Did you know that the famous Vivekananda Rock at Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu is not only where Swami Vivekananda gained enlightenment; it is also a geological wonder? It was at this point that India, Sri Lanka, Antarctica, Australia and Madagascar started to split 160 million years ago.

The Mayyazhipuzha River in South India was nicknamed the ‘English Channel’ in the 19th century because it separated British-ruled Thalassery (in Kerala) from the French-ruled Mahé (an administrative division of Puducherry). This mirrored the division between old rivals, England and France.

Did you know that the branch of the Brahmaputra River which flows through the state of Assam is home to both, the largest river island in the world (Majuli) and the smallest inhabited river island in the world (Umananda)?

Did you know that one of Mumbai's most popular getaways, Matheran, became a hill station purely by chance? It was discovered by the Collector of Thane, Hugh P Malet, while he was camping near the base of the hill in the mid-19th century. He realised it could be a respite for British officers from the relentless tropical climate. In 1851, he built the first residence in Matheran made of stone, today known as the Byke Hotel.

Did you know that Madras (Chennai) was the only Indian city attacked during World War I? On 22nd September 1914, German ship SMS Emden quietly sailed into the Madras harbour and fired shots at the port. Its target was not the city but the six large oil tankers of the British-owned Burmah Oil Company and several harbour installations. Around five civilians died and 13 people were injured in the attack.

Did you know that the famous Vivekananda Rock at Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu is not only where Swami Vivekananda gained enlightenment; it is also a geological wonder? It was at this point that India, Sri Lanka, Antarctica, Australia and Madagascar started to split 160 million years ago.

The Mayyazhipuzha River in South India was nicknamed the ‘English Channel’ in the 19th century because it separated British-ruled Thalassery (in Kerala) from the French-ruled Mahé (an administrative division of Puducherry). This mirrored the division between old rivals, England and France.

Did you know that the branch of the Brahmaputra River which flows through the state of Assam is home to both, the largest river island in the world (Majuli) and the smallest inhabited river island in the world (Umananda)?

Did you know that one of Mumbai's most popular getaways, Matheran, became a hill station purely by chance? It was discovered by the Collector of Thane, Hugh P Malet, while he was camping near the base of the hill in the mid-19th century. He realised it could be a respite for British officers from the relentless tropical climate. In 1851, he built the first residence in Matheran made of stone, today known as the Byke Hotel.

Did you know that Madras (Chennai) was the only Indian city attacked during World War I? On 22nd September 1914, German ship SMS Emden quietly sailed into the Madras harbour and fired shots at the port. Its target was not the city but the six large oil tankers of the British-owned Burmah Oil Company and several harbour installations. Around five civilians died and 13 people were injured in the attack.