Panchkota Ghat is a quiet and lesser-known spot along the holy river Ganga. It is located away from the busy and famous riverbanks of Varanasi. Places like Dashashwamedh and Assi Ghats attract many people with their big ceremonies and tourist crowds. In contrast, Panchkota Ghat remains calm and peaceful. It is full of history, old beauty, and charm.
History
The name Panchkota Ghat comes from the Panchkota royal family, who were rulers from what is now West Bengal. In the 19th century, the Maharajas (kings) of Panchkota built this ghat as their private bathing and resting place during visits to Varanasi. At that time, many royal families across India built their own ghats in Varanasi, the holiest city for Hindus, to have a special place by the river.
What makes Panchkota Ghat special is not just its history, but also its beautiful and old-style architecture. A grand building, once used by the royal family, stands next to the ghat. Though it is now worn down by time, it still shows the royal touch, with arched windows, stone balconies, and carved walls. This old palace quietly tells stories of the days when kings, saints, and pilgrims shared this sacred place.
Unlike the crowded and noisy ghats, Panchkota Ghat is quiet and peaceful. A few local people might come here in the morning to bathe or wash clothes, but tourists rarely visit. This gives the ghat a quiet and timeless feeling. It is a perfect place to sit, meditate, or simply watch the Ganga flow gently by.
Best for Photography
The fact that not many people know about Panchkota Ghat makes it even more special. Some visitors find it by chance while walking between the more famous ghats. Once they stop here, they often feel a deep sense of peace. The old steps covered in moss, the soft sound of the river, and the sight of a holy man sitting in silence all make the place feel poetic and calm.
Panchkota Ghat is a hidden gem for those who love history, photography, or quiet places. It shows a side of Varanasi that is not full of tourists or modern noise. Instead, it gives a true feeling of the city’s old spirit and deep faith.
Even though the palace near the ghat needs repair, its faded look adds to its charm. Walking here feels like entering a lost piece of history, where you can still feel the presence of royalty and the prayers of the past.
In a city where every place is holy, Panchkota Ghat reminds us of Varanasi’s rich and layered past—a place where kings once came for blessings, and where anyone can now sit in peace by the river.
So, when you visit Varanasi, take a quiet walk and find Panchkota Ghat. You won’t see big crowds or ceremonies, but you will discover something even better: calm, history, and the true soul of Kashi.