Places to visit
River landmarks, a botanic garden older than most Indian cities' parks, a bird lake and a zamindar palace — all within or near the district.
Howrah Station side
The cantilever bridge over the Hooghly, and the city's best known landmark.
Officially Rabindra Setu, the bridge links Howrah with Kolkata and carries a huge flow of foot and road traffic every day. The Mullick Ghat flower market beside it is busiest just after sunrise.
Belur, Bally
Headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission, on a calm stretch of the riverbank.
The main temple blends Hindu, Islamic and Christian architectural elements. The grounds are quiet and well kept, and the ghat behind the temple is a pleasant place to sit in the evening.
Shibpur
Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden, home to the Great Banyan.
Spread over more than 100 hectares with lakes, palm avenues and one of the widest banyan trees in the world. Best visited early on a weekday morning.
Santragachi
A large lake that draws thousands of migratory birds each winter.
The jheel sits beside Santragachi railway station. Between November and February you can spot lesser whistling ducks and other visitors from the walkway around the water.
Near Howrah Station
Vintage locomotives, coaches and railway memorabilia beside India's busiest station.
A compact museum that works well with children: preserved steam engines, a toy train ride and displays on the history of the Eastern Railway.
Andul
A weathered zamindar palace with colonnaded verandas and a Durga dalan.
The Mitra family estate is a favourite with photographers and film crews. It is private property in parts, so ask before entering the inner courtyards.
Shyampur, south Howrah
A riverside picnic spot where the Hooghly, Rupnarayan and Damodar meet.
About three hours from Howrah city by road. Come for the wide water, fish lunches and the ruins of Fort Mornington across the river.