Private journeys in seven lands · a planner replies within one working day

Tales of Luxury
UP & Biharpalace hotelBrij Hotels

BrijRama Palace

A restored early 19th-century palace on Darbhanga Ghat, directly above the Ganges, a short walk from the evening aarti at Dashashwamedh. It is the best place to stay for travellers who want to live on the river.
BrijRama Palace
Photo: juggadery · CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

BrijRama Palace rises from the steps of Darbhanga Ghat, one of the grandest façades on the Varanasi river front. Built in the early 19th century and later owned by the royal family of Darbhanga, it was restored as a heritage hotel, with stone courtyards, arched windows and rooms that look over the river or into the palace.

Living on the ghats changes the experience of Varanasi. You wake to temple bells and boatmen, step down to a waiting boat at dawn and walk a few minutes to Dashashwamedh for the aarti. Cars cannot reach the ghat, so arrival is by boat or on foot with porters. Rooms vary in size and view, so we book river-facing rooms where possible.

Why we book it

  1. Directly on the ghats above the Ganges
  2. Walk to the evening aarti at Dashashwamedh
  3. Boats from the palace steps at dawn

Questions travellers ask

Good to know

Can cars reach BrijRama Palace?

No. Like all hotels on the Varanasi ghats, BrijRama Palace cannot be reached by car. Guests arrive by boat from a nearby ghat or walk the last stretch with porters carrying luggage. We arrange the transfer, usually by boat, which makes a fine first view of the city.

Is BrijRama Palace noisy?

Being on the ghats means you will hear temple bells, chanting and the city's early rhythm, which many guests love. Inner rooms are quieter than those directly above the ghat. Light sleepers may prefer a night or two at Taj Nadesar Palace in the cantonment.

Is BrijRama Palace suitable for older travellers?

It involves steps, both on the ghats and within the palace, and arrival is by boat or on foot. Travellers with limited mobility may find it challenging. We discuss rooms and access in advance and suggest Taj Nadesar Palace or Taj Ganges where steps are a concern.

Begin a journey

Tell us the tale you want

Dates, who is travelling and what you hope to feel. A planner replies within one working day with a first route and an indicative price.

  • No payment to startPay a deposit only when you book
  • Itemised written quoteEvery hotel, car and guide listed
  • One plannerFrom first call to last transfer
  • Change anythingEvery route is a starting point

Get a first route and price

Within one working day. No payment to start.

We reply by email. See our privacy policy.

Plan my journey