Indian Columbus

It's massive - it's majestic - it's mammoth. As it is located next door to the Central Railway Station, with just a small road in-between, not only the locals but even the new visitors to Chennai traveling by train would never miss observing it. Yes, I am talking about the iconic heritage structure housing the Southern Railway Headquarters. The heritage structure celebrates its centenary this year (2022). It was inaugurated on 11th December 1922 by Lady Willingdon. (Marie Adelaide married Freeman Thomas, the then Governor of Madras and the future Governor General of India, was called Lady Willingdon.) The foundation stone was laid about seven years earlier, on 8th February 1915, by Lord Pentland, the then Governor of Madras.  Two stone plaques at the entrance pillars provide the details of the above events. The magnificent building, one of the first modern office buildings of the country, can be technically termed as Indo Saracenic architecture style, as it is a fusion of C

Almost all major cities have zoological parks. But, Mysuru zoo has its unique charm. Whoever visits Mysuru never misses coming here.  Founded in 1892 by Mysore ruler Sri Chamarajendra Wodeyar Bahadur, it is one of the oldest zoological parks of the entire India. The credit for the beautiful landscape goes to the German Horticulturist, Mr. G.H. Krumbeigal.  Initially, it occupied just 10.9 acres. After multiple expansions, it now spreads over 157 acres, including 77 acres of Karanji Lake. Animals might not feel this zoo as a prison but as a forest. Named after the founder but popularly known as Mysore Zoo, it is a pioneer in recreating the natural habitat for different species of animals. Also, it is the first park in India to build large ape enclosures. The enclosure that was built in 1911, is considered a heritage building now. Thanks to the Mysore Maharaja for introducing many animals from European countries to Mysore. During his tours, he used to bring different species of animals h

There is hardly anyone in Chennai who would not know St. Thomas Mount. And all of them know about the famous church located atop the hill. However, a few other old churches in the same locality remain lesser known.  The English built the Garrison Church for army personnel. Then, English Wesley Church was constructed for the benefit of English speaking community. A new Methodist church was built in 1911 for those Tamil-speaking people serving the Britishers. On the same site, the current structure of CSI Wesley Tamil Church was built in 1935.  There is one more church in St. Thomas Mount. It is St. Patrick's Church, located at the foot of the hill. Built in 1887, it is the second most famous church in the locality. Its elegance and tall tower always attract passers-by. The exterior structure and interior are awe-inspiring, with many glass artworks depicting the Bible characters.  Happy travelling. Visit my site,  krishnakumartk.com , to know more about the travel guides and other bo

With breathtaking hills, an internationally acclaimed palace and zoological park, state-of-the-art temples, historical monuments, and heritage richness at every nook and corner - Mysuru - it's a true paradise on earth. There is one more feather on the cap of this historic city - the Chamundeshwari Celebrity Wax Museum.  Inaugurated in October 2018, it is the first celebrity museum in Karnataka. It is the result of two years of hard work and effort by the renowned sculptor Umesh Shetty and his team. All the wax statues look so realistic that it becomes difficult to believe they are not humans. Saints, Social reformers, Politicians, Indian and foreign cine stars, Sports stars, Emperors, and so on - the museum displays many statues of prominent people from different walks of life.  Happy travelling. Visit my site,  krishnakumartk.com , to know more about the travel guides and other books that I have written.

There is hardly anyone in Chennai who would not know St. Thomas Mount. And all of them know about the famous church located atop the hill. However, there are a few other old churches in the same locality that remain lesser known.  The English built the Garrison Church for army personnel. A new Methodist church was built in 1911 for those Tamil-speaking people serving the Britishers. Even before that, the English Wesley Church was constructed for the benefit of English speaking community.  Located at the foothills of St. Thomas Mount, this church was originally called the Wesleyan Chapel. Elijah Hoole was the first Methodist missionary who could preach fluently in Tamil. As a result of his preaching at St. Thomas Mount, Mrs. Isacke, the wife of Captain W.B. Isacke, donated her land to the Wesleyan Methodist Missionary Society in 1827 CE. Thus, the construction of the Wesleyan Chapel was started on this site and was dedicated within two years. John Law served as the architect of the stru