Situated mostly in the Himalayan mountains, it is famously described as the paradise on Earth, Jammu and Kashmir shares a border with the states of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab to the south, Azad Kashmir to the west and the People's Republic of China to the north and east. Jammu and Kashmir is home to several valleys such as the Kashmir Valley, Tawi Valley, Chenab Valley, Poonch Valley, Sind Valley and Lidder Valley.

Kerala

Kerala is located at the southern part of the Indian peninsula. The tagline Kerala- God's Own Country has been widely used in Kerala's tourism promotions and soon became synonymous with the state. Its most known tourist attraction is the "backwaters" region, which comprises an extensive network of interlocking rivers, lakes, and canals that centre on Alleppey, Kumarakom, and Punnamada. There are many ancient temples and shrines to be visited in this beautiful place. The annual boat ride will give you a once in a life time experience.

Goa

Renowned for its sunny beaches, temples and world heritage architecture, Goa is visited by hundreds of thousands of international and domestic tourists each year. It is one of the most developed states of India. You will get to see a lot of Portugal architecture. You would find the best of the best accommodation in Goa, provided you trip is well planned. Adventure sports lovers would be in for a treat. The party scene is pretty wild over here and the spirits are much cheaper too. The Bom Jesus cathedral is another famous attraction in Goa.

Manali

One of the most beautiful Hill Station in India, near the northern end of the Kullu Valley. It was the home for the seven sages or the Saptarshi. It offers hot springs, spectacular religious shrines and temples, Tibetan Buddhist temples, and trekking and adventure sports in the surrounding mountains. It is here that you will find the best quality of dope in the world.

Rajasthan

To get a taste of the royal lifestyle, visit Rajasthan (literal meaning "Land of the Kings"). You will get to see the extremes of all the worlds. It has The Great Indian Desert; Forts with absolutely marvelous architecture; Food that would make you eat four times your appetite and a history that would leave you mesmerized. You would immediately fall in love with the local culture and their colorful dressing.

Taj Mahal

It is home of India's most visited site, the Taj Mahal is one of the 7 wonders of the modern world. It's rightly described as the epitome of love.

Varanasi

Hinduism's holiest city, Varanasi is described as the Holy city of India or the city of Temples. Here in Varanasi, every nook and corner has a legend and every road has a great story to recite. Get a taste of Uttar Pradesh, get a taste of real India.

I braced up with the help of My Father who used someone to make the journey fruitful. It was a voyage that broke bounds; it was the first time to step beyond the shores of my native country, Nigeria.

My Father granted me favor at the Indian Embassy while I was thoroughly interviewed on the purpose for the journey. We checked into the Ethiopian Airlines at 2.00pm on the 8th of March 2008 at the Lagos International Airport and we were soon off the ground, coasting along the blue horizon with an earnest anticipation to see the much talked about Incredible India.

Before we go to India, my Father was there waiting to receive me. We arrived New Delhi by 9.00am Indian time and were conveyed by a police taxi to the Tourist Hotel.

In my native country, we use the left-hand driving system, but in Delhi, I observed they used the right-hand driving system. The wonders in my mind started to ensue but had not beheld the wonder that was yet to unfold- the Taj Mahal.

We checked into the hotel only to find out that My Father had paid the hotel bills for us. I was puzzled but anticipated it. We began socializing with other participants at the conference and more puzzles began to unravel. I heard that there is more to see than the conference can offer. It is only in Incredible India, in a tourist-busy town called Agra, will you see the Wonder of Wonders.

We picked up our train tickets to leave for Agra from Delhi to behold this wonder. On getting to Agra after so many stops on the train track, we were greeted by cab drivers who continuously advertised their services to us. We picked our choices and got to the very site of the wonder. We soon found ourselves in the midst of a queue of tourists on a mission to see this wonder. Beyond the queue, was a group of what I call the Taj Paparazi waiting to give us unanticipated snap shots.

Finally, we walked into the gate of this wonder which stood yet afar but beautiful to touch. I saw the beautiful water course; I saw the thousands trooping in and out; I saw many races; I saw the vegetation; I bubbled up with excitement and I walked on like an African going to pick an Oscar Award for the first time.

Many call Taj Mahal, the seventh wonder of the world, I call it: The Structural Edifice that has Stoodthe Test of Time. The story behind the Taj Mahal speaks louder than the love Romeo expressed for Juliet.

