Vidyasagar Setu (Second Hooghly Bridge)
Kolkata's iconic cable-stayed bridge, offering breathtaking river views and a dazzling night spectacle. A symbol of modern engineering.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Pleasant weather for views
Vidyasagar Setu (Second Hooghly Bridge)
Best Time
Pleasant weather for views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Kolkata's iconic cable-stayed bridge, offering breathtaking river views and a dazzling night spectacle. A symbol of modern engineering.
"An architectural marvel and a pride of Kolkata, offering breathtaking views, especially during sunrise and sunset."
🚫 No Walking on Bridge
You can't walk on the bridge. Enjoy views from Prinsep Ghat or a boat ride!
🚗 Avoid Peak Traffic
Steer clear of 8-11 AM & 4-8 PM for a smoother drive.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sunrise/Sunset Views
Hooghly River
Witness the sky ablaze with color reflecting on the river. A truly magical experience.
Night Illumination
Vidyasagar Setu
The bridge transforms into a dazzling spectacle of lights after dark, a photographer's delight.
Architectural Marvel
Vidyasagar Setu
India's first and longest cable-stayed bridge, a symbol of modern engineering and Kolkata's skyline.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Viewing from Afar
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚫 No Walking on Bridge
You can't walk on the bridge. Enjoy views from Prinsep Ghat or a boat ride!
🚗 Avoid Peak Traffic
Steer clear of 8-11 AM & 4-8 PM for a smoother drive.
📸 Best for Photography
Capture stunning shots at sunrise, sunset, or when it's lit up at night.
📍 View from Prinsep Ghat
Offers great vantage points and nearby amenities like food stalls.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚫 No Walking on Bridge
You can't walk on the bridge. Enjoy views from Prinsep Ghat or a boat ride!
🚗 Avoid Peak Traffic
Steer clear of 8-11 AM & 4-8 PM for a smoother drive.
📸 Best for Photography
Capture stunning shots at sunrise, sunset, or when it's lit up at night.
📍 View from Prinsep Ghat
Offers great vantage points and nearby amenities like food stalls.
💡 Toll Bridge Info
Automated toll booths are present on both ends.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Vidyasagar Setu is widely praised as an architectural marvel and a symbol of Kolkata's modern engineering. Visitors are captivated by its stunning views, especially during sunrise, sunset, and its beautiful night illumination. It's a vital transportation link that enhances the city's skyline and offers a scenic driving experience.
"💞" তুমিও হেঁটে দেখো কোলকাতা"💞
Vidyasagar Setu, also known as the 2nd Hooghly Bridge, is truly an architectural marvel and a pride of Kolkata. Spanning the Hooghly River, it beautifully connects Howrah and Kolkata while offering breathtaking views, especially during sunrise and sunset. The cable-stayed design makes it not only functional but also visually stunning, adding charm to the city’s skyline. Driving across the bridge is smooth and scenic, with the river flowing gracefully below. It stands as a symbol of modern engineering blended with elegance, making it one of the most iconic landmarks of Kolkata and a must-see for visitors.
Thank You 🙏 Happy Journey 😊"
Eмвeя Øяîöи
"Vidyasagar Setu is one of the backbone of Kolkata. This will connect the Santaragachi station with Kolkata. This bridge is so beautiful and nice. View of this bridge is fantastic. We can see the whole kolkata city from this bridge. This bridge is the main alternative of Howrah Bridge and the entrance of trucks and buses to Kolkata."
Ayudha Dey
"Vidyasagar Setu, also known as the Second Hooghly Bridge, is a beautiful and important bridge in Kolkata that connects the city to Howrah across the Hooghly River. It is one of the longest cable-stayed bridges in India and looks especially stunning in the evening when the lights shine on the water. The bridge is very useful for daily travel and helps reduce traffic between the two cities. Driving over it offers a peaceful and scenic view, especially during sunrise or sunset. The bridge is well-maintained, and nearby places like Princep Ghat make it even more enjoyable for visitors. A perfect mix of beauty and purpose, this bridge is truly a pride of Kolkata."
Bhandul Sheet
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Vidyasagar Setu is easily accessible by car, taxi, or bus. It's located about 5 km from Kolkata's city center and 4 km from Howrah Railway Station. Many visitors use ride-sharing apps or local taxis for convenient access.
Yes, several bus routes connect to areas near Vidyasagar Setu. You can also take a local train to Howrah Station and then a taxi or bus.
Driving or taking a taxi/bus across the bridge is the most common way. Enjoy the scenic drive!
No, walking on the bridge is not permitted for safety reasons. You can enjoy the views from nearby locations.
Vidyasagar Setu is approximately 5-6 km away from the Howrah Bridge, serving as an alternative route.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entry fee to view the bridge from surrounding areas. However, there are automated toll booths for vehicles crossing the bridge.
The bridge is open 24/7 for vehicular traffic. Nearby attractions like Prinsep Ghat are typically open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Yes, vehicles crossing Vidyasagar Setu are subject to a toll fee, collected at automated toll booths.
Yes, the bridge is accessible by vehicle 24/7 and is beautifully illuminated at night, making it a popular time for visits and photography.
No booking is required to visit or drive across Vidyasagar Setu. Access is open to all vehicles, subject to toll payment.
📸 📸 Photography
Excellent photo opportunities exist from Prinsep Ghat, Shapoorji K Block, and during boat rides on the Hooghly River. The bridge is particularly photogenic at sunrise, sunset, and when illuminated at night. +1
Absolutely! The bridge's illumination at night creates a stunning visual, making it a prime spot for photographers.
You can capture wide-angle shots of the cityscape with the bridge, close-ups of its cable-stayed structure, and reflections on the river. 
Generally, there are no specific restrictions on photography for personal use. However, commercial photography might require permissions.
The 'golden hours' of sunrise and sunset provide beautiful, soft light. Nighttime offers dramatic illumination. +1
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
You can visit Prinsep Ghat for food stalls, boating, and restrooms. The area offers great views of the bridge and the Hooghly River.
The approach roads are wheelchair-friendly, but the ghats at Prinsep Ghat may have uneven steps.
Yes, there are food stalls available at Prinsep Ghat, which is adjacent to the bridge.
Driving across offers scenic views of the Hooghly River and the Kolkata-Howrah cityscape.
The bridge is well-lit and generally safe for vehicular traffic at night. Nearby areas like Prinsep Ghat are also popular in the evenings.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The nighttime illumination is equally spectacular, offering dramatic lighting for unique compositions. +1🚗 Road Trip & Drive Enthusiasts
+1 Consider a night drive to witness the bridge's dazzling light display, adding an extra layer of magic to your road trip. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel: Vidyasagar Setu
This impressive structure not only serves as a vital transportation link between Kolkata and Howrah but also stands as an iconic landmark in the city's skyline. The intricate network of cables and pylons creates a visually striking silhouette, especially when illuminated at night.
+1 Its strategic location near Prinsep Ghat and Fort William further enhances its prominence. Travelers often describe the experience of driving across the bridge as smooth and scenic, with the graceful flow of the Hooghly River below adding to the ambiance.
Experiencing Vidyasagar Setu: Views and Activities
The bridge's illumination after dark transforms it into a breathtaking spectacle. Many visitors recommend experiencing this nighttime view, as the lights reflect beautifully on the water, creating a romantic and memorable scene.
The combination of engineering prowess and natural beauty makes Vidyasagar Setu a must-see for anyone visiting Kolkata.
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