Indian Columbus

Located within the iconic Gardens by the Bay in Singapore, the Cloud Forest is a mesmerizing conservatory that offers a glimpse into the magical, misty worlds of high-altitude tropical forests. A journey here is a walk through lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, and captivating digital art installations, making it a must-visit attraction for nature lovers and explorers alike. As you step into the Cloud Forest, you’re greeted by the gentle roar of a 35-meter waterfall , one of the world’s tallest indoor waterfalls. The mist-filled air carries the fresh, earthy aroma of water and foliage, instantly transporting you to the cool, moist climates of tropical mountain regions. This ambiance mimics the natural conditions found in cloud forests, typically located at elevations of 2,000 to 3,500 meters in regions across Southeast Asia, Tropical America, and Africa. The centerpiece of the Cloud Forest is a towering vertical garden known as the Cloud Mountain , accessible via a series of windin...

Tucked away in the pristine landscapes of the Southern Western Ghats near Idukki, Kerala, Eravikulam National Park stands as a testament to nature's grandeur. The park, whose name "Eravikulam" translates to "streams and pools," offers a vivid portrayal of its lush terrain, abundant with freshwater sources. Positioned at a breathtaking altitude of 7,000 feet above sea level, this protected area is a sanctuary for a diverse array of flora and fauna, making it one of India's most spectacular wildlife destinations. Once serving as a hunting preserve for British planters during the colonial era, Eravikulam National Park's transformation into a wildlife haven has a remarkable story. Recognizing the importance of its unique biodiversity, the park was first declared a sanctuary in 1975. The primary goal was to safeguard the Nilgiri Tahr, a highly endangered species of mountain goat native to this region. This elusive creature thrives in the park's rocky outc...

Just a stone's throw from Bayfront MRT station, Floral Fantasy at Gardens by the Bay offers visitors an enchanting escape into a world of suspended bouquets and creative floral arrangements. This vibrant attraction, nestled in the heart of Singapore, features a series of diverse garden landscapes that seamlessly flow into one another, creating a mesmerizing and immersive experience. As you wander through the meandering pathways of Floral Fantasy, you'll encounter four distinct garden themes: Dance, Float, Waltz, and Drift. Each theme is meticulously designed to transport you into a different floral wonderland, where the colors, scents, and textures of the blooms captivate your senses. This floral haven is a testament to Singapore's commitment to integrating nature into urban spaces, providing a serene retreat amidst the bustling cityscape. The "Dance" garden welcomes visitors with a breathtaking array of hanging floral arrangements that seem to dance in the air. M...

Singapore's Night Safari, the world’s first nocturnal wildlife park, celebrates its 30th anniversary this year (2024). This unique safari offers a chance to see over 900 animals from 100 species in their naturalistic nighttime habitats, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. The Night Safari is more than just a zoo visit; it’s an immersive experience that transports visitors into the heart of the jungle under the cover of darkness. As you step into the park, the ambient sounds of the night and the soft glow of moonlight set the stage for a magical journey. The safari is divided into four walking trails and a tram ride, each offering a different perspective on nocturnal wildlife. The tram ride is a highlight of the Night Safari, providing a guided tour through seven geographical zones. This 40-minute journey takes you from the Himalayan Foothills to the Southeast Asian Rainforest, offering close encounters with animals like the Malayan tiger, Asia...

River Wonders, part of the Mandai Wildlife Reserve in Singapore, is Asia's first and only river-themed wildlife park. This unique park features over 11,000 animals from 260 species, showcasing a variety of river habitats from around the world. Visitors can immerse themselves in the wonders of these ecosystems through several distinct zones, each offering a glimpse into the life that thrives along the world's iconic rivers. One of the main attractions at River Wonders is the Amazon Flooded Forest, home to the world’s largest freshwater aquarium. This exhibit replicates the seasonal flooding of the Amazon rainforest, where trees are submerged under ten meters of water. Visitors can observe fascinating aquatic life such as the manatees, arapaimas, and giant river otters. The giant river otters, in particular, are a highlight as they are displayed for the first time in Asia, providing a rare opportunity to witness these social and playful creatures up close. The Giant Panda Forest ...

