Whether its a zen trickle that soothes the soul or a spectacular gush that arcs in the air, fountains are a wonderful mix of nature and engineering that enchants everyone who witness its splendor. Some fountains rely on the latest technology to create more intricate dynamic sculptures while others are ancient contraptions that still operate to this very day. All of them rely on the notion that life’s basic necessity can be coaxed into becoming one of life’s source for enduring entertainment.

Taj Mahal Water Devices, Agra - the fountains surrounding this tomb for a beloved Indian princess is as astounding feat of irrigation engineering that continues to work after centuries of operation. To maintain and even pressure for all fountains, each were built with a copper pot between the feed pipe and the outlet. This ensures even pressure at all times. It takes 40 minutes to fly from New Delhi to Agra, after which rickshaws may take you to the Taj Mahal.

Flora Fountain, Mumbai - built in 1864 at a commanding sum of 9,000 pounds sterling, this stone fountain, named after a Roman goddess, is located minutes away from Churchgate Station, in South Mumbai.

Emperor Humayun’s Tomb, India – India’s first garden-tomb, a precursor of the Taj Mahal, is built in a char bagh (four-paradise garden) pattern. This Mughal tomb is surrounded by a system of pathways, fountains, and water channels and enclosed by high walls with gateways in the east and west edges. Humayun’s Tomb is located at Mathura Road, Delhi, and may be reached either by bus or auto-rickshaw from the metro rail.

Shalimar Gardens, Lahore - a 570-fountain garden built in the 17th century by the orders of Shah Jahan, the same Mughal emperor who built the Taj Mahal. These fountains, powered by a diverted canal, are originally spread along 7 terraces. As a tribute to its amazing pre-modern engineering, scientists are baffled on how the fountain network originally operated. The Gardens are currently closed to the public for major restoration work.

Cybernetic Fountain, Macau - a computer-controlled set of 86 fountains and 288 colored lights, built near the Ferry Terminal in Macau. These fountains shoot jets of water reaching up to 80 meters in height, making them the tallest in Asia. The Cybernetic Fountain puts on a laser water show for the weekend and holiday crowd, creating a dancing display of colors.

Fountain of Wealth, Singapore - the largest fountain in the world, with a base area of 1683 square meters supporting an 83-ton circular bronze frame. Located in Suntec City, it is said that whoever walks the entire circumference of the fountain and touches its waters will be blessed with prosperity. The waters are turned off three times a day for these blessing-seekers. The Fountain of Wealth may be reached by riding the MRT to City Hall Terminal, and walking towards Suntec City.

Music Fountain, Xian City - the largest musical fountain in the world, located at the North Square of the ancient Wide Goose Pagoda in the southern suburb of Xian City, China. It’s best to visit the fountain at night when the lights are put on for the performance and change along with the music, from high to low, from bright to dim. The scene is so dazzling, especially with the multitude of children frolicking amidst the jets of water.

Music Fountains, Seoul - installed in the center of a Korea’s largest man-made lake near the World Peace Gate. There are two sets of 30 meter music fountains, a set of 28 meter water fountains, and a set of image fountains, along with 5 colored underwater lights for dramatic effect. A set of water fountains can perform as much as 17,000 different outlays, with the height of the water reaching from 3.5 to 30 meters. The Music Fountains is located at the Olympic Park in Bangi-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul.

So if you’re after a hour of watery delight, visit any of these fountains in Asia. It’s going to be a blast (of water)!

Posted in Asia, Attractions, China, India, Korea, Macau, Singapore

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