Photo spot in Varanasi
Ramnagar Fort
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
An 18th-century riverside fort of the Kashi Naresh across the Ganga, weathered and atmospheric, with a quirky royal museum.
Best time
Late afternoon from a boat, when the sun lights the sandstone walls facing the river; sunset for warm colour on the towers.
Best angle
Take a boat to the middle of the river and photograph the fort's long riverside wall and white towers, with its steps running down to the water.
Entry fee
₹20 (Indian) / ₹150 (foreign)
Opening hours
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Crowd level
Low
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Ramnagar Fort
Late afternoon from a boat, when the sun lights the sandstone walls facing the river; sunset for warm colour on the towers. Crowds here are typically low. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for Ramnagar Fort
Take a boat to the middle of the river and photograph the fort's long riverside wall and white towers, with its steps running down to the water. Work a few of the pose ideas below, shoot wide for context and tight for detail, and give yourself a couple of extra minutes to get the frame right.
On the riverside ramparts
In the fort courtyards
Outfit guide
What to wear at Ramnagar Fort
For photos at Ramnagar Fort, ochre, white and indigo work beautifully — they stand out against the setting without fighting it. Pick one hero colour and keep the rest of the look calm so you stay the subject of the frame.
Best outfit colors for photos
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Eat nearby
Food near Ramnagar Fort
Round out the visit with something to eat. Look for litti chokha nearby, or settle in at one of the 1 restaurants close by.
Special dishes to try
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Good to know
Local tips
Take a boat from the ghats one way to see the fort's river face, and return by road.
Go in the afternoon, when the western sun lights the walls facing the river.
Ask at the counter whether photography is allowed in the museum before you take photos.
Check the closing time before you set out, as the museum shuts in the late afternoon.
Look for the astronomical clock, the museum's most unusual piece.
Visit during the Ramlila weeks in September and October for the evening performances in the town.
Eat litti chokha on the way back rather than at the fort, where food options are few.
The Maharaja's fort
Ramnagar Fort stands on the east bank of the Ganga, across and a little upstream from Assi, facing the city. It was built in 1750 by Balwant Singh, the Kashi Naresh or Maharaja of Kashi, from cream-coloured Chunar sandstone. The family still lives in part of it, so only the museum and some courtyards are open. It is weathered rather than grand, which is much of its appeal.
The museum
The Saraswati Bhawan museum fills the old durbar hall and nearby rooms. You will find vintage American cars, palanquins, silver elephant saddles, costumes, hookahs and a large collection of swords and guns. The piece people remember is an astronomical clock from 1852, which shows the time, the date and the positions of the sun, moon and planets. The displays are dusty and lightly labelled, and photography inside may be restricted, so ask at the ticket counter.
Getting there
By road, cross the Ramnagar bridge near Samne Ghat; it is about 10 minutes from BHU. A boat from Dashashwamedh takes about an hour and gives you the fort's river face, the best view of it. In the monsoon, when boats are suspended, the road is the only way.
The Ramlila
Every year around Dussehra, Ramnagar stages a Ramlila that runs for about a month, with different parts of the town playing the scenes of the Ramayana. The Maharaja traditionally attends. In 2026 it began on 25 September and runs into late October. The fort is at its busiest in those weeks.
The temples inside
The fort holds a temple of Veda Vyasa and a south-facing Hanuman temple. Remove your shoes and ask before taking photos.
Questions
Ramnagar Fort — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Ramnagar Fort?
Late afternoon from a boat, when the sun lights the sandstone walls facing the river; sunset for warm colour on the towers. Take a boat to the middle of the river and photograph the fort's long riverside wall and white towers, with its steps running down to the water.
Is there an entry fee at Ramnagar Fort?
Entry to Ramnagar Fort costs ₹20 (Indian) / ₹150 (foreign). Prices change, so treat that as a guide and confirm at the counter.
What are the opening hours of Ramnagar Fort?
Ramnagar Fort is open 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
What should I wear at Ramnagar Fort?
Ochre, white and indigo photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does Ramnagar Fort get?
Crowd levels are typically low. To miss the busiest window: late afternoon from a boat, when the sun lights the sandstone walls facing the river; sunset for warm colour on the towers.
What food should I try near Ramnagar Fort?
Try litti chokha, available at nearby restaurants.
How do I get to Ramnagar Fort from the ghats?
By road across the Ramnagar bridge, about 10 minutes from BHU, or by boat from Dashashwamedh, about an hour upstream. Boats do not run when the river is high in the monsoon.
What is inside the Ramnagar Fort museum?
Vintage cars, palanquins, silver elephant saddles, costumes, weapons and an astronomical clock from 1852. Much of it belongs to the Maharajas of Kashi, who still live in part of the fort.
Does the royal family still live in Ramnagar Fort?
Yes, in a private part of the fort. Visitors can see the museum, the courtyards and the temples.
When is the Ramnagar Ramlila?
Around Dussehra, for about a month. In 2026 it began on 25 September and runs into late October, with Dussehra on 20 October.