Religious Circuit Tourism

1. Belur Math
Belur Math, founded in 1897 by Swami Vivekananda, is the global headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission, on the Hooghly’s west bank in Belur, Howrah. It symbolizes religious unity, with its main temple blending Hindu, Islamic, Christian, and Buddhist motifs, enshrining the relics of Sri Ramakrishna. Visitors can see Vivekananda’s Room, a museum of the movement, and the peaceful Ganga Ghat, known for evening aarti. More than a shrine, it is a centre of spirituality, service, and learning, drawing pilgrims and seekers worldwide.
How to Reach: 7 km from Howrah Station; connected by train, ferry, or road.
Coordinates: 22.6325° N, 88.3570° E.

2. Sri Mayer Ghat
Shri Mayer Ghat, within the Belur Math premises on the Hooghly’s west bank, is a sacred riverside site closely linked to Sri Sarada Devi, the Holy Mother and spiritual consort of Sri Ramakrishna. Built over 140 years ago, it features 30 brick steps (15 m × 6.9 m) of lime mortar, where Sarada Devi often sat for her daily baths between 1909–1920. A small shrine with her statue and evening Ganga aarti enhance its sanctity. Accessible via train (Belur Station), ferry (from Dakshineswar), or road.
Coordinates: 22.6328° N, 88.3565° E.
Nearby Stay: Hotels near Belur Math & Youth Hostel, Howrah.

3. Belur Rash Bari
Belur Rash Bari, near Howrah, is a historic mansion renowned for its grand Rash Utsav honoring Radha-Krishna. The annual festival features idol processions, kirtans, dance, and feasts, attracting devotees and tourists alike. Architecturally, the mansion showcases traditional Bengali zamindari style, with an ornate thakur dalan, terracotta, and stucco work. It reflects Bengal’s syncretic heritage of art, faith, and community life.
How to Reach: By train via Belur Station; metro via Howrah Maidan; or ferry from Dakshineswar.
Coordinates: 22.6328° N, 88.3536° E

4. Bally Kallyaneswari Temple
Bally Kallyaneswari Temple, near Howrah, is dedicated to Goddess Kallyaneswari, a revered form of Kali. Regarded by many as a Shakti Peetha, the temple draws devotees seeking blessings of protection and prosperity. The shrine comes alive during Kali Puja, Navratri, and Durga Puja, along with special Amavasya rituals. Architecturally modest, it embodies traditional Bengali temple style, enhanced by bells, incense, and vibrant daily worship.
How to Reach: Located close to Bally Railway Station; also accessible by bus via GT Road.
Coordinates: 22.6546° N, 88.3405° E

5. Bangeshwar Mahadev Temple
Situated in Salkia, Howrah, the Bangeshwar Mahadev Temple—also known as Seth Bansidhar Jalan Smriti Mandir—is a major Shiva shrine. Its highlight is a 51-foot, five-headed Shiva statue, unveiled in 2015, among the tallest in Eastern India. The temple also houses replicas of the 12 Jyotirlingas, enabling devotees to experience Pan-Indian pilgrimage in one place. Nestled by the Hooghly River, opposite the Lord Bhootnath Temple, it blends spirituality with scenic beauty.
How to Reach: From Howrah Station, buses or autos via Salkia School Road.
Coordinates: 22.6027° N, 88.3395° E

6. The Ganga Aarti at Ramkrishnapur Ghat
The Ganga Aarti at Ramkrishnapur Ghat, near Tara Ma Mandir in Howrah, is a mesmerizing spiritual spectacle inspired by Varanasi. Held daily at 7:00 PM, it lasts over an hour with devotional chants, conch shells, and oil lamps offered to the Hooghly. On festivals like Dev Deepawali, the ghat glows with 5,000 diyas, creating a divine ambiance.
How to Reach: By ferry from Babughat (Kolkata) or by road via taxis/auto from Howrah.
Coordinates: 22.5736° N, 88.3461° E

7. BHOT BAGAN MATH (GHUSURI)
Founded in 1774, Bhot Bagan Math is a rare monument of Indo-Tibetan spiritual ties, blending Tibetan Buddhist and Shaiva traditions. Established after the 6th Panchen Lama sent envoy Puran Giri Gosain to Warren Hastings, the East India Company granted land for the Math. It housed Tibetan idols of Mahakala and Tara, alongside a Shiva Linga, symbolizing religious harmony. Though many structures lie in neglect, the Tara idol and Shiva Linga remain preserved.
How to Reach: By train via Howrah–Liluah, then local transport to Ghusuri.
Coordinates: 22.6091° N, 88.3455° E

