Hooghly

The district of Hooghly is just 47 km north of Kolkata and is steeped in history and heritage. Dotted with several small but important towns, the district is testimony to the rule of foreign settlers-the British and Portuguese at Hooghly, the Dutch at Chinsurah, the French at Chandernagore, and the Germans and Austrians at Bhadreswar. The Portuguese were the first to settle here in 1537, but were defeated by by Shah Jahan in 1632. The British East India Company then followed and set up a factory here in 1651. Chandannagore (Chandernagore) was once a French colony and is still under the influence of French language and culture. Chinsurah was a Dutch settlement from 1656 to 1825. It was later exchanged by the Dutch for the British-held Indonesian island of Sumatra in 1825. The Hooghly, as the Ganga River is called here, dominates the landscape and people use ferries to cross from one town to another.

Attractions & Activities

Chandannagore on the bank of the river Hooghly, which was once a French colony, has beautiful churches, convents and French-built residences.

Bandel has the remnants of a Church and Monastery that were built around 1660 by the Portuguese. The Bandel Church is the oldest Church in West Bengal.

Kamarpukur is the birthplace of Sri Ramakrishna. Consequently, the place is invested with immense religious interest. The Ramakrishna Mission has erected a memorial temple here. Jairambati, which is located in close proximity to Kamarpukur, is the native land of Maa Sarodamoni, the consort of Sri Ramakrishna, and in Antopur that has asome beautiful terracotta temples is another principal religious site.

Chinsurah, a Dutch settlement from 1656 to 1850, is famous for the Fort Gustavas Church, three barracks and the old tombs. Another worthy site is the Imambara, which was constructed by Hazi Mohammed Mohsin in the year 1836. The gateway of the Building is flanked by lofty minarets and the doors are decorated with lines from the Koran. The interiors have rich carvings and inlaid marble motifs.

Pandua is best known for its minar and the ruins of Pandu Raja’s Palace. The 13th century minar rises to a height of 125 feet.

Tarkeshwar approximately 80 kms from Kolkata, is famous for its Shiva Temple. In the month of ‘Sravan’(July-August) devotees from across the country throng the temple to pray.


Accommodation

A West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. Lodge is at Tarakeswar. One can also stay in Kolkata or Howrah and make a day trip to these towns.