The famous explorer credited with discovering sea routes to India is Vasco da Gama. He was a Portuguese explorer who played a pivotal role in the Age of Discovery during the late 15th century. Da Gama was the first European to reach India by sea, sailing around the southern tip of Africa, known as the Cape of Good Hope. His successful voyage to Calicut in 1498 opened up new trade routes for Europe, significantly enhancing the spice trade and establishing a maritime empire for Portugal. His achievements in exploration had lasting impacts on global trade and navigation.