The quaint looking Outram ghat located to the south of Babughat is one of Kolkata's premier riverside entertainment spots. In many ways, the Outram Ghat is a multipurpose ghat. You can bathe, can conduct ceremonies of birth and death and during the festive season, idols can also be immersed at Outram Ghat.

Outram Ghat does have a colonial touch in that the ghat is dedicated in memory of Sir James Outram who was a brave general of the mighty British empire. James Outram originally hailed from Derbyshire, England and had come to India as a foot soldier of the British East India Company. He rose to the highest military position by dint of his bravery, dedication and commitment. Towards the end of his career, he was also bestowed with the title of "Sir" from the British monarchy.

In the past, Outram Ghat was the port of call for many foreign cargo vessels which anchored at the Outram Ghat jetty. Due to its strategic location, this beautifulghat was much preferred by the British gentry as well as the quintessential Bengali babus and rich Bengali zamindars.

Ask any elderly Kolkatan about Outram Ghat and he would go absolutely nostalgic of the good old times when this ghat was the most sought after rendezvous point in the whole of Kolkata.

Even today, despite lack of maintenance, Outram Ghat is choc-a-bloc with morning and evening jaywalkers who seem to enjoy the enchanting spectacle of the colossal Howrah Bridge at a distance and the gentle sweep of the majestic Hooghly river down below.

Try to coincide your trip to Outram Ghat during the festive season (October-November) particularly during Durga Puja and Diwali or Kali Puja as the Bengalis refer to. The fascinating beauty of idol immersion at Outram Ghat is something worth going miles to see. Of course, the idol immersions are crowded affairs with thousands converging at Outram Ghat to see the idols for one last time before the actual immersion.

A shot in the arm of Bengal's tourism industry has been the launch of a "Floatel" or waterfront hangout,which is located besides Scoop - the ice cream parlor at Outram Ghat.

The vessel aptly named Cuisine Cruise is anchored at the Outram ghat jetty from 10 A.M to 8 P.M. every day. You would do well to purchase an all inclusive ticket which is competitively priced at Rs.50/- per person which in turn can be redeemed at the food stalls on board.

Ideally, Sunday is the most appropriate time to board the "Floatel" because every Sunday the vessel takes off for a fascinating riverinetrip all the way from Shutanuti Ghat, Baghbazaar to Belur Math and vice versa. The Sunday package can be availed at a cost of Rs. 300/- per head which is inclusive of snacks and a sumptuous Bengali meal.

As you gulp your melt-in-mouth rossogollas on board,the ethereal riverside views of Kolkata and its suburbs gradually appear before your eyes like a veil slipping from the face of a beautiful Bengali bride. The riverside views will captivate you with their legendary charm as it did to travelers of the bygone era.