West Bengal banks on history, religion to attract tourists in Hooghly

KOLKATA: The West Bengal government has taken up a Rs 11 crore two-pronged strategy for Hooghly district, that will cover its riverine stretch and pilgrimage sites, to attract international and domestic tourists.

Tourism Minister Rachpal Singh said a Rs eight crore project has been planned for the riverine circuit to develop towns of the thriving industrial region along the western bank of Hooghly, which dates back to the 17th Century settlements of European traders.

"The river front of the entire district would undergo beautification programme with construction of jetties, landscaping and restoration of colonial architecture," Singh told PTI.

Chandernagore was colonised by the French, Chinsurah by the Dutch, Serampore by the Danes while Bandel was founded by the Portuguese. The towns cherish many legacies of their foreign rulers which may be of interest to foreign tourists.

On the other hand, a Rs three crore plan is being thought over to develop the holy places of the district, which boasts of Tarakeswar (for the Shiva temple), Kamarpukur (birthplace of Ramakrishna Paramhamsa), Bansberia (Hansheswari temple) and the Furfura Sharif, a Sufi settlement established during Akbar's reign and a famous pilgrimage site.

"The shrine complexes, connectivity and wayside facilities would be developed for this circuit, keeping mainly in mind domestic tourists, though Furfura Sharif attracts foreign tourists as well," the Minister said.

The Ratha Yatra of Mahesh and Jagaddhatri puja at Chandernagore too attract tourists.