Ramnagar Fort Varanasi
A historic sandstone fort on the Ganges, once a royal residence, now housing a museum with vintage cars and weapons.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Ramnagar Fort Varanasi
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic sandstone fort on the Ganges, once a royal residence, now housing a museum with vintage cars and weapons.
"Stunning place to visit, learn about Maharaja life, luxury, faith, and legacy."
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Photos are allowed outside, but not in exhibition rooms. Capture the fort's stunning exterior and river views!
⚔️ Weapon Enthusiast's Dream
Explore a unique collection of historical weapons and armor in the museum.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Royal Museum
Inside the fort
Discover vintage cars, royal costumes, and an impressive armory showcasing historical weapons.
Architectural Grandeur
Exterior and courtyards
Admire the Mughal-style sandstone architecture with intricate carvings, balconies, and open courtyards.
Ganges River Views
Eastern bank of Ganges
Enjoy scenic views of the Ganges River from the fort's strategic location, opposite Tulsi Ghat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Fort Maintenance and Visitor Expectations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Photos are allowed outside, but not in exhibition rooms. Capture the fort's stunning exterior and river views! 
⚔️ Weapon Enthusiast's Dream
Explore a unique collection of historical weapons and armor in the museum.
🚗 Vintage Car Collection
Don't miss the impressive display of vintage cars owned by the royal family.
💧 Refreshment Break
Consider bringing your own water or snacks, as refreshment corners are limited.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Photos are allowed outside, but not in exhibition rooms. Capture the fort's stunning exterior and river views!
⚔️ Weapon Enthusiast's Dream
Explore a unique collection of historical weapons and armor in the museum.
🚗 Vintage Car Collection
Don't miss the impressive display of vintage cars owned by the royal family.
💧 Refreshment Break
Consider bringing your own water or snacks, as refreshment corners are limited.
🚶♀️ Explore the Ghats
Combine your fort visit with a walk along the nearby Ganges ghats for a fuller Varanasi experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ramnagar Fort is praised for its stunning sandstone architecture, historical significance, and unique museum exhibits, including vintage cars and weapons. Visitors appreciate the riverside views and its connection to the 'Mirzapur' series. However, some reviewers note that the fort could benefit from better maintenance and cleanliness.
"Very beautiful fort connected to the ganga ghat in the basement. There is many unique weapons in the museum but not well maintained. The car and carriage collection is also good but their condition is worse. Overall the place is very good specially for weapon enthusiastics."
UTTAM GUHA
"The Ramnagar Fort could really use some maintenance it felt like the place isn’t taken care of properly. A bit more cleanliness would definitely make a difference. There isn’t too much to explore inside, but the fort looks pretty nice from the outside and is good for taking photos. Overall, an okay experience but not something too revisit."
priyanka kumari
"It’s a stunning place to visit. You will learn the precious life of Indian Maharaja in the old days. Life is full of faith, spiritual, luxury and legacy.
I am in love with the delicate design and attention to detail function and usage which demonstrate the styling and taste of the owner.
Photos are not allowed within the exhibition rooms but outside are ok.
The only recommendation I would add is to have a small refreshing corner to serve Indian tradition refreshing after a long walk."
Krobkeaw Panyarachun
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ramnagar Fort is located on the eastern bank of the Ganges, opposite Tulsi Ghat. You can reach it by auto-rickshaw, taxi, or even a boat ride across the river. Many visitors combine a visit to the fort with exploring the ghats.
Auto-rickshaws and local buses are common modes of transport to reach the vicinity of Ramnagar Fort from various parts of Varanasi.
For convenience, hiring an auto-rickshaw or a taxi is recommended. Negotiate the fare beforehand. Some travelers also enjoy a boat ride across the Ganges to reach the fort.
Ramnagar Fort is situated a few kilometers from the main city of Varanasi, across the Ganges River. The travel time can vary depending on traffic conditions.
The fort is located opposite Tulsi Ghat and is a prominent landmark on the eastern bank of the Ganges. It's also famously associated with the filming of the 'Mirzapur' series.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While specific entry fees can vary, there is typically a nominal charge to enter the fort and its museum. It's advisable to check for the latest pricing upon arrival.
