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Best Historic Locations in Varanasi

, 16 Options Found

The Ganga Mahal Ghat never fails to capture the imagination of first-time visitors to the holy city of Varanasi. What else can one do other than marvel at the majestic stone brown building that soars into the blue skies while the fortress-like facade looks down benevolently upon the Ganges, it's bathing pilgrims and the dreamy boats! Watch out for the exquisite stone carvings that reflect Rajput architecture.

Set upon the eastern banks of the River Ganges is the imposing Ramnagar Fort which was built from red sandstone and marble in the 17th Century by Maharajah Balwant Singh. The sprawling complex also includes a couple of temples which enjoy expansive views of the river and of melancholic sunsets which get further compounded by silhouettes of the water buffaloes trudging along forlornly in the distance. A museum within, captivates visitors with its collection of Rolls Royce cars, hunting rifles and palanquins which were used by members of the erstwhile royal family. The Maharajah of Varanasi lives here in his palace which is off-limits to casual tourists. The best time to visit is probably before sunset as this is one of the few attractions in Varanasi which affords visitors sunset views. Entrance to the fort complex itself is free but charges apply for museum entry.

Alternately known as Aurangzeb Mosque or Dharahara Mosque, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)- protected Alamgir Mosque enjoys a superb location along the relatively quieter Panchganga Ghat which is sacred to Hindu bathers. A steep climb will lead you up to one of Varanasi's most celebrated landmarks which pretty much defines the skyline with its spectacular brown minarets. Built by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb upon the site of the Bindu Madhava Temple, legend has it that this structure was actually much taller than its present state, and the Emperor enjoyed views all across to Delhi! While there is no way of verifying this, there remains no doubt that this mosque is a must-visit especially for its unusual architecture manifesting both Hindu and Mughal elements. Its proximity to the nearby Shri Laxmi Narayan Mandir and the newer Bindu Mahadev Temple reflects the co-existence of 2 major world religions - Hinduism and Islam.

A prime location in Ramnagar, Ram Bagh Garden portray the rich lineage of the erstwhile Royal Hose of Banaras. Boasting a history of over 200 years, this serene location is a major venue of the famous 'Ramlila' festival. Rare flora adorn this beautiful site which was a favorite resting place of the Kings of Banaras. The seating area of the King, made of a rare stone, is still intact and is an interesting sight for tourists. Do include this historic garden part of the trip to Ramnagar. Right next to it is the Akshir Sagar Pond and the Durga Temple.

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