Often times, we know that when love speaks in wealth, wealth then becomes a servant to the one loved. I pondered through the thoughts of my heart as I saw this marbled structural masterpiece which reflects on the face of the water course during the evening sun tide. It was the place where the symphony of Yanni rested.

My heart still looked for My Father who made all this possible. Is this a story about the Incredible India or the Taj Mahal, Yes and No! India is Incredible, Taj Mahal is a wonder of wonders but the greatest of all wonders still remains My Unseen Father. I urge my readers to know this Wonderful Person.

My Father built all things yet yearns to be known and trusted. He allowed me to call this article: The Heart of Wonders.

I got there very late on a cold January night, well after midnight. There it sat in eerie, ethereal splendour as I wandered through the grand archway into the grounds. It was a sharp, clear night with the moon hung low in the velvety sky. I sat wrapped in a blanket on a wall for a while just inside the gateway, taking in what I was now glad I hadn't turned aside from.

The white marble dome pulsated in the light of the moon as though it was living. The water channels shimmered under that same light, and the breeze sang and sighed through the branches of the trees that line the pathways. I waited quite a while before walking up to the other-worldly marvel. I walked cautiously, feeling that I didn't want to intrude, but feeling too that I was being called, invited to approach. I had been noticed, and my time was now. In bare feet I walked around the marble platform, feeling at once the heat of the day that had been soaked in from the sun, and the cold blessing of the moon falling on my shoulders. The marble, smoothed by centuries of passing bare feet, revealed in the silvery atmosphere its internal texture, rich with the pale blue veins you see drawn in an anatomy textbook and covered with translucent skin.

It was a fine experience; and heart-rending, when I stood to look across the river Yamuna to see where a love-sick emperor planned to be buried, in a black replica of his wife's tomb- the Black Taj. Sadly his son had other ideas, and he imprisoned his broken, widowed father before he could spend any more of the family silver. I allowed the story of Shah Jahan's love for his wife Mumtaz to eat into my soul, to humble me, and to devour my cynicism. I felt drawn towards something, but what? Was it the history, the marble, the artistry? More likely it was all three, an orchestra playing a haunting melody, conducted by the moon and presided over by the night.

The blackness of the river was eased open from time to time as the ripples on the otherwise surface caught the light from the hideously close moon. It seemed to moan as if in grief and anguish, and this concert was performed for me alone. There were no other people there, no trace of the crowds that would frighten me when I was to return the next day. None of the monkeys, none of the beggars, none of the noise, just me. This was a gift. An undeserved grace granted by heaven to an unworthy, insensitive wretch.

Travel guides had not even hinted at this. They told me about the 22,000 men involved in the labour, the 22 years of construction, the improbable weight of marble used, the blinding of the architects to prevent a replica being built. No travel guide ever told me that I would cry, that I would stand humbled at the ancient tomb, tears running down the cold marble of my cheeks, tears welling up from a heart bound in ice. Not in my most extravagant thoughts did I reckon on being confronted with the knowledge of my own inadequacy, the knowledge that I am not in charge, but that heaven loves me.

Maybe truth is only given to those who come in secret, who come at night, afraid of what the scoffing Pharisees who rule the day might say.

Munnar Resorts - Nature's Perfection

Welcome to the misty green hill resort of Munnar, where you will feel as though you are in God's own garden - Eden. In the state of India called Kerala, nicknamed God's Own Country, Munnar is a perfect place for nature lovers. Munnar lies in a valley between three mountain freshwater streams (rivers), thus the name Munnar. At over 1500 feet above sea level, Munnar offers an excellent place to catch some fresh air and be captivated by the beauty of God's creations. The hills offer excellent opportunity to embark on a bicycle tour of the region or a boat tour through the wild life park. Beautiful tea gardens and plantations line the entire hillside, and the sun's golden rays piercing through the morning mist is a spectacle worthy of praise. If you are lucky, you can see the entire valley from Anaimudi peak - which is viewable once every twelve years. Other than seeing a variety of plant life, Munnar also has Rajamalai Wildlife Sanctuary and Ernakulum National Park for those animal lovers. Other recreational activities include but not limited to fishing, sailing, rapids boating, mountain trekking, paragliding off the various hills and much more!

