Howrah Bridge
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1-2 hours to walk across the bridge and explore the surrounding areas.Place Type:
Bridge, Landmark, Engineering Marvel.Timing:
Regular Timings: The bridge is open 24/7.
Ideal Visit Time: The best time to visit is either in the early morning (around 5-7 AM) to witness the sunrise and the bustling flower market, or in the evening (after 6 PM) to see the bridge beautif...Regular Timings: The bridge is open 24/7.
Ideal Visit Time: The best time to visit is either in the early morning (around 5-7 AM) to witness the sunrise and the bustling flower market, or in the evening (after 6 PM) to see the bridge beautifully lit up against the night sky.Special Events:
The Howrah Bridge is at the center of the city's major festivals, especially Durga Puja. During this time, the bridge is magnificently illuminated with special lights, creating a magical atmosphere. People gather on the banks of the river to admire the spectacle. Additionally, on national holiday...The Howrah Bridge is at the center of the city's major festivals, especially Durga Puja. During this time, the bridge is magnificently illuminated with special lights, creating a magical atmosphere. People gather on the banks of the river to admire the spectacle. Additionally, on national holidays and other important occasions, the bridge is often specially lit up in tricolor lights.Best Photo Spots:
From the River: A boat ride on the Hooghly River provides the best photo opportunities. You can capture the entire structure from a distance, or get close-up shots of its massive framework.
Mullik Ghat Flower Market: The market itself is a ...From the River: A boat ride on the Hooghly River provides the best photo opportunities. You can capture the entire structure from a distance, or get close-up shots of its massive framework.
Mullik Ghat Flower Market: The market itself is a fantastic spot for candid photos, capturing the energy of the vendors and the vibrant colors of the flowers.
Prinsep Ghat: This historic ghat offers a beautiful perspective of the bridge, especially with the Vidyasagar Setu (Second Hooghly Bridge) in the background. The Greek-style portico at the ghat provides a unique frame for your photos.
From the Pedestrian Walkway: Walking on the bridge allows you to take close-up shots of its structure and capture the river and city views.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Walk Across the Bridge: Take a walk along the pedestrian walkway to experience the sheer scale of the bridge. The walk offers spectacular views of the river, the city, and the daily life unfolding on the banks.
Visit Mullik Ghat Flower Market: Head down to the market under the bridge. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of thousands of flowers. It's a photographer's delight and a sensory experience unlike any other.
Take a Ferry Ride: Go to a nearby ferry ghat and take a short boat ride on the Hooghly River. This provides a different and often more dramatic view of the bridge, particularly during sunrise or sunset.
Photography: The Howrah Bridge is an incredible subject for photography. The best shots can be taken from the river bank, a moving...Walk Across the Bridge: Take a walk along the pedestrian walkway to experience the sheer scale of the bridge. The walk offers spectacular views of the river, the city, and the daily life unfolding on the banks.
Visit Mullik Ghat Flower Market: Head down to the market under the bridge. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of thousands of flowers. It's a photographer's delight and a sensory experience unlike any other.
Take a Ferry Ride: Go to a nearby ferry ghat and take a short boat ride on the Hooghly River. This provides a different and often more dramatic view of the bridge, particularly during sunrise or sunset.
Photography: The Howrah Bridge is an incredible subject for photography. The best shots can be taken from the river bank, a moving boat, or the pedestrian walkway, capturing the bridge against the sky or with the city lights.
Explore the Ghats: The ghats along the riverbanks, like Prinsep Ghat and Babughat, are great places to relax, watch the river, and see the bridge from different angles. They are also popular spots for street food vendors.
Try Local Street Food: The area around the bridge and the nearby markets is famous for its delicious street food. Do not miss out on 'ghugni', 'jhalmuri', and 'puchka' from local vendors.
Hotels
● Ashreen Guest House
Address: Dharmatala, Kolkata
Distance: Approximately 3 km
Details: A well-rated guest house that offers a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. It's a great mid-range option for travelers looking for a more personaliz...
