Ramnagar Fort Varanasi
Ramnagar Fort was built in 1750 in Mughal style by Kashi Naresh Raja Balwant Singh. The fort is a presidential palace for the current king of Varanasi, Anant Narayan Singh.
It is located opposite the Tulsi Ghat at the bank of river Ganga. The palace has good connectivity to nearby tourist attractions like Dashashwamedh Ghat and Banaras Hindu University.
The fort has a beautiful garden, intricately carved pavilions, but only a part of the fort is open for public viewing. To indicate the presence of the king in the fort the flag is raised.
Within the premises of the fort is a museum known as Saraswati Bhawan, which has a rare collection of American Vintage cars, medieval costumes, bejeweled sedan chairs, and gold embroidered palkis.
What to See
Architectural Splendor: As you enter, the fort's Mughal-style architecture, with its intricate balconies, open courtyards, and pavilions, will captivate you. Notice the blend of Indian and Islamic architectural styles that give this fort its unique appearance.
The Museum: The fort houses a museum that is a treasure trove of royal collections. From vintage American cars to an impressive weaponry section, and from royal palanquins to an exquisite clock collection, the museum offers a peek into the lavish lifestyle of the Maharajas.
The Vyas Temple: Inside the fort complex, you will find the Vyas Temple dedicated to Ved Vyas, the author of the Indian epic Mahabharata. The temple, adorned with beautiful frescoes, is a sight to behold.
The Clock Tower: Another fascinating feature is the clock tower which displays not just the time, but also the year, month, week, day, and astronomical data about the sun, moon, and stars.
The Durbar Hall: Used for public and private audiences by the Maharajas, the Durbar Hall is beautifully adorned and often serves as a venue for cultural events.
The Ganga Aarti: While this is not part of the fort, your trip to Ramnagar Fort is incomplete without witnessing the Ganga Aarti, a spiritual ritual performed on the banks of the river.
Best time to Visit:
The ideal time to visit Ramnagar Fort is between October and March when the weather is pleasant. However, if you want to witness the fort in its full cultural glory, plan your visit during the Dussehra festival, usually in October, when the fort becomes the center of grand celebrations.
Ramnagar Fort Timings & Schedule
Opening Time | 10:00 A.M. |
Closing Time | 5:00 P.M. |
Ramnagar Fort | All Days Open |
Entry Fee Ramnagar Fort
Entry Fee (Indian) | Free |
Entry Fee (SAARC and BIMSTEC) | Free |
Entry Fee (Foreigner ) | Free |
Entry Below (Children Below Age 15) | Free |
How to Reach Ramnagar Fort
The fort is located about 14 km from Varanasi city center. You can easily reach there by hiring a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or by taking a boat ride across the Ganges, which is a scenic and popular option.
Nearest Airport | Varanasi Airport Terminal, Babatpur, Uttar Pradesh (33 KM) |
Nearest Metro Station | NA |
Nearest Railway Station | Varanasi Junction Railway Station (10 kms) |
Nearest Bus Stand | Tengra Mod Bus Stop, Varanasi |
Ramnagar Fort Address:
Varanasi Road, Purana, Ramnagar, Uttar Pradesh 221008