Prinsep Ghat: A Historical and Recreational Spot in Kolkata

Are you looking for a place that combines history, culture, and nature in one? Do you want to experience the beauty and diversity of Kolkata and its people? If yes, then you should definitely visit Prinsep Ghat, a historical and recreational spot in Kolkata, India, that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and nature. Prinsep Ghat is a place where you can enjoy boating, food, photography, and more.

It is also a place where you can witness the legacy of James Prinsep, a scholar and antiquary who contributed to the study of Indian history and culture. In this article, we will explore the history and architecture of Prinsep Ghat, the things to do and see at Prinsep Ghat, and the best time and ways to visit Prinsep Ghat.

History and Architecture of Prinsep Ghat

The Legacy of James Prinsep

James Prinsep was an English scholar and antiquary who worked as an assay master at the Calcutta Mint from 1819 to 1838. He was also a founding member of the Asiatic Society of Bengal and a pioneer in the fields of Indian numismatics, epigraphy, and archaeology. He deciphered the Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts, which were used to write ancient Indian languages such as Sanskrit and Pali.

He published several journals and books on Indian coins, inscriptions, monuments, languages, and religions. He also designed and engraved several medals and coins for the British East India Company and the Indian princely states. He was also an avid artist and photographer who captured many scenes of Indian life and landscape.

James Prinsep was a remarkable man who left a lasting impression on Indian history and culture. He died in 1840 at the age of 40 due to a brain disease. His death was mourned by many Indians and Europeans who admired his work and personality. He was buried in Kensal Green Cemetery in London, but his memory lives on in Kolkata through Prinsep Ghat.

The Construction and Design of Prinsep Ghat

Prinsep Ghat was built in 1841 by the British East India Company as a memorial for James Prinsep. The ghat was designed by W. Fitzgerald and constructed by PWD engineer H. Lockwood Kipling, who was the father of the famous writer Rudyard Kipling. Prinsep Ghat is a Palladian porch with Greek and Gothic inlays that stands on a circular platform overlooking the Hooghly River. The porch has four Ionic columns supporting a triangular pediment with a bust of James Prinsep in the center. The platform has a balustrade with ornamental lamps and statues. The ghat also has a flight of steps leading down to the river bank.

Prinsep Ghat is a beautiful example of colonial architecture that reflects the influence of classical European styles on Indian buildings. The ghat is also a symbol of the cultural exchange and friendship between India and Britain that James Prinsep fostered through his work.

Things to Do and See at Prinsep Ghat

Boating at Prinsep Ghat

Boating at Prinsep Ghat is one of the most popular activities that attracts many visitors to the ghat. Boating at Prinsep Ghat is a fun and relaxing way to enjoy the scenic views of the river and the city skyline. You can choose from different types of boats, such as paddle boats, motor boats, or luxury cruises, depending on your budget and preference. You can also book a boat ride online or on the spot from various operators at Prinsep Ghat.

From the boat ride, you can see some of the iconic landmarks of Kolkata, such as the Howrah Bridge, the Vidyasagar Setu, the Belur Math, the Dakshineswar Temple, etc. You can also witness the daily life of the people living along the river bank, such as fishermen, washermen, vendors, etc.

Boating at Prinsep Ghat is an ideal way to spend some quality time with your family or friends while admiring the beauty of Kolkata from a different perspective.

Food at Prinsep Ghat

Food at Prinsep Ghat is another attraction that draws many visitors to the ghat. Food at Prinsep Ghat is a treat for your taste buds as well as your eyes. You can find a variety of street food stalls and cafes at Prinsep Ghat that offer delicious snacks and beverages at affordable prices. You can enjoy your food while sitting on the benches or the steps of the ghat and watching the river and the sunset.

Some of the popular food items at Prinsep Ghat are bhel puri, puchka, jhalmuri, kulfi, ice cream, tea, coffee, etc. Some of the popular places at Prinsep Ghat are Scoop, Princep Ghat Tea Stall, Princep Ghat Ice Cream Parlour, etc.

