The Mystifying Underground Tunnel With Million Seashells : Shell Grotto

1. Unveiling the Story

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A Margate local, James Newlove, in the year 1835, had accidentally located a hole in the ground, while he and his son were digging a duck pond. To find out more about this hole, Newlove lowered his son into the hole. When he pulled out his son, he was excited about the discovery he had made. His son had seen an underground tunnel that was beautifully decorated with seashell mosaics. To facilitate access to the cave a horizontal access was dug and the grotto was first opened to the public in 1837. The dark corridors were lit by gas lamps. This tunnel was soon transformed into a place where people could visit and absorb the mystery.

2. The Enchanting Shell Grotto

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What makes the shell grotto of Margate so mysterious is that there is nothing known about it - when was it built, by whom or for what purpose. A fish based mortar has been used to glue the shells to this tunnel. The tunnel is decorated with close to 4.6 million shells, spread over 21 meters in length (over 600 m2) mosaic of shells, decorate each piece of the wall and ceiling of the grotto.

17 Jan 2024

The 5 Longest Rail and Road Tunnels of India

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17 Jan 2024

Andhra Pradesh To Build Underwater Tunnel Through Krishna River

Andhra Pradesh To Build Underwater Tunnel Through Krishna River Andhra Pradesh state government has planned for a dream project in which it has decided to build an underwater tunnel for 3 kilometer. This tunnel is planned through the Krishna River for vehicular traffic. This project is also expected to be the part of upcoming capital city and providing a decent transparent passage for vehicles. This tunnel will connect Vijayawada with the administrative capital. This plan is expected to be implemented by the support of Singapore designers and they have provided their expertise in making the frame of this dream tunnel plan. This is a unique tunnel and in entire world, there are around 200 such underwater tunnels only. However, this will be the first in India and for implementing this project; Andhra Pradesh needs approval from central government. The intention to build this tunnel is to gain attention of tourism from entire world and provide an adventurous trip and glimpse of aquatic life while crossing the river. The beauty of this project is that it is less costly than the over bridge. Apart from this Union Ministry has also proposed such projects for West Bengal and Andaman Nicobar islands.

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