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Hooghly, a historically rich district in West Bengal, offers a fascinating blend of heritage, culture, and scenic beauty, making it an attractive destination for tourists. Known for its colonial architecture, ancient temples, and riverside charm, places to visit in Hooghly include the historic Hooghly Imambara, the serene Bandel Church, the revered Tarakeswar Temple and many more destinations. This blend of cultural landmarks and natural beauty makes Hooghly a captivating destination for those exploring West Bengal’s heritage.
Top 10 Places To Visit In Hooghly
From historic monuments to vibrant riverside towns rich in cultural and historical heritage, here are some of the top places to visit in Hooghly:
1. Hooghly Imambara
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons
The Hooghly Imambara in West Bengal is regarded as an architectural wonder and an Islamic heritage site which draws in tourists thanks to its magnificent history. It was built in the mid-19th century, by the philanthropist Haji Mohammad Mohsin. This remarkable two storey building is well known for its Persian decorations, inscriptions, harmonious designs and two clock towers. The building comprises a mosque, a courtyard and a long passage ornate with chandeliers creating a tranquil and meditative space.
Location: Chinsurah, Hooghly district, West Bengal, along the banks of the Hooghly River
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
2. Bandel Church
Photo: Grentidez / Wikimedia Commons
Bandel Church, situated in Hooghly, is one of the most significant landmarks of Christian culture in India. It was built in 1599 by the Portuguese and is built and dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary. The church has striking features that appeal to the tourists and the believers such as an eye-catching bell tower, Gothic style of architecture and peaceful surroundings. Bandel Church is especially visited in the celebratory months of Christmas and Easter.
Location: Bandel, Hooghly district, West Bengal, India
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
3. Tarakeswar Temple
Photo: Dineshkannambadi / Wikimedia Commons
The Tarakeswar Temple is a popular Hindu temple for the worship of Lord Shiva. The architectural prowess of the temple as well as its culture manages to create an influx of pilgrims over the year especially for the event of the annual festival Maha Shivaratri every year. The temple contains a number of sculptures and a pleasant turn which makes it a centre of attraction for every devotee.
Location: Tarakeswar, Hooghly district, West Bengal
Timings: 5 AM – 12:30 PM and 4 PM – 9 PM
4. Chandannagar Strand
Photo: Dassurojitsd / Wikimedia Commons
The Chandannagar Strand is an attractive garden situated along the Hooghly River, in the Hooghly district of the state of West Bengal and is known for its scenic beauty as well as its vibrant atmosphere. This sought-after location contains leafy green gardens, pathways, structures from the colonial period, which exhibits the French history of the place. The Strand serves as a perfect location for long walks, picnics at the dusk, watching the glorious sun set and many more.
Location: Chandannagar, Hooghly district, West Bengal, India
5. Sri Ramakrishna Math
Photo: Sukanta Sarkar / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Ramakrishna Math in Antpur is a spiritual and cultural hub that is based on the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda. Encompassed in beautiful gardens, the lovely temple provides an ideal place for calmness and intellectual contemplation. Antpur also has its own rich history with the ancient temples and traditional Bengali buildings. It also depicts village and tribalism hence making it a perfect spot for those who seek tranquillity and spiritual elevation.
Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM and 3 PM – 8 PM
6. Hangseshwari Temple
Photo: Mayukhc12 / Wikimedia Commons
Hangseshwari Temple, situated in the Lalgola town of the Hooghly district, is an artistic creation built in honour of Goddess Hangseshwari, one of the forms of the Goddess Durga. This temple is well known for its rare fusion of Hindu and European styles of architecture in the construction of the temple with fascinating terracotta images and exquisite sculptures. It is because of this that many festivals, especially Durga Puja, bring in plenty of locals and travellers alike, making this place ideal for such activities.
Location: Bansberia, Hooghly district, West Bengal
Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM and 4 PM – 8 PM
7. Debanandapur
Photo: Tom Fisk / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Debanandapur is a small and beautiful village situated in Hooghly district of West Bengal, which is becoming a popular tourist spot because of its calm nature and green surroundings. The village is noted for its old temples like the historical Debanandapur Ramakrishna Ashram which draws in a large number of pilgrims and tourists. The village also embraces diverse local traditions alongside several celebrations which denotes how people live in Bengal.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
8. Serampore College
Photo: gangulybiswarup / Wikimedia Commons
The Serampore College is one of the notable landmarks of Hooghly which excites people because of its historical significance and great architectural impact. It is one of the oldest higher education institutions in India’s higher education system and was responsible for the spread of western education in Bengal. The breathtaking college campus provides the unique combination of Gothic and Indo-Saracenic architectural principles.
Location: Chandernagore, Serampore, Hooghly, West Bengal
9. Hooghly River Ghats
Photo: Wedstock 2011 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
For tourists looking for relaxation or spiritual quest, the Hooghly River ghats in Hooghly serve as a calm and blissful place. These Ghats provide a view of the river which is especially beautiful in the mornings and the evenings. Visitors may admire the river over a walk along the banks, take a ride on the boat to explore the still waters or engage in some rituals. Some temples and shrines fill these ghats enhancing the holiness.
Best Time To Visit: November to February
10. Jubilee Bridge
Photo: Pinakpani / Wikimedia Commons
One of the most famous landmarks that you will see when you visit Hooghly is Jubilee Bridge that joins the two towns of Hooghly and Naihati across the expansive watery Hooghly River. This tipped out bridge was constructed in the year 1931 as a gesture of appreciation of the silver jubilee of king George V. The bridge is looked upon with great admiration by both the locals and the tourists as it is perfect for long walks and capturing beautiful photographs.
Location: Hooghly, West Bengal, India
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Hooghly is undoubtedly an enthralling and breathtaking place that possesses immense historical, cultural and natural fabric. The district encompasses so many things for every kind of traveller. Be it spirituality, history or even the landscapes, places to visit in Hooghly offer something to everyone who fondly feels about West Bengal’s rich culture. Plan your next trip with Trip XL!
Cover Photo: Rajat.saha123 / Wikimedia Commons
