Howrah: Railway History, Temple Art and River Landscapes

Howrah brings together railway history, protected cultural sites, a large botanical garden and places along the river. As you plan your trip, you can focus on the experiences that interest you most: museums and architecture, plants and migratory birds, or the landscape where several rivers meet.

Railway History and Visitor Information

The Railway Museum in Howrah traces the history of railways in eastern India. Its collection includes the first broad-gauge electric locomotive built in India. Howrah railway station offers a useful reference point for planning: the museum is a five-minute walk from the station. Actual walking time may vary depending on the route and conditions; the station also has rail connections.

Belur Math is another historic and religious centre, on the west bank of the Hooghly in Belur, Howrah. Swami Vivekananda founded it in 1897; today, it is the worldwide headquarters of Ramakrishna Math and Mission. The listed visiting hours are 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. As schedules can change, it is advisable to check them again before your visit.

Temples, Heritage and Historical Collections

The terracotta sculptures on the facade of the Narayan (Sridhar) Temple in Patihal village catch the eye. A battle scene from the Ramayana is depicted above the eastern entrance. The architecture and the image offer two distinct points of interest: the decorated exterior and the specific scene above the entrance.

Saratchandra Kuthi, also known as Sarat Smriti Mandir, is protected under the West Bengal Heritage Commission Act of 2001 (IX). In Andul, Andul Rajbari is listed as a historic site and heritage property. Bhot Bagan Math in Ghusuri is considered the first Tibetan Buddhist temple in the plains of India. Each of these places represents a different facet of Howrah’s cultural heritage.

The Ananda Niketan Kirtishala Museum is in the Bagnan block of Howrah district. Its exhibits come from various historical periods. For those interested in history, it offers a way to explore the past through objects and collections as well as individual buildings.

Botanical Garden, Rivers and Migratory Birds

The Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanical Garden in Shibpur covers 109 hectares and is managed by the Botanical Survey of India. Its collection contains more than 12,000 specimens, and many rare plants also grow there. The garden’s size and the diversity of its collection describe two different aspects of the site. It is accessible by bus and taxi; check current connections for your visit.

Gadiara offers a different landscape, where the Hooghly, Rupnarayan and Damodar rivers converge. A sunset river cruise is one of the tourist activities there. The Damodar flows past Garchumukh Deer Park, where picnicking is possible. During the winter months, especially December and January, Santragachhi Jheel attracts many migratory birds. River scenery, an evening activity and a seasonal nature-watching opportunity offer different options for your trip.

Winter Events and Trip Planning

In winter, nature and culture come together in Howrah: many migratory birds can be seen at Santragachhi Jheel, particularly in December and January, while the Howrah Book Fair is held every year in winter at the Sarat Sadan Complex. The book fair programme includes dance, music, theatre and recitations, among other events. If you would like to plan your trip around the fair, check the dates for the relevant winter season. When choosing a hotel, you can first consider whether museums and historic buildings, the botanical garden, riverside locations or a seasonal event should be the focus of your stay.

Discover more destinations: Howrah, Jalpaiguri, East Medinipur, Bardhaman, Jalpaiguri, Kolkata, Nadia, South 24 Parganas.

For an overview of the wider region: West Bengal.