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Howrah Bridge

Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Howrah Bridge, officially named Rabindra Setu, is one of the most iconic symbols of Kolkata and a masterpiece of modern engineering. Opened in 1943, this cantilever bridge stands over the Hooghly River, linking the bustling city of Kolkata with the Howrah railway station. It is a vital artery for th e city, carrying an immense amount of vehicular and pedestrian traffic every day. What makes this bridge so special is its unique construction: it has no nuts and bolts and is held together entirely by riveting. The sight of the Howrah Bridge, with its massive steel structure, is breathtaking, especially at dawn or dusk when the sun casts a golden glow on the water below. It's more than just a bridge; it's a testament to the city's resilience and a backdrop to the daily lives of millions. The area around the bridge is a hive of activity, with the bustling Mullik Ghat flower market, the ferry services, and the constant flow of people, vehicles, and boats creating a vibrant and unforgettable scene. A walk across the bridge or a boat ride on the river offers a unique perspective of this engineering marvel.

General information

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    Ideal Duration:
    1-2 hours to walk across the bridge and explore the surrounding areas.
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    Place Type:
    Bridge, Landmark, Engineering Marvel.
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    Entry Fees:
    There is no entry fee to walk or drive on the Howrah Bridge. ...
    There is no entry fee to walk or drive on the Howrah Bridge.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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

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Queen of Hills • Tea Gardens
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Queen of Hills • Tea Gardens
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Queen of Hills • Tea Gardens
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Darjeeling
Queen of Hills • Tea Gardens

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...

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...

● 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 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...

● 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...

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Restaurants

● 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...

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Resturants

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Information

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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.
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    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.
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    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 ...
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    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. ...

Reviews

Note:-

Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.

All information and pictures will be updated soon, please keep visiting.

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