Babughat

The most popular ghat along the ‘eastern bank’ of the famous ‘Hooghly River’, among several ghats built during the British era is the ‘Babughat’, Kolkata. The ghat is named after Late ‘Babu Raj Chandra Das’. It is particularly famous for the history attached to it as well as due to its extraordinary colonial structure. The ghat is frequented by both locals and tourists who wish to spend some leisure time after a day’s hard work.
The view of the holy river Ganges from the ghat is mesmerizing with the ‘Howrah bridge’ (famously called Rabindra Setu by the local population) at one side and the newer ‘Vidyasagar Setu’ on the other side. The sunset view in the evening from here is incredible.
Between Kolkata and Dakshin Eshwar, there are 80 ghats in total built on both sides of the River Hooghly. However, among the religious ceremonies that are carried out on this ghat, the ‘post-death’ rituals are most common. Here, one can witness quite mixed emotions running in the atmosphere with the chanting of the priests to family members and seeking salvation for their loved ones.

Attraction

Babughat is more of a promenade than a park. So, it offers the most beautiful view of Kolkata. This includes both famous bridges, Rabindra Setu and the Vidyasagar Setu in a single frame flanked (opposite each other on the Hooghly River). You can come here during the sunset and will certainly fall in love with the place.
The local people often use the ‘ferry’ services to reach the other side of the bank so that they can avoid the peak hour traffic rush on the road. Some of them simply love that boat or ferry ride. The ferry rides across the Hooghly are really affordable and come with the advantage of timely services. The ferries are quite spacious and less crowded. In a double-decker ship, you might as well enjoy the breezy ride as well.
There are private ferries available too where you can arrange a floating party. However, this facility depends on the availability of a ship. Ships can be confirmed at the ferry counters at the ghat. The ferry services of West Bengal are maintained by ‘Inland Waterways Corporation’ and ferries from Babughat operate to Chandpal Ghat, Telkal Ghat, Howrah, and Bally.
There are numerous food carts available around the Babughat. The street food of Kolkata is already famous. You must try them whenever they visit Babughat. It is a good place for romantic dates, family time, and chilling with friends.

History

Babughat was built in the year 1830 and is the second oldest ghat of Calcutta. The ghat was commissioned by one of the most prominent zamindars of Jan Bazar, ‘Rani Rashmoni’ in memory of her late husband, Late Babu Raj Chandra Das and this is how the name came.
It is also believed that it was Lord William Cavendish Bentick (the then Governor General) who had encouraged the expenditure on building the ghat. That eventually allowed Queen Rashmoni to go ahead with her plan. The Babughat is 194 years old and has witnessed numerous reforms ever since.

Inside/Outside Views

The ghat is adorned by a tall as well as grand pavilion at the entrance. A colonial structure built in the ‘Doric-Gothic’ architectural style has huge decrepit pillars and is typical of that form of architecture. This structure simply serves as the landing berth of the ghat. There are stairs from the pavilion. The stairs lead to the river, which is in various stages of being decayed. There is a smaller section at the ghat which was made specifically as a ‘designated bathing’ place for women alone. However, it has unfortunately turned into a garbage dumping site.
There is a marble tablet or plaque beneath the pediment. The table states that Lord William Cavendish Bentick (the Governor General) must be given a certain amount of credit for encouraging the construction of the ghat as an act towards just improving the public facilities. This also mentions that since the construction of the ghat was commissioned by Rani Rashmoni at her own personal expense, the ghat be named after her husband Babu Raj Chandra Das Ghat.

How to Reach

By road: It is situated in Kolkata’s ‘B.B.D. Bagh area. From the busy area of Kolkata, the Babughat is only 3 km away. Kolkata is well connected with other major cities like Siliguri, Delhi, Ghaziabad, Mumbai, Chennai etc. of the country. And from Kolkata city, you will get local transport to reach the site.

By air: The closest airport, ‘Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport’ (which is an international one), is almost 25 kilometers away from this area which is in Dum Dum, Kolkata. You can visit this place from outside of India. Apart from that, there are airports in Delhi, Mumbai, or Lucknow with direct flights to Kolkata. From the airport, you can easily get local transport to reach the site.

By train: The closest railway station from the Babughat is only 4 km away at the ‘Sealdah Station’. This station is well connected with major areas of the country. From the station, you will get local transport so that you can reach the site.

Tips for Travellers

Please wear suitable and comfortable clothes according to both culture and seasons.

Don’t forget to follow the code of conduct.
If you are visiting Kolkata for the first time, try to visit in a group for safety purposes.
Please stay away from total strangers.