The Basilica (minor) of the Holy Rosary or Bandel Church is one of the oldest churches in West Bengal, India. Mother Mary is venerated here as Our Lady of Happy Voyage. This Church is associated with more than one incident interpreted as Divine intervention.
This first church was burnt down by the Mughals in 1632. Four of the five priests were killed, Father Joan da Cruz was taken captive. Tiago, an ardent devotee of Mother Mary tried to swim across with the statue of Mother Mary. He was shot dead by an enemy arrow and sank with the statue into the river. However, he reappeared in a dream to Father da Cruz and revealed that the statue was safe and had reached the banks of the River Hooghly. Indeed it had! Divine interventions did not stop here it seems.
Father Joan da Cruz imprisoned in Agra Fort was condemned to death under the feet of an elephant. However, to the great amazement of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan the elephant that was to crush the Portuguese priest picked him up with its trunk and placed him on its back and apparently knelt before the Emperor as if imploring for mercy for the prisoner. The Muslim Emperor Shah Jahan gave land and money to rebuild the Christian place of worship, which as a Hindu, I was privileged to visit reverentially. No one stopped me ...it is open to all people.
The legacy of unity of faiths under single DIVINITY that this Church has inherited from history continues to attract.This faith is palpable in every brick of the building. It is a small church but clean and peaceful like all churches. Just sitting here for a few minutes is enough to calm the waves of the mind. Despite the crowds there is silence here for those who seek to commune with themselves as a prelude to communing with the Divine. There is a huge lawn overlooking the river but we should remember, this is a place of spiritual solace so, no shouting and letting kids run wild. And PLEASE...no selfies here...this is a place of worship, not a picnic spot. No one overtly comments but decorous dress code would be appropriate.
There is a small old graveyard here...I wish I knew who lie buried here. A small board would be welcome.
The grotto is nice as it the lawn in front where, along the boundary, statues show Christ carrying the Cross. There are many other statues too.
A small stall sells books and christian souvenirs.Most commendable...there is a Pay and Use Toilet right in the church.
Outside there is a market where candles are sold for the faithful to burn.
I took the Delhi road when coming and the Kalyani Expressway when returning to Kolkata. Delhi Road has a nice dhaba with a Shiva statue in front.
We dallied on the way and stopped and admired the route as we went...took us over 2 hours...return trip was slightly longer as we were held up by immersion processions (Kali Puja). We stopped at Peytuk dhaba for tea on our way back.
Bottom line. A day trip to Bandel is easy. See the Church, the Imamabara and the Hanseswari temple and complete the secular trifecta. Do-able in one day. Start by 8 AM.

An hour drive away from Calcutta, this church is quite a pleasant drive on a weekend. On Sunday there are masses through the day - English mass being at 11. Rooms may be booked by Christians, on obtaining a letter from their parish priest. The history of the church is on the walls of the chapel at the top or simply look for Daryl and he’ll be happy to oblige.

This church is one of the well maintained and peaceful place in Hooghly. This church is a perfect example of great architecture of indo-duch era's.
You can find ample parking space near by ( Paid Parking ) . Many options for restaurant's and fooding zones. Cinematic view of Near Great Ganaga Rever recommend. ⛵ facility also available ( bargain is must ) . Although it's a must visit place if you at Hooghly .