The bustling historic city of Howrah is located in the Howrah district in West Bengal. It is surrounded by Arambagh and Serampore of Hoogly district on the north, Kolkata, Alipore and Diamond Harbour of 24 Parganas on the east, Tamluk of Midnapore district on the south while on the west are a few sub divisions of the Hoogly districts. As the twin city of Kolkata and the second largest city in West Bengal, Howrah is scenically located on the banks of the River Hoogly. The famous Howrah Bridge joins the twin cities Kolkata and Howrah. The history of Howrah can be traced back at least for the past 500 years, when the Venetian traveler and explorer, Ceasare Federici writes about in his journal about a place known as Bator in 1578 A.D. The region is identified with a place very close to the current city
LOCATION
The Howrah district is situated on the western bank of the Hoogly River. Howrah is the twin city of Kolkotta. At Howrah do visit the Belur Math. The tourist attraction of Belur Math is renowned for the Ramakrishna temple. The lovely lawns of this headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission are amazing. Besides the temple there are several educational institutes also at Belur Math.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Though you may plan your visit to Howrah any time of the year the months of the famous Durga Puja festival are the best time! The festival is celebrated in the month of September or October as per the religious calendar of the Hindus.
TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS
While at Howrah do check out the Great Indian Banyan Tree at the Indian Botanical Gardens. The Great Banyan Tree boasts of having the largest canopy in the world. The botanical garden happens to be the oldest in India and was founded in 1786. Close to the Botanical Gardens are the deemed university and the famous technical institute of the Bengal Engineering College. For the pious as well as the tourists with an archaeological bend of mind the Temple of Madangopaljiu Bagnan of 1651 at the Mellak village is a must visit. While in the temple, do check out the awesome pieces of terracotta art. At Howrah do visit the village of Gadiara, which is the point of convergence of the Damodar, the Rupnarayan and the Hooghly rivers. Gadiara in the lap of nature is a popular spot with the localities as well as the tourists. At Gadiara the Fort Mornington Point and the lighthouse will not fail to catch your eye.
Sighseeing Highlights
Two of the most famous places are the Howrah Bridge and the Howrah Station. While the newly built Vidyasagar Setu and the Vivekanada Setu are a must see.
The Botanical Garden’s famous Great Banyan known to be over 200 years old and is known to be the biggest Banyan Tree in the world.
Visit the Belur Math founded by Swami Vivekananda, which is also the headquarters of Ramakrishna Mission.
Don’t miss a trip to Gadiara, one of the most beautiful spots at the convergence of Rivers Hoogly, Damodar and Rupnarayana. Ruins of an old Fort made by Lord Clive and a lighthouse can be explored.
To see Asia’s largest textile market, Mangla Haat, make a trip to Howrah Maidan.
Go sightseeing or simply relax with scenic views of the vast Hoogly River. Fishing and boating can be engaging activities.
The Indian Botanical Gardens is situated in the southern Howrah and it is one of the biggest in the world of its kind. As the name suggests, the Botanical Gardens is an extensive garden. It contains in it a wide range of plants of which many plants are o rare species. The old Banyan Tree in the Indian Botanical Gardens has the world’s largest and most widespread awning. Then there is the famous Howrah Bridge that bridges the distance between the two twin cities of Howrah and Kolkata. It is probably the busiest bridge in India. It also connects Howrah Station, the country’s one of the largest railway stations, to Kolkata.
