BrijRama Palace is a luxury heritage hotel set within an early-19th-century palace that rises directly above Darbhanga Ghat, Dashashwamedh, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001. The sandstone riverfront haveli was later associated with the royal family of Darbhanga, after whom the ghat is named. It is now run by Brij Hotels. Travelers choose it to wake above the Ganges, watch dawn rituals from carved balconies and reach Varanasi’s most sacred ghats on foot.
What to Expect at BrijRama Palace
The palace climbs in tiers of honey-colored stone from the river steps. Its arched galleries, latticed jharokha windows and inner courtyards have been restored rather than modernized. Rooms are conceived as retreats, finished with carved stone, silk accents, vaulted ceilings and copper-toned details. The building sits between Dashashwamedh and Kedar ghats, so the sound of temple bells and boatmen is constant from first light.
The room ladder suits different travelers. The approximately 270 sq. ft. Vasundhara Room, reached by a private palace corridor, works for solo travelers and couples on shorter stays. The turreted Varuna Burj Suites set in the riverside bastion appeal to honeymooners. The approximately 425 sq. ft. Maharaja Suite has separate sitting and dining areas for milestone trips. Dining focuses on vegetarian North Indian and Banarasi cooking, in keeping with the sacred riverfront setting. Days are paced by rooftop yoga, river excursions and guided walks.
- Varuna Burj viewing turret: A semi-circular bastion suite with a 180-degree outlook over the Ganges and the city.
- Maharaja Suite: The palace’s largest room, with a four-poster king bed and river-facing layout.
- Rooftop yoga: Sunrise sessions above the ghats as boats drift past.
- Ganga Aarti access: The evening fire ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat is a short walk along the river steps.
- Heritage architecture: Carved stone balconies, vaulted corridors and courtyards dating to the early 1800s.
BrijRama Palace at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Darbhanga Ghat, Dashashwamedh, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Dashashwamedh, central ghats |
| Operating Hours | Open 24 hours; confirm check-in and check-out times with the hotel |
| Admission / Price Range | 5-star luxury, $$$$ |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 2 to 3 nights |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Cars stop near Godowlia; finish on foot, by cycle-rickshaw or by boat. Varanasi Junction is about 5 km away and the airport is about 25 km away |
| Official Website & Phone | brijhotels.com, +91 70840 07007 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Book well ahead for October to March, and especially for Dev Deepawali in November, when river-view suites sell out. Vehicles cannot reach the ghat, so arrange a hotel transfer that includes porters, or arrive by boat. Access involves steep ghat steps and level changes inside the palace. Guests with limited mobility should call ahead to request a lower-floor room and assistance.
Within a 5 to 15 minute walk you can reach Dashashwamedh Ghat for the evening aarti and the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple via its corridor. Meer Ghat sits just upstream. The Kashi Dham Museum at Brahma Ghat and Godowlia’s street-food lanes make easy pairings.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to stay?
October to March brings cool mornings that suit sunrise boat rides and rooftop yoga. During the monsoon months of July to September, high water can submerge the lower ghats.
How much does a room cost?
Rates sit in the five-star luxury tier and rise for the suites and festival dates. Check live rates on the official Brij Hotels site.
How long should I stay?
Two to three nights allows a sunrise boat ride, an evening aarti and an old-city walk.
Is it suitable for families or wheelchair users?
Older children enjoy the riverfront setting, but the steep steps make it difficult for strollers and wheelchairs. Modest dress is respectful at the nearby temples.
When planning your Varanasi travel guide or browsing verified hotels in Varanasi, pair this stop with standout local spots including Shivala Ghat, Pearl Courtyard, Bowl of Compassion ( Cafe ), and Aadha-Aadha Café (nearby).
