Hooghly is a district rich in history situated close to Kolkata. It offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historical monuments, spiritual sites, and several other things.
The place was named ‘Hooghly’ due to the river Hooghly making its way through the district. It is also the river that brought in varied European colonies to settle in distinctive cities in the district. Not just that, several other royals had also ruled the place before the Europeans.
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An amalgamation of the old times and wilderness can be witnessed at the place, along with a diversity in culture and heritage.
In this article, you will get to know the following places in the Hooghly district,
- Bandel Church
- Itachuna Rajbari
- Hooghly Imambara
- Hangseshwari Temple
- Serampore Rajbari
- Tarakeshwar Temple
- Chandanagar Museum
- Chinsurah Dutch Cemetery
- Lahiri Baba Ashram
- Antpur Radha Govind Ji Temple
- Kamarpukur
Let’s see each of these places in detail.
1. Bandel Church
Bandel Church also known as the “Basilica of the Holy Rosary” is one of the significant and oldest landmarks in West Bengal.
Located in Bandel, Hooghly, this age-old Roman Catholic church was founded in 1599 during the Portuguese settlement in Bengal.
It was when Bandel was used as a port for trade purposes.
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Many people visit this sacred site every day. During Christmas, the place remains quite crowded.
The iconic site is also famous for its glorious architecture and serenity.
The Holy Cross, the clock tower, and the graveyard are also prime attractions within the premises of the church.
2. Itachuna Rajbari
Also going by the name “Bargee Danga,” the Itachuna Rajbari is one of its kind in the district of Hooghly. It is a splendid tourist attraction that has the potential to startle everyone with its glorious reminiscent of time. It is considered one of the most popular Rajbaris in West Bengal.
The Rajbari was established in the year 1766 by the Kundan family. Kundans were one of the Maratha ‘Bargis’ warrior groups, who later settled in Bengal. Later on, the kundans were transformed into ‘Kundus’. The past is still reflected through the walls of the Rajbari, strong and proud.
This heritage building is sumptuous and quite large. The palatial Rajbari has three segments: Andarmahal, Thakurdalan, and Baithakkhana. The thakurdalan is very prominent and is considered to be the largest family shrine among all the others present in the Rajbaris of Bengal.
The rooms are absolutely breathtaking and overlook a well-maintained, manicured garden. They are furnished with lavish items, antique chairs, sofas, tables, old metal caskets, and other things. Some of the rooms are named “Boro Boudir Ghor”, and “Thakumar Ghor”, and all these details sweep you back to a time when the Rajbari was alive centuries ago.
You will be able to experience the royalty by day tripping or by opting to stay there. A leisurely walk around the place brings in a gush of different good feelings. Sitting and eating in such an ambiance is like living in that era of history. The opulence is worth a watch.
3. Hooghly Imambara
The Hooghly Imambara is one of the oldest cultural heritage sites in Bengal on the banks of River Hooghly.
The beautiful and grand mosque is among the Hooghly district’s must-visit places.
Hooghly Imambara is a two-story mosque.
The building has a long array of corridors, spacious courtyards, a majestic watch tower, a sun clock, and overall impressive architectural beauty.
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In the center of the huge courtyard, you can see a water tank and a few fountains.
The Zaridalan, or the main prayer hall, is the center of attraction in Bara Imambara.
The interiors of the mosque will mesmerize you with black and white marble floors, the holy text of the Quran inscribed on the walls, hanging lanterns, and the throne of the Imam.
You can also view the spectacular beauty of the Jubilee Bridge and the Hooghly River from the top of the Twin Tower.
4. Hangseshwari Temple
Hangseshwari Temple is located in Bansberia on the banks of river Hooghly in between Tribeni and Bandel.
The temple built towards the start of the 19th century has an unusual and unique type of architecture.
It has 13 towers each shaped like a “bud of lotus petal” almost resembling one of the holy architectural marvels of Moscow.
The interior of the temple resembles the structure of the human body and is also adorned with various terracotta decorations.
Many people not only come to see the distinctive architecture of the temple but also come to seek blessings from Goddess Hangseshwari, a manifestation of Goddess Kali.
The deity is a blue-colored neem idol with four hands.
The temple is now a popular heritage site under the Archeological Survey of India.
5. Serampore Rajbari
Serampore Rajbari (Kinjal bose 78, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
Serampore Rajbari in Hooghly is a palatial mansion that belongs to the Goswamis of Serampore.
It was erected between 1815 and 1820 by Raghuram Goswami, Hari Narayan Goswami’s son.
This Rajbari has been an important part of Bengali culture, architecture, and heritage.
The architecture will lofty columns, interconnected corridors, and ornamentation will surely impress you.
The Bonedi Bari Puja of this Rajbari conducted on the ThalurDalan is popularly known all over West Bengal.
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For almost 300 years, the Goswami family of Serampore has worshiped Ek Chala Durga.
This Bonedi bari Durga puja is performed following three Puranas, Debi Puran, Brihat Nandikeshwar Puran, and Kalika Puran.
Apart from Durgapuja, festivals like KaliPuja, Dhol Yatra, Jhulan Yatra, and Ras Purnima are celebrated with great grandeur and fervor.
The notable feature of the Rajbari is the “Ashtadhatu” (eight metal) of the Radharani idol.
It has also many Dutch influences and has seen several events associated with Dutch Commissioners.
(Click to know more about Serampore Rajbari)
6. Tarakeshwar Temple
Tarakeshwar Temple located in the Tarakeshwar Village of Hooghly District is dedicated to Lord Taraknath, a form of Lord Shiva.
