Howrah Bridge

Howrah Bridge, also known as Rabindra Setu, is an iconic landmark and engineering marvel in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. It spans over the Hooghly River and connects the twin cities of Howrah and Kolkata, serving as a crucial transportation link between the two.

The bridge was commissioned in 1943 and was designed by the British engineer Rendel, Palmer, and Tritton. It took nearly six years to construct and was completed in 1942. The bridge is made entirely of steel, with no nuts or bolts used in its construction. Instead, it was built using rivets, and the entire structure was held together with the help of tension.

The Howrah Bridge is approximately 705 meters long and 97 feet wide, with two main towers of 84 meters in height supporting the bridge's span. The bridge can handle around 100,000 vehicles and pedestrians daily, and it is estimated that more than 150,000 pedestrians and 100,000 vehicles use the bridge daily.

The bridge is famous for its unique architectural design and style. It is a cantilever truss bridge with two arms that project from each side and meet in the middle to support the deck's weight. The bridge is famous for its hanging sign, "Welcome to Kolkata."

The Howrah Bridge has undergone several renovations and repairs over the years. In the 1960s, the bridge was strengthened with the addition of steel supports, and in the 1990s, a new deck was added to improve its structural integrity. In 2020, the bridge was renamed Rabindra Setu in honour of the Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore.

The Howrah Bridge has become an iconic symbol of Kolkata and is one of the most recognizable landmarks of India. It has been featured in many films and documentaries, and its unique architectural design and engineering marvel continues to amaze visitors and engineers alike. The bridge remains a vital transportation link for the city and continues to serve as a testament to the engineering brilliance of its creators.

Places To Visit Nearby Howrah Bridge:

Victoria Memorial:

This stunning white marble monument is a tribute to Queen Victoria and is surrounded by beautiful gardens. It is a popular tourist attraction and houses a museum that showcases the history of Kolkata.

Dakshineswar Kali Temple:

Located on the banks of the Hooghly River, this Hindu temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali and is a must-visit attraction for those interested in religious and spiritual experiences.

Belur Math:

A pilgrimage site for followers of Ramakrishna and his spiritual successor Swami Vivekananda, the Belur Math is a temple complex located on the banks of the Hooghly River.

St. Paul's Cathedral:

This magnificent Gothic-style cathedral is one of the most important landmarks in Kolkata and is a popular destination for architecture and history buffs.

Park Street:

Park Street is a popular shopping and dining destination lined with restaurants, cafes, and shops and is a great place to experience the local culture and cuisine.

Indian Museum:

The oldest and largest museum in India, the Indian Museum houses an extensive collection of art, artefacts, and exhibits showcasing the history and culture of the country.

Eden Gardens:

This historic cricket stadium is one of the world's largest and most popular destinations for sports fans and visitors interested in experiencing the local sports culture.

These are just a few attractions that can be visited near the Howrah Bridge in Kolkata. Whether you're interested in history, religion, culture, or sports, there's something for everyone in this vibrant and exciting city.

Things To Do in Howrah Bridge:

Take a stroll on the bridge:

 Take a leisurely walk, enjoying the panoramic views of the Hooghly River and the city skyline. It's a great way to understand the city and its history.

Watch the sunset:

The Howrah Bridge is a great place to watch the evening as the sun sets over the Hooghly River, creating a stunning backdrop.

Visit the flower market:

Take a walk to the nearby flower market, where you can see a colourful array of flowers and buy some to take back home.

Take a boat ride:

On the Hooghly River, it passes under the Howrah Bridge and sees the city differently.

Try street food:

Kolkata is known for its street food, and there are several street food stalls near the Howrah Bridge where you can try some delicious local delicacies.

Visit the nearby temples:

Visit the nearby Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Belur Math, and other temples to experience the spiritual and religious culture of Kolkata.

Visit the nearby museums:

Visit the nearby Indian Museum, Victoria Memorial, and other museums to learn about the history and culture of Kolkata and India.

Visit the Howrah Railway Station:

Located near the Howrah Bridge, the Howrah Railway Station is one of the busiest railway stations in India and an impressive example of colonial-era architecture. You can witness the bustling activity of the station and see the trains arriving and departing.

Explore the nearby neighbourhoods:

Walk in Howrah and Kolkata to experience the local culture, architecture, and food. You can visit the markets, shops, and cafes and interact with the locals.

Visit the Marble Palace:

The Marble Palace is a 19th-century mansion in the heart of Kolkata and houses a vast collection of antiques, artefacts, and paintings. It is a must-visit destination for art lovers and history enthusiasts.

Attend a cultural event:

Kolkata is famous for its cultural events, including music, dance, theatre, and film. You can attend a concert, play, or film screening at one of the city's many theatres and cultural centres.

Visit the Sunderbans:

The Sunderbans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a vast mangrove forest near Kolkata and home to the Royal Bengal Tiger. You can take a boat ride and explore the dense forest and the unique ecosystem.

