NDTV had unveiled 7 wonders of Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Uttarakhand (UT) in 2009 based on the user polls. Here's the list of these wonders:
7. Agra Fort
The seventh wonder from UP and UT is the Agra Fort that is located in the city UP city of Agra. Prior to the shifting of the capital to Delhi in 1638, the Mughal Emperors would reside at this fort. It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. It is located only about 2.5 km away from the Taj Mahal. The Agra Fort is a majestic royal complex that was built and extended over a period of hundreds of years by the ruling Mughals. It was captured and invaded many times in the history of India since it was a fort of great strategic importance for ruling northern India. The Agra Fort has been witness to many Indian historic events of great significance such as a battle during the Indian rebellion of 1857.
6. Sarnath
A Buddhist pilgrimage site, Sarnath is located at the confluence of the Ganga and Varuna rivers near Varanasi, UP. It is believed that Lord Buddha taught the Dhamma to his five initial disciples at this site. The foundation of the Buddhist Sangha was thus laid here. Sarnath is also closely linked to Jainism as the 11th Jain tirthankar is believed to have been born here. The Sarnath complex hosts numerous ancient monuments and buildings like the Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, the Ashoka Pillar, the Sarnath Archeological Museum, and others.
5. Fatehpur Sikri
Located in UP’s Agra District, Fatehpur Sikri was once the majestic capital of the Mughal Empire. No wonder that is splendor makes it the fifth of the Seven Wonders of UP and UT. Fatehpur Sikri was founded by Emperor Akbar in 1571. Later, however, the capital was abandoned by Akbar who then moved the capital of a new place. It was here that the khanqah of Sheikh Salim existed. The Sufi saint was much trusted and revered by Akbar since he had predicted the birth of his son Jahangir. On Jahangir’s second birthday, Akbar decided to build an imperial palace and a walled city here. The city was named Fatehpur Sikri, meaning city of victory, after he won an important battle in Gujarat in 1573.
4. Bara Imambara
Lucknow’s Bara Imambara ranks as the fourth most popular of the Seven Wonders of UP and UT. The imambara was built in 1784 by the then Nawab of Awadh, Asaf-ud-Daula. The Bara Imambara complex hosts a central main vaulted chamber that hosts the tomb of Asaf-ud-Daula. The massive chamber lacks any pillars but is supported by the unique design of the complex. Eight chambers surround this chamber and are built to different heights. Above lies an extensive labyrinth called the bhul-bhulaiya with 489 identical doorways. These structures support the central pillar-less chamber of the Imambara. Other structures present in the complex include a mosque, a labyrinth of the bhul-bhulaiya, a step well, two grand gateways, and more. The Bara Imambara and its labyrinth are associated with many legends and mysterious tales.
3. Ghats Of Varanasi
The Varanasi Ghats refer to the riverfront steps that lead to the banks of the Ganges River in the holy city of Varanasi in UP. There are 88 ghats in the city which are mostly used for offering prayers or for bathing. There is also another ghat where bodies are cremated. Tourists visiting these ghats are able to experience and observe Hindu religious customs and cultures from a very close distance. Many mythological stories and mystical aspects are associated with these ghats. The entire spiritual experience makes the Ghats of Varanasi a place worthy of a visit by all.
2. Valley Of Flowers
The second most popular of the Seven Wonders of UP and UT comes from Uttarakhand. The Valley of Flowers National Park is located in the West Himalayas at an elevation ranging between 3352 and 3658 m above sea-level. The place is well-known for its natural wealth and beauty. A variety of vibrant wildflowers cover the landscape of this park in the spring and summer season lending an ethereal beauty to this place. The national park also has a rich animal diversity. Brown bear, Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, blue sheep, etc., are some of the fauna of this park. A variety of colorful birds also live in the park. Due to its spectacular beauty and rich wildlife, the park has been designated as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO.
1. Taj Mahal
No guesses are required for the most popular wonder of UP and UT. The Taj Mahal is not only a wonder of the state of UP but also of India and even the world. The white-marble mausoleum built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan symbolizes his undying love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. The coffins containing the remains of this couple are found in a secure vault in the basement of the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal’s beauty and construction remain unmatched to this date. Architects of the modern day have often been amazed by the architecture of this building. The beautiful Taj Mahal is surrounded by well-maintained Mughal gardens and fountains that lend a natural charm to its beauty. The Taj Mahal symbolizes the rich culture and heritage of India and is the pride of the country.