Taj Mahal - Testament to Love

The Taj Mahal in Agra is indisputably the most famous example of Mughal architecture. The white marble encased tomb is a true lasting testament of love, made by Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Arjumand Banu Begum, also known as Mumtaz Mahal. The immense mausoleum is incomparably beautiful during sunrise and sunset. Situated near the Agra River in Uttra Pradesh, Taj Mahal is the most famous of World's architectures and considered one of the oldest heritage sites. It is also a distinguished example of Arabic and Islamic art styles merged with Indian innovativeness. This is truly a magnificent site everyone must visit.

Santa Monica - First Nunnery in Asia

In Goa, A must see site is Church of Our Lady of the Rosary incredible mixture of Hindu and Christian styles. This church is one of the oldest churches in Goa, and dedicated to Our Lady of Immaculate Conception. The huge Convent of Santa Monica, dating from 1606, was the first Nunnery in Asia. The church is believed to be build by Portuguese leader Alfonso de Albuquerque during the early 1500 for his victories in India. The church is unique in that its architectural style is Gothic and Renaissance architecture (unique to Portugal) combined with India's Hindu influences. The church itself stands on a hill named the “Holy Hill” and is a spiritual attraction for many Catholics.

City Palace - The City of the Kings

City Palace of Jaipur is located in Rajasthan and is a mix of Mughal and Rajasthani influence. The well-fortified City Palace is a majestic white monument perched high up on a hill, build originally by King Maharaja Jai Singh II. The complex is divided into a series of courtyards, sprawling gardens and buildings. Within the palace itself, there are numerous other “sub-buildings” such as Museums, and temples, making it an architectural wonder. The main entrance, a triple arched gate named the Tripolia, built in 1725, is a marvel worth seeing. Intricate decorations in deep red and gold, Afghan and Persian carpets, miniature paintings, astronomical manuscripts in Persian and Sanskrit lies the "Diwan-E-Aam" or the "Hall of Public Audience". Blue and White ceramic tiles line many of the buildings, making it a work of beauty and art.

The Lotus Temple - Delhi's Wonder

In the heart of New Delhi, the bustling capital of India, a lotus shaped building defines the skyline. Bahá'í House of Worship or more famously known as The Lotus Temple, is the mother temple of the Indian Sub-continent. The building has won numerous awards for its architectural prowess and is one of the most visited places on earth. More then 4 million people visit this building each year, making it more visited than even the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The building is open for public worship and the nine lakes around each of the lotus petals of the building add a quiet mood of serenity that many worshippers and visitors have grown fond of. During an award ceremony in Vienna, the lotus temple was described as a “Taj Mahal of the 20th century in promoting the unity and harmony of people of all nations, religions and social strata, to an extent unsurpassed by any other architectural monument worldwide.”

Alappuzha - Kerala's Backwaters

Kerala, located in the southern tip of India, offers a unique experience for its visitors. The land between the Western Ghats mountains and the Arabian Sea is one of the “greenest” places on Earth… making it an ideal place for many. The intricate network of ponds, rivers and waterways offer people the ability to tour many areas in their own private “house boats” while exploring the native plant, animal and human life. Along with Alappuzha, Kollam, Cochin, Kumarakom and Thiruvananthapuram all offer a unique touch to this extreme boating experience.Kerala's backwaters are nicknamed the “Venice of the East” and provide amble experiences for your eyes to feast on and your mind to thrive on.

Kashmir - Heaven on Earth

The state of Kashmir boats a cultural history of over 4000 years, and since 1948, became part of India when the ruler of Jammu & Kashmir joined. Beautiful valleys, snow-capped mountains, rivers, alpine meadows dot the entire state and the people of Kashmir are one of the most diverse and most beautiful people. Kashmir also has unique strains of Buddhism that date as far back as Buddha himself and is a unique blend of India and China. Srinagar-Leh and Manali-Leh host many expeditions in the Himalayan Mountains, perfect for any adventurous tourists. Kashmir also has plenty of Buddhist and Hindu monasteries and pilgrimage sites for those that are spiritually keen. The magic of Kashmir is enchanting, truly a piece of Heaven on Earth.

Rail Tour - Palace On Wheels

Your tour of India is not complete unless you take a tour on the “Palace on Wheels.” The train is the ultimate definition of luxury rail tour. An array of elegantly furnished cabins, well stocked bar, sumptuous Indian delicacies served in its two dining cars, replete with traditional royal treatment of its guests are but a few features of this tour. The dining services are the most varied and one of the most excellent to be found on any luxury rail systems which include: Continental, Chinese, Indian and Rajasthani cuisines. The eight day tour starts in Delhi and takes you through some of the most historic and beautiful cities of India while letting you explore the countryside and taking specially guided tours of certain areas. At the end of the tour, you will find yourself back in Delhi, ready for another trip.

