India is full of amazing variety; its land, people, languages, traditions, and beliefs all make it a truly special place. The country is known for its fascinating history, inspiring stories, and legendary heroes. Many of these stories live on through India’s ancient monuments, which are not only beautiful but also help us learn about the past.
In 2007, The Times of India asked people to vote via SMS to choose the Seven Wonders of India from a list of 20 famous sites. Based on the public’s votes, the top seven were picked. These wonders highlight the rich history and culture of India.
Here are the Seven Wonders of India:
- Gomateshwara (Karnataka) – A giant statue of Bahubali, one of the tallest free-standing statues in the world, and a sacred site for the Jain community.
- Hampi (Karnataka) – The ruins of a once-great city filled with temples, palaces, and ancient stone buildings from the Vijayanagara Empire.
- Golden Temple – Harmandir Sahib (Punjab) – A beautiful and peaceful place of worship for Sikhs, covered in gold and surrounded by water.
- Khajuraho (Madhya Pradesh) – Famous for its temples with detailed stone carvings that tell stories about life, love, and spirituality.
- Konark Sun Temple (Odisha) – A unique temple shaped like a giant chariot, built to honor the Sun God, and known for its incredible architecture.
- Nalanda (Bihar) – An ancient university that was a global center of learning and attracted students from around the world.
- Taj Mahal (Uttar Pradesh) – A world-famous white marble monument built as a symbol of love, and one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
These places are not just tourist spots—they are living pieces of history that show the greatness of India’s past. Want to know more about any of them? Just ask!
1. Gomateshwara, Karnataka
The huge statue of Gomateshwara, also called Baahubali, is one of the Seven Wonders of India. It stands tall in Shravanabelagola, Karnataka, and is a symbol of peace, dedication, and spirituality. This giant statue honors Lord Baahubali, an important figure in Jainism.
Voters chose this incredible monument as one of India’s wonders because it is one of the largest free-standing statues in the world. People often say it feels calm and peaceful just being near it.
A Unique Festival
One thing that makes Gomateshwara truly special is the Mahamastakabhisheka festival. This big celebration happens once every 12 years. During the festival, the statue is carefully cleaned and bathed with milk, ghee, soap, and more to make it shine and keep it in good condition.
The last time this happened was in 2006, with future celebrations scheduled for 2018, 2024, and beyond.
How to Get There
- By Air: The nearest airport is Mysore Airport, about 94.5 km away.
- By Train: Shravanabelagola has a train station and is well connected to Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Pune, and Coimbatore.
- By Road: From Bangalore, it’s about 144 km by car, via National Highway 75.
Gomateshwara is not just a monument—it’s a powerful symbol of inner peace and devotion, loved by people from all over the world.
2. Hampi, Karnataka
Hampi, in the state of Karnataka, is one of the most famous historical places in India. It sits along the Tungabhadra River and is full of ancient beauty. Because of its rich past and stunning architecture, Hampi is listed as one of the Seven Wonders of India.
Long ago, Hampi was the capital of the powerful Vijayanagar Kingdom. Today, its temples, palaces, and ruins tell stories of that great empire. It is so important that UNESCO named it a World Heritage Site, recognizing its amazing ancient temples and monuments.
Must-See Attractions in Hampi:
- Vijaya Vittala Temple
- Virupaksha Temple
- Royal Enclosure
- Queen’s Bath
- Riverside Ruins
- Monkey Temple
- Archaeological Museum
How to Get There
- By Air: The closest airport is Hubli Airport, about 167 km away.
- By Train: The nearest station is Hospet, which is just 13 km from Hampi.
- By Road: From Bangalore, Hampi is about 343 km away via National Highways 48 and 50.
Hampi is a magical place where history lives on in every stone. If you love art, culture, and ancient stories, this is a must-visit!
3. Harmandir Sahib Golden Temple, Punjab
The Harmandir Sahib, also called the Golden Temple or Durbar Sahib, is one of the most important places of worship in Sikhism. It’s one of the most visited religious sites in India, known for its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful design.
The temple is decorated with sacred writings from the Guru Granth Sahib (the Sikh holy book), both inside and outside. Its shiny gold-plated dome, white marble walls, and detailed floral designs inspired by Islamic architecture make it a breathtaking sight.
Because of its calm, clean surroundings and spiritual feel, the Golden Temple is considered one of India’s top wonders.
Must-See Places at the Golden Temple:
- Guru ka Langar (a free community kitchen that serves meals to thousands daily)
- Hari Mandir (the main prayer hall)
- Amrit Sarovar (the holy water tank around the temple)
- Central Sikh Museum (displays Sikh history and heritage)
How to Get There:
- By Air: The closest airport is Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport (ATQ), just 11 km from the city center. It has daily flights from Indian cities and abroad.
