Indian Columbus

Munnar, a picturesque hill station in Kerala, is synonymous with sprawling tea plantations that stretch across its rolling hills. These lush green estates not only define the region’s landscape but also play a significant role in its history, economy, and culture. The story of Munnar’s tea plantations dates back to the late 19th century when British planters recognized the region’s potential for growing tea. With its cool climate, high altitude, and fertile soil, Munnar provided ideal conditions for tea cultivation. Over time, the tea estates expanded, transforming the once-forested hills into an extensive network of tea gardens. The tea plantations of Munnar are not just about the plants; they are also home to a thriving community of workers, most of whom are women. Their expertise in plucking tea leaves with precision ensures a high-quality yield. Walking through the estates, one can witness the rhythmic motion of workers skillfully collecting tea leaves, a sight that adds to the c...

Jewel Changi Airport, commonly known as Jewel, is one of Singapore’s most iconic landmarks. It is a nature-themed entertainment and retail complex connected to one of the passenger terminals of Changi Airport. Among its many attractions, the centerpiece is the breathtaking Rain Vortex, the tallest indoor waterfall in the world. A Spectacular Sight The Rain Vortex, formerly known as the HSBC Rain Vortex, stands at an impressive height of 40 meters (130 feet). Water continuously recirculates and is pumped to the roof, where it free-falls through a circular opening at a rate of up to 37,850 liters per minute. The waterfall lands in a basement-level pool, with an acrylic funnel at the bottom preventing splashing and insulating sound. Architectural Marvel The Jewel’s unique toroid-shaped roof, which houses the Rain Vortex, consists of over 9,000 pieces of glass and spans 200 by 150 meters (660 by 490 feet). The roof features a sloped oculus that seamlessly integrates with the cascading wate...

The South Gate of Humayun’s Tomb serves as the royal entrance to this grand Mughal mausoleum. Designed with a blend of Persian and Mughal architectural styles, the gateway stands as a monumental structure that enhances the grandeur of the tomb complex. Beyond its function as an entry point, the South Gate is a remarkable architectural feature in its own right, demonstrating intricate craftsmanship and thoughtful design. Architectural Features Material and Color Scheme The South Gate is primarily constructed using red sandstone, a hallmark of Mughal architecture. The red sandstone is contrasted beautifully with white marble inlays, adding a sense of elegance. Additionally, grey stone can be observed in certain sections of the masonry, further enriching its visual appeal. Grand Arched Entrance The defining feature of the South Gate is its imposing central archway, framed by decorative white marble borders. This grand entrance welcomes visitors approaching from the southern direction...

The grand Kantimati Sameta Nellaiyappar Temple in Tirunelveli extends beyond its main complex, encompassing several mandapas situated at a distance from the temple. These mandapas play a vital role in various rituals and festivals associated with the temple. One such significant structure is the Thai Poosa Mandapam, located approximately 3.5 km away from the main temple, in the Sindu Poonthurai/Kailasapuram area. A key landmark near this mandapam is the Kailasanathar Temple, revered by none other than the great composer Muthuswami Dikshitar. Architectural Significance Dating back to the 1700s, the Thai Poosa Mandapam stands on the banks of the sacred Tamraparani River. The ghat at this location, known as Sindupoonthurai Ghat, is considered one of the holy water bodies of the Nellaiyappar Temple. Over time, the mandapam has been enclosed with grill gates and whitewashed externally, but its original beauty remains remarkable. The mandapam features a raised platform adorned with Vyala pil...

Mamallapuram, the crown jewel of Pallava architecture, is celebrated for its breathtaking monuments—the Shore Temple, the Five Rathas, the Great Penance, and various other magnificent rock-cut caves adorned with intricate sculptures. While these architectural wonders are widely praised, the master sculptors who crafted them remain largely unknown to the public. However, their names are not lost to history; they are inscribed on boulders in Poonjeri, a lesser-known site located just 2.9 kilometers from Mallai. In a site what locals used to call “Nondi Veerappan Thotti,” in Poonjeri,  holds an inscription in Tamil and Grantha script, dating back to the late 7th century CE. These inscriptions, documented in the South Indian Inscriptions (SII) Volume XII, AR Nos. 105-107 of 1932-33, offer a rare glimpse into the identities of seven sculptors who played a crucial role in shaping Mamallapuram's legacy. The inscription reads: Ke(va)da Peruntaccan Gunamallah Payyamilippan Catamukkiya...

