Built in 1750, the Ramnagar Fort is one of the most visited places in Varanasi, India

The Ramnagar Fort is a fortification in Ramnagar, 14km from Varanasi in India.

It is situated near the Ganga River on its eastern bank, opposite the Tulsi Ghat.

*Ramnagar Fort at Varanasi. Photo Credit*

The fortification was built in the Mughal style by Kashi Naresh Raja Bawalt Singh, and was his home throughout the eighteenth century.

It houses the Veda Vyasa Temple, a museum, and the king’s residential complex. Facing towards the south, there is also a temple of Hanuman named, Dakshin Mukhi temple.

The Maharaja's Fort, front view, 1869. Photo Credit — *The Maharaja’s Fort, front view, 1869.*

The Ramnagar fort has many carved balconies, pavilions, and open courtyards. At the end of the flight of steps are an archway and many courtyards leading to the white tower.

The Durbar Hall and reception rooms are on one side. And the Maharaja’s residence is on the other side.Only when the Maharaja is in his private residence, the flag on the fort is raised.Anant Narayan Singh is the current Maharaja of the Ramnagar Fort.

*The Ramnagar Fort was built by Kashi Naresh Raja Balwant Singh in 1750. Photo Credit*

The museum of the fort, known as Saraswati Bhawan, used to be the Durbar Hall or the Public Audience Hall.

It is well known for its rare collections of bejeweled sedan chairs, American vintage cars, medieval costumes, weaponry section and silver and gold brocaded Royal Palakis.

*Inscriptions on the outer ramparts of the fort date it to the seventeenth century. Photo Credit*

A rare astronomical clock made in 1852 shows not only the time but also the year, month, week and day, and the astronomical details of the Moon, the Sun and the constellation of stars.The clock was made by the Astronomer at the Court of the Royal Palace of Varanasi.

*It is located near the Ganga River on its eastern bank. Photo Credit*

The fort palace is filled with people during the month-long ‘Ram Lila’ festival where different episodes of Ramayana are enacted.

At the ceremony, people burn a dummy of the demon king Ravana which represents the victory of good and evil.Other festivals held in the fort are in the month of Magh in the Veda Vyasa temple where pilgrims visit Ramnagar.

A festival called Raj Mangal is held in the fort in the month of Phagun with a procession of boats and people, dancing and singing.

Rambagh Garden with in the Ramnagar fort, 1905. — *Rambagh Garden within the Ramnagar fort, 1905.*

The fort is visited almost every day of the year because of its scenic location on the banks of the Ganges.

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It is frequently used as an outdoor shooting location for movies.