Things to Do in Howrah Bridge

Kolkata pulses with an energy that's hard to find anywhere else in India. The former capital of British India carries its colonial legacy in grand Victorian architecture, bustling markets, and a cultural sophistication that locals wear with quiet pride. Howrah Bridge stands as the city's most recognizable landmark, spanning the Hooghly River like a steel giant that's witnessed decades of history unfold beneath its cantilever spans. The city might feel overwhelming at first - the traffic, the crowds, the constant hum of activity - but there's something genuinely magnetic about Kolkata's blend of intellectual fervor, artistic passion, and everyday resilience. You'll find yourself drawn into conversations with strangers about literature or politics, stumbling across hidden temples tucked between crumbling mansions, and discovering that the chaos actually follows its own peculiar rhythm once you stop fighting it.

Kolkata's food scene balances street food excellence with refined Bengali cuisine that's often overlooked by visitors focused on North Indian dishes. The fish preparations here are genuinely exceptional - try hilsa curry if you can handle bones, or stick to bekti for something milder. Street food centers around places like Gariahat Market and College Street, where you'll find puchka (pani puri), kathi rolls, and sweets like rasgulla and sandesh. Park Street offers everything from old-school Chinese restaurants run by the local Chinese community to modern cafes, while areas like Ballygunge have traditional Bengali restaurants where locals actually eat. The coffee culture is strong here, with both historic coffee houses and newer specialty shops serving excellent brews.

October through February offers the most comfortable weather, with temperatures ranging from 15-25°C and minimal rainfall. This is also festival season, particularly October-November when Durga Puja transforms the city into an outdoor art gallery and cultural celebration. March-May gets quite hot and humid, though hotel rates drop significantly. The monsoon from June-September brings heavy rainfall that can flood streets, but the city takes on a romantic quality during lighter showers, and it's actually an interesting time to experience Kolkata's resilience. Winter mornings can be surprisingly cool, so pack accordingly.