HeritageRamnagar, east bank of the Ganga
Ramnagar Fort
The Kashi Naresh's fort across the Ganga, with a museum of vintage cars and old weapons.
About
Built in the mid-18th century by Raja Balwant Singh, Ramnagar Fort is the ancestral home of the Maharaja of Banaras (Kashi Naresh). Made of cream-coloured sandstone, it rises straight out of the Ganga on the opposite bank from the ghats.
Part of the fort is a museum with vintage cars, silver palanquins, royal costumes, old weapons and a rare astronomical clock. The royal family still lives in another part of the fort.
Every year around Dussehra, Ramnagar hosts its famous month-long Ramlila, performed across different spots in the town as it has been for about two centuries.
Don't miss
- Vintage car collection
- Royal palanquins and costumes
- Astronomical clock
- Sunset view over the Ganga
- Ramnagar Ramlila (Dussehra)
Travel tips
- Combine with BHU or Assi Ghat since they're on the same side of the city.
- Photography rules inside the museum change; check at the counter.
- Try the local lassi and snacks in Ramnagar market.
Location
Ramnagar, east bank of the Ganga
Nearby places
GhatAssi Ghat
Subah-e-Banaras, yoga and kulhad chai. The calmest mornings in the city are found here.
- Timings: Subah-e-Banaras starts around 5 AM (earlier in summer)
- Entry: Free
TempleSankat Mochan Temple
An ancient Hanuman temple linked to Tulsidas. Tuesdays and Saturdays are the busiest.
- Timings: Roughly 5 AM to 10 PM (closed briefly in the afternoon)
- Entry: Free
HeritageSarnath
Where the Buddha gave his first sermon. Keep half a day for the Dhamek Stupa and the museum.
- Timings: Sunrise to sunset; the museum is closed on Fridays
- Entry: ASI ticket for the stupa site: about ₹25 for Indians and ₹300 for foreigners (a little less online); free for children under 15. The museum has a separate small ticket