The famous explorer known for his voyages to India and the Spice Islands was Vasco da Gama, a Portuguese navigator. His successful voyage to India in 1498 marked a significant milestone in the Age of Exploration, as he was the first European to reach India by sea, linking Europe directly to Asian markets. Da Gama's expeditions opened up lucrative trade routes for spices, silks, and other goods, fundamentally transforming global trade patterns and establishing Portuguese dominance in maritime exploration. His journeys paved the way for subsequent explorers and the establishment of European colonial empires in Asia, significantly impacting world history.