7 Wonders of the World: Amazing Facts About the World’s Greatest Wonders

 Seven Wonders of the World at a Glance

The seven wonders of the world are part of the history that everyone should witness at least once. Here’s some information about them:

1. The 7 Wonders of the World: Great Wall of China, Petra, Colosseum, Chichén Itzá, Machu Picchu, Taj Mahal, and Christ the Redeemer.
2. Best time to visit: You can visit based on which wonder you are visiting. Usually, winters,  spring, and autumn are generally comfortable for several wonders.
3. From India: The Taj Mahal is the easiest to visit; the others require international flights and, in some cases, additional road or train journeys.
4. What to pack: Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, a reusable water bottle, and essential travel documents are not to be forgotten.
5. What makes them special: Each wonder represents a different civilisation, architectural tradition and historical period.
6. How to plan a seven-wonder trip: Plan around visa requirements, flight connections, local transport, weather and the amount of walking required at each destination.

What are the 7 Wonders of the World?

There are official Seven Wonders of the World, and they were announced in Lisbon on July 7, 2007. The list of them is:

1. Great Wall of China, China
2. Petra, Jordan
3. Chichén Itzá, Mexico
4. Christ the Redeemer, Brazil
5. The Colosseum, Italy
6. Machu Picchu, Peru
7. Taj Mahal, India

Note: There is no official ranking among them, and all seven are considered equal.

Also, do not get confused between the New and Ancient Wonders of the World list. The ancient or original 7 Wonders of the world were: 

1. Great Pyramid of Giza
2. Hanging Gardens of Babylon
3. Statue of Zeus at Olympia 
4. Temple of Artemis at Ephesus
5. Mausoleum at Halicarnassus
6. Colossus of Rhodes
7. Lighthouse of Alexandria

Here is a practical guide to the 7 wonders of the world names, including how to reach them from India, what to pack, what to do once you are there, and when to visit.

1. Great Wall of China, China

The Great Wall stretches across northern China. From the name, you may think it is one big wall, but it is not. Rather, it consists of multiple walls, watchtowers, and defensive structures that were built and rebuilt across different periods.

What Makes the Great Wall of China Special?

Honestly, the magnitude of this wonder is the biggest attraction. While walking here, you will see dramatic views of wooded mountains and ancient watchtowers.

How to Reach From India?

Fly to Beijing from major Indian cities such as Delhi or Mumbai. The connecting flight will cost you less than ₹40,000. From there, you can visit popular sections including Mutianyu via road or an organised tour.

Weather Guide

Spring and autumn are generally the most comfortable seasons for walking. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters are cold and often windy. So, mid-April to mid-May and mid-September to mid-October are best for Beijing.

What to Pack for the Great Wall of China?

Keep the following points in mind when packing for the Chinese wonder:

• Pack comfortable walking shoes
• Opt for breathable layers as weather can be hot 
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are a must 
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. 
• In winter, add thermal layers and a warm jacket to save yourself from the cold.

What To Do at the Great Wall of China?

Here are some things you can do at the Great Wall of China:

• Walk along the ramparts
• Explore watchtowers
• Capture the mountain scenery 
• Spend time at Mutiany.
• Enjoy night views by visiting Simatai after dark. Walk the wall under glowing lights. 

2. Petra, Jordan

People also call Petra the Rose City; it is an ancient Nabataean city carved into pink and red sandstone. A famous Treasury, Al-Khazneh, is located in the ancient city of Petra. You reach here by walking through a long, narrow canyon called the Siq. This walk is exciting, and you get to enjoy it even before witnessing the stunning carved rock facade.

What Makes Petra Special?

Petra combines architecture, desert landscapes, and ancient engineering, giving it a special feel. This city was built 2000 years ago, and the Nabataeans even developed sophisticated water-management systems here.

How to Reach Peta From India?

Take a flight to Amman, and choose a flight that suits your timing and budget. The flights will usually cost between ₹30,000 and ₹45,000 and will have one stop. From Amman, Petra is around a three-hour road journey, and the closest visitor base is Wadi Musa.

Weather Guide

Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons to visit Petra; this city can become extremely hot in summer. It is also chilly after sunset during winter.

What to Pack for Petra?

Follow this packing guide for when you visit Petra:

• Carry sturdy walking shoes.
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle should be packed without forgetting.
• Pack lightweight clothes.
• Clothes should be modest to respect the culture.

