Top 11 Places To Visit In Howrah And Its Surroundinggs For A Captivating Adventure

A view of the Howrah Bridge at night, one of the places to visit in Howrah

The name came from the word Haor — Bengali word for a fluvial muggy lake, which is a downturn where water, mud and natural garbage collect. Howrah; on the other hand spelled as Haora) is a city in the Indian territory of West Bengal. Howrah is situated on the western bank of the Hooghly Stream, inverse of its twin city of Kolkata. Howrah is the central command of the Howrah Sadar development; it is likewise important for the Kolkata Metropolitan Region and many iconic places to visit in howrah. This is a significant modern and transportation centre, and is likewise an entryway to Kolkata through Howrah railroad station and Howrah Scaffold.

11 Places To Visit In Howrah

Howrah, a clamouring city on the banks of the Hooghly River, brags a variety of top 11 attractions from ancient wonders to ecological retreats.

1. Santragachi Jheel

Birds at the Santragachi Jheel, one of the places to visit in Howrah

Photo: Satabdi Datta / Wikimedia Commons

The lake is located right close to the Santragachi railway junction and is very close to the nearby residential areas. Covering the range of 32 sections of land, the lake turns into a delightful site for nature lovers, particularly from December to February. One can detect a variety of bird species here. These include the ferruginous pochard, the Swinhoe’s Kill, the Brush Duck, the Northern Pintail, Cormorants, the Gadwall, the Garganey, the Northern Shoveler, and more. More than 4,000 – 4,500 birds visit this lake each colder time of year. it is one of the iconic tourist place in howrah to explore.

Major Attraction: Migratory birds during winter
Best Time To Visit: December to February During Winter months
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 hours approximately
Nearest Airport: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Santragachi Railway Junction

Suggested Read: Discover The Places To Visit In West Bengal

2. Hooghly River

Boats decked at the Hooghly river, one of the serene places to visit in Howrah

Photo: Aashish Singh / Unsplash

The beautiful Hoogly river runs southwards through West Bengal. The upper zone of the stream is called Bhagirathi and the lower Hoogly which makes it one of famous tourist attractions in Howrah. The principal streams that channel into the Bhagirathi-Hooghly river framework incorporate the Mayurakshi, Ajay, Jalangi, Damodar, Haldi and Rupnarayan Rivers. The Bhagirathi-Hoogly then, at that point, streams passing different regions and towns, for example, Jiaganj Azimganj, Murshidabad, Baharampur, Katwa, Nawadip, Kalna until it enters the Hoogly Region and the North 24 Parganas Area.

Major Attraction: Scenic river views, boat rides, historic ghats
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Trip Duration: Half-day to a full day
Nearest Airport: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Howrah Railway Junction

3. Howrah Bridge

Picture of Howrah Bridge, one of the important places to visit in Howrah

Photo: Chinmaykp25 / Wikimedia Commons

A famous milestone of Kolkata, Howrah Bridge is a gigantic steel span built over the Hooghly Stream. It is viewed as among the longest cantilever spans on the planet and is a one of the famous Howrah tourist places. Otherwise called Rabindra Setu, it associates Howrah and Kolkata. The grandiosity of the bridge comes alive even more in the evening when it is illuminated. You can also go on a ferry ride under the bridge as it runs among Kolkata and Howrah and offers scenic views it is also one of the most idyllic things to do in Howrah exploration trip.

Major Attraction: Iconic steel structure, views of Hooghly River, ferry rides
Best Time To Visit: Year-round, especially evenings
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 hours approximately
Nearest Airport: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Howrah Railway Station

Suggested Read: Fun Things To Do In Kolkata

4. Vidyasagar Setu

The view of Vidyasagar Setu from Princep Ghat, a place to visit in Howrah

Photo: Dassurojitsd / Wikimedia Commons

Vidyasagar Setu – also called the second Hooghly Bridge opened to traffic in 1992 is the best result of current design and innovation. It is raised on just four pillar points and holds a number of iron ropes. The bridge is 458 metres in length and 115 metres wide. You can get a scenic view of Kolkata from the bridge. It is also famous in the entertainment industry for the purpose of shooting and one of the iconic places to visit in Howrah to explore.

Major Attraction: India’s longest cable-stayed bridge, panoramic views
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 hours approximately
Nearest Airport: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Howrah Railway Junction

5. Mullick Ghat Flower Market

Flower market at the Mullick Ghat, one of the places to visit in Howrah

Photo: Tonynirappathu / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Mullick Ghat Flower Market has been an indispensable piece of Howrah beginning around 1855 and now a famous tourist places in Howrah. Here various kinds of flowers are sold consistently. Typically, the market is open the entire day for travellers and locals. As one of the greatest flower markets in the entire of India; it’s a brilliant cluster of varieties, sights, scents and sounds. When the sun rises, you can spot a huge number of wholesalers here with their brilliant newly cut flowers from the farmlands.

Major Attraction: Colourful flower stalls
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 hours approximately
Nearest Airport: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Howrah Railway Junction

Suggested Read: Street Shopping In Kolkata

6. Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden

A view of the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden in Howrah

Photo: Atudu / Wikimedia Commons

Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Nursery likewise called Regal Botanical of Kolkata is situated in Shibpur Howrah. It is popular for a wide assortment of more than 1400 plant species and a must visit places for Howrah trip. The nursery spreads over an area of 269 sections of land and is accepted to have laid out the exchange of Tea in Assam and the Himalayan districts. The nursery has likewise had the Central National Herbarium beginning around 1793 when William Roxburgh, a prestigious botanist — fostered an intricate and broad herbarium with plants obtained from everywhere in the world. Starting today, the nursery has 2.5 million examples.