- By Train: Amritsar Railway Station is well connected to cities all over India.
- By Road: Buses run regularly from Punjab, Delhi, Shimla, Jammu, and other cities.
Whether you’re visiting for prayer, peace, or history, the Golden Temple welcomes everyone with open arms.
4. Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh
Khajuraho, one of the Seven Wonders of India, is famous for its stunning group of Hindu and Jain temples. These temples are covered with detailed carvings and statues that show stories of love, life, and devotion. The artwork here is so beautiful and unique that people from all over the world come to admire it.
The sculptures are especially known for their expressions of deep romance and eternal love, making Khajuraho a symbol of artistic brilliance.
Main Attractions in Khajuraho:
- Kandariya Mahadev Temple
- Devi Jagadambi Temple
- Chausath Yogini Temple
- Chitragupta Temple
- Vishwanath Temple
- Nandi Temple
- Varaha Temple
One of the highlights for visitors is the Sound and Light Show, which tells the story of the Chandela dynasty, the rulers who built these temples.
How to Get There:
Khajuraho is easy to reach because it has both an airport and a train station, connecting it to many major cities in India.
Whether you love history, art, or just want to see something extraordinary, Khajuraho is a must-visit!
5. Konark Sun Temple, Odisha
The Sun Temple, located in Konark on the coast of Odisha, is one of India’s Seven Wonders. Built in the 13th century by King Narasimhadeva I of the Ganga Dynasty, this amazing temple is famous for its beautiful carvings and grand design. It was created in the traditional Kalinga architectural style.
What Makes It Special:
The temple is shaped like a giant chariot, with 12 stone wheels that act as a sundial to tell the time. It is pulled by 7 stone horses. Also, there are three statues of the Sun God, each facing a different direction to catch the sunlight at sunrise, noon, and sunset. These features make the temple both an artistic and scientific wonder.
How to Get There:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Bhubaneswar Airport, about 64 kilometers away.
- By Train: The closest train station is in Puri, just 31 kilometers from Konark.
- By Road: You can take a bus from Puri, Bhubaneswar, and nearby towns, operated by the Odisha State Public Transport.
The Sun Temple is not just a place of worship—it’s a brilliant blend of history, science, and art, making it a must-see in India!
6. Nalanda-Bihar
Nalanda, near Patna in Bihar, is one of the oldest universities in the world. It was once a famous center for learning, attracting students from places like China, Tibet, Persia, and Greece. People came here to study and improve their knowledge. Today, the ruins of Nalanda continue to amaze visitors, which is why it has been chosen as one of the Seven Wonders of India.
Must-See Attractions:
- Pavarika Mango Grove
- Surya Mandir (Sun Temple)
- Hiuen Tsang Memorial Hall
- Nalanda Archaeological Museum
- The Great Stupa
These sites offer a glimpse into the rich history and culture of ancient India.
How to Get There:
- By Air: The nearest airport is the Lok Nayak Jayaprakash International Airport in Patna, about 97 km away.
- By Train: The closest railway station is at Rajgir, just 12 km from Nalanda.
- By Road: Nalanda is well connected by road to Patna, Bodhgaya, Rajgir, Pawapuri, and Bihar Sharif, making it easy to reach by bus or car.
Nalanda is a perfect destination for anyone interested in history, education, and ancient architecture.
7. Taj Mahal, Uttar Pradesh
The Taj Mahal is a beautiful white marble building in Agra, built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. It stands as a symbol of eternal love and is one of the Seven Wonders of India as well as one of the Seven Medieval Wonders of the World.
This stunning monument is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its amazing Islamic-style architecture, large gateways, and perfect symmetry. Its beauty attracts millions of visitors every year.
What Makes It Special:
- Beautiful white marble structure
- Stunning Islamic designs
- Massive entrance gates and peaceful gardens
How to Get There:
- By Air:
The nearest international airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, about 220 km away.
You can also use Kheria Airport in Agra, just 12.5 km from the city center, with flights from Delhi, Varanasi, and Khajuraho. - By Train:
Agra is well connected by train. Major stations include:- Agra Cantonment
- Raja-ki-Mandi
- Agra Fort
- Agra City
- Idgah Agra Junction
Trains come from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata.
- By Road:
Agra has good road connections with nearby cities and is easy to reach by bus, taxi, or car.
Visiting the Taj Mahal is like stepping into a story of love, art, and history.