Hugli and Chinsurah, West Bengal City Guide: Where To Go, Stay, Eat, And shop in India’s best city. [Updated-2025]

Hugli and Chinsurah, West Bengal City Guide: Where To Go, Stay, Eat, And shop in India’s best city. 

Hugli-Chinsurah, West Bengal

Hugli-Chinsurah (Hooghly-Chinsurah) is a historically significant city in West Bengal, located on the banks of the Hooghly River. It is the administrative headquarters of the Hooghly district and was once a major Dutch settlement in India. The city is known for its colonial heritage, religious sites, and thriving trade & commerce.

1. Location & Geography

• Situated on the western bank of the Hooghly River, about 35 km north of Kolkata.
• Well-connected to Kolkata, Howrah, and other parts of West Bengal.
• Lies on the Howrah-Bardhaman main railway line, making it a key transit point.

2. History & Colonial Influence

• Dutch Settlement (1656-1825): Chinsurah was a Dutch colony, known as “Chinsurah” or “Tjin-Sere”.
• British Takeover (1825): The British acquired Chinsurah from the Dutch in exchange for the island of Sumatra.
• The city has colonial-era churches, forts, and trading houses, showcasing its rich European influence.

3. Economy & Industries

• Trade & Commerce:
  • A major business hub, with a strong presence of wholesale markets.
• Agriculture:
  • Known for jute, rice, and vegetable farming.
• Small-Scale Industries:
  • Home to jute mills, textile industries, and pottery businesses.
• Tourism & Handicrafts:
  • Colonial architecture, religious sites, and Bengali handicrafts attract visitors.

4. Education & Institutions

• Hooghly Mohsin College (Established 1836) – One of Bengal’s oldest institutions.
• Chandernagore Government College – A key educational hub in the region.
• Serampore College – Another historic institution from the Danish colonial period.

5. Tourist & Cultural Attractions

• Bandel Church (Basilica of the Holy Rosary) – One of the oldest churches in India, built by the Portuguese in 1599.
• Imambara of Hooghly – A grand Islamic monument built in the 19th century.
• Dutch Cemetery, Chinsurah – A historic burial ground of Dutch settlers.
• Susana Anna Maria’s Tomb – A famous Dutch-era monument.
• Hooghly Riverbank & Ganges Ghat – A serene place for boating and evening walks.

6. Connectivity & Transport

• By Road: Well-connected via GT Road (NH-19) to Kolkata and other cities.
• By Rail:
  • Chinsurah Railway Station & Bandel Junction provide direct trains to Howrah, Bardhaman, and Delhi.
• By Ferry: Hooghly-Chinsurah is connected to Kolkata and nearby towns via river ferries.
• By Air: The nearest airport is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (Kolkata, 40 km away).