Amidst the bustling streets of Park Town in Chennai, opposite the grand Ripon Building, stands a lesser-known yet historically significant structure—the Siddique Sarai . Built in 1921 , this choultry was established to provide lodging facilities for Muslim travelers. Over a century old, the building remains a testament to the city’s architectural diversity and the philanthropic vision of Nawab C. Abdul Hakeem Saheb . The Vision Behind Siddique Sarai Nawab C. Abdul Hakeem Saheb (1863–1938) was a Tamil Muslim trader and politician from the Madras Presidency. A native of Melvisharam , a village in the North Arcot district , he was known for his contributions to commerce and public welfare. His father, Siddique Hussain Sahib , was a prosperous trader whose struggle to find suitable accommodation upon arriving in Madras Central from Bombay inspired the idea of constructing a dedicated choultry for Muslim travelers. The Sarai was named in his father’s honor, recognizing his influence on Abd...

In the heart of New York Central Park, at the south end of the Mall, stands a striking bronze statue that captures the spirit of resilience, survival, and the deep bond between man and nature. Titled Indian Hunter , this compelling sculpture was created by John Quincy Adams Ward (1830–1910), a pioneering American sculptor known for his technical mastery and ability to depict movement and emotion with remarkable precision. A Historic Landmark in Central Park The Indian Hunter was the first statue by an American artist to be installed in Central Park. Cast in 1866 and dedicated on February 4, 1869 , it remains one of the park’s oldest outdoor sculptures. It was funded by subscriptions from artists and art patrons , emphasizing its significance in the American art scene of the 19th century. The statue was cast at the L.A. Amouroux foundry in New York and sits on a polished Rockport granite pedestal that elevates its striking presence in the park. A Masterful Composition Ward’s sculpt...

Coventry’s Spon Street is a remarkable showcase of the city's medieval and Tudor heritage. Among its well-preserved buildings stands an exquisite example of half-timbered architecture that offers a glimpse into the craftsmanship and aesthetics of centuries past. This award-winning structure, numbered Court 5, with its striking timber frame and gabled windows, reflects the essence of Tudor-era construction and the city’s effort to preserve its historical core. Architectural Features Half-Timbered Construction One of the most distinctive features of this building is its half-timbered construction, a hallmark of medieval architecture in England. The exposed wooden framework is filled with wattle and daub, an ancient building technique where a woven lattice of wooden strips (wattle) is coated with a mixture of clay, soil, straw, and dung (daub). This method provided insulation while keeping the structure lightweight and adaptable to seasonal changes. Also, it added an aesthetic appe...

Munnar, often synonymous with sprawling tea plantations, is home to the Lockhart Tea Museum , a destination that offers a deep dive into the history and production of tea in South India. Situated just 9 km from Munnar on the Thekkady Road , the museum is housed within a historic building constructed in 1936 and was officially opened to the public on 22 January 2014 . The Legacy of Lockhart Estate The Lockhart Estate , where the museum is located, is among the earliest tea plantations in the High Range (Munnar) . It was established in 1879 by Baron John Von Rosenberg and his son, Baron George Otto Von Rosenberg . The estate initially experimented with cinchona and coffee , before ultimately transitioning to tea cultivation , which flourished in the region. Inside the Lockhart Tea Museum The museum provides visitors with an opportunity to explore the rich history of tea production , featuring photographs, antique machinery, and exhibits that illustrate the evolution of tea processing...

This is the 11th installment in my series on the Kanheri Caves. In earlier articles, I explored Cave No. 1 and Cave No. 2 in detail. In the last two episodes, I introduced Cave No. 3, discussing its entrance, sculptures, and the two massive pillars at the inner entrance. As mentioned before, this cave features a well-crafted forecourt with a flight of steps leading to a rectangular verandah and an apsidal Chaitya at the rear. In this episode, I focus on two large Buddha sculptures in the verandah. I will cover the remaining sculptures of the verandah, Chaitya and inscriptions in the forth-coming episodes.  Cave No. 3 faces west. Within its rectangular verandah, two towering Buddha sculptures—each 7 meters high—stand on the north and south-facing walls. The South-Facing Buddha Positioned to the viewer's left upon entering the verandah, this Buddha is depicted in a standing posture (Samapāda-sthānaka), with both feet firmly placed parallel to each other. The body exhibits a subtle co...

