Uncovering Howrah's Hidden Gems: The Best Lesser-Known Attractions to Explore
Howrah, a bustling city in West Bengal, India, is often overlooked by tourists in favour of nearby Kolkata. However, this vibrant city offers plenty, from delicious street food to stunning temples and historical sites. In this article, we'll uncover some of Howrah's hidden gems - lesser-known attractions worth discovering. As of the recent 2023 census, about 6,741,541 are currently residing in Howrah.
Dakshineswar Kali Temple
Did you know that, on average, around 13 million devotees come every year to visit the holy temple of Dakshineswar? (Source) The Dakshineswar Kali Temple is one of Howrah's most famous landmarks, but many tourists don't know about it.
Built in the 19th century, this stunning temple is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali and features a breathtaking courtyard and 12 shrines. It's the perfect place to immerse yourself in Indian culture and spirituality. On special days like Kali Puja, about 100000 people visit the temple. (Source)
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Shibpur Botanical Garden
Located on the banks of the Hooghly River, the Shibpur Botanical Garden is a peaceful oasis in the heart of Howrah. This 109-acre garden is home to a wide variety of plants and trees, including rare and endangered species. It's the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some tranquillity in nature.
Not only that, but if you are someone who loves different kinds of plants, this is the perfect spot for you. There are about 12,000 specimens of plants here and all of the different variants( Source). There is a succulent in the garden which can store around 1 lakh litres of water in the trunk. Bizzare right? (Source)
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Belur Math
Belur Math is a religious complex located just outside of Howrah. It was founded by Swami Vivekananda, a famous Indian monk, and is dedicated to the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna. The complex includes a temple, a museum, and a library, as well as beautiful gardens and a peaceful riverside setting. Not only that, the institution is known to run some of the top educational centres. One of the very popular ones among them is the Rahara Ramakrishna Mission, which is known to have 99.5% successful candidates for the West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination.
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Howrah Bridge
Did you know that this famous bridge is so extensive that it supports over 80,000 vehicles passing over it every single day? (Source) While not exactly a hidden gem, the Howrah Bridge is one of Howrah's most iconic landmarks and is worth a visit. Constructed in the 1940s, this suspension bridge spans the Hooghly River and is one of the busiest bridges in the world. It's especially beautiful at night when it's lit up with colourful lights.
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Bally Bridge
Lesser known than the Howrah Bridge, the Bally Bridge is still a great attraction to visit and each day it helps around 48,000 vehicles to reach and transit from Uttarpara. (Source) This historic bridge was built in the early 20th century and offers stunning views of the Hooghly River and the surrounding area. It's a great spot for photography or just enjoying the scenery.
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In conclusion, Howrah has plenty of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or spirituality, there's something for everyone in this vibrant city. So next time you're in West Bengal, be sure to take some time to explore the best lesser-known attractions Howrah has to offer. It is the 2nd largest city in West Bengal and has an economy which is fast developing. (Source)
