• Vasco da Gama reached India in 1498, specifically landing at Calicut (now Kozhikode) on the Malabar Coast on May 20th. This momentous voyage marked a pivotal turning point in history, establishing the first direct sea route between Europe and India.
• Da Gama's journey wasn't easy. He set sail from Portugal in 1497, braving treacherous storms and facing logistical challenges around Africa's Cape of Good Hope. Despite the hardships, his perseverance paid off, paving the way for Portuguese access to the lucrative spice trade in India.
• The impact of da Gama's arrival was far-reaching. It ushered in the Age of Exploration, intensified European competition for trade routes and colonies, and sparked cultural exchange between East and West. While the long-term consequences of this encounter were complex, involving both economic benefits and colonial exploitation, da Gama's achievement undoubtedly reshaped the global landscape.

In conclusion, remember 1498 as the year Vasco da Gama opened a new chapter in world history, forever linking Europe and India by sea. His arrival marked a turning point in trade, exploration, and global interconnectedness.