Kolkata Tourist Attractions - Howrah Bridge, For William, Maidan

Published: 14/05/2012

Howrah Bridge

Howrah Bridge, located over the Hooghly River in West Bengal, is the longest hanging bridge in India. Set up in 1874, the Howrah Bridge is a cantilever truss bridge that was constructed without the use of a single nut and bolt. Now, renamed as “Rabindra Setu”, the Howrah Bridge has become the symbol of Kolkata.
Hotels in Kolkata near Howrah Bridge

Fort William

Named after King William-III of England, Fort William is built on the Eastern banks of the River Hooghly. There are actually two fort Williams, the old and the new. The new was built after the old was temporarily conquered by the Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-Ud-Daulah. Spread over 70 hectares of land, Fort William is built of bricks and mortar and stands as a biggest testimonial of the British Raj in India.
Today the Fort is still used as the headquarters of the Eastern Command of the Indian Army. Not much is changed but the army has provided a swimming pool, cinema hall, shopping mall, laundry, outdoor playgrounds restaurants, school and even a post office and a bank for the army personnel residing in the fort. Entry to the Fort is restricted. Special permission has to be obtained.

Maidan

The Maidan is a huge expanse of lush green land that was cleared while building Fort William. It was initially meant to be the parade ground for the English soldiers and it still continues to be so till date. It is referred as the Lungs of Kolkata. The Kolkata race course, the Eden Garden and several football stadia, hockey field and army parade are housed here. Several tanks and fine avenues of trees dot the Maidan. The Maidan provides a package of history culture, leisure and entertainment for the people of Kolkata.

Octerloney Monument / Shahid Minar

Situated in the Maidan, this monument built in Egyptian, Syrian and Turkish style, was constructed to mark the victory in Nepal (1814-16). Originally known as Octerloney Monument, it was renamed as Saheed Minar in honor of the freedom fighters. Presently political parties convene their meetings here.

Indian Museum

The Indian Museum houses rare collection of antiques, skeletons, fossils and mummies, paintings, coins, statues and even an urn containing the ashes of Buddha. Founded in 1814, the Indian Museum is one of the oldest Museums in Asia. It provides a complete picture of the evolution and culture of Indians. The Indian Museum is the most sought after tourist attractions.

Asiatic Society

Founded by Sir William Jones, in the year 1784, the basic purpose of Calcutta Asiatic society is to spread eastern education. A huge library of rare manuscripts and books the Asiatic society is a priceless gift to researchers and scholars. The Society brings out its own journals on a periodical basis.