HOOGHLY
The heritage trail of West Bengal leads to the district of Hooghly, 47 km north
of Calcutta. This historical district abounds in relics of foreign settlers
the British and Portuguese at Hooghly, the Dutch at Chinsurah, the French at
Chandannagore, the Germans and Austrians at Bhadreswar. The Portuguese settled
here in 1537, but were routed out by Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor, in 1632.
The British East India Company also established a factory here in 1651.

Places Of Interest:
There are many places of historical interest in the district.

Antpur, 76 km north of Calcutta, is the site of a number of 18th century
temples built by Krishnaram Mitra, a zamindar. Chief among them is the Radha
Govinda temple in aatchala style of architecture. The front walls of the
Jagamohan, the covered courtyard, have exquisite terracotta panels and the
vaulted inner roof has coloured mural paintings. The Chandi Mandap has fine
artistry in wood. The other temples in and around the area are those of
Jaleswara, Baneswara, Gangadhara, Fuleswara and Rameswara.

Bansberia was one of the main villages of ancient Saptagram. The temples of
Ananta Vasudeva and Hanseswari are famous here. The Vasudeva temple is
constructed in the traditional ekaratna style with curved cornices and an
octagonal tower. Hanseswari temple has a unique architectural style. There are
thirteen minars, each shaped like a lotus bud, and the inner layout follows the
human anatomy!

Bandel is the site of the Portuguese settlement. The Portuguese Church and the
Monastry were built here in 1599. Destroyed by Shah Jahan in 1640, they were
rebuilt in 1660. It is the oldest Christian church in West Bengal and is
dedicated to Nosa Senhora di Rozario.

Chinsurah was a Dutch settlement from 1656 to 1825. It was later exchanged by
the Dutch for the British-held Indonesian island of Sumatra in 1825. Fort
Gustavus, a church, three barracks and many old tombs stand testimony to the
bygone days. Chandannagore, a former French colony, is a beautifully laid out
town, on the banks of the river Hooghly. The churches, convent and the French
Administrator residence are the points of interest here.

The famous Imambara at Hooghly was established by Hazi Mohammad Mohsin in 1836.
The gateway is flanked by lofty minarets, the walls are decorated with texts
from the Koran and the interior has rich carvings and inlaid marble motifs.
Further away is Belur Math, headquarters of the Ramkrishna Mission. The evening
aarti (light ceremony) is worth watching here. Across the river is the
beautiful Dakshineswar Kali Temple.

Formerly known as Fedricnagar, Serampur was the seat of missionary activity
from 1793 to 1834. It holds an important place in Bengal history. It was a
Danish settlement till East India Company took over in 1845. The house of the
Danish Governor, the Roman Catholic Church and St Olaf Churchstill stands here.
There is also a museum in Serampur College with exhibits about the
missionaries, Dr Williams Carey, Ward and Marshman and their activties.

Fairs & Festivals:
Mahesh, 3 km from Serampur, has a very old Jagannath Temple, where the annual
car festival is held in June / July each year.

Communication:
Hooghly, 47 km north of Calcutta on the west bank of the river Hooghly, a main
rail and road connection.

Bansberia, 47 km north of Calcutta, is connected to it by road and rail.

Located 48 km north of Calcutta, Bandel may be reached by rail and road.

About 45 km from Calcutta, Chinsurah is connected by road and rail.