7 wonders of India...
 

Since the ancient ages, India has been known all over the world for its numerous wonders. The Indian sub continent has been the cradle for some of the oldest civilizations of the world. Over a period of thousands of years, India has developed into one of the most fascinating countries of the world. The wonders of India include breathtaking natural beauty, its rich wildlife, the varied and dynamic population, and the numerous historic buildings that have been built by the erstwhile rulers of this vast land. Tourism in India has been ever growing due to the immense popularity of the wonders of India all over the world.

The Seven Wonders of India initiative was held nationwide with states clubbed under 16 clusters. After the commencement of this campaign, seven top wonders in each state cluster were declared. A top wonder was then chosen as a nominee from each of these states for the final seven wonders of India.

The “Seven Wonders” are: the Red Fort, Jaisalmer Fort, Nalanda University, Sun Temple of Konark, Meenakshi Temple, Dholavira site and Khajuraho, Tawang Monastery in Arunachal Pradesh and the Golden Temple in Amritsar.

The Red Fort
 

Mughal Emperor Shahjahan, started construction of the massive fort in 1638 and work was completed in 1648 (10 years). The Red Fort was originally referred to as "Qila-i-Mubarak" (the blessed fort), because it was the residence of the royal family. The layout of the Red Fort was organised to retain and integrate this site with the Salimgarh Fort. The fortress palace was an important focal point of the medieval city of Shahjahanabad. The planning and aesthetics of the Red Fort represent the zenith of Mughal creativity which prevailed during the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan. This Fort has had many developments added on after its construction by Emperor Shahjahan. The significant phases of development were under Aurangzeb and later Mughal rulers. Important physical changes were carried out in the overall settings of the site after the First War of Independence during British Rule in 1857. After Independence, the site experienced a few changes in terms of addition/alteration to the structures. During the British period the Fort was mainly used as a cantonment and even after Independence, a significant part of the Fort remained under the control of the Indian Army until the year 2003.The Red Fort is a tourist attraction from around the world.

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Jaisalmer Fort
 

Jaisalmer Fort is one of the largest forts in the world. It is situated in Jaisalmer city in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It was built in 1156 AD by the Bhati Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal, from where it derives it name. The fort stands proudly amidst the golden stretches of the great Thar Desert, on Trikuta Hill, and has been the scene of many battles. Its massive yellow sandstone walls are a tawny lion color during the day, fading to honey-gold as the sun sets, thereby camouflaging the fort in the yellow desert. For this reason, it is also known as the "Golden Fort".

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Konark Sun Temple
 

Konark Sun Temple is a 13th-century Sun Temple (also known as the Black Pagoda), at Konark, in Orissa. It was constructed from oxidizing and weathered ferruginous sandstone by King Narasimhadeva I (1236-1264 CE) of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty. The temple is one of the most well renowned temples in India and is a World Heritage Site. It is one of the Seven Wonders of India.

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Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple
 

Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple or Meenakshi Amman Temple Tamil: is an historic Hindu temple located in the holy city of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. It is dedicated to god Shiva - in the form of Sundareswarar or Beautiful Lord- and his consort, Parvati in the form of Meenakshi. The temple forms the heart and lifeline of the 2500 year old city of Madurai. The complex houses 14 magnificent Gopurams or towers including two golden Gopurams for the main deities, that are elaborately sculptured and painted. The temple is a significant symbol for the Tamil people, and has been mentioned since antiquity in Tamil literature, though the present structure is believed to have been built in 1600.

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Nalanda University
 

The Buddha is mentioned as having several times stayed at Nalanda. When he visited Nalanda he would usually reside in Pāvārika's mango grove, and while there he had discussions with Upāli-Gahapati and Dīghatapassī. he Buddha visited Nālandā during his last tour through Magadha, and it was there that Sariputta uttered his "lion's roar," affirming his faith in the Buddha, shortly before his death. The site of Nalanda is located in the Indian state of Bihar, about 55 miles south east of Patna, and was a Buddhist center of learning from 427 to 1197 CE.

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Dholavira site
 

The Rann of Katch in Gujarat is an amazing and unique part of our country. The land here is very close to see level and the sea is close by. So the land and sea seem to be constantly playing hide-and-seek with each other. In the summer months, the sea water moves onto the land. During the rainy season, the rivers bring down more water and the whole Rann gets covered by a sheet of water. The thickness of the sheet of water ranges from 30-91 cm, but in some places, it is over 2 m deep. In winter, the water recedes, and the Rann becomes dry. At this time of the year, it is covered by vast white sheets that look like snow. Only it isn't snow, it is the salt left behind by the sea water. Inspite of the coming and going of the sea water, the Rann is never cut off from the area around it. People can and do travel across it in all seasons, following tried and tested routes. There is a large island in the Rann known as Khadir. And on this island is a site called Dholavira.

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Tawang Monastery in Arunachal Pradesh
 

The Tawang Monastery was founded near the small town of the same name in the northwestern part of Arunachal Pradesh, India by Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso in 1680-1681.In accordance with the wishes of the 5th Dalai Lama. The monastery belongs to the Gelugpa school and has a religious association with Drepung Monastery in Lhasa, which continued during the period of British rule. It is very close to the Tibetan border, located in the valley of the Tawang-chu which flows down from Tibet

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Golden Temple
 

Sri Harmandir Sahib, also known as Sri Darbar Sahib or Golden Temple, (on account of its scenic beauty and golden coating for English speaking world), is named after Hari(God) the temple of God. The Sikhs all over the world, daily wish to pay visit to Sri Amritsar and to pay obeisance at Sri Harmandir Sahib in their Ardas.

Guru Arjan Sahib, the Fifth Nanak, conceived the idea of creating a central place of worship for the Sikhs and he himself designed the architecture of Sri Harmandir Sahib. Earlier the planning to excavate the holy tank (Amritsar or Amrit Sarovar ) was chalked out by Guru Amardas Sahib, the Third Nanak, but it was executed by Guru Ramdas Sahib under the supervision of Baba Budha ji. The land for the site was acquired by the earlier Guru Sahibs on payment or free of cost from the Zamindars (landlords) of native villages. The plan to establish a town settlement was also made. Therefore, the construction work on the Sarovar(the tank) and the town started simultaneously in 1570. The work on both projects completed in 1577 A.D.

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Jaisamer
 

Very nicely written Madhu...
Definitely agree with you
I am in awe with Jaisalmer's beauty. had a great time there.. The best of my vacations in India.
Our stay In Hotel Jaisalgarh was the most memorable one. Loved every bit of the place and the hospitality of the staff.