Pettiyum Parayum - Kerala

Kuttanad is often called the rice bowl of Kerala. This natural and verdant granary has a unique topography and a fragile ecosystem that lies below the sea level. The region, replete with vast paddy fields criss crossed by numerous lakes, rivers and other water bodies, is protected from the sea water by dykes and bunds. The water that is blocked by the bunds can be channeled to the fields as and when required. Earlier this was done using paddle water wheels.

With the arrival of electricity another indigenous pumping mechanism was developed, the Pettiyum Parayum. Petti means a box and para a cylindrical measuring vessel. The components of this indigenous de watering mechanism include an electric motor, a submerged vessel (para), and a rectangular box above the water. The fan inside the para is connected by a belt to a motor fixed inside the pump house. The water that is sucked in through the vessel flows out of the box whereby the contraption can be used to pump water from low lying areas into the backwaters. Fishes, that are trapped in this water, are caught using a net attached to the box, transforming this humble native engineering tool into a multi utility wonder.

It is the city where the Gateway of India, a monument in Mumbai (Bombay) is located and is the capital of Maharashtra state. Mumbai is the financial capital of India and is considered to be one of the most populated cities in the world.

The city is listed among one of the world's top ten centres of commerce by global financial flow and is home to important financial institutions such as the Reserve Bank of India, the Bombay Stock Exchange, and the National Stock Exchange of India. Bollywood, India's biggest film and television industry is also situated here

The Elephanta Caves, a World Heritage Site, located at island hills on northeast of Apollo Bandar in Mumbai, Maharashtra state, India. The Elephanta islands were earlier known as 'Gharapuri'. It is considered to be an ideal tribute to the Maurya dynasty. One can also find an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) Site Museum with the support of UNESCO and its surroundings are lovely with the blend of greenery.

The Gateway of India, a monument in Mumbai (Bombay) the capital of Maharashtra, India. It is a colonial marker built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Bombay. It is the favourite meeting spot for tourists to explore the city of Mumbai and the state of Maharashtra. Mumbai is beautiful city with a buzzing street life and is considered to be one of the busiest cities in India.