Dom Vasco da Gama: The Intrepid Explorer Who Opened the Sea Route to India (1469-1524) Portuguese navigator Dom Vasco da Gama is renowned for his historic voyage around Africa, which marked the beginning of the European Age of Discovery and the establishment of a direct maritime trade route between Europe and India. Setting sail from Portugal in July 1497, da Gama braved treacherous waters and unfamiliar lands, reaching India's Malabar Coast in May 1498. His groundbreaking journey not only expanded Portugal's global reach but also paved the way for the spread of European influence and culture in Asia. A true pioneer in the annals of exploration, da Gama's legacy continues to inspire adventurers and dreamers alike.