Lal Ghat is one of the oldest and most peaceful ghats in Varanasi. Unlike the name(Lal = red) suggests it is painted in aqua blue colour. The ghat is actually named upon a rich merchant who built a portion of it in 1800. Later in 1812 a king from Tijara, Rajasthan built the southern portion and erected a grand residence on the upper section of it.
In 1935, Baldeo Das Birla purchased the Lal Ghat area and buildings around it. He also built a mansion on the Ghat to live in Varanasi. Later on, he made the entire ghat pucca and even built a small ghat by the name of Gopi Govind Ghat. Baldeo Das also built a guest house for pilgrims and added few other buildings.
Today, there is a small school and a hostel on Lat Ghat which is run by Birla trust. Food, Books, and clothes for the students are also completely funded by Birla trust. The ghat looks vibrant in the daylight and it looks mystical around the dawn and dusk. Though the ghat holds no religious importance it receives high footfall from January to March when pilgrims come here to visit Gopreksheshvara temple.
How to Reach Lal Ghat
Lal Ghat is located near Pathar Gali in Ghasi Tola area. It is well connected to all the Railways stations, Airport and the bus stand via road. You can reach here by shared auto-rickshaws or you can just take a boat ride from any ghat to the Laal Ghat.
What to See/Nearby Places
- Gopreksheshvara temple
- Sheetla Ghat
