Howrah boasts numerous iconic attractions on the scenic banks of the Hooghly River. The city has developed rapidly in recent years, transforming into a vibrant commercial centre. The vital transportation hub centres around the iconic Howrah Railway Station, which connects Kolkata and West Bengal, making it a crucial link for travel and trade.
Best Places to Visit in Howrah
Dubbed the ‘Sheffield of India’ and the ‘Glasgow of India,’ Howrah is the second-largest city and forms the second-smallest district in the state, after Kolkata. Some of the best places to visit in Howrah include:
Bangeshwar Mahadev
Belilious Park
Belur Math
Vidyasagar Setu
Rail Museum
Howrah Bridge
Owing to its strategic position and well-connectivity, Howrah offers multiple weekend getaway destinations, including the exotic wildlife of Sunderbans, the serene Shantiniketan, and the famous beachside resort towns of Mandarmani and Digha.
Best Time to Visit Howrah
The ideal time to visit Howrah is from December to February, when the weather is pleasantly mild during the day and cooler at night. This period also coincides with Durga Puja and Kali Puja’s vibrant festivals. It's best to avoid visiting between March and May when the heat becomes unbearable.
Major Railway Stations
Howrah is well-connected by rail. Here are the major railway stations in Howrah:
Howrah Junction Railway Station (HWH): It is one of India’s and the world's largest and busiest train stations, with the distinction of being India's oldest surviving railway complex.
Kolkata Shalimar Railway Station (SHM): It is located in Shibpur, on the Hooghly River's western bank, and is one of five large intercity stations serving the Kolkata-Howrah region.
Santragachi Junction Railway Station (SRC): It is a key railway station serving Kolkata and Howrah, helping to divert long-distance trains from the congested Howrah station.
How to Reach Howrah
The best way to travel to Howrah is by train, as all three stations are extremely well-connected to all major railway stations in the country.
All major trains from India either originate, terminate, or halt at one of the three prominent railway stations in Howrah.
The Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport is around 25 km from Howrah.
Howrah is well-connected by various highways and expressways, including Grand Trunk Road, NH 16 and 19, and Howrah–New Delhi main line.
Best Ways to Reach Guwahati Railway Station
There are multiple ways to travel to and from the Guwahati Railway Station.
By Bus
State-owned and private buses run from Guwahati Railway Station to all major northeastern cities, including Tezpur, Jorhat, Dibrugarh, and Golaghat.
By Flight
Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport is 22 km from Guwahati Railway Station.
By Cab
You can get taxis from all parts of the city to Guwahati Railway Station.
Best Ways to Reach Howrah Railway Station
There are multiple ways to travel to and from the railway stations in Howrah, including metros.
By Bus
Both state-run and private bus services connect Howrah to all major Bengal cities and districts, including Digha, Mandarmani, Siliguri, and Midnapore.
By Flight
The Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport is around 17.5 km from Howrah Railway Station.
By Cab
You can book both online and the famous yellow cabs to all stations in Howrah from all parts of the city.
Places to Stay in Howrah
Howrah has accommodations for all budgets, including premium ones such as Hotel Hindusthan International, Hyatt Regency, M.M. Guest House, and Noxx Residency.
