Travel Guide Howrah
Introduction:
Located in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal, Howrah is an industrial city and one of the busiest transportation hubs in the country. It is situated on the western bank of the Hooghly River and connected to Kolkata, the state capital, by the iconic Howrah Bridge. Howrah is a melting pot of different cultures, religions, and ethnicities, which is reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and way of life. In this travel blog, we will explore the many facets of Howrah, from its historic landmarks to its vibrant markets and delicious street food.
History:
Howrah has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the 16th century when the Portuguese arrived in the region. They established a trading post here and were soon followed by the Dutch, French, and British. In the 18th century, the British East India Company established a settlement in Howrah and began developing the city's infrastructure. The construction of the Howrah Bridge in 1943 marked a turning point in the city's history and made it a major transportation hub for the region.
Landmarks:
Howrah has several landmarks that reflect its rich history and cultural heritage. The most famous of these is the Howrah Bridge, an iconic cantilever bridge that spans the Hooghly River and connects Howrah to Kolkata. The bridge was designed by British engineer Rendel Palmer & Tritton and was opened to the public in 1943. It is a marvel of engineering and one of the most recognizable landmarks in India.
Another historic landmark in Howrah is the Belur Math, a temple complex that was established by Swami Vivekananda, a famous Indian philosopher and spiritual leader. The temple is dedicated to Ramakrishna, Vivekananda's guru, and features several shrines, meditation rooms, and a museum. The architecture of the temple is a blend of Hindu, Islamic, and Christian styles and is a testament to the spirit of tolerance and inclusiveness that Vivekananda preached.
Markets:
One of the best ways to experience the local culture and way of life in Howrah is to explore its vibrant markets. The city has several markets that sell everything from fresh produce and spices to clothes and handicrafts. The Howrah AC Market is a popular destination for shoppers and is known for its variety of fruits and vegetables. The market is open every day except Sundays and is a great place to sample some of the local produce.
Another famous market in Howrah is the Mallick Ghat Flower Market, which is the largest flower market in Asia. The market is located on the banks of the Hooghly River and is a riot of colors and fragrances. It is open 24 hours a day and is a great place to witness the hustle and bustle of local trade.
Food:
No visit to Howrah is complete without sampling its delicious street food. The city is famous for its spicy chaat, a popular Indian snack that consists of fried dough, potatoes, and chickpeas topped with chutneys and spices. The best place to try chaat in Howrah is the Golbari restaurant, which has been serving this dish for over a century.
Another must-try dish in Howrah is the phuchka, a type of crispy hollow ball filled with spiced mashed potatoes and tangy tamarind water. The best phuchkas in the city are sold at the Vivekananda Park market and the Gariahat market.
For those with a sweet tooth, Howrah has plenty of options as well. The city is known for its rasgulla, a spongy dessert made from cottage cheese and soaked in syrup. The best rasgullas in Howrah are sold at the KC Das sweet shop, which has been in business for over a century.
Another popular sweet in Howrah is the mishti doi, a creamy yogurt-based dessert that is typically served in earthen pots. The best mishti doi in the city is made by the famous Bhim Nag sweet shop, which has been serving this dish for over 100 years.
Culture:
Howrah is a city that celebrates its diversity and pluralism, and this is reflected in its cultural events and festivals. One of the most important festivals in Howrah is Durga Puja, a Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of the goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. The festival is celebrated with great pomp and show and is a time for family gatherings, feasting, and merrymaking.
Another important festival in Howrah is Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan for Muslims. The city's Muslim population celebrates this festival with great enthusiasm and prepares special dishes like biryani and kebabs.
Apart from these religious festivals, Howrah also celebrates cultural events like the Kolkata Book Fair, which is held every year in January-February. The fair attracts book lovers from all over the country and features book launches, author talks, and cultural performances.
Conclusion:
Howrah is a city that has something to offer for everyone, from history buffs to foodies to culture enthusiasts. Its iconic Howrah Bridge, vibrant markets, delicious street food, and cultural events make it a must-visit destination for travelers to India. So, the next time you're in the eastern part of the country, make sure to add Howrah to your itinerary and experience the city's unique charm and character.
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