8. Ram Mandir, Ramrajatala
The Ramrajatala Ram Mandir, founded about 300 years ago by zamindar Ayodhyaram Choudhury, is a historic shrine where Lord Rama is worshipped alongside Goddess Saraswati—reflecting a unique blend of traditions. Its defining feature is Bengal’s longest-running puja fair, beginning on Ram Navami and continuing for nearly four months until Shravan’s last Sunday, ending with a grand procession. The temple gave its name to the neighborhood, Ramrajatala, and remains a vibrant hub of devotion and culture.
How to Reach: 7 min walk from Ramrajatala Station, or buses via Route 52.
Coordinates: 22.5865° N, 88.2947° E

9. Hajar Haat Kali Temple (Shri Hajar Haath Kali Mata Mandir), Shibpur, Howrah
Established in the late 19th century (c. 1870–80) by tantric devotee Ashutosh Mukherjee, with support from the Haldar family, this temple is famed for its rare thousand-handed Kali idol, which gave the area its name Hajar Haat Kalitala. Known as one of Howrah’s oldest temples, it attracts year-round devotees, with massive gatherings during Kali Puja, Buddha Purnima, and Shravan Fridays.
How to Reach: 7 min from Ramrajatala Station; buses via Mandirtala stop (~1 km).
Coordinates: 22.5646° N, 88.3138° E

10. Uluberia Anandamoyee Kali Mata Mandir
Founded in 1918 by S.D.O. Jatindramohan Bandopadhyay, this temple on the banks of the Hooghly River is dedicated to Goddess Kali. Its architecture resembles Dakshineswar Temple, with five white shrines and a nine-spired central temple. The deity, carved from touchstone, sits on a silver throne adorned with ornaments. The temple is famed for its grand Rash Mela (month-long) along with Kali Puja, Durga Puja, Dol Jatra, Rath Yatra, and Shivaratri.
How to Reach: Near Uluberia Police Station; 5 mins from Uluberia Railway Station.
Coordinates: 22.4742° N, 88.1102° E

11. Khalore Kali Bari
Khalore Kali Bari, among the oldest temples in Bagnan, is dedicated to Goddess Kali and holds immense religious and cultural importance. The temple becomes a vibrant hub during Kali Puja, when thousands of devotees gather for rituals, prayers, and celebrations. Other Hindu festivals are also observed with equal devotion, keeping alive centuries-old traditions and reinforcing its role as a community center.
How to Reach: Nearest rail – Bagnan Station (10 min by auto/bus); also accessible by NH-16.
Coordinates: 22.4631° N, 87.9644° E
Stay: Aarannyak Eco Resort, Priyadarshini Homestay, Devrani Bhaban.

12. Temple of Gopal (Madangopal) Mellock, Bagnan
Built in 1651 AD by Zamindar Mukundaprasad Roychowdhury, the Madangopal Jiu Temple is a magnificent At-chala terracotta temple dedicated to Radha–Krishna. Recognized as a state-protected monument, it is one of the largest at-chala temples in Bengal, adorned with intricate terracotta panels depicting mythological and social themes. Major festivals include Dol Yatra/Holi, when idols are carried in a decorated palanquin to Mukherjee Bari, and Janmashtami.
How to Reach: Nearest rail – Deulti (2.5 km); ~68 km from Kolkata via NH-6.
Coordinates: 22.4534° N, 87.9836° E
Stay: Deulty Homestay, Aarannyak Eco Resort, Priyadarshini Homestay, Devrani Bhaban.

13. Belari Ramkrishna Ashram
The Belari Sri Ramakrishna Ashram, founded by Swami Adibhavanandaji, disciple of Swami Sivanandaji, is a serene retreat near Uluberia in Howrah. Affiliated with Ramakrishna Math & Mission, Belur, it spreads the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna, Sarada Devi, and Swami Vivekananda. The ashram promotes spiritual growth, education, and healthcare for the local community. Situated by the Hooghly River, it offers a peaceful environment for meditation and service.
How to Reach: From Uluberia, take a bus/auto to 58 Gate, then 1 km walk/ride.
Coordinates: 22.4458° N, 88.0191° E
Stay: My Captains Home, Ganga Bitan Homely, Aashiyana, Mighty Villa.

