Chandannagar - Former French Colony of West Bengal
Chandannagar is considered as Former French Colony of West Bengal. It is also one of the attractive tourist spot of West Bengal, very near to Kolkata. There are many attractive places like Chandannagar Strand, Chandannagar Museum and Institute, Chandannagar Church, some Ancient temples are worth visit. Please read this full article to get more details of this beautiful tourist place.
Location of Chandannagar
Chandannagar is a small city located in the Hooghly district. It is the head quarters of a subdivision in Hooghly district. This beautiful and attractive tourist spot is situated along bank of the river Ganges. History of Chandannagar
In the year 1673 Chandannagar was established as a French colony. At that time Ibrahim Khan was the Nawab of Bengal and it became a permanent French settlement in the year 1688. The French obtained the permission from him to set up a trading post on the banks of river Hooghly.
India got independent in the year 1947 and then it was found that 97% of Chandannagar's residents wished to become a part of India. In the year 1950 French allowed the Indian Government to get control over Chandannagar. In the year 1955, Chandannagar was integrated into West Bengal state.How to reach Chandannagar
Chandannagar is well connected with Kolkata city. It can be easily reached by train, bus or by car.
By Train
One can easily get Local trains from Howrah to reach there. Many passenger trains also halt inthis station.
By Road
Chandannagar is well connected to Kolkata by road also. One can take his own car or hire a car and can get there via National Highway or Delhi Road.Where to Stay in Chandannagar
There are several hotels and lodges in Chandannagar where one can comfortably accommodate him or her. One can stay in Rabindra Bhawan, which is runned by Chandannagar Municipal Corporation. It is very neat and cleaned.Places to visit in Chandannagar
Chandannagar Strand
Chandannagar Strand is a very beautiful tourist spot, which is situated along the bank of river Ganges. It is nearly 1 km in length and 7 meters in width.
Surrounded by green trees this strand is an excellently decorated pavement surrounded with lights. At night it looks stunning with lights on. One can easily enjoy walking here and refresh his or her mind. There is Vivekananda Mandir along the strand and one can also visit there.
Chandannagar Museum and Institute
The Chandannagar Museum and Institute is considered to be one of the finest museums in the eastern region. It has an excellent collection of French antiques like cannons which were used during the Anglo French war, wooden furniture which are surely worth visit. This Institute also teaches French.
Chandannagar Church
This beautiful Church is standing over two centuries and is recognized as the beauty of the architecture during the French period. It is also a worth visit place for the tourists.
The Underground House (Patal-Bari)
This beautiful building is standing as an example for advancement in the knowledge of architecture of the people during those early days. Its lowest floor is taken away by river Ganges. This place is frequently visited by Rabindranath Tagore. He stayed in this building also during his visit and felt that this place broadened his intellectual capabilities. We can see that he has mentioned Patal-Bari in many of his novels.
Ancient Temples
The temple, Nandadulal Temple, built in the year 1740 by Indranarayan Roychowdhury is also a worth visit tourist spot. This temple is an example of brilliant craftsmanship.Festival of Chandannagar
Jagadhatri Puja is a major Puja festival that is celebrated in Chandannagar. The beginning of this puja in Chandannagar dates back earlier than 1750. Large number of people from all parts of Bengal visits Chandannagar during this festival to just spend a weekend there. The main attraction to see during Jagadhatri Puja is the lightings of this festival, ornamental decoration of the Goddess with sola and the immersion procession of the Goddess.
