Walk@City of Joy

With the Temperatures soaring to 40 C in the Eastern part of India, i wake up early in the morning to catch a glimpse of beautiful Kolkata.

From my Wife's home to Howrah bridge is beautiful walk of approximately 50 minutes. But during the entire journey of walking, you get to see Colors of Life, Characters & beautiful murals on the Walls. There's lot happening over Tea - and you love to talk to locals sipping Milk Tea (natural earthern cups - Kulhad). By the time you reach the Bridge - the freshness in the air & the aromatic flower market & Hussle bustle of the railway station - brings joy to life - City of Joy. 

About Howrah Bridge

Howrah Bridge is a cantilever suspension bridge and is known for its impressive engineering design. It is one of the busiest bridges in the world. No nuts or bolts were used in the construction. It consumed 26,500 tons of steel, out of which 23,000 tons of high-tensile alloy steel, known as Tiscrom, were supplied by Tata Steel. The bridge serves as the gateway to Kolkata, connecting it to the Howrah Station, which is one of the five intercity train terminus stations serving Howrah and Kolkata. As such, it carries the near entirety of the traffic to and from the station, taking its average daily traffic close to nearly 150,000 pedestrians and 100,000 vehicles. On 14 June 1965, it was renamed Rabindra Setu after the Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore who was the first Indian and Asian Nobel laurate. The bridge is one of four on the Hooghly River and is a famous symbol of Kolkata and West Bengal. 

Bollywood Movies & Howrah Bridge

By the time i get closer to Howrah Bridge, it takes me down memory lane of movies i watched with my family. Movies - Howrah Bridge (1958), Khamoshi (1970), Amar Prem (1972), Yuva (2004), Barfi (2012) & Piku (2015). 

Mullick Ghat - Flower market

Mullick Ghat is a 130 year Old Flower market, the largest in Kolkata & one of the biggest in Asia. People travel all over the city and suburbs to sell flowers here. Located right under the southeast end of Howrah Bridge, the market runs along the riverside. It's primarily for people who want to pick up flowers for Temple offerings and prayers. While walking on Howrah Bridge, you can spot the Flower Market to the left approaching Howrah Station. The bustling outdoor is a Photographer's paradise. The River, the Bridge, the market - all three together makes you feel like a child in a candy store. 2000 Vendors set up stalls every day. Many of them live in makeshift shacks. 

Mullick ghat - Flower market

Howrah Bridge

While i stepped onto the Howrah Bridge, it was a magical feeling. There was so much to see - People walking across in a hurry, Hoogly River, Bus Conductors shouting Howrah, Howrah ,,,on the river bank of Hoogly river, one could spot many ritual activities, bathing & washing clothes. The atmosphere always seems relaxed void of the commotion. Crossing the Howrah Bridge takes you close to Howrah Railway station. It is one of the biggest Railway stations in India. The size and grandeur will leave you spellbound. Took a short break with a hot cup of Tea and headed back to the main City. 

In Howrah, the past and present blend seamlessly, offering diverse experiences. From iconic bridges to blooming markets & tranquil gardens, Howrah welcomes travelers with open arms. Explore its rich history, natural beauty and vibrant culture. My journey through the city left me with cherished memories & deep appreciation for its unique charm.