My spectacular evening at Babughat: Kolkata's Riverside Beauty
Babughat is one of the most visited places in Kolkata, West Bengal. It is located on the bank of the Ganges river (Hooghly river). Thousands of people visit Babughat everyday whether they may be young couples, friends, or elderly. Babughat is very near to Kiderpore, and Dharmatala (Esplanade) in Kolkata, which is one of the most important connecting routes across the city. Since the last 10 years, the entire place (Babughat) was adorned with gardens comprising of varity of greenaries, plants, sitting places for people, and food stalls, that has made this place more attractive. The most enoyable and historic activities to perform in Babughat is to enjoy a boat ride on the river Ganga. Actually, the ferry system is also connected to various parts of the city as well as Howrah like Howrah station. So, the ferry system in Babughat is another important communication, that I must say. In the recent times, "aarti" (famous ritual of worshipping God) is also being performed in Babughat, that has attracted more number of visitors here. Now some people always have the curosity to know the meaning of the name "Babughat". So, the word "Babughat" exists from the British era, when the Sahebs, or wealthy gentlemen, often termed as "Babu", used to come here and take leisure and enjoy the ferry (boat ride). One thing I missed, and that is the train route that goes over Babughat. This famous train route is also known as "Chakra Rail". This train route, is another magnificient sight to watch, where only local trains get passed by the Babughat and there is station also, where you would get dropped in Babughat. This train route is connected from Dumdum to Sealdah via Babughat, Kiderpore dock, Majherhat, Tollygunj. So, you can avail the train facility also, to come Babughat. Just opposite to Babughat, within a few meters away, lies the Indian Army Headquaters for the South Eastern Command, Eden Gardens. The other nearby places to Babughat are Dalhousie, Lalbazar, GPO, High Court, and Howrah station, which is a few kilometers away.
So, now let me describe my recent visit to Babughat, Kolkata. Before that, I want to say that I myself stay in Kolkata, West Bengal, and so Babughat has been my very common visited places throughtout my life. I stay in Behala, Kolkata, and it takes hardly 30 minutes to reach Babughat by my personal car. You may avail bus, and cab also to reach Babughat. Babughat is open the entire day and evening till 8 pm. However I would recommend you to visit this place during the pre-evening like afternoon 4-5 pm onwards. It is because, during the day, it's quiet hot, while during evening, it becomes a magnificient view. During evening, you can see the entire Babughat being illuminated with lights, with the adorable sight of the boats twinkling with colorful lights, and the 2nd Hooghly bridge running over the Ganges river. During the evening also, you can opt for boat ride, which will take you to till the underneath the Hooghly bridge and come back. This entire boat journey is very thrilling and nostalgic, as it will remind you of the rich and cultural heritage of Kolkata. It will take hardly 40 minutes for the entire boat ride and it will cost you around Rs. 100/- per person, which is very cheap. The other delightful activities to perform in Babughat is enjoying eating the street foods from the food stalls. One of the most common street foods in Babughat are spicy puffed rice with Googhny, and tea. You can find various kinds of tea like Masala tea, sugerfree tea and lots more. For a cup of tea, it will cost you around 15-20 rupees and for the snacks like spicy puffed rice with Googhny, it will cost you around Rs. 160-180. Also I thing I missed saying and that is the spectacular view of the sunset from Babughat. You can take numerous photos with your camera or phones.
Ragarding the parking of cars to Babughat, I must say that, there are enough parking places near Babughat for your personal cars, and bikes. Though there are no specific parking places, you have to park your car by the side of the main road. You must be knowing that, Babughat is located in the heart of the city Kolkata, which is taken care by one of the most prehistoric police forces in India, Kolkata Police. If, you face any problem for parking you cars, or some other reasons, you can take help from Kolkata police and they will assist you to the best. Also for your conveniance, I want to provide you one more information that if you are planning to visit Babughat during the weekends with your personal car (4 wheeler), try to reach Babughat within 5-5:30 pm, as, after 6 pm, it becomes little crowdy and parking places may be full.
So, I will always encourage you to visit Babughat and enjoy your mindset with your family whenever you get time. For any difficulties or queries, you can mail me through this website and I shall be happy to assist you.
