Brijrama Palace

Top choice in Varanasi

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This meticulously renovated riverfront palace, built in 1812 and known as the Darbhanga Mahal, is simply exquisite. From the period chandeliers to the oriental rugs to the carved stone columns and artwork on the walls, this is the most authentic and luxurious heritage hotel along the ghats. Its Darbhanga restaurant may well be the best in Varanasi.

Enter from the ghats by elevator – the original was one of India's first, hoisted by horse and pulley! Nonguests are not allowed beyond the ground floor.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

  • Boats on River Ganges

    Manikarnika Ghat

    0.49 MILES

    Manikarnika Ghat, the main burning ghat, is the most auspicious place for a Hindu to be cremated. Dead bodies are handled by outcasts known as doms, and…

  • 500px Photo ID: 130892773 - Photographed at Assi Ghat, Varanasi

    Assi Ghat

    1.14 MILES

    The furthest south of the main ghats and one of the biggest, Assi Ghat is particularly important as the River Assi meets the Ganges near here and pilgrims…

  • Dashashwamedh Ghat

    Dashashwamedh Ghat

    0.05 MILES

    Varanasi’s liveliest and most colourful ghat. The name indicates that Brahma sacrificed (medh) 10 (das) horses (aswa) here. In spite of the persistent…

  • Harishchandra Ghat

    Harishchandra Ghat

    0.53 MILES

    Harishchandra Ghat is a cremation ghat – smaller and secondary in importance to Manikarnika, but one of the oldest ghats in Varanasi.

  • The Golden Temple of Vishwanath, holiest temple in Varanasi (formerly Benares), entry forbidden to non-Hindus, Uttar Pradesh, India, Asia

    Vishwanath Temple

    0.37 MILES

    There are temples at almost every turn in Varanasi, but this is the most famous of the lot. It is dedicated to Vishveswara – Shiva as lord of the universe…

  • Vishwanath Temple

    Banares Hindu University

    2.87 MILES

    Long regarded as a centre of learning, Varanasi’s tradition of top-quality education continues today at Banares Hindu University, established in 1916. The…

  • Dhamekh Stupa & Monastery Ruins

    Dhamekh Stupa & Monastery Ruins

    5.26 MILES

    Set in a peaceful park containing monastery ruins is this impressive 34m stupa, marking the spot where the Buddha preached his first sermon. The floral…

  • Archaeological Museum

    Archaeological Museum

    5.15 MILES

    This fully modernised, 100-year-old sandstone museum houses wonderfully displayed ancient treasures, such as the very well-preserved, 3rd-century-BC lion…

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Nearby Varanasi attractions

1. Munshi Ghat

Munshi Ghat – also known as Darbhanga Ghat – is one of the more photogenic ghats along the old town stretch of the Ganges in Varanasi.

2. Ahalya Bai's Ghat

0.02 MILES

This minor ghat was named after the female Maratha ruler of Indore.

3. Dashashwamedh Ghat

0.05 MILES

Varanasi’s liveliest and most colourful ghat. The name indicates that Brahma sacrificed (medh) 10 (das) horses (aswa) here. In spite of the persistent…

4. Man Mandir Ghat

0.16 MILES

Just north of Dashashwamedh Ghat, Man Mandir Ghat was built in 1600 by Raja Man Singh and later housed an observatory. The northern corner of the ghat has…

5. Pandhey Ghat

0.16 MILES

Lots of laundry is spread to dry at this ghat along the Ganges.

6. Vishwanath Temple

0.37 MILES

There are temples at almost every turn in Varanasi, but this is the most famous of the lot. It is dedicated to Vishveswara – Shiva as lord of the universe…

8. Gate 2

0.37 MILES

Foreigners should enter gate 2 (the Hindu exit) for access to Vishwanath Temple.