● FabExpress Nest Park Street
Address: 12, Madge Ln, Taltala, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016
Distance: 3.8 km
Details: FabExpress Nest is a clean, modern budget hotel located near the vibrant Park Street metro area. The hotel focuses on providing a hassle-free stay wit...
● FabHotel Sivalika Inn Near Howrah Station
Address: Howrah Station, Howrah
Distance: Approximately 1.1 km
Details: This is a budget-friendly option located very close to Howrah Station. It's a practical choice for travelers arriving by train who need a convenient a...
● HOTEL 16 AVENUE
Address: 16, Chittaranjan Ave, Chandni Chawk, Bowbazar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700072
Distance: 1.5 km
Details: HOTEL 16 AVENUE is a well-located mid-range property offering comfortable rooms with modern amenities. It features a rooftop cafe that provides beauti...
● Hotel Himalay
Address: 1, Biplabi Rash Behari Basu Rd, Barabazar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700001
Distance: 1.6 km
Details: Hotel Himalay is a strategically located hotel in the busy Barabazar district, offering a convenient base for travelers. It provides comfortable rooms...
● Hotel Kempton
Address: 37, Mirza Ghalib St, Esplanade, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016
Distance: 3.2 km
Details: Hotel Kempton blends traditional values with modern design, offering a comfortable stay for its guests. The property features tidy rooms, a hospitable...
● Hotel M M Homestay Howrah
Address: Howrah
Distance: Approximately 1.5 km
Details: A simple and affordable homestay option in Howrah, providing a more local and personalized experience. It is a good choice for budget travelers and th...
● Hotel Vip International
Address: 21, Marquis St, Taltala, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016
Distance: 3.4 km
Details: Hotel Vip International offers affordable lodging with a focus on diversity and convenience. The property features guest rooms with essential faciliti...
● Hotel White House
Address: 22, Ezra St, Bortola, Barabazar Market, Kolkata, West Bengal 700001
Distance: 1.4 km
Details: Hotel White House is a reliable budget-friendly option located in the heart of the busy Barabazar area. It offers basic but clean and functional rooms...
● Lytton Hotel
Address: Dharmatala, Kolkata
Distance: Approximately 3 km
Details: A long-standing hotel in the city, the Lytton Hotel is known for its reliable service and classic rooms. It provides a comfortable stay at a reasonabl...
● Peerless Hotel Kolkata
Address: Dharmatala, Kolkata
Distance: Approximately 2.6 km
Details: Situated in the bustling central business district, this hotel offers a blend of comfort and convenience. It is a great option for both business and l...
● Polo Floatel Kolkata
Address: Esplanade, Kolkata
Distance: Approximately 1.8 km
Details: A unique floating hotel on the Hooghly River, it offers an unparalleled experience with a direct view of the majestic Howrah Bridge. The hotel provide...
● Sonar Bangla Guest House
Address: Kolkata
Distance: Approximately 3.1 km
Details: A budget-friendly guest house offering simple and clean rooms. It is a practical choice for backpackers and travelers who are looking for a basic plac...
● The Elgin Fairlawn Kolkata
Address: Dharmatala, Kolkata
Distance: Approximately 3 km
Details: This heritage hotel is an oasis of calm amidst the city's hustle and bustle. The Elgin Fairlawn offers a unique, nostalgic experience with its colonia...
● The LaLiT Great Eastern Kolkata
Address: Bow Barracks, Kolkata
Distance: Approximately 1.9 km
Details: One of the oldest luxury hotels in Kolkata, The LaLiT Great Eastern blends historical grandeur with modern amenities. With a wide range of facilities ...
● The Lindsay
Address: New Market Area, Kolkata
Distance: Approximately 3 km
Details: As mentioned previously, The Lindsay is a great mid-range option with a fantastic rooftop view. It is located near New Market, making it a fantastic b...
Show AllRestaurants
● Anand Veg Restaurant
Address: Not specified
Distance: 2.70 KM
Details: One of the oldest and most renowned vegetarian restaurants in Kolkata, Anand is a paradise for those who prefer pure vegetarian cuisine. It is particu...
