Chandannagar

Chandannagar French settlement, now a sub-divisional town in the district of Hughli, stands on the west bank of the Hughli River. 35 km away from Calcutta, it was formed of three old mouzas viz Khalisani, Boro and Gondolpara and its area was about nine sq km including the chhitmahal of Gourhati. Mankundu and Chandannagar railway stations on the Howrah-Bandel Railway line serve the town. The grand trunk road passes through it. Unlike other European colonies, Chandannagar was well known for its prosperous trade even before the advent of the foreigners.

Excursion
Chandannagar Strand
A beautiful tourist spot along the banks of the river Ganges. It is a superbly decorated pavement studded with lights surrounded by lushy green trees. It is about 1 km in length and 7 m in width, and many buildings with historical importance surround the spot. It is very popular visiting spot of the local people and the tourists would love to stroll along enjoying the mild breeze and watching the small boats sail by. Along the strand are present Vivekananda Mandir(a meditation center) and a protruding structure into the river Ganges. This is supposed to be the best decorated bank of the river along its entire legth of 2500 km.

Chandannagar Museum and Institute ( Institute de chandannagar )
One of the oldest and finest museums of the entire region. It boasts a beautiful collection of French items (e.g cannons used in Anglo - French war, wooden furniture of the 18th century, etc.) which are difficult to find anywhere else in the world. The institute still teaches French through regular classes.

Chandannagar Church
The beautiful church stands over for two centuries to mark the beauty of the architecture during the French period - a good place to visit for th historians and tourists. The remains of the church at St. Louis is also an attractive tourist spot.

The Underground House (Patal Bari)
The building is another beautiful example of the advancement in the knowledge of architecture and the aesthetic sense of the people of those earlier days. Its lowest floor is submerged in the river Ganges. The great social reformer Iswar Chandra VidyaSagar and Nobel laureate Rabindra Nath Tagore stayed in this house during their visits to chandannagar.

Ancient Temples
Nandadulal temple, built in 1740 by Indra Nararayan Choudhury presents an excellent example of ancient Indian Sculptures. There are many fascinating temples devoted to Kali, Siva and other deities which show marks of brilliant craftmanship and artistic taste.

Ntritya Gopal Smriti Mandir
Built by Sri Harihar Seth and donated to the people of chandannagar. This building still serves as a theatre hall and also as a library.

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GettingThere
By Air
The nearest airport is DumDum, Calcutta which is about 50 km from here.

By Rail
Chandannagar is 34 km from Howrah railway station in the Easetrn Railway. Local trains which ply through the main line in the Eastern Railway e.g. Bandel local, Bardhaman local and Katwa local have stoppage here.

By Road
From Calcutta, one has to cross the Howrah bridge over the river Ganges and avail the Grand Trunk Road to reach here. Also one can cross Vivekananda Setu (Bridge) at Bally to avail the National Highway No.4 ( Delhi Road). Alternately by crossing Kalyani Bridge, one can come here.

By Ferry
chandannagar is connected to Jagaddal of North 24 Pargana District by Ferry service.

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