Food at Prinsep Ghat is a must-try for anyone who loves to explore the local cuisine and culture of Kolkata.

Also check out: An unusual journey to an usual destination :Princep Ghat

Photography at Prinsep Ghat

Photography at Prinsep Ghat is another activity that appeals to many visitors to the ghat. Photography at Prinsep Ghat is a hobby and a passion for many people who love to capture the beauty and the charm of the ghat and its surroundings. Prinsep Ghat offers many opportunities for photography, such as the historical and architectural elements of the ghat, the natural and cultural aspects of the river, the colorful and lively atmosphere of the ghat, etc.

Some of the tips and tricks for photography at Prinsep Ghat are to visit during the golden hour (early morning or evening) for the best lighting and shadows, to use a tripod or a stabilizer for steady shots, to experiment with different angles and perspectives, to interact with the locals and ask for their permission before taking their photos, etc.

Photography at Prinsep Ghat is a rewarding experience for anyone who wants to preserve the memories and the emotions of their visit to the ghat.

Best Time and Ways to Visit Prinsep Ghat

Best Time to Visit Prinsep Ghat

Prinsep Ghat can be visited anytime of the year, as it is open from 8 am to 8 pm daily. However, some seasons or occasions may offer a more pleasant or festive experience than others. For example, winter (November to February) is considered the best season to visit Prinsep Ghat, as the weather is cool and comfortable, and the river is calm and clear.

Spring (March to April) is also a good season to visit Prinsep Ghat, as the flowers and trees are in full bloom, and the river is sparkling with sunlight. Some occasions that make Prinsep Ghat more special are Durga Puja (September or October), Diwali (October or November), Christmas (December), New Year (January), etc., as the ghat is decorated with lights and flowers, and there are cultural programs and fireworks on display.

Prinsep Ghat is a place that can be enjoyed in any season or occasion, as it has something for everyone.

Best Ways to Reach Prinsep Ghat

Prinsep Ghat can be easily reached by various modes of transport from different parts of Kolkata. The nearest railway station to Prinsep Ghat is Esplanade Metro Station, which is about 2 km away from the ghat. You can take a metro train from any station in Kolkata to Esplanade Metro Station, and then take a taxi, an auto-rickshaw, or a bus to Prinsep Ghat.

The nearest bus stop to Prinsep Ghat is Babughat Bus Stop, which is about 1 km away from the ghat. You can take a bus from any major bus stand in Kolkata to Babughat Bus Stop, and then walk or take a rickshaw to Prinsep Ghat. You can also drive your own car or bike to Prinsep Ghat, as there is ample parking space available near the ghat.

In this article, we have learned about the history and architecture of Prinsep Ghat, the things to do and see at Prinsep Ghat, and the best time and ways to visit Prinsep Ghat. Prinsep Ghat is a historical and recreational spot in Kolkata that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and nature.

It is a place where you can enjoy boating, food, photography, and more. It is also a place where you can witness the beauty and diversity of Kolkata and its people.

So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Prinsep Ghat today and experience it for yourself!

