Howrah: The Heartbeat of Kolkata's Heritage

• Helloনমস্কার
  [Nomoshkar]
• Goodbyeবিদায়
  [Bidai]
• Yesহ্যাঁ
  [Hyām̐]
• Noনা
  [Nā]
• Please/You're welcomeঅনুগ্রহ করুন / স্বাগতম
  [Anugrah karuna / Swāgatama]
• Thank youধন্যবাদ
  [Dhanyabāda]
• Excuse me/Sorryদুঃখিত
  [Duḥkhita]
• How are you?আপনি কেমন আছেন?
  [Āpani kēmana āchēna?]
• Fine. And you?ভালো। আর আপনি?
  [Bhālō। Āra āpani?]
• Do you speak English?আপনি ইংরাজি কথা বলেন?
  [Āpani iṅrāji kathā balēna?]
• I don't understandআমি বুঝতে পারছি না
  [Āmi bujhate pārchhi nā]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseদয়া করে মেনু দেখান
  [Dayā karē mēnu dēkhāna]
• I don't eat meatআমি মাংস খাই না
  [Āmi māṅsa khāi nā]
• Cheers!চিয়ার্স!
  [Ci'ārs!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseদয়া করে টাকা দিতে চাই
  [Dayā karē ṭākā ditē chāi]

• Help!সাহায্য!
  [Sāhāyya!]
• Go away!চলে যাও!
  [Calē yā'ō!]
• Call the Police!পুলিশে ডাকুন!
  [Puliśē ḍākuna!]
• Call a doctor!ডাক্তার ডাকুন!
  [Ḍāktāra ḍākuna!]
• I'm lostআমি হারিয়ে গেছি
  [Āmi hāriẏē gēchi]
• I'm illআমি অসুস্থ
  [Āmi asustha]

• I'd like to buy...আমি ... ক্রয় করতে চাই
  [Āmi ... krôẏa karatē chai]
• I'm just lookingআমি শুধু দেখছি
  [Āmi śudhu dēkhaṣi]
• How much is it?এটা কত টাকা?
  [Ēṭā kata ṭākā?]
• That's too expensiveএটা খুব বাজে
  [Ēṭā khuba bājē]
• Can you lower the price?দাম কমাতে পারবেন?
  [Dāma kamātē pārabēn?]

• What time is it?এখন কতটা বাজে?
  [Ēkhana kataṭā bājē?]
• It's one o'clockএকটা বাজে
  [Ēkaṭā bājē]
• Half past (10)দশের পর্ধেনা
  [Daśēra pardhēnā]
• Morningসকাল
  [Sakāla]
• Afternoonঅপরাহ্ন
  [Aparāhna]
• Eveningসন্ধ্যা
  [Sōndhyā]
• Yesterdayগতকাল
  [Gatakāla]
• Todayআজ
  [Āja]
• Tomorrowআগামীকাল
  [Āgāmīkāla]
• 1এক
  [Ēka]
• 2দুই
  [Dui]
• 3তিন
  [Tina]
• 4চার
  [Cāra]
• 5পাঁচ
  [Pām̐ca]
• 6ছয়
  [Chôy'a]
• 7সাত
  [Sāta]
• 8আট
  [Āṭa]
• 9নয়
  [Nôẏa]
• 10দশ
  [Daśa]

• Where's a/the...?এখানে ... কোথায়?
  [Ēkhānē ... kōthāẏa?]
• What's the address?ঠিকানা কি?
  [Ṭhikānā ki?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?মানচিত্রে দেখাতে পারবেন?
  [Māncitrē dēkhātē pārabēn?]
• When's the next (bus)?পরবর্তী ... কখন ...?
  [Parabartī ... kōhana ...?]
• A ticket (to ....)একটি টিকেট (... এ)
  [Ēkaṭi ṭikēṭa (... ē)]

Howrah, a city adjacent to Kolkata, has a rich historical background dating back to the 18th century. Initially a small village, it transformed into a bustling town with the establishment of the Howrah Bridge in 1943, which became a vital link between Howrah and Kolkata, symbolizing the region's industrial growth and urbanization.

Inaugurated in 1854, the Howrah Railway Station is one of the oldest and busiest railway stations in India. It played a crucial role during the British colonial era, facilitating trade and movement for both passengers and goods. The station's impressive Victorian architecture reflects the influence of British design and the importance of rail transport in the region's development.

Howrah is known for its vibrant cultural scene, particularly during festivals like Durga Puja and Kali Puja. The area is home to various communities, each contributing to its rich tapestry of traditions and celebrations. The famous Howrah Ghat, located along the Hooghly River, becomes a hub of activity during these festivities, showcasing local artistry and communal spirit.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries marked a significant industrial revolution in Howrah, with the establishment of numerous factories, shipyards, and manufacturing units. This economic boom attracted a workforce from various parts of India, making Howrah an industrial hub and contributing to the overall economic landscape of Kolkata.

Howrah boasts several architectural landmarks, including the iconic Howrah Bridge and the stunning Howrah Rajbari, a testament to the city's grandeur during the British Raj. The area's mix of colonial, Indo-Saracenic, and modern architecture provides insights into its historical evolution and cultural influences over the centuries.

Howrah is well-connected to Kolkata and other parts of West Bengal. You can reach Howrah by taking the local train from any major station in Kolkata, including Howrah Station, which is one of the busiest railway stations in India. Buses and taxis are also available, with several routes connecting Howrah to various neighborhoods in Kolkata. Additionally, the Kolkata Metro has extended its services to Howrah, making it easier to travel to and from the area.

Howrah has an extensive public transportation system, including local trains, buses, and auto-rickshaws. The Howrah Station serves as a major hub for trains, while the local bus network connects various parts of Howrah. Auto-rickshaws are a convenient and inexpensive way to navigate the area. For a more leisurely experience, consider renting a bicycle, as there are designated cycling paths in some areas.

Howrah is generally safe for tourists, but like any urban area, it is wise to exercise caution. Areas near Howrah Station can be busy and crowded, making pickpocketing a risk. It is advisable to avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas. Stay vigilant in crowded places and keep your belongings secure.

In case of an emergency, dial 100 for police assistance or 108 for ambulance services. Howrah has several hospitals and clinics where you can seek medical attention. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, and keep a list of emergency contacts handy.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable, conservative clothing, especially when visiting religious sites. Don't wear revealing or overly casual attire in such places. Religion: Do show respect at temples and mosques by removing your shoes and covering your head if required. Don't take photographs in areas where it is forbidden. Public Transport: Do give up your seat to elderly or disabled passengers. Don't engage in loud conversations or eat on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a smile and a nod. A handshake is also common among men. Eating & Drinking: Do try local street food but ensure it is freshly prepared. Don't drink tap water; opt for bottled water instead.

To experience Howrah like a local, visit the bustling Howrah Flower Market, one of the largest in India, where you can witness vibrant colors and local trade. Try local delicacies at street stalls, and don't miss the iconic Howrah Bridge, which is best enjoyed in the early morning or late evening when it's less crowded. Engaging with local vendors can provide insights into the culture and history of the area.