THE SEVEN WONDERS OF INDIA AND WHY THEY’RE SO RENOWNED

 India is a land of much wonder. In every state, there is something worth seeing. And not just worth seeing, worth travelling thousands of miles to see. But which ones must you see first?

Well, here are seven we think are good candidates. The wonders include a monolith, places of worship, even a university and a marvelous mausoleum. Let’s have a look.

The Seven Wonders Of The World

1. Taj Mahal in Agra

Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal,  an ivory-white 17 hectare mausoleum, was built in 1653 by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan after the demise of his beloved wife, Mumtaz. It is located at Agra, Uttar Pradesh, having been built over 22 years with the help of 20,000 workers, artisans and even 1,000 elephants.The architecture of the mahal is inspired by Persian and Mughal architecture. It is not only one of the wonders of India but also one of the wonders of the world, and remains very popular with tourists both local and foreign.

https://goo.gl/maps/hbK1kwR5BuGVUD2TA

2. The Golden Temple in Amritsar

The Golden Temple

The Sri Harmandir Sahib, popularly known as ‘The Golden Temple’, is a central place of worship for Sikh community, built around a water pool in the years 1585 to 1604. It is located in Amritsar and considered one of the holiest Gurudwaras. It was designed by Guru Arjan, the fifth Sikh Guru.It has a collection of buildings around the sacred place that have offices, museums and a small Sikh group that runs a kitchen. Adi Granth, the holy book of Sikhs, is installed inside the temple and also houses the Akal Takht, which is believed to be the physical attribute of God.

https://goo.gl/maps/GLWTiMptdZkKcwULA

3. Hampi Temple in Hampi

Hampi Temples

Hampi is a temple town located amidst the ruins of Vijayanagara, Karnataka. It is a collection of all the ancient Hindu temples, representing the rich cultural heritage of the region.It was a part of the ancient Indian kingdom of Vijayanagara, whose rulers were known for their love of art and culture. Some notable temples are Virupaksha Temple, the Queen’s Bath and the Vittala Temple Complex.

https://goo.gl/maps/rjwSMoAwM6mmUnbd9

4. The Khajuraho Group of Monuments in Madhya Pradesh

Khajuraho temples

Located in Chhatarpur district in Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho Group of Monuments is a vast complex of Jain and Hindu Temples. These monuments were built in 9th century by the rulers of Chandela Dynasty.This place is famous for the Nagara architecture and erotic sculptures. The site had around 85 temples by the 12th century, of which only 20 remain. The group of temples honours both Hindu and Jain traditions.

https://goo.gl/maps/BZCheoW2j2muEUxm8

5. The Monolithic Gomateshwara Statue in Shravanabelagola

Gomateshwara Statue, Karnataka.

The Gomateshwara is a giant statue, around 60 feet high, located at Shravanabelagola, Karnataka. It was built by the minister of Ganga Dynasty during AD 981. This statue was built in respect of the first Jain Tirthankara grandson, Bahubali (Gomateshwara), when he attained salvation for a year by standing motionless.The best time to visit this place is during the event of Maha-Masak-Abhishek, every 12 to 14 years. During this event, the statue is washed with gallons of water, honey, milk and different types of sandalwood pastes.

https://goo.gl/maps/wwXH7vYcvDKHhUTw6

6. Nalanda University in Bihar

Nalanda University in Bihar

Located 95 kilometres from Patna, the capital city of Bihar, Nalanda University was a world-renowned center of learning during the reign of the Gupta Empire and later during the rule of the emperor of Kannauj, Harshavardhana.It is inspired by the highly organised methods of vedic learning, and was attended by many scholars from different regions, including China, Korea, Central Asia and Tibet.Later It was destroyed by the Muslim army in the 12th century AD.

https://goo.gl/maps/bkwW9EemF6dY8duh7

7. Konark Sun Temple of Odisha

Konark Sun Temple

Konark Sun Temple, also known as Black Pagoda, was built in 1255 CE by the East Ganga Dynasty ruler, King Narasimhadeva I, on the banks of the River Chandrabhaga.