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Princep Ghat Reviews

Wandering Bong

4 Followers

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So last Saturday (just after the Pujo), when every one of us felt like going out to visit a place, and for the first time after March for my parents especially, we chanced upon the moment and decided to head out to Prinsep Ghat and have some fine dining at Ordinance Club. Prinsep Ghathas always been a charming and relaxing place for me since my college days. Sitting by the riverfront, chatting with friends or family, or grab some snacks from the nearby vendors, it is a perfect place to spend a Saturday evening. Though when we started we thought we would do all that, but the ghat section is closed by 8 pm, and so by the time we reached, we were already late. So rather we just spend some time at the James Prinsep monument, on whose name the ghat is named. As the ghat was closing, we headed to the walkway adjacent to the ghat to have some tea and spend some time by the Hooghly riverfront. Since we could spend much time at Prinsep, rather let me share some facts and anecdotes about this place. Entering Prinsep Ghat The Prinsep Ghatwas built in the year 1841 along the banks of Hooghly river in Kolkata, during the British rule in India, in memory of Anglo-Indian scholar James Prinsep. For a long time, Prinsep Ghat was just a lovely white monument on the bank of Hooghly. Even then it was a popular recreational spot for the locals in the city of joy. It was also the spot where dignitaries embarked upon when they came to the city. As you enter Prinsep Ghat, you are welcomed by a grand monument with the 2nd Howrah bridge in the background. If you visit after sunset, both the monument and bridge are lit up beautifully and are a treat to watch sitting by the garden. As soon as you leave the building and walk towards the river you will notice lyrical tunes of Rabindra-sangeet floating in the air. Nothing could complement the essentially Bengali atmosphere near the river better than that. It's a fairly recent development. Normally I don't like the idea of having music played on speakers in parks or touristy places, but the soft tunes of Rabindra Thakur blend into the ambiance with the sound of the birds and the ruffling of leaves.

Anindita Ganguly

93 Followers

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I knew I had just two days left from my 20 days’ trip. Accordingly, my cousin took me out for a stroll near the banks of the river Ganges! I believe that was the start of my vagabond life wherein I experienced goose bumps when I saw the vast Ganges sweeping my feet overlooking the huge 2nd Hooghly Bridge on my left and the famous Howrah Bridge on my right! I do not know what mesmerised me the most- the beautiful sunset, the river or the picturesque bridges in front of my eyes! That sparked an interest in my heart to be a vagabond who can experience the same sunset but a different water body flowing in another city! I wanted to feel the same way as I felt in that evening! I would compromise every luxury which does not stand a chance in front of such natural beauty! My creative mind was overflowing with imaginations where I could visualise huge snow-capped mountains, a splendid sunset and a river in some other land! How breathtaking it would be to explore this Ganga which gives life in plains taking birth itself in the Gangotri amongst the snow-capped Mountains! I must say, that the Government of West Bengal have taken special care in maintaining the standards of the water body that they take pride in!

Sarthak

89 Followers

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As river Hooghly flows just through the center of Calcutta, there are many 'ghats' amplifying the beauty of sunsets. Go for a sunset view to Princep ghat which is close by Maidan and you can have the evening tea here, seeing the bigger (and much better) versions of paper boats we all used to make during rains. Don't forget to take a ride over Vidyasagar setu aka second Hooghly bridge and you won't be disappointed. Just at walking distance to this place is every cricketer's dream ground, 'The Eden Gardens'. You can see all the posters of the iconic rivalry between India Pakistan matches and of course, the famous India/Australia test of 2001. Even if it is vacant, you will sense those loud sounds of cheering enough to get you goosebumps, the same way I had when I first saw this Mecca of cricket.

sayantika khatua

10 Followers

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Prinsep Ghat... ● Prinsep Ghat is a ghat located between the Water Gate and St George's Gate of the Fort William which is along the Kolkata bank of the Hooghly River in West Bengal.The ghat is stretched from Babu ghat to Prinsep ghat on the riverbank for almost 1.2 miles. ● It was made in the memory of the Anglo Indian scholar James Prinsep.The construction started in 1841 and it was open to public in 1843.The white monuments in the park are crafted with Gothic and Greek inlays which is maintained by pwd of the state since 2001.There is a ground in front of the monuments. ● It also has a railway station named after it which is maintained by eastern railway.One of the songs in the bollywood film Parineeta was shot here on the Ghat.

Kshitiz Goliya

76 Followers

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After basking in some silence, I took a taxi to Prinsep Ghat. The ghat offers beautiful view of the sunset with the Vidyasagar setu as the backdrop. Prinsep Ghat is one of the most romantic sites in Kolkata and couples roam around freely, enjoying the beautiful sunset. Prinsep ghat was the last stop of my second day's tour. I took some rest in front of the Prinsep Memorial and hailed a taxi to my hotel. After resting my feet at hotel for an hour or so, I again got out to take a walk at the Park Street. It's most beautiful during the night and one should never miss a chance to roam around this street.