Indian Columbus

Have you ever wondered what it's like to step into the world of movies? Well, Universal Studios Singapore is the perfect place to do just that! Located on Sentosa Island, this theme park is a treasure trove of fun and adventure for people of all ages. Let’s dive into what makes this place so special! Hollywood Zone Imagine walking down the Walk of Fame! In the Hollywood Zone, you can stroll along streets inspired by the iconic Hollywood Boulevard. Don't forget to catch the Hollywood Dreams Parade, where your favorite movie characters come to life! The parades are an absolute must-see, bursting with color, music, and dance. If you're lucky, you might even get to snap a selfie with characters like Marilyn Monroe or the Minions! New York Zone Feel the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple in the New York Zone. From the impressive city skyline to classic American food joints, it’s like being in NYC without ever leaving Singapore. And for some action, check out the "Lights, Ca...

 Alright, let's dive straight into the heart of Puducherry and talk about its most charming district—White Town. Picture this: cobblestone streets lined with pastel-colored buildings, bougainvillea cascading from balconies, and the aroma of freshly baked baguettes wafting through the air. Welcome to White Town, where every corner is a postcard-perfect moment waiting to happen. Now, what makes White Town so special? Well, for starters, it's like stepping into a time capsule of French colonial elegance. The architecture here is something else—ornate facades, arched doorways, and those iconic red-tiled roofs that instantly transport you to the streets of Paris. But White Town isn't just about pretty buildings; it's a playground for explorers. Wander down its narrow lanes, and you'll stumble upon hidden cafes serving up delicious pastries and strong coffee—the perfect pick-me-up for your adventures. And if you're in the mood for some retail therapy, boutique shops s...

Delhi is a city rich with landmarks and fascinating places to visit, each telling its own unique story. Among these is the Jhandewalan Hanuman Mandir in Karol Bagh, an attraction that was added to the cityscape about two decades ago. This temple, though typical of Delhi with its contemporary architecture and numerous marble images of various deities, stands out due to its gigantic stucco image of Hanuman. Also known as Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir, the original temple is one of the oldest temples in Delhi. Maharaja Jai Singh constructed it in 1724 CE. The most striking feature of the temple is its colossal Hanuman image, which was the largest in the world, when it was constructed in the early 2000s. (As on 2024, it is the 6th largest image of Hanuman.) Standing at an impressive 108 feet tall, this icon depicts Hanuman in a dramatic pose, tearing open his chest to reveal his beloved master Rama and consort Sita inside. At the base of this immense figure is a gigantic female form with he...

Continuing our exploration of the magnificent Kantimati Nellaiyappar Temple in Tirunelveli, after delving into the eastern outer prakara, let's now shift our focus to the southern outer prakara, which stretches 387 feet long and 42 feet wide. In this prakara, there are fewer shrines, but many rooms house the temple's vahanas and other festival-related materials. A notable feature here is a set of ten pillars with life-size statues of ten Nayaka Kings. Each statue is adorned in ornamental dress, holding a sword, dagger, or other weapon, yet their hands are folded in the Anjali mudra. On the other sides of these pillars, smaller and less prominent sculptures depict the kings' consorts and their ministers or generals. While there may not be a comprehensive record of the exact identities of these ten Madurai Nayaka Kings, it is likely they represent Tirumalai Nayaka and his nine predecessors. During a period of joint rule, multiple kings governed the kingdom together, and it is...

If you are from South Chennai, you cannot miss the bustling Jayachandran Textiles in Pallikkaranai, a landmark known for its crowded mega showroom. However, just behind this commercial hub lies a serene oasis in the form of Jeyachandran Nagar, and within this locality is the small yet enchanting Sadagopan Nagar. Here, amidst the urban hustle and bustle, stands a tranquil temple privately run by a devout family, offering an unexpected retreat from city life. Established in the 1990s, the Sadagopan Tiru Narayana Swami Divya Prabanda Paathasala began as a paathshala, a traditional school dedicated to the study of Divya Prabandam, the revered collection of 4,000 Tamil verses sung in praise of Vishnu by the Alvars. Over time, this humble institution evolved into a temple, providing both spiritual and educational nourishment to its visitors. At the heart of this peaceful sanctuary is the sanctum, enshrining a strikingly beautiful icon of Vishnu. This deity, standing gracefully with four arms...