What to Do in Petra?

Some of the things to do in Petra are:

• Walk through the Siq
• See the Treasury
• Explore the Street of Facades and Royal Tombs
• Hike towards the Monastery if you have enough time and energy.

3. Colosseum, Rome, Italy

The Colosseum in Rome, Italy, is an enormous ancient amphitheatre. Located in the central part of Rome, it is one of the world’s most recognisable examples of Roman architecture.

What Makes the Colosseum Special?

The Colosseum was built almost 2,000 years ago. This ancient monument provides a glimpse into the entertainment culture and engineering capabilities of ancient Rome. The arches and underground areas of the Colosseum are very impressive. 

How to Reach Rome From India?

A connecting flight from Delhi to Rome will cost around ₹35,000. Then from Rome’s airport, continue to the city centre by train, bus or taxi. The Colosseum is well connected by Rome’s metro.

Weather Guide

Spring and autumn are comfortable for sightseeing. Sure, Italian summers are popular, but they can be hot and crowded. Winters are comparatively mild but can bring rain.

What to Pack for Rome?

The simple and practical packing guide for Rome is:

• Pack beautiful dresses that are also comfortable. You sure need good pictures.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes as you will be walking 15,000-20,000 steps every day in Rome.
• Do not forget to pack sunglasses and sunscreen. 
• You can also add a light jacket and a compact umbrella depending on the season.

What To Do While Visiting the Colosseum?

Some of the things you can do while visiting the Colosseum are:

• Obviously, start with touring the Colosseum
• Explore the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
• Spend time walking through Rome’s historic centre

Pro tip: Booking your ticket for major attractions ahead is sensible during peak periods.

4. Chichén Itzá, Mexico

Next on the wonders of the world list is Mexico’s Chichén Itzá. It is an extraordinary Maya archaeological site, and its most famous structure is El Castillo. It is a stepped pyramid dedicated to the deity Kukulcán.

What Makes Chichén Itzá Special?

Here, you’ll see Maya architecture, astronomy, and cultural history. The ceremonial structures and distinctive pyramid design make it a fascinating archaeological wonder of the world.

How to Reach Chichén Itzá From India?

Take a one-way ticket to Mexico City for over ₹76,000, and then continue to Cancún or Mérida. You can reach Chichén Itzá by road from either city easily.

Weather Guide

The Yucatán Peninsula is warm and humid for most of the year. The drier months are generally more comfortable for sightseeing.

What to Pack For Chichén Itzá?

Follow this practical packing guide:

• Choose lightweight, breathable clothing.
• Pack comfortable walking shoes.
• Do not forget sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, and a hat. 
• Stay hydrated, so keep a reusable water bottle handy.

What To Do When Visiting Chichén Itzá?

Things to do in Chichén Itzá are:

• Explore El Castillo, the Great Ball Court, Temple of the Warriors, and the surrounding ceremonial structures. 

Pro tip: Arrive early to avoid the strongest midday heat and larger crowds.

5. Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Inca citadel located about 2,430 metres above sea level in Peru’s Cusco region. It sits dramatically above the Sacred Valley and is recognised as one of the world’s most important surviving Inca sites.

What Makes Machu Picchu Special?

Here, you will see sophisticated stonework, mountain scenery and mysterious history. Machu Picchu’s terraces, temples and well-fitted stone structures demonstrate remarkable Inca engineering.

How to Reach Machu Picchu From India?

Take a flight from India to Lima, and it will cost roughly ₹84,000, and then continue to Cusco. From Cusco, you can go towards the Sacred Valley and onward to Machu Picchu Pueblo, commonly by train.

Weather Guide

The dry season is from May to October, and is popular for clearer mountain views. November to April is rainy, and temperatures can change quickly because of the altitude.

What to Pack for Machu Picchu?

Follow this simple packing guide for Machu Picchu:

• The most essential thing is to carry good walking shoes.
• Pack lightweight layers.
• Keep rain gear such as a waterproof jacket. 
• Pack essentials like sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat in a small backpack. 

Pro tip: Keep your luggage light because the trip to Machu Picchu involves considerable walking.

What To Do?

Some of the things you can do in Machu Picchu are:

• Explore the citadel by visiting its principal temples and terraces
• Take time to appreciate the surrounding Andes.

