The 705m-long Howrah Bridge, built by the Brits in 1943, has been an emblem of Kolkata since it was completed. Spanning the coffee-colored waters of the Hooghly River, the symphony of steel latticework churns with honking traffic around the clock, while many more people cross on foot. Its official name is Rabindra Setu, but you’re unlikely to hear anybody calling it that.
Beneath the bridge’s eastern span, Mullick Ghat Flower Market buzzes in a blaze of orange and yellow, atop a hash of shredded newspaper. The fast-paced hawking of floral wares reaches its zenith in the early morning, when wholesalers auction in bulk to the vendors. Garlands of orange and yellow marigolds and, less commonly, red hibiscus flowers, are presented at Hindu temples during special occasions, but bought year-round to celebrate big life events such as house warmings and weddings. Walk up to the lip of Howrah Bridge, which crosses above the market, for the best photos.
