Chandannagar Strand

Chandannagar is a former French colony on the west bank of the Hooghly River in Hooghly district, West Bengal, India, about 35 kilometres north of Kolkata. The French held the town from 1673 until 1950, and the Strand, a long riverside promenade lined with old colonial buildings, is the heart of its heritage. Visitors stroll along the esplanade with the river on one side and French-era buildings on the other, passing a Sacred Heart church, the old Government House and statues, and look out toward the Dupleix-era waterfront. The Chandannagar Museum and Institute, housed in a French building near the Strand, displays colonial furniture, paintings, documents, porcelain and a collection of items from the French period, giving a clear picture of the town's past. In November, the town hosts the Jagaddhatri Puja, famous for its extravagant illuminations, and lighted tableaux and arches fill the streets, drawing visitors from across Bengal. The Strand is at its best in the early morning and at sunset, when the river light is soft and locals gather for walks. A visit usually takes two to three hours including the museum. The promenade is free, while the museum charges a small fee and keeps limited hours, generally closed on certain weekdays, so it is wise to check locally. Trains run from Howrah to Chandannagar station in about 40 minutes, and local autos and rickshaws reach the Strand. During Jagaddhatri Puja, crowds are very large and traffic is restricted in the town centre. Outside festival time, the Strand is peaceful.