Pro tip: If possible, hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. This will take me trip unforgettable. 

6. Taj Mahal, India

Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal, an ivory-white monument made of marble. The Mughal emperor made this in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is regarded as the symbol of love.

What Makes Taj Mahal Special?

Taj Mahal has a symmetrical design, marble craftsmanship, and association with Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, making it one of a kind. It is also the easiest of the seven wonders for Indians to travel to.

How to Reach Taj Mahal?

Agra, UP, is connected to Delhi by road and rail. You can take a train, drive, or book a private taxi. There is also an airport in Agra, but flight options are limited. A connecting flight from Mumbai to Agra will cost around ₹14,000.

Weather Guide

October to March is ideal for sightseeing. India can get really hot in summers, and monsoon can be humid. 

What to Pack for Taj Mahal?

Keep in mind the following aspects while packing for Taj Mahal:

• Carry comfortable footwear.
• Pack layered clothing for winters and breathable fabric clothes for summers. 

Pro tip: The Taj Mahal complex is open from 30 minutes before sunrise to before sunset. So plan your visit accordingly. If you want dreamy pictures, be the first ones to go.

What To Do While Visiting the Taj Mahal?

Some of the things to do on this trip are:

• Visit early in the morning and walk through the Taj Mahal.
• Admire the marble inlay work.
• Explore nearby attractions such as Agra Fort and Mehtab Bagh.
• Do not forget to try Agra food. It’s spicy and flavourful.

7. Christ the Redeemer, Brazil

Christ the Redeemer, or Cristo Redentor, is a colossal Art Deco statue of Jesus Christ.  This 98-foot-tall statue is located atop Corcovado Mountain overlooking Rio de Janeiro. 

What Makes Christ the Redeemer Special?

The combination of the monumental Art Deco statue and Rio’s spectacular natural setting makes this wonder unlike the others. From the top, you can see Sugarloaf Mountain and Guanabara Bay.

How to Reach Christ the Redeemer From India?

Fly to Rio de Janeiro via a connecting flight that will cost you around a lakh. From there, travel towards Cosme Velho and take the Corcovado rack railway or an authorised van to the summit.

Weather Guide For Christ the Redeemer

Rio is warm and tropical. Summer is hotter and more humid, while winter tends to be milder. Clear weather is important because clouds can obstruct the views.

What to Pack for Christ the Redeemer?

Keep the following points in mind while packing:

• Pack breathable clothing and comfortable shoes.
• Carry a camera or phone for the panoramic views.

Pro tip: To protect electronics from sudden rain, keep a plastic phone cover handy.

What To Do at Christ the Redeemer?

Some of the things to do in Christ the Redeemer are:

• Take the train through Tijuca Forest to see the statue up close.
• Enjoy the panoramic views of Rio. 

Pro tip: The triangular soapstone tiles that the statue is made of shimmer in the sun, but visiting early on a clear day can improve visibility.

Practical Tips For Visiting All Seven Wonders

Trying to see all seven wonders is not something you do in one holiday without proper planning. Either you will need to take multiple holidays or treat this holiday as a major planning project:

Here are a few tips for you to make planning a bit easier:

1. Plan your itinerary around seasons, visa requirements, and flight connections.
2. Keep in mind the amount of walking involved.
3. Keep digital and physical copies of passports, visas, hotel bookings, and travel insurance documents for utmost ease.
4. Buy travel insurance for security against theft, flight delays, or any other medical emergency. 
5. Take your time, and avoid rushing through every destination. Each wonder represents a different civilisation and landscape, and you must give yourself enough time to explore it.

FAQs

What are the names of the 7 Wonders of the World?

The New 7 Wonders are the Great Wall of China, Petra, Christ the Redeemer, Machu Picchu, Chichén Itzá, the Colosseum, and the Taj Mahal.

Where are the 7 Wonders of the World located?

The 7 Wonders are located in China, Jordan, Brazil, Peru, Mexico, Italy, and India.

How were the Seven Wonders of the World selected?

The New 7 Wonders were selected through a global public voting campaign in 2007.

Which is the oldest of the New Seven Wonders of the World?

The Great Wall of China is the oldest among the New 7 Wonders.

What is the best time to visit the 7 Wonders of the World?

Spring and autumn are generally the best times to visit most of the 7 Wonders of the World.