Fascinating facts about India that many of us don’t know

by Munmi Bora · Published May 14, 2016 · Updated June 6, 2016

India is the seventh-largest country by area and second-largest by population and the most populous democracy in the world. Four of the major religions of the world – Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism originated here. Here are few of the very interesting facts about India, that probably most of us do not know.

A Spa only for the elephants

As the summer hits the country, dozens of elephants can be seen at Punnathoor Cotta Elephant Yard Rejuvenation Centre in Kerala, where they receive baths, massages and even food. This unique spa centre meant only for the elephants, has the capacity to host up to 59 elephants at a time.

India’s first rocket was transported on a bicycle

ISRO launched India’s first rocket from Thumba Launching Station in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Interestingly the rocket was transported on a bicycle.

India has a floating post office

India has the largest postal network in the world with over 1, 55,015 post offices. Interestingly, India has a floating post office, located in Dal Lake, Srinagar, which was inaugurated in August 2011.

Shampoo – An Indian origin

The word ‘shampoo’ has been derived from the Sanskrit word champu, which means to massage. However, the method of shampooing was done with herbs and not with any other liquids found in the market nowadays.

Highest cricket ground in the world is in India

The Chail Cricket Ground in Chail, Himachal Pradesh, situated at an altitude of 2,444 meters is the highest cricket ground in the world. It was built in 1893 and is a part of the Chail Military School.

Lenghth of steel wires used in Bandra Worli Sealink is equal to the earth’s circumference

The length of steel wires used in the Bandra Worli Sealink project is equivalent to the circumference of the Earth. Each cable can take a weight of 900 tons. It took a total of 2,57,00,000 man hours to complete this engineering marvel.