(25) Canning Town:

East India Company rue in Sundarbans 1757 to 1858. First Governor General Warren Hastings (20 Oct.1773- 1 Feb.1785). And last is Charles Canning. The Canning place is named after Charles Canning (Lord Canning), He was Governor General of India (28 Feb.1856 to1 Nov. 1858), and the first Viceroy from 1858 to 1862. In 1862, an Endeavour to establish a port here during his tenure considering the decreasing Land Investment Reclamation & Dock Co., in the year 1858, initiated the work of Port Canning on the bank of the mighty river Matla ; but later, it has become highly silted. One Inspection Bungalow out of the two made for revenue collection, is still existing on the river bank and attracts the tourists. The Canning town has Municipality since 1862. In 1862, the Calcutta and South-eastern Railway opened a southward line from what was then known as Beliaghata station to Port. 15th 1863 first time train came at Canning. In the same year, the East Bengal Railway had opened its line from Sealdah to Kushtia. It also opened its own southern line to Diamond Harbour. Calcutta and South-eastern Railway was taken over by the government in 1863. East Bengal Railway was taken over by the government in 1887. And the Sealdah-Canning Railway was first started in 2nd January 1863. Till recent past Canning was considered as one of the gate-ways to Sundarbans

; but now the entry point has been diverted to Sonakhali (located an hour ahead of Canning by river) as the launches and boats at Canning can navigate only during the high tides.

The Dabu Picnic spot: 

 

This picnic spot lies on the banks of Matla River. An offbeat picnic spot in the Canning, not as popular as the Diamond Harbor or the Nurpur. However, it would soon become popular. Locating at the center of nature it catches the visitor's attention because of its beautiful environs. Hosting a picnic at the banks of the Matla River, surrounded by Mangrove tree shades, provides an absorbing experience. One may sail across the river in a boat or sit in the park to look at the picturesque view of the flowing river. One needs to board the Canning Local train from the Sealdah Station (Kolkata) and get down at the Canning Station. Auto rickshaws and bus available from the station to get there.