Take a tram ride:

Kolkata has one of the world's oldest and most extensive tram networks, and riding on the tram is a unique way to experience the city. You can see the city's architecture, markets, and neighbourhoods differently.

Best Time To Visit Howrah Bridge:

The best time to visit the Howrah Bridge in West Bengal is October and February. This is the winter season in Kolkata, and the weather is pleasant and mild, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. The humidity is low, and the air quality is relatively better during this time of the year.

Howrah Bridge during this time will allow you to explore the city without being affected by the intense heat and humidity of the summer months. The winter season is also the peak tourist season in Kolkata, and many cultural events, festivals, and fairs are taking place during this time.

If you are interested in experiencing the monsoon season, you can visit the Howrah Bridge between June and September. The monsoon season brings heavy rainfall and occasional flooding, but the lush green surroundings and the cool weather make for a unique and memorable experience.

The best time to visit the Howrah Bridge depends on your preference for weather and your desired experience. Whether you visit during the winter or monsoon season, you can enjoy the beauty and charm of this iconic landmark in West Bengal.

Adventure Activities Nearby Howrah Bridge:

River Rafting:

The nearby Teesta River offers exciting river rafting opportunities for adventure enthusiasts. The river is known for its rapids and is a popular destination for rafting.

Paragliding:

You can enjoy paragliding in the nearby town of Darjeeling, which is around 70 km from Kolkata. The beautiful landscapes and mountain ranges make for a breathtaking view during the paragliding experience.

Trekking:

The nearby Darjeeling and Kalimpong hills offer several trekking routes with varying difficulty levels. You can explore the scenic beauty of the Himalayan ranges while trekking.

Rock Climbing:

The nearby town of Susunia is a popular destination for rock-climbing enthusiasts. The Susunia Hills are ideal for rock climbing, with several challenging routes.

Bungee Jumping:

The nearby town of Lataguri offers jumping opportunities for adrenaline junkies. The experience of jumping from a height with a safety harness is exhilarating.

Wildlife Safari:

The nearby Sundarbans National Park is ideal for wildlife safaris. The park is home to several species of animals, including the Royal Bengal Tiger, and exploring the park on a safari is a thrilling experience.

Itinerary To Explore Howrah Bridge in West Bengal

Day 1: Arrival in Kolkata

On the first day, arrive at the Kolkata airport and check into your hotel. Spend the day resting and exploring the local markets and cafes.

Day 2: Visit the Howrah Bridge and nearby attractions

On the second day, visit the Howrah Bridge and explore the area. After that, you can see some nearby attractions like St. Paul's Cathedral, Victoria Memorial, and the Indian Museum. You can walk along the Ganges River in the evening and witness the beautiful sunset.

Day 3: Explore Kolkata

On the third day, explore the city of Kolkata. You can visit the Kalighat Temple, Birla Mandir, and the Mother House, the headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity. In the evening, you can attend a cultural event or watch a movie at one of the many theatres in the city.

Day 4: Visit the Sunderbans

On the fourth day, take a day trip to the Sunderbans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can ride a boat through the dense mangrove forests and witness the unique ecosystem. You can spot wildlife, including the Royal Bengal Tiger during the safari.

Day 5: Adventure activities

On the fifth day, you can indulge in adventure activities like river rafting, paragliding, trekking, or rock climbing. You can choose the action based on your interests and preferences.

Day 6: Shopping and relaxation

On the sixth day, you can spend the day shopping for souvenirs, handicrafts, and local specialities. You can also relax at one of the city's many spas and wellness centres.

Day 7: Departure

On the seventh day, check out your hotel and depart for the airport for your onward journey.

This is a basic itinerary for a trip to the Howrah Bridge in West Bengal. You can customize the itinerary based on your interests and preferences and spend more or fewer days in the city.

History Of Howrah Bridge in West Bengal

In the early 20th century, the city of Kolkata was expanding rapidly, and there was a need for a bridge to connect the city of Howrah with the rest of Kolkata. The initial plan was to build a floating bridge across the Hooghly River, but it was deemed impractical due to the strong currents and tidal waves.

In 1921, the Government of Bengal decided to construct a cantilever bridge over the Hooghly River, and a design competition was held to choose the best design. The design submitted by Rendel, Palmer & Tritton was selected, and work on the bridge began in 1936.

The construction of the Howrah Bridge was challenging due to the difficult terrain and adverse weather conditions. The bridge was built using steel and was the first cantilever bridge in India, and it was also the largest cantilever bridge in the world at the time of its construction.

The Howrah Bridge was completed in 1942 and opened on February 3, 1943. The bridge is 705 meters long and 30 meters wide, connecting the city of Howrah with Kolkata.

The Howrah Bridge has played a crucial role in the development of Kolkata and has become a symbol of the city's rich cultural heritage. It is one of the busiest bridges in the world, with thousands of vehicles and pedestrians using it daily.

In 1965, a sister bridge, the Vidyasagar Setu, was built to ease the traffic congestion on the Howrah Bridge. Despite this, the Howrah Bridge remains a significant landmark and a popular tourist attraction in West Bengal.