Coney Island, also known as Pulau Serangoon, is a 133-hectare island located off the northeastern coast of Singapore, within the town of Punggol. Once earmarked for residential development, the island underwent land reclamation from 1975 to the 1990s. These efforts significantly reduced the channel between Punggol and the island to just 100 meters. However, instead of urbanization, the island has been transformed into a nature sanctuary, offering visitors a tranquil escape from city life. Coney Island Park: A Nature Haven On 10 October 2015, Coney Island Park was officially opened to the public, unveiling a 2-kilometer-long beach and a 2.4-kilometer path that integrates into Singapore’s park connector network. Managed by the National Parks Board, this 81-hectare nature park is home to a diverse range of habitats, including coastal forests, grasslands, and mangroves. The island’s rustic charm makes it an ideal destination for nature lovers, hikers, and wildlife enthusiasts. Exploring Co...

Every city, town, and village carries a distinct character—its own charm, traditions, and architectural heritage. Tirunelveli, one of Tamil Nadu’s oldest regions, is no exception. While the region is often celebrated for its temples and halwa, its unique residential architecture remains a lesser-known aspect of its cultural identity. The house in this image is a fine example of Tirunelveli’s rich architectural past, reflecting a blend of colonial and traditional Tamil influences. Dating back to the late 19th or early 20th century, such houses were once a common sight, built by affluent merchants and traders. Today, however, they are becoming increasingly rare, replaced by modern structures that lack the artistry and character of the past. A Style Unique to Tirunelveli While some might mistake these homes for Chettinad-style mansions, Tirunelveli’s architectural heritage stands apart. The houses built in this region carry distinct features that showcase a seamless fusion of Tamil and co...

Past the Arab Serai Gate, you arrive at the grand West Gate, the present-day entrance to Humayun’s Tomb. This imposing structure, though now the main access point, was not originally the primary entrance during the Mughal era. However, its design and scale make it a fitting prelude to the architectural brilliance that lies beyond. Positioned at the western end of the east-west axis, the West Gate is directly aligned with Humayun’s Tomb. Built from local grey quartzite with red sandstone dressing, this 16-meter-high gateway stands as a monumental darwaza, embodying both strength and elegance. The western façade extends outward, naturally guiding visitors into the garden complex, while the eastern side, designed as a lookout point, offers sweeping views of the symmetrical Mughal charbagh (garden) from three angles. The gateway’s structure reflects the signature elements of Mughal architecture. The central passage is flanked by rooms on either side, with small courtyards on the upper floo...

Vadakkupattu Lake, also known as Medavakkam Periya Eri, spans approximately 200 acres, with a bund stretching around 1.7 km. Once much larger, the lake has shrunk over time due to encroachments. Since Medavakkam has another smaller lake, this one is referred to as Periya Eri , meaning "Big Lake." Despite urban pressures, recent initiatives have focused on cleaning the lake and improving its surroundings. Encouragingly, efforts are underway to restore the lake, with plans to enhance the bund area by developing parks and green spaces. These measures aim to preserve the waterbody while providing a better environment for local residents. With continued conservation efforts, there is hope that Vadakkupattu Lake will regain its former prominence as a vital ecological and recreational space. Happy travelling. Note:  As per a report, there were about 650+ waterbodies in the Chennai region till the 1980s. Today, only a fraction of them exist. Most of those surviving waterbodies hardly...

Puducherry Beach, popularly known as Promenade Beach or Rock Beach, is one of the most iconic locations in the Union Territory of Puducherry. Stretching for about 1.5 km along the Bay of Bengal, this scenic coastline is more than just a picturesque spot for relaxation—it is a place steeped in history and cultural significance. The beach is a favorite among locals and tourists alike, offering a tranquil escape with the rhythmic sound of waves and a well-maintained promenade perfect for leisurely walks. One of the most mesmerizing experiences at Puducherry Beach is watching the sunrise. As the first rays of the sun touch the horizon, the sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant colors, making it a favorite spot for early risers and photography enthusiasts. Many people come here for morning walks, jogging, or simply to breathe in the fresh sea air. The beach is known for its cleanliness, adding to the overall pleasant experience. Since vehicle movement is restricted along the promenade, it...