Kolkata Howrah Bridge: Ultimate Visitor’s Guide to the Iconic River Gateway

Howrah Bridge Kolkata: Explore the Soul of the City from This Iconic Riverwalk

1.0 Introduction

Have you ever dreamt of a bridge that travels not only people, but also the history, feelings and the pulse of the whole city? Hello there to the most famous Howrah Bridge of Kolkata, which is a monstrous piece of steel which has an arch shape that bridges the river of hoo Ghuli, and connects the two cities of Kolkata and Howrah. It is not only a means of transport, but the show of movement, existence, and heritage. The day as long as the sun peeks its eyes, as well as the hustle and bustle of the night falls when the city goes to sleep, this bridge will be stranded and high as it stands watching the millions who have stepped across. It gets you closer to the soul whether you are a travel enthusiast or cultural explorer.

2.0 History of Howrah Bridge

Figure 1: Howrah Bridge Night view

(Source: Self click on mobile)

More than an engineering marvel, the Howrah Bridge, now renamed as Rabindra Setu is a symbolism of endurance and creative innovation during the colonial times. It was essential because there was a growing number of traffic between Howrah and Kolkata and to replace an older floating pontoon bridge, it was built in 1943. Constructed by 26,000 tons or more of steel, largely made by Tata Steel, it is one of the longest bridge in the world constructed in cantilever form. It is even more exceptional that it was built without having any nut or bolt: only the entire thing is riveted. It has become an Indian pride of heritage today.

3.0 Location & How to Reach

• Place: Crosses the river Hooghly between Howrah and Kolkata.
• Nearest Railway Station: Howrah Junction (U next to the bridge)
• Metro Access: Access by metro to Mahatma Gandhi road or Esplanade then cab or bus ride of a short distance.
• By Bus: There are many buses that go to/from Howrah Station or Burrabazar.
• On Ferry: Ride on a beautiful ferry at Millennium Park or Princep Ghat.

4.0 Entry & Access Information

• Timings: 24x7 hours; ideal time to visit is early morning or on evenings to take photographs.
• Entry Fee: The pedestrians and vehicles are charged no fee.
• Vehicle Access: No heavy vehicles allowed at rush hours.

5.0 Visitor Experience: What to Expect on the Bridge

Experience the pulsation of everyday life, which entails overcrowded busses, trams, bicycles and humans. Mullick Ghat florists are flower bearers working as street vendors and the rain in the monsoon that turns it to a really sensorial experience. When you want to get the best views around the river and skyline you should stand mid-span.

6.0 Food & Facilities

• Street Food Around: You can buy telebhaja, ghugni and jhalmuri in Burrabazar or even in Howrah station.
• Toilets & Water: Toilets are found in the neighboring ferry terminals and stations.
• Warning: No wash rooms on the bridge.

7.0 Nearby Attractions (Perfect for Tourists)

• Mullick Ghat Flower Market, the bridge where a photographer can only dream of.
• Howrah Station- A piece of architecture and Asia busiest train station.
• Prinsep Ghat - The riverside walk and boat rides of colonial style.
• Marble Palace & Kumartuli Very good cultural places of interest which are located at 15-20 mins distance.

8.0 Where to Stay: Hotels Near Howrah Bridge

• Luxury: The Oberoi Grand(Esplanade), Taj Bengal
• Mid Range: The Cecil Hotel, The Lindsay
• Budget: Hotel Paradise International (near Howrah Station), Neeranand Plaza

9.0 Best Time to Visit

Figure 2: Howrah Bridge Night view with Ganga Ghat

(Source: Self click on mobile)

• October to March- Cool seasons and the best time to walk and photograph.
• Monsoons Season (July-Sept): Excellent view of the river but very slippery.
• Early Morning (6am-8 am) Go to see sunrise and flower market.

10.0 Travel Tips & Do’s & Don’ts

Do’s:

• Please bring your camera with amazing sunrise/sunset photos.
• Yes, wear a comfy pair of shoes.
• Yes, go there early to have lesser crowds.

Don’ts:

• Pedestrian Walks Avoid obstruct.
• Never long littering-use bins.
• Do not loiter or halt at the traffic areas.

11.0 Fun Trivia and Little-Known Facts

Figure 3: Howrah Bridge Night view

(Source: Self Recorded on mobile)

• It is the longest cantilever bridge of the world in number six.
• More than 100,000 vehicles and 150,000 pedestrians pass every day of the year.
• This bridge has had features in many Bollywood and Tollywood movies.
• It is constructed out of more than 26,000 tons of steel provided by Tata Steel.

12.0 FAQs

Is photography allowed on Howrah Bridge?

Of course photography is permitted even more so to pedestrians. Catch the scenic beauty of the Hooghly River and the teeming life but do not watch the traffic areas. Dramatic cityscape and colorful sunrises and sunsets would be preferable in early morning or at sunset.

Can tourists walk across Howrah Bridge?

Yes! The tourists are allowed to cross freely anytime of the day. It is one of those things to experience and On slow travel and a slow experience of being soaked up to the pulse of the city, there is no other better place than this to get to see an unmatched view of the skyline of Kolkata, the flower market beneath and ferries passing beneath it.

What is the official name of Howrah Bridge?

The bridge is officially called Rabindra Setu extending tribute to the Nobel Laureate referenced as Rabindranath Tagore. However, both locals and the tourists continue to refer to it as the Howrah Bridge which has a deep pelvis in the culture and identity of Kolkata.

What time is best to photograph Howrah Bridge?

The magic lighting can be provided during the golden hours sunset (4:30 6 PM) and sunset (6 7 AM). Take a shot of the orange color being played off the steel and the Hooghly River below. It is also beautiful when it is taken with night photography and the LED lighting.

Is Howrah Bridge lit up at night?

Yes! The bridge is beautified after sunset with sculptured LED light, producing an enchanting scenery across the river. Walks at night or a ride in the ferry will provide you with the prime position to watch this amazing light show in the city.

13.0 Final Thoughts + Call to Action

Howrah Bridge is not just a bridge but a living heritage, which beats with heart of Kolkata. Stop there once and you will be feeling its eternal soul in every step and every ferry-mass. Post your photos, vignettes or reminiscences!

Q. Have you ever seen the sun set over the Hooghly when you are on the Howrah Bridge?

Figure 4: Airport to Howrah Bridge 

(Source: Self Created)