This temple is dedicated to the Sun God and is located in Konark, Orissa. It is famously known for its architecture in the Kalinga style and especially the sun-chariot-style temple with 12 pairs of carved wheels, pillars and walls pulled by seven horses.With this information, we’re sure you can put together your next list. If you have the time, you could even aim to visit more than one monument at a time, as several of them are located near each other. Need any tips on how this can be arranged? Do let us know in the comments. We’d be delighted to help you out.

https://goo.gl/maps/eH6dfq9s9DCFvz6o6

3 alternatives must-visit hill-stations instead of Shimla

Shimla, truly the Queen of the Hills, is a beautiful town perched atop 7 hills and with vast vistas. There’s a lot to take in when in Shimla. One of the most popular hill stations of India – Shimla’s charm captures the heart of many. Also, the fact that it is a comfortable drive away from the Indian capital also adds to its popularity.

However, over the years, Shimla has become very touristy. And, I can understand if you want to explore the nearby regions in similar distances and with similar landscapes. Though, with far lesser tourist visitations – the places I will mention today will take you back to the old time charm of Shimla, without compromising on the time to reach there.

3 Other places to visit instead of Shimla

With Shimla becoming especially congested with traffic woes – there are a bunch of other places nearby for you to explore and fall in love with. Though, this post is in no way discouraging you to enjoy the beauty of Shimla. It is merely a guidepost for those who have covered the Queen of the Hills!

1. Kasauli

As a resident of Chandigarh with a lot of family in Shimla, I never thought much of Kasauli. So, it was a shock to me when a coworker informed me she had honeymooned in Kasauli! Classic case of taking a place for granted, I guess. Don’t get me wrong – Kasauli is a beautiful, picturesque town and cantonment, just about an hour from Chandigarh. Primarily known for its scenic beauty, there is a lot to do in this sleepy little town. Kasauli lies halfway from Chandigarh to Shimla.You’ll be surprised to know that the easiest way to get to Kasauli is by train. Get yourself a seat on the Kalka Mail, which is one of the most important trains in the country connecting cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Amritsar. From Kalka – you’ll be only 40 KMs from Kasauli.

2. Chail

Former summer capital of the princely state of Patiala, Chail is a stunning hill station. Chail lies approximately 63 km from Shimla. Not known to many outsiders – Chail lies in the Shivalik region, and is spread across the three hillocks – Sadh Tiba, Pandewa and Rajgarh. Overlooking the river Satluj, Chail has some beautiful weather all year round. Truly representative of the idyllic village life in the hills, Chail is beautiful for its British Raj era architecture. In fact, you will find the world’s highest cricket stadium here. Some of the most beautiful accommodations are available here, making your trip one to remember.

Chail along with Shimla and Kufri, is also known as the Golden Triangle of Himachal Pradesh. A stunning hill station, free of Shimla’s massive crowds – Chail is a perfect alternative for those looking to relish the charm of this village in relative peace.

3. Kufri (& nearby places)

Only a small drive from Shimla, the tiny and scenic town of Kufri is quite famous in itself and doesn’t need no introduction. Surrounded by a ring of the Himalayan ranges, Kufri gives Shimla a stiff competition in terms of tourism. Particularly – honeymooners flock to the region in spades.

The supercilious gorges of the small town are almost always pleasingly green especially during warmer months. And, as soon as the winter beckons – the valley turns ethereally white – truly a winter wonderland. Adding to the charm of the valley are the variety of local flora and fauna, such as thick forests of pines and deodars. Kufri is similar to Shimla in the sense that it is fairly developed. And, it also houses a few sports and adventure opportunities for travelers.

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5 Interesting Facts On India That You Had No Idea About

"India is, the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend, and the great grandmother of tradition. Our most valuable and most instructive materials in the history of man are treasured up in India only."

These are not our words. These are the words of the great Mark Twain. And here are 25 Indians facts to support his statement:

1. A floating post office

India has the largest postal network in the world with over 1, 55,015 post offices. A single post office on an average serves a population of 7,175 people. The floating post office in Dal Lake, Srinagar, was inaugurated in August 2011.

    

2. Kumbh Mela gathering visible from space

The 2011 Kumbh Mela was the largest gathering of people with over 75 million pilgrims. The gathering was so huge that the crowd was visible from space.