Major Attraction: Vast collection of exotic plants
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 hours approximately
Nearest Airport: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Shalimar Railway Junction

7. Gadiara

Canoe floating in Gadiara, a beautiful place to visit in Howrah

Photo: Avishekchatt / Wikimedia Commons

Lying on the conversion of rivers Hooghly, Rupnarayan and Damodar, Gadiara is another natural attraction you can admire. If you would just want to unwind, then visit Gadiara for incredible Bengali food, relaxed strolls along the town streets and boat trips. The perspective on dusk and dawn on river water is a scene to observe. There are many nearby attractions like Garchumuk and Geonkhali which you can explore. Gadiara is situated around 96 kms from Kolkata. You can also take a train here from Howrah to Kolaghat, Mecheda, Panskura or Kharagpur, that will drop you at Bagnan. one must add this to Howrah tourist places list to explore on their vacation to West Bengal.

Major Attraction: Riverside views, confluence of three rivers
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Nearest Airport: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Bagnan Railway Junction

Suggested Read: Best Things To Do In Salt Lake Kolkata

8. Belur Math

Belur Math view from Hooghly River during sunset for travellers

Photo: Sengkrak / Wikimedia Commons

Set in the midst of palms and manicured yards, Belur Math is a scenic attraction in Howrah. Its highlight is the 1938 Ramakrishna Mandir which also has elements of an Indian castle and Istanbul’s Aya Sofya simultaneously. A few more places close to the Hooghly riverbank are the Sri Sarada Devi Sanctuary, which has the remnants of the profound pioneer’s significant other, Sarada.

Major Attraction: Spiritual site
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 hours approximately
Nearest Airport: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Howrah Railway Junction

9. Rail Museum

The Fairy Queen Express in Rail Museum, one of the places to visit in Howrah

Photo: Indrajit Das / Wikimedia Commons

The Rail Museum Howrah is situated in Howrah, Kolkata. It is considered as the second rail historical centre to be developed after the National Rail Museum hall, Delhi. The historical centre has developed into a well known travellers’ location in Kolkata. There is a striking assortment of safeguarded old and intriguing steam motors, electric trains, tracks and signals. Visitors come here to investigate the historical backdrop of Indian Railroads. The exhibition hall is the second one to be built after the National Rail Historical centre, Delhi.

Major Attraction: Historical railway artefacts, steam engines, interactive exhibits
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 hours approximately
Nearest Airport: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Howrah Railway Junction

Suggested Read: Aircraft Museum Kolkata

10. Bally

Bally Ghat railway station platform view in Howrah district, West Bengal.

Photo: Pinakpani / Wikimedia Commons

Bally is a quiet and charming area in Howrah with a mix of history and culture. It is known for its old temples, calm river views, and peaceful streets. One can visit the historic Bally Bridge and nearby ghats for a relaxing walk. The temples here are small but full of local devotion and beauty. For those exploring temples in West Bengal, Bally offers a simple yet soulful experience. It’s a nice stop for peaceful moments and a touch of tradition.

Major Attraction: Bally Bridge, local temples, river ghats
Best Time To Visit: October to March (pleasant weather)
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 day
Nearest Airport: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata (~20 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Bally Railway Station

11. Andul Rajbari

Andul Royal Palace (Rajbari) facade with arched entry and colonial architecture–places to visit in howrah

Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons

Andul Rajbari is a beautiful palace in Howrah that shows the rich past of Bengal. Built in the 19th century, it has tall pillars, big courtyards, and lovely artwork. It is a great place for history lovers and photographers. Though some parts are old, the charm remains strong. If you are looking for howrah visiting places, this royal spot is worth your time. Andul Rajbari also makes a great stop during your howrah vacations, offering peace and heritage together.

Major Attraction: Heritage palace architecture, colonial courtyards
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Nearest Airport: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata (~28 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Andul Railway Station

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Kolkata For An Adventurous Vacation

Howrah is an intriguing mix of legacy and ecological excellence, offering visitors a blend of culture, history, and picturesque unwinding. From the famous Howrah Extension to the quiet Santragachi Jheel, these places to visit in Howrah, make it a must-see for anybody exploring West Bengal. Plan your outing today to find these wonderful spots and experience the lively soul of Howrah! Book your outing with TripXL now and begin your escapade into the core of West Bengal!

Cover Photo: Ravi Singh / Unsplash

Frequently Asked Questions

Although you can visit Howrah throughout the year, this destination comes alive during October to Spring, as the weather conditions are ideal.
Howrah has numerous family-friendly attractions like the Rail Museum, Belilious Park, and Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden.
Howrah is right across the Hooghly Waterway from Kolkata, and you can arrive here via train, vehicle, or a short ship ride across Howrah Bridge.
Yes, Santragachi Jheel is a delightful spot for nature enthusiasts, particularly during winter when transitory birds rush here.
Visiting the Mullick Ghat Flower Market and Howrah's notable bridges gives a glimpse of the lively culture of the area.
Bally offers a peaceful vibe with river views, heritage temples, and the historic Bally Bridge—a perfect mix of culture and calm.
Andul Rajbari is a 19th-century palace showcasing colonial architecture, wide courtyards, and a royal charm perfect for history and photography lovers.
Yes, both places have small local eateries and tea stalls where you can enjoy snacks or lunch during your trip.

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