Munnar, often referred to as the "Kashmir of South India," is situated in Kerala, God's Own Country. Known for its stunning landscapes, Munnar (which literally means the site of three rivers) offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and tranquility. Nestled in these picturesque hills is Photo Point, a must-visit destination for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts. This scenic spot, renowned for its rolling tea gardens and captivating vistas, provides a visual feast ideal for both amateur and professional photographers. Photo Point is conveniently located about 3 kilometers from Munnar town, easily accessible by road. The drive to this viewpoint is a delightful experience, winding through verdant tea plantations, dense forests, and charming villages. Well-maintained roads ensure a smooth journey, allowing visitors to fully absorb the surrounding beauty. The magic of Photo Point lies in its breathtaking scenery. The gently sloping hills are blanketed with lush green t...

Just 30 kilometers from the bustling center of Mumbai lies the hidden gem of Kanheri Caves. Despite the city's glitz and glamour, this historic site remains underexplored. Nestled deep within the Sanjay Gandhi National Park on Mumbai's western outskirts, the Kanheri Caves are a remarkable collection of 109 Buddhist rock-cut monuments dating back to the 1st to 10th century CE. The name "Kanheri" is derived from the Sanskrit word "Krishnagiri," meaning "black mountain." Historically, the site was also known as "Khanden," reflecting the same meaning. The majority of these caves are Buddhist Viharas, serving as residences, study centers, and meditation halls. A few Chaityas, featuring rock-cut Stupas for congregational worship, indicate a well-organized Buddhist monastic establishment that was once connected to various prominent trade centers. Before the land reclamation projects of the 19th and 20th centuries, the area surrounding the caves ...

Nestled in the heart of Singapore’s Central Business District, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands is a beacon of luxury and sophistication. Spanning over 800,000 square feet, this premier shopping destination boasts an impressive collection of over 170 luxury and premium boutiques, making it a must-visit for discerning shoppers and fashion enthusiasts. The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands isn't just a shopping mall; it's an architectural masterpiece. With its contemporary design, spacious high ceilings, and wide open walkways, the mall offers a visually stunning and comfortable shopping experience. The breathtaking views of Singapore's iconic skyline enhance the allure, blending indoor luxury with outdoor beauty. One of the standout features of The Shoppes is the world’s only floating Louis Vuitton Island Maison. This exclusive boutique, set amidst the waters of Marina Bay, provides an unparalleled shopping experience with evolving styles and incredible views. Equally remarkable is...

In the heart of French White Town of Puducherry lies a hidden gem, a testament to centuries of history and the enduring legacy of the Capuchin order: the Cimetière des Capucins, or Capuchins Cemetery . This sacred ground, dating back to 1726, holds within its colorful confines the stories of Pondicherry's past, etched in stone and memory. Step through the gates of this ancient cemetery, and you'll find yourself surrounded by the echoes of bygone eras. Here lie the final resting places of notable figures from the 18th century, their graves adorned with weathered tombstones that whisper tales of days long past. Among the silent sentinels of the cemetery stand the graves of Governor Prosper de Chermont, Vice Governor Simon Lagrenée de Mézière, and even a 17th-century soldier named Jacques Lhyuer. Each tombstone bears witness to the passage of centuries and the stories of those who once walked the streets of Pondicherry. As you wander through the rows of graves, you'll come acr...

Venturing into Connaught Place, fondly known as CP, is like stepping into the beating heart of New Delhi. With its bustling streets, vibrant atmosphere, and rich history, CP stands as a testament to the city's dynamic spirit and enduring charm. But behind the bustling streets and bustling markets lies a tale as intriguing as it is enchanting. Once, it was said that venturing into this site, which was a ridge, after sunset was not safe, and it was frequented only by those seeking solace or adventure. Yet, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, a different scene unfolded as people flocked to an ancient Hanuman temple, seeking blessings and solace amidst the chaos of urban life. In those days, it was a far cry from the bustling metropolis it is today. Instead, it was a haven for partridge hunters and solitude seekers, its winding alleys and hidden corners shrouded in mystery and intrigue. But just as the fate of its people evolved, so too did the destiny of this storied site. Today, Connaught Pla...

Continuing our exploration of the magnificent Kantimati Nellaiyappar temple in Tirunelveli, let's delve deeper into the remarkable features of the outermost eastern prakara around Nellaiyappar shrine. Stretching across 295 feet in length and 40 feet in width, the third outer eastern prakara of the Nellaiyappar shrine extends into a grand mandapa crafted by Sivanthiappa Naicker in 1654 CE. Naicker was serving under the the famous Tirumalai Naicker. This mandapa, adorned with intricate sculptures, stands as a testament to artistic excellence. I have already covered in detail about all captivating large sculptures in this part of temple in my earlier posts. I will cover all the remaining features of this eastern part of Nellaiyappar shrine in this article. Dominating the space is a massive white Nandi, known as Maakkaalai, sculpted from limestone, facing the main shrine of Nellaiyappar.Adjacent to the Nandi, we find the imposing dwajastambha (flag staff) and bali peetha. The flag staf...