Ramnagar Fort

The Ramnagar Fort is a magnificent fortification located on the eastern bank of the Ganges River in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Built in 1750 by Maharaja Balwant Singh, the fort is an excellent example of Mughal-inspired architecture. The fort is constructed with creamy-colored Chunar sandstone and features carved balconies, open courtyards, and picturesque pavilions.

The fort houses the Veda Vyasa Temple, dedicated to the sage who is believed to have resided here during the Mahabharata period. It also contains a museum known as Saraswati Bhawan, which showcases a fascinating collection of American vintage cars, bejeweled sedan chairs, ivory work, medieval costumes, and royal palanquins.

The fort's Durbar Hall, once the public audience hall, is now part of the museum.

Only a part of the fort is open to the public, as the rest serves as the residence of the current king, Anant Narayan Singh. The fort is particularly vibrant during the one-month-long Ram Lila festival, where episodes from the Ramayana are enacted, and antique displays of royal possessions are showcased.