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April 09, 2005
Visiting the Howrah Bridge
The Howrah Bridge, over the River Hugli
Traffic on the Howrah Bridge
Still breaking in my new sandals - or should that be 'the new sandals are still breaking in me'? Despite plasters and socks, the blisters are annoying, so I've been exploring in small doses. Today, a trip to my favourite part of Kolkata: the Howrah Bridge, and nearby Howrah Railway Station. The bridge crosses the Hugli River, and is one of the major thoroughfares of the city. Like Trafalgar Square in London, wait there long enough and everyone you know will pass by.
Porters, with their heavy loads
The Hugli River
Today, a cooling breeze down the river made this a very pleasant place to be for those with time on their hands; Kolkata's natural air-conditioning against the 90 degree heat with 88% humidity. For others, though, the daily work goes on. Porters cross the bridge in a continual stream, taking goods to and from the railway station.
Pedestrians on Howrah Bridge
On the east bank of the bridge is the busy flower market. Its best seen in the early morning, but there were still a few sellers there at 5pm, mostly with garlands of marigolds.
Howrah Bridge flower market
Marigold garland-sellers
Just south of the bridge, on the West Bank of the Hugli, is the huge Howrah Railway Station. Almost a town itself, it often seems as if the whole of Bengal is there, waiting for a train. Its a great place for people-watching, with all the facilities for daily life, including a number of new food halls selling local and regional delicacies, such as puri, kachori, samosas, and many others.
Howrah Railway Station
Not possible for everyone..
Posted by travellingtim at April 9, 2005 07:06 PM