Crocodile leather is one of the most exclusive and expensive materials in the world. Valued for its rarity, durability, and unique textured beauty, it represents luxury and power in fashion, interiors, and accessories. From high-end handbags to designer shoes and car interiors, crocodile skin is a symbol of wealth and prestige. But behind this luxury lies a complex story of craftsmanship, conservation, and global trade. 1. What Is Crocodile Leather? Crocodile leather is made from the hide of crocodiles, large semi-aquatic reptiles found mainly in tropical regions of Africa, Asia, America, and Australia. Unlike regular cow h ide or sheep leather, crocodile skin has a distinctive pattern of scales that varies from one species to another. Each scale forms a unique natural “tile,” giving the leather its world-famous exotic appearance. The most commonly used species for leather production include: Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) – The most sought-after and expensive. Nile Cro...
Grimroot Grotto: The True Incident Behind the Goblin Mansion Deep in the Konkan stretch of Maharashtra, hidden within a twisted patch of forest known to locals as Vanmohar, lies the ruin of a mansion long forgotten by time. Called Grimroot Grotto, this eerie abode—part-cave, part-constructed fortress—was believed by villagers to be cursed, a dwelling of the "Chhoti Jaat" or goblin spirits. But one tale, carved into the oral memory of a nearby fishing village named Kalanje, remains the most chilling. The First Sighting (1892) The first recorded account dates back to 1892, during British colonial rule. A surveyor named John Fleetwood, stationed in Ratnagiri, was dispatched to chart the forested belt between Khed and the coast. While navigating the fog-laden woods of Vanmohar, his assistant stumbled upon a strange stone structure—a crooked archway half-swallowed by tree roots, leading into what appeared to be a narrow stone passage. Fleetwood’s journal, discovered years later i...