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From: Geet on 1 Jul 2010 06:13
About The Howrah Bridge
The Howrah Bridge is the first cantilever suspension bridge of its
type. Its a feat in modern engineering and technology. Constructed in
1874 over the river Hooghly, the bridge joins the twin cities of
Howrah and Kolkata (Calcutta). In year 1871, the need for a bridge
between Howrah and Calcutta was felt. After its completion in 1874, it
became India's first floating structure. The bridge was partially
built in India and partially in Britain. It is one of three bridges on
the river Hooghly and is the most famous symbol of not only Calcutta
but also West Bengal.

The Architecture
Calcutta-Howrah Bridge is a feat of nineteenth-century bridge
engineering and technology. The 270 ft high and 1528 ft long bridge
was completed in 1874, becoming the biggest floating structure of
India. Famed British professional Engineer Sir Bradford Leslie was
appointed the chief architect for the project. Due to some technical
reasons, a portion of the bridge was made in England and shipped to
Calcutta. The bridge got partially destroyed by the great cyclone of
20 March 1874. A steamer, collided with the bridge and damaged three
pontoons, amounting to total destruction of 200 ft of the massive
structure. The bridge eventually got completed and was opened for
traffic on 17 October 1874. It was described as a structure of novelty
and originality in its design. The bridge though has gone very old but
is still holding good. A new bridge, alongside the old bridge, got
constructed to reduce the traffic load on the older one.

Tourist Information
Visiting Hours: Is open throughout for the traffic.
Entry Fee: Nil.
When to visit: Best time to visit Kolkata is October to March.

Other Attractions near the Howrah Bridge
In Kolkata, the famous Victoria memorial (1921) and Indian Museum
(1814) can be visited. These museums have some exclusive collections
of ancient paintings, sculpture, stamps etc. India's oldest cricket
ground, Eden Garden, is also in this city. Birla Planetarium, one of
the largest
planetariums in the world is a good place to enjoy. The auditorium has
a capacity of 500 and it conducts regular shows in Hindi, English and
Bengali.

Getting There
Air: There is N.S.C. International airport at Dumdum in Kolkata.
Regular flights to rest of India and world are available here.
Rail: Kolkata is very well connected to rest of India through two
major railway station, Sealdah and Howrah.
Road: Kolkata is connected to the rest of India by excellent road
network.

Accommodation
Kolkata has numerous options for stay. One can find luxurious star
rated hotels, government owned hotels, guest houses, hostels, lodges
and budget hotels to choose from.




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