Ramnagar Fort is generally open to visitors during daylight hours. However, it's best to confirm the exact timings, as they might change seasonally or for special events.
Currently, there is no widely advertised online ticketing system for Ramnagar Fort. Tickets are usually purchased at the fort's entrance.
To avoid crowds and enjoy better photography, visiting in the early morning or late afternoon is recommended. The cooler months from October to March are ideal.
Photography is generally permitted in the outdoor areas of Ramnagar Fort, including the architecture and river views. However, photos are not allowed inside the exhibition rooms of the museum.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior of the fort, its intricate carvings, courtyards, and the panoramic views of the Ganges River offer excellent photography opportunities. The golden hour light is particularly beautiful.
No, photography is not allowed inside the exhibition rooms of the Ramnagar Fort museum. This is to protect the artifacts.
Ramnagar Fort is known for its historical architecture, royal artifacts, and its scenic location by the Ganges. It's also recognized as a filming location for popular Indian web series.
Yes, the fort's unique sandstone architecture and riverside setting make it a picturesque location, especially for those interested in historical and cultural photography.
The early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, creating a warm, golden glow on the sandstone. This also coincides with fewer visitors.
🎫 🏛️ History & Culture
Ramnagar Fort was built in 1750 by Kashi Naresh Maharaja Balwant Singh in the Mughal style, using creamy-colored Chunar sandstone.
It served as the ancestral residence of the Maharaja of Banaras (Kashi Naresh) and showcases the royal lifestyle, faith, and legacy of Indian rulers.
The museum houses a collection of vintage cars, royal costumes, weapons, and historical artifacts that offer a glimpse into the life of the Maharajas.
Yes, the current king and resident of the fort is Anant Narayan Singh, who is also known as the Maharaja of Benares.
Yes, Ramnagar Fort is famously known as a filming location for the popular Indian web series 'Mirzapur'.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the fort's historical significance is immense, it's worth noting that some areas might require closer supervision with younger children due to the nature of the exhibits and the riverside location. Bringing snacks and water is advisable, as amenities within the fort are limited. The overall experience can be a memorable educational outing, especially if framed as an adventure into a royal past.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+2While photography is restricted inside the museum rooms, the exterior and surrounding areas are perfect for capturing the fort's grandeur and its connection to the sacred river. The fort's association with the filming of 'Mirzapur' also adds a popular culture angle for photographers interested in iconic Indian filming locations.
+2🎬 Fans of 'Mirzapur'
+2While the fort itself is a historical monument, its role in 'Mirzapur' has made it a pilgrimage site for fans. Imagine the characters walking through these courtyards and corridors as you explore. It's a chance to step into the world of 'Mirzapur' and see the real-life backdrop that brought the series to life.
+2Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Royal Museum
While the collections are rich with historical significance, some visitors have noted that the museum could benefit from enhanced maintenance and cleanliness. Despite this, the sheer variety and historical value of the exhibits make it a compelling part of the Ramnagar Fort experience. It provides a unique insight into the luxurious and legacy-filled lives of Indian royalty.
For those interested in the 'Mirzapur' series, the fort's association with its filming adds another layer of intrigue. The museum's contents, particularly the weapons and the fort's imposing structure, have served as a backdrop for dramatic scenes, making it a point of interest for fans of the show.
+2Architectural Marvels and Riverside Charm
+2The fort's layout and design are not just aesthetically pleasing but also functional, reflecting the needs and lifestyle of the royal family. Visitors can wander through its various sections, imagining life within its walls centuries ago. The contrast between the robust sandstone structure and the serene flow of the Ganges creates a picturesque setting, especially during sunrise and sunset.
+1This architectural beauty has also caught the eye of filmmakers. The fort's imposing presence and historical ambiance have made it a sought-after location for shooting Indian films and web series, most notably the popular show 'Mirzapur'. This association adds a contemporary cultural relevance to the ancient structure, drawing in fans eager to see the real-life settings of their favorite shows.
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