It is considered one of the prime Jyotirlingas in India.
The ancient temple was constructed by Raja Bharamalla in the year 1729.
It is built in Atchala or nat mandir architectural style with four roofs above the sanctum sanctorum with extended galleries for the congregation of a large number of devotees.
Apart from the main shrine of Baba Tarakanath, the temple has also other shrines of Goddess Kali and Lakshmi Narayan.
There is also a sacred tank beside the temple known as the Dudh Pukur Tank.
Thousands of devotees visit this holy abode of Lord Mahadev on Maha Shivaratri, Sravan Month, Neel Puja, Charak Puja, Gajan Celebration, and Chaitra Sankranti.
7. Chandanagar Museum
Chandannagar Museum is one of the oldest and best museums in West Bengal.
This museum was established in Dupleix House in 1952 and preserves the rich colonial history of France.
The museum has an antique collection of gifts awarded to Harihar Sett, the antiquarian and the first president of the free city of Chandernagore.
If you visit this museum, you can see vivid vintage collections of French antiques, Anglo-French War Canyons, 18th-century wooden furniture, and the personal belongings of the governor-general.
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Thus this museum is worth visiting if you are interested in the history of French colonial rule.
The Museum also has well-maintained gardens and the statue of Marianne at the entrance.
Timings: 11 AM – 5.30 PM, Closed on Thursday, Saturday & govt. holidays
Entry: Rs. 5 for Indians & Rs. 20 for Foreigners
(Click to know about the other places to visit in Chandannagar)
8. Chinsurah Dutch Cemetery
Dutch Cemetery at Chinsurah is a notable attraction encompassing a huge area. Chinsurah was an eminent trading port between the 1600s and 1800s. This was also the time when the region was a colony of the Dutch East India Company.
It was built under the then-director of the Dutch East India Company in the state and houses 190 graves that are seen to have existed from 1743 up until the end of the 19th century. Along with others, the tombs of Daniel Anthony Overbeek (the last inhabitant of Dutch Bengal) and Charles Cameron (the Scottish army officer) also lie there.
In 1825, the Dutch gave up Chinsurah to the then British government. Almost all of the wondrous Dutch architecture was ruined by the Britishers, however, the cemetery remained along with a few other works of their art.
The cemetery is a testament to a thriving Dutch colony from a certain period. It has still kept its place even after so many years and a few years of destruction. It provides us with a peek at the Dutch rule in Bengal and the heritage of that period. It is believed to be the largest non-British European burial site in Bengal.
Aside from its historical value, the location has a mystical charm. It is set among greenery with graves interspersed with pathways.
9. Lahiri Baba Ashram
Lahiri Baba Ashram which is also known as Lahiri Temple, is a sacred place in the village of Rajhat, Hooghly.
The beautiful white temple is an ideal place to find peace amidst nature.
A beautiful garden at the entrance of this small lake temple greets you to the main shrine via a bridge.
You can also see several other small shrines around the main temple.
In the main temple, you can see the main idol of Lahiri Baba along with various Yogic postures and holy symbols of hands inscribed on the wall.
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There are also idols of Lord Shiva, Krishna, Durga, Vishnu, Buddha, Mother Mary, and Jesus depicting a culmination of rich cultures and religions.
There are also dress codes to enter the temple and photography is strictly prohibited here.
You can also avail yourself of the Bhog offered at the temple.
10. Antpur Radha Govind Ji Temple
Antpur Radha Govind Ji Temple is one of the ancient and beautiful tourist spots in Hooghly.
Sri Radha Govindaji Temple is the most prominent terracotta Temple in Bengal.
Shri Krishna Ram Mitra, the Diwan of Bardhaman Raj, built the shrine in 1786.
This 100-foot-tall temple is adorned with magnificent terracotta sculptures reflecting stories from all 18 Puranas.
The temple’s main sanctum sanctorum has a black stone idol of Lord Krishna.
While Radha and Krishna are prominent deities in this temple, there is also the goddess Durga, whose devotion was greatly revitalized in 1757 by Nabakrishna Deb of Sovabazar Rajbari.
It has a Chandi Mandap and a Dol Mancha, both of which are exquisitely made wood carvings and terracotta.
Aside from the main Radhagovindjiu temple, there are temples dedicated to Gangadhara, Fuleswara, Rameswara, Jaleswara, and Baneswara.
11. Kamarpukur
Kamarpukur is one of the sacred destinations in Hooghly, as it is the birthplace of the legendary sage “Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa ”.
It is a location that would fill your heart with immense peacefulness, and inexpressible joy and satisfaction.
The beautiful place has a rural charm that attracts many devotees every day.
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The Ramakrishna Math in Kamarpukur is blessed with a spiritual ambiance, greenery, and beautiful gardens.
The main shrine is built over two straw huts that were used by Sri Ramkrishna and his family.
You can visit this place as part of the Jairambati – Kamarpukur Trip.
Apart from the main temple, you can also see the Laha Babu’s Pathshala, Rash Mancha, and Haldar Pukur.
The entire temple complex is surrounded by lush green paddy fields.
You can take amazing photos of the place and can also savor the Mahaprasad Bhog in Kamarpukur.
Visiting a piece of the past, living there for some time, and soaking in the period that is only read, is like seeing a dream with open eyes. The mentioned places are just like an experience that you will only get when you decide to drop by them and tour every corner of them.
Be it during the weekend or any vacation, drive or travel to these locations in Hooghly with your friends or family and delve into the fun of discovering a new side of them.