Food List: Masala Dosa, Plain Dosa, Onion Uttapam, Rava Dosa,...
● Deshbandhu Sweets
Address: M G Road, Kolkata
Distance: 0.60 KM
Details: A historical sweet shop established in 1921, it is a top player in the category of sweet shops in Kolkata. Its traditional and authentic Bengali sweet...
Food List: Rasgulla, Sandesh, Mishti Doi, Pantua, Chamcham...
● Girish Chandra Dey & Nakur Chandra Nandy Sweets
Address: Not specified
Distance: 2.70 KM
Details: This is a legendary sweet shop established in 1885, known for its exquisite and artful Bengali sweets. It's a must-visit for anyone who wants to exper...
Food List: Sandesh, Nalen Gur Sandesh, Rasmalai, Malai Chomch...
● Hot Kati Rolls
Address: Not specified
Distance: 4.00 KM
Details: This place specializes in the quintessential Kolkata street food, the Kathi Roll. The rolls are known for their flaky, pan-fried paratha and a choice ...
Food List: Chicken Kathi Roll, Mutton Kathi Roll, Paneer Kath...
● Mitra Caf�
Address: Not specified
Distance: 3.00 KM
Details: Mitra Caf� is a classic that has been satisfying the taste buds of Kolkata's food lovers for generations. It is famous for its Bengali and North Ind...
Food List: Mughlai Paratha, Chicken Kosha, Mutton Kosha, Fish...
Show AllInformation
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Why Famous:
Engineering Marvel: The Howrah Bridge is famous for being a masterpiece of civil engineering. Its cantilever design, built without nuts or bolts, was a groundbreaking achievement in its time and continues to inspire awe.
Iconic Symbol of Kolkat...Engineering Marvel: The Howrah Bridge is famous for being a masterpiece of civil engineering. Its cantilever design, built without nuts or bolts, was a groundbreaking achievement in its time and continues to inspire awe.
Iconic Symbol of Kolkata: The bridge is a ubiquitous symbol of Kolkata, featured prominently in movies, literature, and art. It represents the city's spirit and its constant, unyielding motion.
Busiest Cantilever Bridge: It is one of the busiest bridges in the world, in terms of both pedestrian and vehicular traffic. The sheer volume of people and vehicles that cross it daily is a spectacle in itself, reflecting the city's dynamic energy. -
Architecture:
The Howrah Bridge is a balanced cantilever bridge, a remarkable feat of engineering at the time of its construction. Its design, by Rendel, Palmer & Tritton, is a testament to the ingenuity of the builders who had to overcome the challenges of building a massive structure without affecting the busy...The Howrah Bridge is a balanced cantilever bridge, a remarkable feat of engineering at the time of its construction. Its design, by Rendel, Palmer & Tritton, is a testament to the ingenuity of the builders who had to overcome the challenges of building a massive structure without affecting the busy river traffic.
Construction without Nuts and Bolts: The most fascinating aspect of the bridge's architecture is its construction. It was built by riveting the entire steel structure, a method that required precision and skill. This method gave the bridge its incredible strength and durability.
The Cantilever Span: The bridge is supported by two massive towers, one on each bank, which stand at a height of 270 feet. The main span between these towers is 1,500 feet, and the suspended span in the middle is 564 feet. The cantilever arms extend from the main towers, supporting the suspended central span, which gives the bridge its distinctive look.
Dimensions and Material: The total length of the bridge is 2,313 feet. It was constructed using 26,500 tons of steel, of which 23,000 tons were high-tensile alloy steel supplied by Tata Steel. The main tower was constructed with single monolith caissons, which were the largest of their kind at the time. The bridge deck is 71 feet wide, with a 15-foot pavement on either side for pedestrians. -
How To Reach:
By Air: From Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU), you can take a taxi or an app-based cab. The distance is about 15-17 km, and the journey takes around 45-60 minutes.
By Train: Howrah Junction (HWH) is one of the busiest ...By Air: From Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU), you can take a taxi or an app-based cab. The distance is about 15-17 km, and the journey takes around 45-60 minutes.
