Seven Wonders Of India You Must See: A Journey Through Time

Everyone must have heard about the seven wonders of the world, but have you ever heard about the seven wonders of India?

As we all know, India is a land known for its history, diversity, spirituality, and cultural richness. Other than this, it is also known for its inspiring landmarks that have captured the eyes of the world. Here, we will explore the seven wonders of India that reflect India’s vibrant heritage and incredible treasures.

The seven wonders of India include the Golden Temple (Punjab), the Monolithic Gommateshwara Statue (Karnataka), the Nalanda University (Bihar), the Taj Mahal (Uttar Pradesh), the Konark Sun Temple (Orissa), the Khajuraho Group of Monuments (Madhya Pradesh), and the Hampi Temple Complex (Karnataka).

Most of you already know about the Taj Mahal, as it is one of the seven wonders of the world in India. But not about the other place. In this article, I’ll give you detailed information about all the seven wonders of India.

1. Hampi Temple Complex in Karnataka

The Hampi Temple Complex is a group of monuments located in Hampi town, Vijaynagar district of Karnataka. This temple complex spans around 4100 hectares. It homages many prominent Hindu temples. It also offers visitors a glimpse into the grandeur of the Vijayanagara Empire, one of the greatest Hindu empires in Indian history.

This temple complex is not just a collection of temples but a testament to the rich cultural and architectural heritage of India. Along with being one of the seven wonders of India, this place is also one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

What’s special: Stone Chariot, Virupaksha Temple, Bazaar Street, Vijaya Utsav, and Hemakuta Hills.

How to reach:

• By road: Hampi is well-connected to various cities in Karnataka by road. You can reach Hampi by bus, car, or taxi from nearby cities like Bangalore, Hubli, Hospet, and Goa.
• By rail: The nearest Hospet Railway Station is located at a distance of around 13 km. There are several direct trains and connecting trains that connect Hospet to major railway stations like Hubli and Guntakal Junction.
• By air: Hubli Airport, located at a distance of around 160 km, is the nearest airport to Hampi. But it is recommended to fly to Bangalore and then board the Hampi Express to reach Hampi.

Best time to travel: July to September and November to February.

Opening time: Sunrise to Sunset (some places may have different timings).

Entry fees: No fees are required. (Some sites like Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple, and Museum may require tickets.)

2. Khajuraho Group of Monuments in Madhya Pradesh

Khajuraho Group of Monuments is a group of several Hindu and Jain temples in the Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the seven wonders of India. This renowned temple was built from 950 to 1050 CE by the Chandela Dynasty. It took around 100 years to get completed.

According to historical records, the temple site had around 85 temples by the 12th century, of which only 25 are still there. This temple complex is known for its stunning and intricately carved temples. This temple complex is also considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What’s special: Sculptures, Erotic Artistry, Khajuraho Museum, and Light and Sound Show.

How to reach:

• By road: Khajuraho is well connected to various cities in India. You can opt for bus, taxi, or self-drive options from nearby cities to reach Khajuraho.
• By rail: Khajuraho has its own railway station, which is around 10 to 15 minutes away from the temple complex. You can take taxis from there to reach your destination.
• By air: At a distance of around 5 km from the city center, Khajuraho Airport is located. It serves domestic flights from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Varanasi, and Agra. You can take a taxi from the airport to reach the temple complex in about 15 to 20 minutes.

Best time to travel: November to February

Opening time: 8:00 A.M. To 6:00 P.M.

Entry fees: 40 Rs (Indian), 600 Rs (Foreigner)

3. Golden Temple in Punjab

The Golden Temple, also known as Harmandir Sahib or Darbar Sahib, is the holiest shrine in Sikhism located in Amritsar, Punjab. It was constructed by the fifth Sikh guru, Guru Arjan, in 1581. In 1604, Guru Arjan placed the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism, on the premises.

After the invasion of the Mughals and Afghans, Maharaja Rajit Singh renovated the temple complex in 1809. He then adorned the sanctum with gold leaf in 1830. This has led to its name, the Golden Temple. It is one of the extremely popular religious sites among the seven wonders of India.

What’s special: Langar Hall, Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Amrit Sarovar, and Golden Dome.

How to reach:

• By road: Amritsar is well-connected to major cities in North India by road. You can reach Amritsar by bus, car, or taxi.
• By rail: Located at a distance of 3 to 4 km, Amritsar Railway Station is a well-connected major railway station in Punjab. From there, you can take a taxi or rikshaw to reach the temple.
• By air: The nearest airport, Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, is located around 13 km from the city. You can take a taxi or bus to reach the temple in around 20-30 minutes.

Best time to travel: November to February.

Opening time: Open 24 hours a day.

Entry fees: No fees are required.

4. Konark Sun Temple in Odisha

The Konark Sun Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located at Konark Town in the Puri District of Odisha. “Konark” means the sun and the four corners. This temple is dedicated to the Hindu sun god, Surya. It is believed that the first rays of the sun fell on this temple. It was built in the 13^th century CE during the reign of King Narsimhadev I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty. Konark Sun Temple attracts the eyes of the whole world with its timeless beauty and spiritual aura. It is one of the most artistic and captivating seven wonders of India.