3. The wettest inhabited place in the world

Mawsynram, a village on the Khasi Hills, Meghalaya, receives the highest recorded average rainfall in the world. Cherrapunji, also a part of Meghalaya, holds the record for the most rainfall in the calendar year of 1861.

4. Bandra Worli Sealink has steel wires equal to the earth's circumference

It took a total of 2,57,00,000 man hours for completion and also weighs as much as 50,000 African elephants. A true engineering and architectural marvel.

5. The highest cricket ground in the world

At an altitude of 2,444 meters, the Chail Cricket Ground in Chail, Himachal Pradesh, is the highest in the world. It was built in 1893 and is a part of the Chail Military School.

Jolly Music House (Varanasi)

 

Not every traveler loves the intensity and roughness of Varanasi, but regardless, it’s difficult not to find this 3,800-year-old city fascinating. Religious ceremonies, endless temples, open cremations, narrow lanes winding through ancient markets, crumbling palaces, people praying and bathing in the holy Ganges River, animals roaming the streets — it’s all in this one destination.

Apart from the usual sights and experiences, however, there is one tiny room located down a lane in the Bengali Tola area of the Old City that I always get excited to enter. This is the Jolly Music House, run by the always-friendly Jolly, a middle-aged man and talented musician who offers courses and lessons on all types of traditional Indian instruments. But if you ask him, he’ll also organize a concert in the evening. The experience will leave you mesmerized and wanting to return every night you’re in this city. Tell him Earl sent you! 

Animal Aid Unlimited (Udaipur)

With plenty to do, Udaipur is a popular place for visitors, but one activity that is not as well known is spending a day or two volunteering at Animal Aid Unlimited. This organization acts as a “rescue center, hospital, and sanctuary for injured and ill street animals,” something that you don’t find too often in India despite the ubiquitous animals.

If you visit, you’ll find cows, donkeys, dogs, pigs, goats, and other animals receiving wonderful care from a dedicated team of volunteers, veterinarians, and paid staff from the local community. I’ve visited Animal Aid four times now, and I always head to the enclosure for dogs that have been partially paralyzed. I could sit in that enclosure for hours, hanging out with these energetic dogs that seem truly excited to be in this special place.

Animal Aid is a great spot to visit, either for a tour by one of the staff (which they are happy to do) or even to volunteer. Short-term and long-term volunteers are always welcome with open arms.

Located near Badi Village (8km from Udaipur). Expect to pay around 350 INR for a rickshaw there (return). Just make sure to arrange your ride back before coming as there are no rickshaws available at the sanctuary so you need to arrange transportation before visiting. animalaidunlimited.org. 

Kinnaur, Lahaul, and Spiti (Himachal Pradesh)

 

I call it the “loop,” and if you want a true Himalayan adventure, this route that goes through the Kinnaur, Lahaul, and Spiti Valleys (starting in Shimla and ending in Manali) is one of the most spectacular options. You’ll visit the villages of Kalpa, Nako, Tabo, Dhankar, Kaza, Ki, and Kibber along the way, as well as one of the oldest Tibetan temples.

With the breathtaking snow-covered mountains surrounding you at all times, you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported to a hidden world of such extreme beauty that nothing could possibly top the experience. Give yourself 10-14 days to complete the loop — it just might be the most memorable period of your travels.

Gali Paranthe Wali (Delhi)

A famous food lane in the heart of Old Delhi in the middle of the Chandni Chowk market. On this lane are a handful of well-known eateries, all serving up the same dish: unique Delhi-style stuffed parathas, a type of flatbread made from wheat dough and lightly fried in oil on both sides.

While the usual filling is potatoes, on this street you can get them stuffed with anything, from cheese to squash to raisins to mint to mixed vegetables to cashews and more. Some of the places have been around for over 100 years, and it doesn’t take long to see why these hole-in-the-wall eateries are almost always full of Indians enjoying this tasty meal.

Take the metro to Chandni Chowk. Once there, head east on Chandni Chowk until you hit the alley. Follow the alley and you’ll come to the paratha restaurants.