Indian Columbus

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...

Kundala Dam, also known as Setuparvatipuram Dam, is a prominent masonry gravity dam situated on the Muthirapuzha River. Located about 20 km from Munnar, this dam is part of the Pallivasal Hydroelectric Project, Kerala's first hydroelectric venture. Notably, Kundala Dam is considered Asia's first arch dam, standing at a height of 154 feetand extending 851.0 feet in length. A major tourist attraction near Munnar, Kundala Dam is en route to Top Station. The dam and the surrounding Western Ghats mountain range offer a picturesque setting, enhanced by the Cherry Blossom trees that bloom twice a year. Visitors might also witness the rare and vibrant purple Neela Kurunji flowers, which blossom once every 12 years, covering the hills in a stunning display. Adjacent to the dam is Kundala Lake, which provides an unforgettable experience for tourists. Visitors can explore the lake on pedal boats, rowboats, or even rent Kashmiri shikara boats to enjoy the serene views and tranquil waters. ...

In the heart of the Western Ghats, Echo Point in Munnar is a serene and captivating destination that leaves visitors spellbound with its natural beauty and unique phenomenon. Located at an altitude of 600 feet, this picturesque spot is a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike. Echo Point gets its name from the fascinating natural echo phenomenon that occurs here. The place is surrounded by lush green hills, and when you shout, your voice reverberates off the surrounding mountains, creating an echo effect. This unique feature makes Echo Point a popular spot, especially for families and children who delight in hearing their voices bounce back. The journey to Echo Point is as enchanting as the destination itself. As you drive through the winding roads of Munnar, you are greeted with panoramic views of sprawling tea gardens, mist-covered hills, and pristine lakes. The sight of vibrant wildflowers and the fresh mountain air add to the charm of the journey. Upon reachin...

Nestled within the heart of Chennai lies a serene oasis awaiting discovery - Chetpet Lake. Spanning 9 acres of picturesque tranquility, this pristine body of water is the crown jewel of Chetpet Eco Park. Chetpet Lake offers visitors a peaceful retreat amidst the bustling cityscape. Chetpet Lake's rich history dates back to the early 20th century when visionaries like Sir Frederick Nicholson and Sir Alfred Chatterton laid the groundwork for its development. Initially envisioned as part of an industrialization plan for the Madras Presidency, the lake eventually came under the stewardship of the Fisheries Department in the 1930s. Over the years, efforts towards eco-restoration have transformed Chetpet Lake into a thriving ecosystem, with Chief Minister Jayalalithaa's announcement of a ₹42 crore project in April 2013 marking a significant milestone in its conservation journey. As visitors approach the shores of Chetpet Lake, they are greeted by a sense of calmness and serenity. The...

Chetpet Eco Park offers an array of delights for all who visit its serene grounds. Spanning 16 acres, with a picturesque 9-acre lake, this oasis is under the care of the Department of Fisheries, formally inaugurated in February 2016. Delving into its history, we find that the roots of this park trace back to the early 1900s, when Sir Frederick Nicholson and Sir Alfred Chatterton envisioned industrialization for the Madras Presidency. Nicholson championed fisheries, leading to the eventual stewardship of Chetpet lake by the Fisheries Department in the 1930s. The journey towards the park's eco-restoration began in the early 2000s, gaining momentum after Chief Minister Jayalalithaa's announcement in April 2013, earmarking ₹42 crore for the project. Today, the lake, with a current depth of 13 feet, owes its replenishment to a tertiary sewage treatment plant, releasing 20,000 litres of treated water daily. As visitors meander along the pathways, they are greeted by a verdant landsca...

Experience the New Kolkata - a vibrant city pulsating with energy and life, embodied in the remarkable Eco Park. Nestled across 480 acres of land and the adjoining waterbody in New Town, this park emerged as a beacon of eco-consciousness on 29th December 2012, marking a new era of recreation and adventure in the Eastern region of India. Eco Park welcomes morning walkers, offering a refreshing start to the day amidst its lush greenery and tranquil ambience. Here, visitors discover a world of unique experiences, starting with the one-of-a-kind duo-cycles where both riders pedal together, creating moments of joy and laughter. For those seeking an eco-friendly adventure, cycling through the park's pathways with friends or family is an unparalleled experience. Inhale the crisp, fresh air as you pedal past picturesque landscapes, immersing yourself in the serene surroundings. Hop aboard the mini blue toy train that traverses the park's pathways, offering enchanting views of the lake ...

Nestled amidst the vivacious city yet cocooned from its hustle and bustle, this site emerges as a distinctive and enchanting sanctuary. A mere glimpse of the iconic HITEC city structure, situated approximately 14 kilometers away in Madhapur, Hyderabad, unveils its magnetic charm. Welcoming guests through a majestic gateway adorned with monumental terra-cotta horses, this haven radiates a festive aura—it is none other than Shilparamam. Sprawling across an impressive 50 acres, Shilparamam stands as Hyderabad's nucleus of arts, crafts, and culture, honoring India's opulent cultural heritage. Endorsed by a multitude of delighted visitors, it has earned global recognition as a paramount traditional and cultural haven. Inaugurated in 1995 CE by Shri N.T. Rama Rao, the erstwhile Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shilparamam is a testament to the vivacity of India's glorious past. At its core, Shilparamam strives to rejuvenate and exalt India's illustrious history. Nestled amid...

Nestled between the evergreen forests, the mesmerizing freshwater lake Pookode Lake near Kalpetta is an important tourist spot in Wayanad. Surrounded by the Western Ghats, this spectacular waterbody allures every traveler of Wayanad. It is a perfect picnic spot with varieties of attractions. Bird watching, aquarium, children's park, boating, and merely walking around the lake and enjoying the mountain views have endless opportunities to enthrall the visitors.  Happy travelling.

It was a devastating flood. The lake bunds got destroyed in seven places on the same day. Fortunately, the government stepped in immediately. Forty gold coins (called Kaasu) were given to the village council. The fund was used to repair the bunds and avoid further damage. I am not quoting any recent newspaper report, but an inscription dating 1192 CE. The government mentioned here was under the rule of Kulotunga Chola III. The lake referred to here is Somamangalam lake, located in the remote outskirts, south of Chennai. (Inscription reference No. 02 of 1974). Spread over an area of around 250 acres, this lake might appear to be a huge one. But in reality, not even one-third of the original lake remains now. The major part of the lake was already converted into residential dwellings. I believe this lake has been encroached gradually in the last hundred plus years.  Nevertheless, the existing remaining waterbody is indeed beautiful and is pleasing to the eyes. Happy travelling. Note:...

The Big Lake, which has shrunk into a small lake - this would be the ideal title for this article.  Yes, the lake is known as "Periya Eri", which means "the big lake". It was a bigger lake once. It is said that the lake occupied around 150 acres once. Thanks to encroachments and other related issues, it is hardly 70 acres now. The big lake lost almost 50%, and it has already become a small lake. The lake is supposed to seamlessly flow into the Adyar river, which is not the case now. It is one of the sad stories of water bodies of South Chennai, the region full of lakes and ponds. One can get an excellent aerial view of the lake from Tiruneermalai hill. Periya Eri is also known as Tiruneermalai Lake.  Happy travelling. Note:  As per a report, there were about 650+ waterbodies in Chennai region till 1980s. Today, only a fraction of them exist. And, most of those surviving waterbodies hardly have water and even some of them that have water had been shrunk badly. In Che...