Indian Columbus

 It is hard to believe that Royapuram Station was the only train station in Chennai till the 1870s. To decongest Royapuram, there was a need for a second railway station. Thus, the Central Railway Station was constructed in 1873. Within nine years, in 1884, a beautiful and vast Indo-Saracenic structure was built on the opposite side. It was meant to provide transit accommodation to travelers arriving at Central Railway station. It is named after the founder Rajah Sir Ramasamy Mudeliar Choultry. Rajah Ramasamy Mudeliar was a businessman and philanthropist. He was one of the early leaders of the Indian National Congress. He also served as a Dubashi. He established various choultries (rest houses) and hospitals in memory of his wife, Thayal Nayagi. The choultry near the Central Railway station, mentioned in this article, is one among them. It remained active till the 1960s.  Happy travelling. Visit my site,  krishnakumartk.com , to know more about the travel guides and other...

This remains unique among various attractions of Wayanad, such as hilltops, waterfalls, and adventure sports. A Heritage Museum in Wayanad is a real surprise. Situated in the Ambalavayal locality, this well-maintained museum has a rich collection of artifacts that belong to the Wayanad region. They are dated back to between the Neolithic ages and the 16th century. The museum has four blocks: Veerasmruthi, Devasmruthi, Jeevansmruthi, and Gothrasmurthi. Veerasmurthi displays mainly hero stones of different sizes and styles. They date back from the 14th century to the 16th century CE. Devasmruthi consists of stone icons depicting various deities, mostly Bhairava. Some terracotta figures are also on display.  Jeevansmruthi showcases the vessels and tools of Wayanadan rural life and agricultural operations. A few notable examples are bangles, earrings, necklaces, and various musical instruments. Gothrasmruthi displays the objects of daily use that were once used by the tribal. Cowbells ...

If you are from Chennai, I am sure you would have passed through the famous Dr. Ranga Road in Mylapore. If it is not so, never mind! At least, you would have noticed the imposing statue at the entrance of G.H. (General Hospital) diagonally opposite Central Railway station. Have you ever wondered who is this Dr. Ranga after whom the famous road named? Have you ever halted for a minute to study the details of the statue at G.H.? The British-era statue near the main gate of G.H. depicts the legendary Doctor, a medical genius, the one and only Dr. Rangachari. Sadly, Dr. Rangachari Road of Mylapore was shortened to Dr. Ranga. It is difficult for anyone to relate it to the legendary medical practitioner. Dr. Rangachari was the people's Doctor. He never cared about money. He dedicated his entire life to his patients. He worked more than 14 to 15 hours daily serving the patients. He was like an incarnation born to serve the people through his excellent medical knowledge. The public funded ...

Well-laid vast garden - adventure sports like trampolining and gyroscopes - South India's longest two-way 600+ meter zip line connecting the park with the nearby hill - one of the biggest earth dams in entire India - picturesque Karapuzha river - breathtaking views of hills around - what more we need - it's heaven located in the God's own country. Its name is Karapuzha Dam - a perfect holiday destination for spending time with family and friends.  An additional bit of interesting info...The dam's construction started in 1977 and was completed after two and half decades in 2004.  Happy travelling. Visit my site,  krishnakumartk.com , to know more about the travel guides and other books that I have written. 

Satyanarayana is a form of Vishnu, one who symbolises eternal truth. Satyanarayana Puja or Vrath is a common religious ritual worship observed across the nation from time immemorial. The puja is described in Skanda Purana. The puja, described in Skanda Purana, is carried out during full moon days or any auspicious event. In Tamil Nadu, it is rare to find a temple dedicated to Satyanarayana. Chennai has two such rare temples. This article focuses on the century-old temple located in the Sowcarpet locality. Seth Chotadoss, son of Hargovind Doss, belonging to the Gujarati Modh Visa Adalja community from Sojitra, established a Dharamsala (a shelter for pilgrims) in Rasappa Chetty Street on 25th May 1918. It was inaugurated by Sir S. Subramania Iyer, popularly known as "the Grand Old Man of South India". (He was the first Indian to become Chief Justice of Madras High Court).  Within one year, on 5th February 1919, the icon of Satyanarayana was installed in the open courtyard. The ...

Kanthapara waterfalls is one of the beautiful tourist attractions of Wayanad, which is becoming popular off-late. About 22 km from Kalpetta, it is located amidst a serene forest surrounded by picturesque beauty. The half km path leading to the waterfall enhances the attraction of this 30 m high waterfall. Happy travelling. Visit my site,  krishnakumartk.com , to know more about the travel guides and other books that I have written.

Tamil Nadu woke up on 1987 December 24th morning to the sad news that Dr. MGR had passed away. It was devastating and unbearable for millions of people to lose their beloved leader. How is this possible? Was he not supposed to live forever? Even MGR had cessation? It was unbelievable for his grief-struck supporters. Just two days before his demise, MGR delivered a fifteen-minute speech. That was his last public function. His doctors even attributed that as one of the possible reasons for his exhaustion.  No one from Chennai would have missed eyeing Jawaharlal Nehru's statue in the busy Kathipara junction. However, only some realize it was the venue where MGR had his last public meeting. On 21st December 1987, Rajiv Gandhi, the then Prime Minister of India, unveiled this statue of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. MGR, the then Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, presided over the function. The statue stands impressive. Nehru is depicted releasing a white pigeon, symbolic of peace, prosperity, and...

"900 Kandi" at Wayanad - it is literally 900 acres of unspoiled and lush green paradise. Originally called Thollayiram, this pristine patch of land is a feather on the cap of Wayanad.   An off-road trip through the woods by the jeep takes us to this hidden treasure. It is where serenity meets adventure. South India's first glass bridge, built over a hilltop providing a breathtaking 360-degree view of the entire valley, is located here. For those who have yet to travel to Europe or North America, the 100 feet long skywalk provides a unique experience.  Besides the glass bridge, there are a few other options available on this site for adventure seekers and leisure travelers. Trekking, Treehouse, Bow & arrow, bird watching, and so on! A trip to Wayanad stands complete only after visiting 900 Kandi. Happy travelling. Visit my site,  krishnakumartk.com , to know more about the travel guides and other books that I have written.