Chowringhee

Chowringhee is a historic area in central Kolkata, West Bengal, India. The area centers on Chowringhee Road, a major arterial road that runs through the city’s central business district and links Esplanade to Park Street. The neighborhood forms part of Kolkata’s colonial-era core and retains a mix of heritage architecture alongside modern offices, hotels, and commercial establishments.

Historically, Chowringhee developed as a commercial and social hub during the 19th and early 20th centuries, with hotels, theatres, clubs, and government offices along the street. The area is best known today for its prominent hospitality landmarks, notably the Oberoi Grand, a luxury hotel established in the early 20th century that anchors the road’s historic streetscape.

Architectural styles along Chowringhee range from late-colonial façades to later Art Deco additions, reflecting Kolkata’s layered urban history. The road remains a busy corridor for business, retail, hospitality, and transport, and the surrounding neighborhoods have evolved into a dense commercial and administrative zone.

In terms of transport, Chowringhee is well connected by road and public transit, with easy access to bus routes and proximity to Park Street and Esplanade, making it a common conduit for commuters and visitors navigating central Kolkata.