A landmark of the city, Howrah Bridge, constructed over the Hooghly river, is a huge steel bridge built during the British era. Believed to be one of the longest cantilever bridges in the world, this 705 meter structure links Howrah city to Kolkata and is fondly known as Howrah Bridge. Built in 1943, it was called the New Howrah Bridge. It is also called

Rabindra Setu (it was named after Rabindranath Tagore in 1965 as a tribute to the great poet and the first Indian to win the Nobel prize).

Despite tough weather conditions including incessant rains, a Japanese air attack, and a daily traffic of approximately 80,000 vehicles and 1,000,000 pedestrians, the bridge stands proud and strong. A photographer's delight, the bridge presents a picture of opulence when it is lit up at night. You can enjoy these splendid views by taking a ferry ride on the river.

There are three other bridges on the Hooghly river - the Second Hooghly Bridge or Vidyasagar Setu, the Vivekananda Setu and the Nivedita Setu, which is considered an engineering marvel.