Swarn Mandir - The Golden Temple

Dazzling in the serene waters of the Amrit Sarovar is the Swarn Mandir, or the Golden Temple, a holy site for the followers of Sikh Religion. Located in Amritsar, the temple is a work of beauty… encompassed in gold and precious stones, the temple is an architectural wonder. The temple is near the Wagah Border crossing area between India and Pakistan so once you have visited the temple, you can visit the Wagah border to see the pompous border closing ceremony that Indian and Pakistani soldiers carry out every day.

Mussoorie - Queen of the Hills

Mussoorie was one of the favorite outpost of the British due to the lush valley and the perfect location of its landscape. Uttarakhand is the state of India, proud to be the host to Mussoorie. The area is heavily influenced by the Tibetan exiles; especially since it was the first area used by the Tibetan government in exile and later was turned into a Tibetan Buddhist school. However, the natural beauty of Mussoorie is rivaled by none other. Its sylvan valleys, majestic mountains, pure, invigorating air, sulphur springs and panoramic views draw visitors to its embrace from far and wide. Along with its verdant beauty, Mussoorie also offers an exciting range of activities to its visitors. From horseback riding through pristine mountain trails to hiking, boating and even a wide variety of video game parlors and an amusement park for children, Mussoorie has something to see and do for people of all ages and interests.

This colorful steep-sided gorge is a sight to behold. Carved out by the Colorado river in Arizona, it is 277 miles long and varies between 4 and 18 miles wide. Best seen by helicopter.

2. Golden Temple

This temple is the most important shrine of Sikhism and is beautiful to see. It is located in Amritsar in India.

3. Taj Mahal

This mausoleum, located in Agra India, is the finest example of Mughal Architecture.

4. Machu Picchu

Often referred to as the "Lost city of the Incas", this amazing Inca site sits 7970 feet above sea level in Peru. If you want to trek there you need to be fit! There are easier ways to see it though.

5. The Pyramids

These are amongst the largest structures ever built. They are the most famous symbol of Ancient Egyptian civilization.

6. Venice

Situated in the North of Italy, Venice consists of 117 small islands and is often known as the "City of Water". Take a Gondola and bathe in the romance of it all.

7. Great Wall of China

This amazing 4000 mile-long wall was built and rebuilt between the 5th century BC and the 16th century to protect the Northern borders of the Chinese empire.

8. Paris

The city of love and romance. If you haven't been, go now!

9. Rio De Janeiro

The second city of Brazil is set in a spectacular natural setting and is famed for its dancing and its carnival.

10. Salisbury

Ok, this city in Southern England won't feature on many lists, but I live there, and it is a wonderful place to visit! The Cathedral has the highest spire in England.

The declarations of the New Seven Wonders of the World are done randomly and with no rankings. The final seven are choose from the hundreds of other wonders around the globe. The process of choosing the new Seven Wonders of the World is through online voting.

The Seven Wonders of the World that garnered large amount of votes are the following:

1. The Great Wall of China

   The wall is said to serve as a barrier from the Mongol tribes. It was also the only structure that would be seen in the outer space.

2. Petra in Jordan

   Found besides the Arabian Desert. Petra is the capital of Nabataea Empire of King Aretas IV. Petra is known for the impressive tunnel constructions and water chambers. The Palace of Tombs which is 42 meter high is one of the structures that you would find in the city of Petra.

3. The Brazil Christ the Redeemer

   The 38 meter high statue of Christ is build on the top of the Corcovado Mountain. This statue took 5 years to be completed.

4. Machu Picchu in Peru

   The Machu Picchu is a city found on the top of a mountain. The city is lost for 3 decades and it was only on 1911 that a person named Hiram Bingham discovered it.

5. Chichen Itza

   Chichen Itza is the popular temple city of Mayan civilization found in Mexico. Inside the temple city you could find the Pyramid of Kukulkan, Hall of the Thousands Pillars, and other fascinating structures.

6. Italy's Colosseum

   The ruins of the most beautiful amphitheater is found in the center of Rome, Italy.

7. Taj Mahal, India

   This beautiful mausoleum made of white marble was built to commemorate Shan Jahan favorite wife.

And that's the complete lists of our New Seven Wonders of the World.