European Settlements Boat Ride, Kolkata

The European Settlements Boat ride from the Kolkata shipping jetty is an absolutely marvelous cruise, started by the initiative of West Bengal Transport Corporation, from Kolkata to Chandannagar via Srirampur and back along the gentle currents of the Hoogly River. This 11 hour trip will surely make a place in your list of favorite weekend tours.

Tickets were bought on reaching the ferry ghat and soon after, M.V. Hemlata was ready. This launch makes your excitement go up more. Various facts about the colonial rulers of Europe, as well as their progressions and establishments in India can be noticed on the wall. Photographs of popular monuments in Europe and their significance has been put up on these walls too. A prominent component of this very captivating cruise is the Boat Library containing books about the heritage and unexplored depths of the imperial Kolkata. The northward voyage started at 10 in the morning with Rabindra Sangeet playing alongside. Passing the magnificent Howrah Bridge from below seemed as if it marked the beginning of an engrossing cruise. Numerous ghats with their unique beauties on both the banks of the river were located. Vessels sailed to and fro jetties and M.V. Hemlata found its way through the flowing waters. Historical and cultural sites gradually came to sight. Temples were crowded with disciples and bathers were rushing to have their daily holy dip. It gradually sailed below the Vivekananda Setu and Nivedita Setu and past Belur Math. Soon after the Dakshineshwar temple also become visible.

Srirampur was reached about another hour later. However, due to the lack of time given to tour the places, one could only manage to go to a nearby historical building at most. One of the most prominent historical sites close to river Hooghly was the Denmark Tavern. This nearly 250 year old building was initially established as a hotel for the Danish and European traders coming to Srirampur. Until recently in 2010-11, this tavern was in ruins. It now houses a fine restaurant and also rooms for lodging. After enjoying the delicacies there the cruise headed for Chandannagar. This time a huge change on the banks of the river was noticed. Now, it mostly had brickworks and factories with some scanty population, in contrast to the banks seen in Kolkata where they were vibrant with life. Water pumping stations were situated at familiar intervals, along with many smaller jetties lining the banks. There was nature as far as the eyes could go. The shift of cultures could be distinctly seen as the vessel travelled farther and farther. Though the western bank did not consist of much ghats, one could notice numerous ghats along the eastern side, each with a unique architectural design. The ghats lined the coast, looking like some kind of a barrier or wall. Throughout the journey a number of temples on both the banks was noticed with various ornamental designs which brought out the extraordinary from within the ordinary. Besides, remnants of broken cranes and ruins of factories could also be traced along the stretch of both the banks. It gives us pleasure to see this as it stood as a symbol of glorious yesteryears, but at the same time spreads a sense of despair to see these factories in dilapidated state and the downgrowth of Bengal.

The final destination for the cruise was Chandannagar which was reached around 4 in the afternoon. it gave us an opportunity to relish on the delicious food served by M.V. Joloshree – a vessel made into a fabulous restaurant with an engaging view of the river. They served variety of food, from Bengali traditional food like Shukto and Mochar Ghonto, to Chinese preparations and modern English dishes. This was the trip to Chandannagar and now it was the time for return, which was even more glorious. The cruise sailed back through the same route, as the sunset was admired. The glow of the sunset lit up everything around beautifully and the cruise offered a mesmerizing view. Sailing across Hoogly with twinkling street lights on both sides and comfortable breeze blowing along the waters was a different experience altogether. The Dakshineshwar temple shone with light and our hearts filled with devoutness. The bridges joining the banks of the river looked totally different while illuminated. Finally, M.V. Hemlata returned to the Shipping Jetty at around 30 minutes past 8 in the evening after an almost 11 hour long journey and enjoying the beauty of Hoogly River in the dark.

The European Settlement Boat ride is, however, not much popular among the inhabitants of Kolkata. Though the reason for this might be unclear, this cruise is truly worth the time. The journey gives a complete idea of how the people and their thinking change as the vessel moved from Kolkata to its further surroundings, and also how the colonizers chose their capitals for trade efficiently. Even the scenic beauty cannot be forgotten about. Yet, the tourists should be given more time to explore around the places and visit the European settlements. This is how the European Settlements Boat ride can have a successful naming.