14. Dodhimadhab Temple Amraguri,Jaypur Howrah
The Amragiri Temple, also known as Dadhimadhav Temple, is a striking aatchala-style terracotta shrine in Joypur, Amta II block, Howrah. Built in 1764 CE by the Roy family, it enshrines a sacred Salagram shila of Lord Dadhimadhav, still worshipped daily. Rising 25 ft on a pedestal with a triple-arched porch, it reflects classic Bengal temple architecture. Its terracotta panels, depicting mythological and social scenes, remain remarkably preserved. The temple is a state-protected heritage site, forming part of a wider heritage circuit with nearby temples in Jhikira, Rautara, and Joypur.
Coordinates: 22.5817° N, 88.0423° E

15. Melai Chandi Temple in Amta, Howrah
The Amta Chandi Mandir, located in Amta Bazaar on the bank of a former Damodar channel, is a revered Shakti Peetha believed to mark the spot where Sati’s left knee (melai) fell. Referenced in 16th-century texts like Mukundaram’s Chandi Mangal, the shrine holds deep mythological and cultural significance. The grand Baisakhi Purnima festival with a seven-day fair is its highlight, while Durga Puja, Maghi Purnima, and Saptami Dol sustain year-round devotion. Ideal for both vibrant festive visits and serene contemplation midweek.
How to reach: Melai Chandi Temple is in Amta, Howrah, ~45 km from Kolkata. Take a train to Amta Station (1.5 km from temple) or bus to Amta Bus Stop (500 m away). Rickshaws available. Best visited during Baisakhi Purnima and Durga Puja. Peaceful dharmashala and ghat facilities are nearby.
Coordinates: 22.5868° N, 88.0104° E

16. GARHBHAWANIPUR RAYBAGHINI RANI BHABASHANKARI SMRITI PARJOTAN KENDRA
Garh Bhawanipur Raybaghini Rani Bhabashankari Smriti Parjatan Kendra, in Udaynarayanpur, Howrah, is a heritage and cultural hub honoring Rani Bhabashankari (Raybaghini). The complex features the 638-year-old Moninath Jiu Temple, the 600-year-old Gopinath Jiu Temple, terracotta structures, three grand entry gates, Moninath Pukur, and an eco-park with gardens, ponds, and a 400-seat auditorium. The annual Raybaghini Mela (December) showcases folk music, dance, crafts, and food, attracting visitors from across Bengal.
How to Reach: Via NH16 (Uluberia route), or trains to Amta/Bagnan with local transport.
Lat-Long: 22.6565° N, 87.9287° E.

17. SONATALA SIDDHESWARI KALI TEMPLE
Siddheswari Kalimata Mandir, located in Sonatala near Udaynarayanpur, Howrah, is a revered shrine believed to be over 1200 years old (recently reconstructed). The temple complex includes three other shrines, creating a vibrant spiritual hub. It attracts large numbers of devotees, especially during Kali Puja, Durga Puja, and Navaratri, when the area comes alive with rituals and celebrations. Nearby attractions include Barda Taruchaya Eco Park, Udaynarayanpur Zamindar Bari, and Penro village. Easily accessible from Uluberia by road or train, it is a prominent pilgrimage and heritage site.
Lat-Long: 22.6432° N, 87.9926° E

18. Narayan Sridhar Temple Jagadballav pur Block, Howrah
Narayan (Sridhar) Temple, located in Patihal village, Jagatballavpur, Howrah, is a late 18th-century heritage temple built by the Majumder zamindar family. Dedicated to Narayan Sridhar Jiu, it is crafted in the rare pancharatna terracotta style, with intricate sculptures adorning its brick structure. The east-facing temple features a remarkable Ramayana battle scene at its doorway, making it an architectural and cultural gem. Easily accessible via Patihal railway station or Bargachia bus stand, the site continues to draw devotees and heritage enthusiasts alike.
Coordinates: 22.6371° N, 88.1247° E

19. Munsir Hat (BABA LOKNATH MANDIR)
Munsirhat, in Jagatballabhpur block, Howrah district, is a historically rich rural town known for its cultural, religious, and agricultural heritage. The area’s key attractions include the Lokhnath Mandir and the ancestral house of Satya Narayan Kha, founder of Chandi Mata Films, whose surroundings inspired many Bengali films. Predominantly agricultural, the town reflects Bengal’s rural vibrancy while nurturing its artistic legacy. It is well-connected by the Munsirhat railway station on the Howrah–Amta line and nearby bus stops at Pantihal and Bargachia.
Coordinates: 22.6017° N, 88.1396° E