The Seven Wonders Of Jammu And Kashmir

NDTV had unveiled 7 wonders of Jammu and Kashmir in 2009 based on the user polls. Here's the list of these wonders:

7. Amarnath Cave Shrine

A famous Hindu pilgrimage site, the Amarnath Cave Shrine is located at an altitude of 12,756 ft above sea-level. The site is located about 141 km from Srinagar. The Amarnath Cave is one of the holiest sites in Hinduism. It is surrounded on all sides by the lofty snow-capped Himalayan peaks. The cave itself remains shrouded in the snow for the most part of the year with the exception of a short period in summer. During this time, thousands of Hindu pilgrims make the arduous trek to the Amarnath Cave to pay homage to their God.

6. Martand Sun Temple

A Hindu temple dedicated to the Sun God or Surya, the Martand Sun Temple is the sixth wonder of Jammu and Kashmir. The ancient temple, located about five miles from Anantnag, was built in the 8th century by Lalitaditya Muktapida of the Karkota Dynasty. Sadly, the Muslim ruler Sikandar Butshikan demolished the temple nearly completely. Archeologists conserved whatever remained of the temple. It is considered to be an architectural marvel, an excellent example of Kashmiri architecture. It also serves as an important tourist site in the country.

5. Hemis Monastery Or Hemis Gompa

The fifth wonder of Jammu and Kashmir also has a rich history and architecture. It is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery located in Hemis, Ladakh. The exact date of the construction of the monastery is not known but it has been known to exist since before the 11th century. It was re-established by Sengge Namgyal, a regional king in 1672. The Hemis monastery is associated with numerous Buddhist tales and legends. The Hemis Festival held at this monastery in early June each year is well-known across the world.

4. Shalimar Garden/Shalimar Bagh

The magnificent Shalimar Bagh of Srinagar deserves to be one of the Seven Wonders of Jammu and Kashmir. The garden was built by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir in 1619 for Noor Jahan, his beloved wife. The construction of the gardens exhibit the excellent architectural skills and aesthetic sense of the Mughal era architects. The beauty of the gardens continues to attract tourists from all corners of the globe to the Shalimar Bagh even to this day.

3. Leh Palace

A beautiful 16th-century palace, the Leh Palace overlooks the Himalayan town of Leh in Jammu and Kashmir. It was built by the Ladakhi ruler Sengge Namgyal. The nine-story high palace hosted the royal residences in the upper floors while the lower ones served as store rooms and stables. The palace reminds one of Lhasa’s Potala Palace. Panoramic views of the surrounding land can be obtained from this palace. The palace was abandoned by the royal family in the 19th century due to the invasion by the Dogra forces. Today, the revived palace serves as a major tourist attraction. It hosts a museum that exhibits royal-era ornaments, crowns, dresses, and other artifacts. Ancient paintings, sculptures, and other art and craft work inspire the awe of those who visit the palace.

2. Dal Lake

People say that no visit to Jammu and Kashmir is ever complete without a magical tour of the Dal Lake on a houseboat. The urban lake is located in Srinagar and is referred to as the "Jewel in the crown of Kashmir”. It is both a tourist attraction and an important hub of trade and commerce. The lake is surrounded by beautiful Mughal-era gardens, hotels and resorts, massive parks, houseboats, and more. Colorful shikaras and large houseboats take tourists on a memorable cruise on the lake. Floating gardens on the lake enhance its beauty. The natives also sell their handicrafts and other products to the tourists while riding on boats on the lake.

1. Alchi

Interestingly, the Alchi Monastery in Jammu and Kashmir was voted by the public to be the first of the Seven Wonders of Jammu and Kashmir. This Buddhist monastery complex is located in the Leh District’s Alchi village. According to legends, the monastery was built between 958 and 1055 by the great Guru Rinchen Zangpo. However, inscriptions discovered at the site mention that the monastery was founded in the 11th century by a Tibetan noble. The monastery is known for its ancient paintings depicting both Buddhist and Hindu cultures and ways of life. Beautiful statues of the Buddha, ancient manuscripts, elaborate wood carvings, and other art and artifacts enhance the beauty and importance of the monastery.