Howrah Bridge

Howrah Bridge showing street scenes, a bridge and a city

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Set foot on or glide under a famous Kolkata landmark, a colossal engineering feat that’s inspired many movie-makers.

Howrah Bridge is an architectural marvel and a well-known Kolkata landmark. It has served as a backdrop for numerous movies since the 1950s, including a 1958 film named after the bridge. Walk across the bridge and admire its unique construction or glide underneath while on a boat ride along the Hooghly River.

With a central span of 1,500 feet (457 metres) between its two towers, this enormous steel structure is one of the longest cantilever bridges of its type in the world. Howrah Bridge extends across the Hooghly River, connecting the city of Howrah to Kolkata. It was built in 1942 without a single nut or bolt and is held together by rivets.

Join the hundreds of thousands of pedestrians and cars that cross the bridge every day. There are footpaths on both sides. Before walking the bridge, look at the base of the pillars. They have been covered in fiberglass casings because of the corrosive damage caused by years of chewing tobacco spit.

Pause to take in some of the bridge’s features. The supporting towers at either end rise up more than 280 feet (85 metres). Observe the massive cantilever arms and network of girders.

Alternatively, rent a boat from the Howrah Station jetty and enjoy a view of the bridge from the water. Plenty of other vantage points can be found along the banks of the river. Although still known locally as Howrah Bridge, the crossing was renamed Rabindra Setu in 1965 after Rabindranath Tagore, India’s first Nobel Laureate.

Once you have crossed the bridge or admired it from a riverbank, visit some of the nearby attractions including Millennium Park and Eden Gardens cricket ground.

Reach the bridge from any part of Kolkata by bus, taxi or rental car. The nearest railway station is also called Howrah Bridge and is a 5-minute walk away. Make a point of coming back to the river at night to see the bridge bathed in different colored lights.

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Howrah Bridge, located in Kolkata, West Bengal, is surrounded by vibrant neighborhoods that offer a range of unique experiences.

  • Bara Bazar: This area is known for its monuments, temples, university, culture, museums, birdwatching, lake, natural parks, river, and gardens. Explore the rich history and architecture, immerse yourself in the local culture, and enjoy the serene natural beauty.
  • Esplanade: Just 1.96 km away from Howrah Bridge, Esplanade is home to monuments, temples, university, culture, museums, birdwatching, lake, natural parks, river, and gardens. Experience the bustling atmosphere, visit the iconic landmarks, and indulge in the vibrant local culture.
  • Chandni Chawk: Located 2.23 km away from Howrah Bridge, Chandni Chawk offers monuments, temples, university, culture, museums, birdwatching, lake, natural parks, river, and gardens. Explore the historical sites, immerse yourself in the local traditions, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

These neighborhoods in Kolkata provide a mix of historical, cultural, and natural attractions, ensuring an exciting and memorable holiday experience.

Howrah Bridge is a romantic destination filled with magnificent monuments, temples, universities, cultural sites, museums, birdwatching spots, lakes, natural parks, rivers, and gardens, making it a perfect getaway for couples seeking a charming and diverse experience.

  • Mullik Ghat Flower Market: Immerse yourself in the vibrant colors and fragrances of this bustling public market, where you can witness the beauty of various flowers and interact with local vendors.
  • Armenian Ghat: Explore this historic dockport and admire its architectural beauty while enjoying panoramic views of the river and surrounding areas.
  • Holy Rosary Cathedral: Visit this stunning cathedral and marvel at its grandeur, intricate detailing, and peaceful ambiance.

Kolkata boasts a year-around average temperature of 26.1°C, peaking at 29.9°C in May, its warmest month, and dipping to an average low of 19.8°C in January, December, the coolest. Rainfall averages at 206.3mm annually, with March seeing the heaviest showers and December being the driest month.

Monthcalendar iconTemperature (Celcius)temperature iconRainfall (mm)rain icon
January19.818.8
February22.1116.6
March26.6775.5
April29.488.6
May29.9127.3
June29.5259.1
July28.8301.0
August28.6306.1
September28.4287.0
October26.9160.0
November23.035.1
December19.80.0

✅ Top reasons to visit Howrah Bridge

  • Distinctive Landmark: Howrah Bridge is a renowned landmark in Kolkata, West Bengal, connecting the city and showcasing its rich history and cultural offerings.
  • Magnificent Monuments and Temples: Explore the stunning monuments and temples surrounding Howrah Bridge, immersing yourself in the city's architectural beauty and spiritual heritage.
  • Renowned University: Kolkata is home to a renowned university near Howrah Bridge, adding an educational and intellectual dimension to the area.
  • Cultural Sites and Museums: Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting the cultural sites and museums near Howrah Bridge, offering a glimpse into Kolkata's vibrant heritage.
  • Natural Beauty: Experience the scenic beauty of the majestic river Ganges flowing through Kolkata, along with serene lakes, natural parks, and beautiful gardens, enhancing the charm of Howrah Bridge.

The Howrah Bridge info point: What you need to know

Category
Details
LocationKolkata, West Bengal, India
TypeCantilever bridge
ConstructionBuilt in 1943, completed in 1942
Length705 meters (2,313 ft)
Width71 feet (22 meters)
MaterialSteel
SignificanceOne of the busiest bridges in the world, iconic symbol of Kolkata
ArchitectureDesigned by Rendel, Palmer and Tritton
Attractions NearbyHowrah Railway Station, Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Indian Museum

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