Howrah | 18.08.2019 | 08:00 am ~ 10:30 am

Walking through the Historical Town of Andul

About the walk

Located 12 km west of Kolkata, Andul is one of the oldest settlements of Howrah district. On one occasion, Sri Chaitanya Dev visited Andul while heading to the Jagannath Temple in Puri. Thus, the place came to be known as ‘Andul’, which is derived from ‘Ananda Dhuli’, meaning the holy dust from the foot of Lord Chaitanya.

The main attraction of Andul is the colossal Anandadham, popularly known as Andul Rajbari. This massive but dilapidated mansion was built by Rajnarayan Roy in 1835. At present, the festival of Durga Puja is not celebrated inside the mansion, but inside a thakurdalan on the premises beside the Andul Rajbari. This is said to belong to the Dutta Chaudhury family, the first zamindars of Andul. The large complex of the Annapurna Temple is also found close to the rajbari.

Other important places to visit are the magnificent and well-maintained mansion of the Kundu Chaudhuris, built in 1816 by Ramkanta Kundu Chowdhury; the ‘Premikh Bhawan’ of Mahendranatha Bhattacharya, who composed a devotional song for Goddess Kali; and a semaphore tower built by the British as a part of an optical telegraph line in India.

This guided tour is free.

Walk Time
-
Walk Date
Meeting Time
07:45 am

About the walk

Located 12 km west of Kolkata, Andul is one of the oldest settlements of Howrah district. On one occasion, Sri Chaitanya Dev visited Andul while heading to the Jagannath Temple in Puri. Thus, the place came to be known as ‘Andul’, which is derived from ‘Ananda Dhuli’, meaning the holy dust from the foot of Lord Chaitanya.

The main attraction of Andul is the colossal Anandadham, popularly known as Andul Rajbari. This massive but dilapidated mansion was built by Rajnarayan Roy in 1835. At present, the festival of Durga Puja is not celebrated inside the mansion, but inside a thakurdalan on the premises beside the Andul Rajbari. This is said to belong to the Dutta Chaudhury family, the first zamindars of Andul. The large complex of the Annapurna Temple is also found close to the rajbari.

Other important places to visit are the magnificent and well-maintained mansion of the Kundu Chaudhuris, built in 1816 by Ramkanta Kundu Chowdhury; the ‘Premikh Bhawan’ of Mahendranatha Bhattacharya, who composed a devotional song for Goddess Kali; and a semaphore tower built by the British as a part of an optical telegraph line in India.

This guided tour is free.

Led By

Amitabha Gupta
Amitabha Gupta is a heritage enthusiast, travel writer, photographer, and blogger. He has contributed to several magazines such as The Telegraph, Statesman, Outlook Traveller Magazine, Discover India, Travel Plus, Jet wings, and National Geographic Traveller. He has been conducting walking tours for around two years. His focus area is the heritage of West Bengal.

Meeting Time

07:45 AM

Meeting point

On Andul Road, opposite Super Shopping Complex

Nearest Bus/Metro station

Andul Bus Stop / Andul Rail Station

Disclaimer

The information & views presented by walk leaders and individual speakers are based on personal perspectives and points of view and do not necessarily represent views, opinions and official policies of Sahapedia.

Sahapedia reserves the right to cancel an event due to unforeseen circumstances. Participants will be informed accordingly.

Maintaining safety during our events is our main priority. We have implemented several social distancing and safety measures to limit physical interactions between all attendees at the walk. Sahapedia/ India Heritage Walks is not responsible for any illnesses developing due to participation in physical events. 

 

In case you are unable to attend after having registered, please send us an email.

Email: ihw@sahapedia.org

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Please Note

  • Google link of meeting point: https://goo.gl/maps/UngsohHRZy5gwfm6A
  • There is very limited parking space available near the starting point, as it is a busy market area.
    The other best way to reach the meeting point is to take a local train from Howrah and reach Andul Station. The journey is of around 30 minutes. Best Trains: HWH PKU Local (06:43 am), HWH ULB Local (07:03 am). From the station, a 15-minute ride by toto/auto will take you to your destination. Buses to Andul are also available from Rabindra Sadan in Kolkata. However, they are very few in number and not recommended. Driving directions: From Kolkata, cross Vidyasagar toll bridge, and take a left turn onto Andul Road, leaving the Kona Expressway. Drive straight; the Andul bus stop is around 10 km away.
  • Photography is allowed.
  • Food costs are to be borne by the participants. There is no entry fee to any monument.
  • Wear comfortable shoes. Carry a small backpack with a water bottle and a small towel to wipe off sweat. Carry an umbrella for protection from the rain.
  • Speak in a low voice when you enter private residences or temples.