The idea of Seven Wonders Park was conceived by the Urban Improvement Trust of Kota as part of an initiative to boost tourism and provide a recreational space in the city.[citation needed] The park was officially inaugurated on December 8, 2013, by the then Rajasthan Urban Development and Housing Minister Shanti Dhariwal. The project was executed under the supervision of the Kota Municipal Corporation and aimed to offer visitors a glimpse of world-famous monuments in a single location.[4][5]
Design and construction
The park was designed by architect Anoop Bartaria. The construction involved extensive research to ensure that the replicas closely resembled the original monuments. Traditional stone artisans were brought in from across Rajasthan, including Bharatpur, Dholpur and Agra, to build the replicas and over 150 workers worked at a fast pace for over a year and a half to complete the project. It cost an estimated ₹20 crore (US$2.4 million) to build. The park is spread over an area of about seven acres and includes landscaped gardens, water bodies and walking paths.[5]
Features
Seven Wonders Park features scaled-down replicas of the following seven wonders of the world:[6][7]
The only surviving structure of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This replica is made of stone and is high enough to give visitors a view of it.[5]
This replica captures the statue of Jesus Christ with outstretched arms located in Rio de Janeiro. It is made from reinforced concrete and stands on a pedestal similar to the original.[5]
A scaled-down version of the famous Parisian landmark, constructed using iron, much like the original. The replica is illuminated at night, offering a bright view.[6]
This statue replica is made from fiber-reinforced plastic and stands on a pedestal, a replica of the monument located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor.[6]
This replica of the ancient amphitheater in Rome is constructed using concrete and stone, showcasing the iconic arches and elliptical shape.[6]
Reception
Jharokha at Park
Since its inauguration, the Seven Wonders Park has contributed significantly to the local tourism industry. It has attracted visitors from various parts of India and abroad, boosting the local economy and giving Kota fame as a tourist destination.[citation needed]
Since it opened, more than 25 lakh people have visited the Seven Wonders Park so far. On an average, 30,000 people visit it every month.[8] Some visitors have complained about lack of maintenance at the park.[9]
On the lines of Kota, another Seven Wonders Park has been built in New Delhi which is located between Sarai Kale Khan and Millennium Park.[10]
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