Prinsep Ghat (Kolkata) West Bengal - 5 Points To Know About

Whenever we hear Princep Ghat, immediately a dream-like picture of the monument along with the river Ganga comes to mind. Located alongside the serene Ganges, it is a place loved by people of every age group.

Walking through the long stretch by the river, a sudden feeling of liberation appears concocted with happiness. Everything here reminds us of the old days, the people, their work, and the history that eventually gave rise to the stunning Prinsep Ghat.

The greenery and serenity of this place are on point. Sitting on the benches by the water, looking at the glistening river as the sun sets, everything creates a frame worth falling for. It is among the most famous ghats in Kolkata and is a must-visit while in the city.

In this article, you will get to know the following points about Prinsep Ghat,

How to reach
History
Special highlights
Things to do
Best time to visit

Let’s see each of these points in detail.

How to reach Prinsep Ghat

Nearest Metro Station	Esplanade
Nearest Bus Stand	Babughat
Nearest Jetty	Man Of War Jetty
Nearest Train Station	Prinsep Ghat

Prinsep Ghat is located next to the Bank of the Hooghly River near the strand road.

GOOGLE MAP LOCATION

By Train:

If you want to board a train from Sealdah, you have to catch the Budge Budge local or the Majherhat local. You have to get off at Majerhat station. From there you can easily get the train to Prinsep Ghat. You have to exchange two trains from Sealdah. There are trains to Prinsep Ghat directly from Sealdah but it is very rare.

Alternatively, there are several trains available from Dumdum Junction directly to Princep Ghat Railway Station.

By Bus:

You can also reach Prinsep Ghat by bus route. Buses from Howrah station and Esplanade are easily available.

If you are traveling by metro, get down at Esplanade Metro Station and take a bus from there to reach Pricep Ghat easily.

In case you are not getting any direct buses, get down at the Babu Ghat bus stop and walk for a few minutes to reach here.

Ola, Uber, and local taxis will also help you reach here very easily.

History of Prinsep Ghat

Princep Ghat stores in a huge history. It is not just about the monument or the ghat but also about what gave rise to all of it. The ghat was built in 1841 when the nation was under British rule.

The ghat was used by the British men as a jetty to load and offload necessary things as well as people. Later in the year 1843, the magnificent white monument was built. The Palladian porch was constructed in honor of James Princep, an esteemed Anglo-Indian scholar and antiquarian.

The standing monument prominently showcases staggering Greek and Gothic architecture. Every detail and work of artistry on the structure displays a glimpse of the past.

Special highlights of Prinsep Ghat

The James Prinsep Monument is the main attraction of Prinsep Ghat.

The scenic landscapes of the place also enhance its beauty.

There are seats along the four sides of the ghat decorated with beautiful flora. Various fast food stalls are also there selling pav bhaji, Fuchka, Ghugni, etc.

Many foreigners visit and taste the authentic Kolkata street foods on the spot.

There is a small garden surrounding the monument.

Inside the garden, there are well-paved roads and beautiful street lamps where you can stroll around and click pictures.

Things to do in Prinsep Ghat

The beauty of the British-built James Prinsep monument is unmatched and thus this charming location attracts many couples every day.

There are many things to do in Prinsep Ghat.

1. Enjoy the ambiance

Nothing can beat the peaceful ambiance of Prinsep Ghat due to the placidly flowing river Ganga along its side.

You can sit in the garden or on the benches on the side of the river and relax.

You will also find facilities to go on a boat ride here.

2. Go boating

You can reach the opposite side of the ghat by Jetty.

You can also go on a boat ride on the Hooghly (Ganga) River. Try to bargain with the sailor or “Majhi Bhai”, whether you are going boating alone or in groups.

It will be an exciting experience to traverse the Ganges, feel the mild breeze, and capture the beautiful panoramic views of the landscapes.

3. Stroll along the Ganga

You can stroll along the beautifully paved road along the Ganges. You can have various Kolkata street foods here.

Next to the ghat, you can witness one of the most popular bridges in Kolkata, called Vidyasagar Setu.

4. Do some photoshoots

Prinsep Ghat is one of the best places for a pre-wedding photo shoot.

Here you can see almost all types of people from young to middle age. However, the number of couples here is a little higher.

This monument is a secluded place away from the hustle and bustle of Kolkata, especially during the twilight.

If you visit here, you will find peace.

You can spend a lot of time sitting in the beautiful, garden of this monument.

5. Have a picnic

Another thing to enjoy here is picnicking with your friends and family.

But you should maintain and follow some strict protocols if you are planning to picnic in this spot.

You will not be permitted to cook here. You can just enjoy your homemade food, go for a walk and admire the beauty of the place.

You can enjoy this beautiful view of the river, enjoy clicking photos and selfies, and surely boat rides.

In the evening you can have a captivating view of the sunset too!

The best time to visit Prinsep Ghat

The Prinsep Ghat is open most of the day. So you can visit this destination at any time.

However, the place has to be vacated before 10:30 pm.

The Prinsep Ghat is also open during all seasons. So do not miss the opportunity to view the charm of the place.

A sudden plan of a long drive to Prinsep Ghat will be worth it!

In case you are wondering, the place is not just apt for history junkies but is also for the naturalists, travelers, and photographers. It is a place where you can delve in for joy and calm. The fanciful sceneries are very inviting, be it the vista of the vast river or the Vidyasagar Setu from the ghat.

If you are already planning to visit the place, then make sure to go boating. Being in the river Ganga during dusk, while the sky is changing is like a fantasy coming in reality. Prinsep Ghat is also one of the popular romantic spots in Kolkata.

So eat, stroll, relax, learn, and make the most out of the trip.

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