The New Seven Wonders

• Taj Mahal

This architectural marvel situated in Agra, India was built by the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan on the banks of the River Yamuna in memory of his queen Mumtaz. This huge marble edifice reflects his love for Mumtaz Begum. Many poets in India penned innumerable ballads of love sitting in the moon light under the shady cypress trees. A much sought after holiday destination, this architectural wonder houses the cenotaph of Mumtaz - studded with precious stones, gold and shimmering silver along with the richly crafted tombstone of Emperor Shah Jahan.

•  Machu Picchu

This ancient city created during the Inca dynasty is situated in the Urubamba Valley in Peru which is about 70 km northwest of Cusco. It was the excavations of the archaeologist Huram Bigham in 1811 that created global awareness of this wonder.

• Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza is a large pre-Columbian archaeological site situated in the northern centre of the Yucatan Peninsula, present-day Mexico. This site dates back to the Maya civilization. The Maya name Chichen Itza means "At the mouth of the well of the Itza". In ancient Mexico, the place was also referred to as Uucyabnal, meaning "Seven Great Rulers".

• Christ The Redeemer

On the peak of the imposing Corcovado Mountain, inside the Tijuca Forest National Park is the statue of Jesus Christ the Redeemer. The marvelously sculpted statue with its outstretched arms overlooks the city of Rio de Janeiro and has become one of the most recognizable icons in the world.

• The Colosseum

Time stands still in this huge amphitheater situated in the centre of the city of Rome. With a seating capacity of more than 50,000 spectators, this was the venue for gladiatorial contests and other public shows. It was during the reign of Emperor Titus that the structure was completed in 80 AD.

• The Great Wall Of China

Built more than 2000 years back, The Wall spans across huge mountain ranges and grasslands, crossing over deserts stretching more than 4000 miles from East to East of China. It was originally built as defense fortification by the three states Yan, Zhao and Qin. When it was first built, they were in fragmented pieces erected by different states. The great wall was consolidated as one whole stretch during the Qin Dynasty.  In terms of length of surface area, this is the largest human-made structure extending from the Shanhai Pass in the east to Lop Nur in the west of China.

• Petra 

This is the most impressive example of Middle Eastern culture.  Petra is an archaeological site in Jordan, lying in a basin among the mountains situated in the Eastern side of Wadi Araba - large valley running from the Dead Sea to the Gulf of Aqaba. The many stone structures carved into the rock make it very famous. It was discovered by the Western world in the year 1812, by the renowned explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt.  The Palace Tombs of Petra, with the 42-metre-high Hellenistic temple Front elevation featuring the El-Deir Monastery, reflects the glorious past of Middle Eastern culture.