What’s special: Stone Chariot Wheel, Garbhagriha, Stone carvings, and Erotic sculptors.

How to reach:

• By road: Konark is well-connected to nearby cities and towns by road. You can reach Konark by state-run buses, private buses, or taxis from various cities.
• By rail: The nearest railway station from Konark is Puri Railway Station, at a distance of 30 km. From there, you can board a bus or take a taxi to reach your destination.
• By air: Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar is the nearest airport at a distance of around 65 km. It connects various major flights to Bhubaneswar.

Best time to travel: October to November

Opening time: 6:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M.

Entry fees: 40 Rs (Indian), 600 Rs (Foreigner)

5. Taj Mahal in Uttar Pradesh

The Taj Mahal, also known as the symbol of love, is a mausoleum located at the banks of Yamuna in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. It is made up of ivory-white marble. It is not only one of the seven wonders of India but also one of the seven wonders of the world in India.

Taj Mahal was built by the fifth Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631 while giving birth to their 14th child. That’s why it is considered a symbol of love. It is reportedly said that 20,000 artisans were employed from all over India to build the Taj Mahal.

What’s special: Main Mausoleum, Reflecting Pool, Charbagh, and Calligraphy of the Holy Quran.

How to reach:

• By road: Agra is well-connected to major cities through roads and highways, which makes it quite easy to travel to Agra. UPSRTC provides buses for Agra from all over Uttar Pradesh.
• By rail: Agra Cantt. Railway Station is the nearest railway station, located at a distance of around 6 km from the Taj Mahal. You can take a taxi or bus from here to reach the Taj Mahal.
• By air: The nearest airport to the Taj Mahal is Agra Airport. Although it is a military base, it also serves as public transport for some domestic flights. Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, located at a distance of 220 km, is the nearest international airport.

Best time to travel: March to May and November to February.

Opening time: 45 minutes before sunrise.

Entry fees: 40 Rs (Indian), 1050 Rs (Foreigner)

6. Nalanda University in Bihar

Nalanda Mahavihara, at present known as Nalanda University, was the greatest Buddhist monastery in the Kingdom of Magadha. It is located in Bihar’s Nalanda District. It was one of the most renowned centers of learning in ancient India and is considered one of the oldest universities in the world.

Nalanda University was founded during the reign of the Gupta Empire in the 5^th century CE. It played a crucial role in the development and spread of Buddhist and Hindu philosophy. The present location of Nalanda University is one of the seven wonders of India and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What’s special: Ancient remains, Nalanda Museum, Sariputra Stupa, and Xuanzang Memorial Hall

How to reach:

• By road: Nalanda is well-connected by roads to major cities and towns in Bihar and neighboring states. Buses and taxis are easily accessible from nearby towns and cities.
• By rail: Nalanda Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Nalanda University at a distance of around 3 km. It connects several major cities and locations. You can take a taxi from there to reach Nalanda University in about 5 to 10 minutes, depending on traffic.
• By air: Located at a distance of 97 km, Lok Nayak Jayaprakash International Airport in Patna is the nearest airport to Nalanda University.

Best time to travel: February to April and September to November

Opening time: 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

Entry fees: No Fees Are Required.

7. Monolithic Gommateshwara Statue in Karnataka

Gommteshwara Statue is one of the tallest monolithic statues in the world, located on Vindhyagiri Hill in Shravanabelagola, Karnataka. It has an impressive height of over 57 feet (around 17 m.) carved out of a single block of granite.

This statue depicts Lord Bahubali standing in a meditative posture, with his arms at his sides and vines and creepers growing around his legs. It is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Jains, which attracts devotees and tourists from all around the world. In the year 2007, the statue was voted the first of the Seven Wonders of India in the Times of India poll.

What’s special: Vindhyagiri Hill, Jain Matha, and Mahamastakabhisheka festival (once a year).

How to reach:

• By road: Shravanabelagola is well-connected by road to major cities and towns in Karnataka. You can opt for government or private buses and taxis as per your preference.
• By rail: Shravanabelagola Railway Station is the nearest railway station, at a distance of 15 to 20 minutes from the location. It is well-connected with major cities like Bangalore, Mangalore, Mysore, Pune, and Coimbatore.
• By air: Mysore Airport is the nearest domestic airport located at a distance of around 97 km from your destination. You can take a bus or taxi to reach Gommateshwara Statue.

Best time to travel: November to February

Opening time: 6:30 A.M. to 11:30 A.M. and 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 P.M.

Entry fees: No Fees Are Required.

These are the seven wonders of India that represent a diverse tapestry of cultural, historical, and architectural marvels. They are the places that all travel and architecture lovers should visit once in their lifetime. These wonders serve as testaments to the creativity and spiritual depth of the people who built them, spanning centuries of human endeavor and achievement.