7. Agra Fort
The seventh wonder from UP and UT is the Agra Fort that is located in the city UP city of Agra. Prior to the shifting of the capital to Delhi in 1638, the Mughal Emperors would reside at this fort. It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. It is located only about 2.5 km away from the Taj Mahal. The Agra Fort is a majestic royal complex that was built and extended over a period of hundreds of years by the ruling Mughals. It was captured and invaded many times in the history of India since it was a fort of great strategic importance for ruling northern India. The Agra Fort has been witness to many Indian historic events of great significance such as a battle during the Indian rebellion of 1857.
6. Sarnath
A Buddhist pilgrimage site, Sarnath is located at the confluence of the Ganga and Varuna rivers near Varanasi, UP. It is believed that Lord Buddha taught the Dhamma to his five initial disciples at this site. The foundation of the Buddhist Sangha was thus laid here. Sarnath is also closely linked to Jainism as the 11th Jain tirthankar is believed to have been born here. The Sarnath complex hosts numerous ancient monuments and buildings like the Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, the Ashoka Pillar, the Sarnath Archeological Museum, and others.
5. Fatehpur Sikri
Located in UP’s Agra District, Fatehpur Sikri was once the majestic capital of the Mughal Empire. No wonder that is splendor makes it the fifth of the Seven Wonders of UP and UT. Fatehpur Sikri was founded by Emperor Akbar in 1571. Later, however, the capital was abandoned by Akbar who then moved the capital of a new place. It was here that the khanqah of Sheikh Salim existed. The Sufi saint was much trusted and revered by Akbar since he had predicted the birth of his son Jahangir. On Jahangir’s second birthday, Akbar decided to build an imperial palace and a walled city here. The city was named Fatehpur Sikri, meaning city of victory, after he won an important battle in Gujarat in 1573.
4. Bara Imambara
Lucknow’s Bara Imambara ranks as the fourth most popular of the Seven Wonders of UP and UT. The imambara was built in 1784 by the then Nawab of Awadh, Asaf-ud-Daula. The Bara Imambara complex hosts a central main vaulted chamber that hosts the tomb of Asaf-ud-Daula. The massive chamber lacks any pillars but is supported by the unique design of the complex. Eight chambers surround this chamber and are built to different heights. Above lies an extensive labyrinth called the bhul-bhulaiya with 489 identical doorways. These structures support the central pillar-less chamber of the Imambara. Other structures present in the complex include a mosque, a labyrinth of the bhul-bhulaiya, a step well, two grand gateways, and more. The Bara Imambara and its labyrinth are associated with many legends and mysterious tales.
3. Ghats Of Varanasi
The Varanasi Ghats refer to the riverfront steps that lead to the banks of the Ganges River in the holy city of Varanasi in UP. There are 88 ghats in the city which are mostly used for offering prayers or for bathing. There is also another ghat where bodies are cremated. Tourists visiting these ghats are able to experience and observe Hindu religious customs and cultures from a very close distance. Many mythological stories and mystical aspects are associated with these ghats. The entire spiritual experience makes the Ghats of Varanasi a place worthy of a visit by all.
2. Valley Of Flowers
The second most popular of the Seven Wonders of UP and UT comes from Uttarakhand. The Valley of Flowers National Park is located in the West Himalayas at an elevation ranging between 3352 and 3658 m above sea-level. The place is well-known for its natural wealth and beauty. A variety of vibrant wildflowers cover the landscape of this park in the spring and summer season lending an ethereal beauty to this place. The national park also has a rich animal diversity. Brown bear, Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, blue sheep, etc., are some of the fauna of this park. A variety of colorful birds also live in the park. Due to its spectacular beauty and rich wildlife, the park has been designated as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO.
1. Taj Mahal
No guesses are required for the most popular wonder of UP and UT. The Taj Mahal is not only a wonder of the state of UP but also of India and even the world. The white-marble mausoleum built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan symbolizes his undying love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. The coffins containing the remains of this couple are found in a secure vault in the basement of the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal’s beauty and construction remain unmatched to this date. Architects of the modern day have often been amazed by the architecture of this building. The beautiful Taj Mahal is surrounded by well-maintained Mughal gardens and fountains that lend a natural charm to its beauty. The Taj Mahal symbolizes the rich culture and heritage of India and is the pride of the country.
very beautiful in seven ajuba thanks for the post
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