Nestled in the Mandai Rainforest, the Singapore Zoo spans 26 hectares and is home to over 2,800 animals from 300 species. Renowned for its open-concept design, the zoo offers visitors a unique chance to observe animals in spacious, naturalistic habitats. Opened on June 27, 1973, the Singapore Zoo began with 270 animals across 72 species. It has since evolved into a premier wildlife park, drawing nearly 2 million visitors annually. The zoo is operated by the Mandai Wildlife Group, which also manages the Night Safari, River Wonders, Bird Paradise, and the forthcoming Rainforest Wild Park. Major Attractions: The Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia - Featuring Hamadryas baboons, Nubian ibexes, and banded mongooses, this exhibit replicates the geological and cultural landscape of Ethiopia. Rainforest Kidzworld -A family-friendly zone with water play areas, animal-themed rides, and interactive exhibits for children. Free-Ranging Orangutan Island - Visitors can watch orangutans swing above them, a ...

Located amidst the lush hills of Munnar, the Carmelagiri Elephant Park offers visitors a unique and captivating experience with its majestic elephants. If you're planning a trip to Munnar, this park is a must-visit destination that promises both excitement and tranquility. Carmelagiri Elephant Park is a haven for elephant enthusiasts. Situated in the heart of Munnar, the park provides an immersive experience where visitors can interact with these gentle giants. The park offers a variety of activities designed to give you a closer look at the lives of elephants and their habitat. One of the main attractions at Carmelagiri is the elephant ride. Visitors can enjoy a serene ride through the lush green surroundings, offering an unparalleled vantage point to appreciate Munnar's natural beauty. The rides are conducted under the supervision of trained mahouts, ensuring both safety and an educational experience about these magnificent creatures. Another engaging activity is feeding the ...

In South India, it is a common sight. All the vehicles would stop at a border temple before entering or leaving the town. Similarly, before entering the Wayanad hills or after completing the breathtaking nine hair bin bends, all drivers stop their vehicles at a particular shrine. However, the uniqueness lies in the deity. Here, the deity is not the typical well-known Hindu God or Goddess. Instead, a tribal head is worshiped as a deity. Come! Let us explore the exciting story behind this. In the second half of the 1700s, the Britishers found transporting spices from Mysore to Kerala challenging. The path was through a thick forest that wild animals inhabited. There came our hero to help them. Karinthandan, the Chief of the Paniya tribe, knew every nook and corner of the forest region. The Britishers successfully constructed the road from Calicut to Wayanad with his guidance.  The Viceroy announced a reward for this accomplishment. The British Engineer, who did not want to share fame...

Whether just watching the magnificent waterfall during the monsoon or trekking amidst the thick forest to reach its top during the other seasons, both give us a boundlessly delightful experience. Meenmutty waterfalls, the three-tiered spectacular waterfalls with a height of about 1000 feet, is the second largest in Kerala. It is said that the fish cannot withstand this majestic waterfall's force and hence cannot survive there. Therefore it is named "Meenmutty" in Malayalam, meaning blocking the fish.  Happy travelling.

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 ...

The 2.5 hectare ecological park set up in Pallikkaranai marsh land in 2021 is a boon for bird watchers of Chennai. The tiled walking path surrounded by dense trees make bird watching easy. The two km long pathway enables the visitors to enjoy walking under the shady trees and watching hundreds of migratory birds.  Happy travelling.

Started as a modest school in a rented building on Armenian Street in George Town (rather, the original Madras), the Madras Christian College expanded into a strong and glorious institution. It is one of Asia's oldest surviving colleges. Rev. John Anderson, a Christian missionary from Scotland, was a pioneer in introducing English medium education in South India. He started the General Assembly School on 3rd April 1837, with just 59 boys. Anderson died in 1855 CE. Four years later, the Anderson Church was constructed in George Town. Strangely, the educationalist Anderson's name is associated more with the church than with the institute he founded. Rev. William Miller, who arrived in 1862, became the greatest architect of the institution. He upgraded the school into a college by adding F.A. and B.A. courses in 1865 and 1867, respectively. He renamed the institution as Madras Christian College on 1st January 1877. The impressive façade of the building that is found opposite Madra...