By Train: Howrah Junction (HWH) is one of the busiest railway stations in India and is located right on the western side of the bridge. You can simply walk out of the station to see the bridge. Sealdah (SDAH) is another major station, from which you can take a bus, taxi, or a local train to Howrah.
By Road: The bridge is a major road junction, and you can reach it by car, bus, or taxi from any part of Kolkata and Howrah. It is a central point for many public transport routes.
By Local Transport: Buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws are readily available. The Kolkata Metro has stations nearby, and you can also use local ferries for a different mode of transport. -
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Different Types of Seasons:
Winter (October to March): This is the perfect time to visit. The weather is cool and pleasant, making it ideal for walking, taking a boat ride, and exploring the surrounding areas without discomfort.Different Types of Seasons:
Winter (October to March): This is the perfect time to visit. The weather is cool and pleasant, making it ideal for walking, taking a boat ride, and exploring the surrounding areas without discomfort.
Summer (April to June): It is very hot and humid. Visiting in the early morning or late evening is a must.
Monsoon (July to September): The heavy rains can make it difficult to explore, but the cloudy skies can create a dramatic backdrop for photos. -
Near Tourist Places:
1.
Mullik Ghat Flower Market: 0. 5 KM. 2.
Howrah Station: 0. 5 KM. 3.
Prinsep Ghat: 3. 5 KM. 4.
Fort William: 3 KM. 5.
Eden Gardens: 2. 5 KM. 6.
Millennium Park: 1 KM. 7.
Writers' Building (BBD Bagh): 1. 5 KM. 8.
Nakhoda Masjid: 1. 5 KM. 9.
Victoria Memorial: 4 KM. 10.
Indian Museum: 3 KM.
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: The area around the bridge can be very crowded, especially during peak hours. Be mindful of traffic and keep your valuables secure.
Packing: Wear comfortable walking shoes. Carry a hat or umbrella depending on the season. ...Health & Safety: The area around the bridge can be very crowded, especially during peak hours. Be mindful of traffic and keep your valuables secure.
Packing: Wear comfortable walking shoes. Carry a hat or umbrella depending on the season. A camera is a must for capturing the spectacular views.
Accommodation: Staying in the BBD Bagh or Howrah area will give you quick access to the bridge. Many hotels are available to suit different budgets.
Other Topics: Be prepared for crowds and traffic. For a truly immersive experience, try to visit during the early morning hours when the city is waking up.
Reviews
FAQs
Ans:- The Howrah Bridge is a massive cantilever steel bridge over the Hooghly River in Kolkata. It connects the city of Kolkata with the city of Howrah.Ans:- It is a cantilever bridge that was constructed without using any nuts or bolts. The entire structure is held together by rivets.Ans:- It is officially known as Rabindra Setu, named after the great Bengali poet, Rabindranath Tagore.Ans:- Construction began in 1936 and the bridge was completed in 1942. It was opened to the public in February 1943.Ans:- The bridge has a length of over 2,300 feet and a width of 71 feet.Ans:- The bridge carries an immense amount of traffic, with over 100,000 vehicles and countless pedestrians crossing it daily.Ans:- Early morning is ideal for walking across the bridge to avoid heavy traffic. The bridge is also beautifully illuminated at night, offering a spectacular view.Ans:- Yes, there are three other bridges: Vidyasagar Setu, Vivekananda Setu, and Nivedita Setu.Ans:- Yes, a boat ride at sunset from Prinsep Ghat is a popular way to see and photograph the bridge from the river.Ans:- The best time is during the cooler, drier months from September to February.Ans:- No, there are other nearby attractions like the Mullick Ghat Flower Market, located right under the bridge.Ans:- Yes, regular maintenance and inspection checks are conducted to ensure its structural integrity and safety.Ans:- The bridge was designed by the engineering firm Rendel, Palmer & Tritton.Ans:- No, the Howrah Bridge is not a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but it is considered a national icon and an engineering marvel.Ans:- No, there is no toll or charge to cross the bridge for vehicles or pedestrians. ###Kolkata Itineray And Cost:-
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