonders; here we would talk about “The Seven Wonders of India,” which are worth a visit. Among these wonders, four are considered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These wonders include the majestic architectural structures that attract tourists from all over the world. The list of wonders includes a monolith, places of worship, a university and a marvelous mausoleum.

It was through an SMS polling system that The Times of India has selected the spectacular constructions that enrich the beauty of incredible India. According to the poll,

The Seven Wonders of India are:

Gomateshwara, Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple), Taj Mahal, Hampi, Konark Sun Temple, Nalanda and Khajuraho.

All of these seven wonders are located in small towns except the Harmandir Sahib and the Taj Mahal. Some of these are not known to the people worldwide. We’ll introduce these wonders to you below:

01) Gomateshwara (Karnataka)

It is a statue of Gomateshwara or Bahubali (a Jain Arihant), of 60 feet / 18 m located at Shravanabelagola, in Karnataka. This monolithic statue of Gomateshwara was built by the minister of Ganga dynasty and commander Chamundaraya in AD 981.

It is located at a distance of 140 km from Bangalore. Thousands of tourists, devotees or pilgrims from across the world and India visit the place during the event of Maha-Mastak-Abhisheka (Anointing Ceremony).

This festival is observed by the Jain devotees once in every 12 to 14 years. During the festival, the head of the statue is washed by gallons of Water, Milk, Honey, Sandal, including eight different types of sandal paste. The Jain devotees do this to acquire powerful spiritual energy.

Best time to Visit:October to March

Nearest Airport:Mangalore Airport (29 km)

Nearest Railway:Tiptur Railway Station Junction (45 km)

02) Harmandir Sahib (Punjab)

(Popularly known as Darbar Sahib / Golden Temple) - It is a Sikh Gurdwara located in Amritsar, Punjab. The Harmandir Sahib Temple was built in between 1585–1604 by the Guru Arjan, the 5th Nanak. He came up with the idea to create a central place of worship for Sikh community. The design of Sri Harmandir Sahib was done by Guru Arjan himself. This majestic abode of God has 4 doors for entrance.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the nineteenth century protected Punjab from exterior attack and coated the upper floors of this Gurdwara with pure gold. Since then it is known for its unique appearance and achieved its English name (Golden Temple).

Best time to Visit:Throughout the year

Nearest Airport: Raja Sansi International Airport, Amritsar (11 km)

Nearest Railway:Amritsar Jn Train Station (2 km)

03) Taj Mahal (Uttar Pradesh)

(It is a white marble mausoleum of Mumtaz Mahal built by Shah Jahan in 1632. It is located at Agra, in Uttar Pradesh. It was built in 22 years by 20,000 workers and artisans along with 1,000 elephants.

It was constructed under the supervision of Ustad Ahmad Lahauri. This wonderful construction is a blend of traditional Persian and Mughal architecture. Shah Jahan in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz built this monument as promised.

Taj Mahal changes its color with the variation of lights. It looks stunning under moon light and the view of the Taj at that moment is so pleasant that one would like to visit the place again. It is one of the most visited tourist sites in India.

Best time to Visit:October to March

Nearest Airport:Domestic- Kheria Airport (5 km), Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi (216 km)

Nearest Railway:Agra Cantt. (5 km)

04) Hampi (Karnataka)

(Also known as Pampa-kshetra / Kishkinda-kshetra / Bhaskara-kshetra) - It is a village located in the midst of ruins of Vijayanagara, Karnataka. The ruins are collectively known as the Group of Monuments, which came into being in between 1342-1565. It was once a rich kingdom of Vijayanagar.

These remarkable ruins of Hampi represent the amazing architecture and culture of the region. Hence, it has been undertaken by UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hampi also has many remarkable Hindu temples. The backdrop of beautiful hills makes the place unique and worth visiting. It serves like an open museum for the visitors to throng in more than 100 plus places. Though the place is counted in ruins it still holds charm in it with its beautiful architectural ruins.

Best time to Visit:October to March

Nearest Airport: Domestic Airport- Bellary (60 km), International Airport- Bengaluru (350 km)

Nearest Railway:Hospet (13 km)

05) Konark Sun Temple

(also known as Black Pagoda) – It is a temple of the Sun God- Surya in Kalinga architectural style, located at Konark, in Odisha. It was built by the king Narasimhadeva I in Mid-13th century AD.

Konark temple has been built in the shape of a huge chariot, adorned with 12 pairs of carved wheels made of stone, walls and pillars pulled by seven horses. It is considered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site but unfortunately, a major portion of this temple is now ruins.

The temple was built near the river Chandrabhaga. The temple remains open for visitors from sunrise to sunset.

Best time to Visit:November to February

Nearest Airport:Bhubaneswar Airport (64 km)

Nearest Railway:Puri Railway Station (31 km)

06) Nalanda

It is an ancient religious centre of higher learning located near Patna, Bihar. It was built in the 5th century AD. It is located at a distance of 95 km from Patna. It was once a prosperous village and had a major trade route. The route ran through the city of Rajagriha/Rajgir, which used to be the capital of Magadha.

It covers an area of 14 hectares. Scholars and students from countries like China, Tibet, Persia and Greece were attracted to this university. This complex was destroyed in the 12th Century AD by a Turkish Muslim army.

It is believed that Mahavira, the Jain thirthankara, was at Nalanda for 14 rainy seasons. It is also said that Gautama Buddha delivered lectures in a mango grove named Pavarika, located nearby.

Best time to Visit: October to March

Nearest Airport:Lok Nayak Jayaprakash International Airport, Patna

Nearest Railway:Rajgir (12 km), Gaya Railway Station (95 km) and Nalanda Railway Station according to convenience

07) Khajuraho

(Kharjuravāhaka) - It is a complex of Hindu and Jain temples of medieval period, located at Chhatarpur District in Madhya Pradesh. It is about 175 km to the southeast of Jhansi. This group of monuments was built in 9th century AD.

Khajuraho is one of the major tourist destinations in India. The place is popular and has unique erotic sculptures. It is known for its nagara-style architecture.

Most of its temples were built by the Chandela dynasty in between 950 and 1050 CE. According to records, there were 85 temples in the Khajuraho temple site by 12th century, out of which only 20 temples have survived.

The Khajuraho group of temples was dedicated to Hinduism and Jainism, honoring diverse religious views.

Best time to Visit:October to March

Nearest Airport:Lucknow International Airport (338 km), Domestic- Chaudhary Charan Singh

Nearest Railway:Khajuraho Railway Station (5 km)