Indian Columbus

During the Bhakti movement in South India, twelve revered saints emerged as passionate devotees of Lord Vishnu. They are collectively known as the Alwars. Their icons are commonly found in Vishnu temples across the region, reflecting their enduring spiritual legacy. Peyalwar, the third among the Alwars, is believed to have lived in the 7th century CE. His deep, almost frenzied devotion to Vishnu earned him the name "Pei" Alwar — with "Pei" meaning ghost in Tamil, a reference to his intense spiritual fervor. According to legend, Peyalwar was born on a red lily ( sevvalli ) flower in a well. He is also considered to be the incarnation of Nandakam, the divine sword of Vishnu. The birthplace of Peyalwar is located near the Madhava Perumal Temple on Arundale Street in Mylapore, a bustling locality in Chennai. Despite Mylapore’s prominence, this sacred site remains largely unknown and is sadly neglected today. The original well where Peyalwar is believed to have be...

Mylapore can rightly be considered the heritage heart of Chennai. This vibrant locality is home to the iconic Kapaleeswarar Temple, the most famous temple in the city. While Mylapore is often associated with Shiva worship, it also houses several important and ancient Vishnu temples—one of the most notable being the Madhava Perumal Temple. A Temple Steeped in Legend According to the Brahmanda Purana , Goddess Lakshmi was born in the temple’s sacred tank to the sage Bhrigu. It is also believed that Lord Vishnu himself identified this location as the ideal place for sage Vyasa to undertake penance. In ancient times, this area was known by the names Madhavapuram and Mayapuri . Adding to its spiritual significance, the birthplace of Peyalwar—one of the twelve revered Alwars and a celebrated Vishnu devotee—is located nearby. Layout and Architecture The east-facing temple features an elegant five-tiered tower (gopuram) adorned with a variety of detailed stucco sculptures. In f...

Chennai, the most prominent city in South India, was established by the British. It is one of the few Indian cities where numerous heritage buildings from the colonial era still stand, showcasing a rich architectural legacy. The George Town area, in particular, is home to several important historical structures. Additionally, Mount Road — now known as Anna Salai — features a remarkable collection of colonial-era buildings. Cuddon Building: Constructed in 1916 by Simpson & Co., the Cuddon Building is an ornate brick structure that originally served as a car showroom. It is also known as the Gove Building and stands as a fine example of early 20th-century commercial architecture. Bharat Insurance Building: Also known as the Kardly Building, this structure once housed Bharat Insurance. It is a striking example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, blending Indian and British styles — a hallmark of Chennai's colonial architectural heritage. The Mail: The office build...

Chennai, often referred to as the gateway to South India, is home to numerous tourist attractions. As the city lies in the southern region of India, many of its popular spots are temples. However, there are a few notable exceptions such as the Egmore Museum, amusement parks, and its beaches. Among these rare non-religious attractions, the botanical garden stands out as a unique addition to the city's landscape. Unlike its zoological park and deer park, Chennai did not have a botanical garden until 2010. That year, the Tamil Nadu Government’s Horticulture Department established the city’s first botanical garden. Interestingly, the garden is located on a historically significant site that once housed the famous Woodlands Drive-In restaurant. Many of the trees and plants now seen in the garden were originally part of that restaurant’s premises. This garden is named Semmozhi Poonga and covers about 20 acres in the heart of the city, near the Anna Flyover in the Gemini area. It h...

Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is home to many significant temples that reflect its deep-rooted spiritual and cultural heritage. In the heart of Mylapore—a historic and vibrant part of the city—stands one of Chennai’s most celebrated temples, the Kapaleeswarar Temple . But just about half a kilometre north of this grand shrine lies a lesser-known, yet beloved temple dedicated to the Divine Mother— Mundakakanni Amman Temple . Located on a quiet street named Mundakakanni Koil Street , the temple is not far from the well-known Madhava Perumal Temple . Though modest in size, Mundakakanni Temple holds a special place in the hearts of Chennai’s residents. To many, she is affectionately regarded as one of the Goddesses of Madras . During the Tamil month of Aadi , the temple draws thousands of devotees. Many believe that worshipping here helps in alleviating Naga Dosham , a serpent-related astrological affliction. The east-facing shrine features a small tower (gopuram) built in ...

Chennai, often referred to as the gateway to South India, is one of India’s major metropolitan cities and a hub of culture, history, and architecture. The city is dotted with a wide variety of tourist attractions—including ancient temples, colonial-era churches, bustling malls, iconic British-era buildings, and even a sprawling zoological park. Among these, one site stands out for its sheer historical richness and diversity of collections—the Chennai Government Museum , popularly known as the Egmore Museum , named after the locality in which it is situated. Egmore has been an important part of Chennai’s landscape for over 300 years. Originally known as Ezhumbur , this village was acquired by the East India Company in 1720 CE. Today, it houses Tamil Nadu’s second most important railway station and serves as a prominent city hub. The idea of a museum in Egmore took shape after the First War of Indian Independence in 1857. The Government Museum was established soon after, and in 1896...

India is a paradise for travellers, offering a diverse array of tourist destinations, including many scenic hill stations. From the snow-capped charm of Manali and Shimla to the lush greenery of Munnar, Ooty, Darjeeling, Nainital, and Gulmarg—the list is extensive. Tamil Nadu, the southern state of India, is primarily known for its temples and spiritual sites. However, it is also home to a few picturesque hill stations like Ooty, Kodaikanal, and Yercaud. Among these, there is a lesser-known gem tucked away close to Chennai—the hill station of Yelagiri . Yelagiri is one of the few budget-friendly hill stations in India. It’s not commercialized or crowded, making it an ideal weekend escape for those seeking peace and quiet. With limited sightseeing spots, Yelagiri is more about unwinding than checking off tourist attractions. Situated roughly 240 km from Chennai and 160 km from Bangalore, Yelagiri sits conveniently along the Chennai–Bangalore route. The nearest railway station is Jolar...