The
Haora Bridge spans the Hoogly River, and was opened in 1943. The bridge
is a single span cantilever bridge and is an impressive feat of
engineering with a 450m span. We were told this expands by as much as a
metre on a hot day
One
of the main Railway
terminii in Calcutta is Haora Station on the opposite side. This
probably explains why the bridge seems always teeming with pedestrians
swarming like ants on the bridge.
A new bridge further south, was opened in 1993 and this has helped to ease traffic.
Right
next to the Haora Bridge is the Bara Bazar, where it seems every flower
seller in India has congregated. The air is rich with flower perfumes
and the inevitable flies, and is certainly a colourful spectacle
Kumartuli
We
stayed at the Hindustan International Hotel which is very close to the
Victoria Memorial. Also nearby (and within easy walking distance) are
the Maiden, Queens Way with open air light & music shows (when we
were there anyway), St Paul's Cathedral and the Planetarium.
