Imagine this: the gentle aroma of the Ganges rising as the sun peeks over the horizon. A wooden boat glides across the calm water, taking you to a stunning palace that seems to come alive from an old Indian fairytale. It’s not just about arriving at a hotel; this is a real experience. You start at the sacred ghats of Varanasi and find yourself at a magnificent palace built in 1812, standing tall on Darbhanga Ghat. This place has stories to tell—tales of kings and their ministers echoing in its every nook.
Once inside, the palace enchants. The mirrorwork walls gleam softly, and traditional diya lamps cast warm shadows in the marbled corridors. It beautifully blends Maratha elegance with Greco-Roman charm. Those sandstone pillars and intricate carvings invite you to wonder what secrets the walls hold, especially when the crowd thins out. The central atrium is a sight to behold, where sunlight pours through openings above, illuminating life-sized statues of Radha and Krishna. It feels like stepping into a history book where whispers of the past linger on the breeze.
Did you know that this palace has one of the first elevators installed in Asia? It feels like a ride back in time, contrasting beautifully with the scent of fresh masala tea floating through the halls. The décor features hand-painted frescoes and thekaris, recalling designs from the 1940s. Every glance reveals 18th-century artworks, and it feels like you’re not just staying here; you’re living history.
The 32 rooms offer more than just a place to sleep; they provide a complete experience in Banarasi style. Rich jewel tones mix with antique wooden furniture. I stayed in the ‘Varuna Burj Room,’ sitting at the edge of the palace. It boasts a panoramic view of the Ganges that feels almost cinematic. Each morning, the sunrise bathes the room in a gentle light, making time feel irrelevant. The corridors sparkle with mirrorwork, and at night, the ambiance transforms into something almost sacred. Here, every antique item has a story, offering a glimpse of nostalgia.
The heart of this palace is the stunning ‘Bada Aangan,’ where art performances take place regularly. Imagine classical music and graceful kathak dancers performing under the golden arches. This place captures the true spirit of Varanasi.
Let’s talk food. At Kamalya Terrace, the views of the Ganges are picture-perfect, but the real star is the cuisine. The main restaurant, Darbhanga, offers vegetarian dishes, staying true to the sacred nature of the area. The Banarasi thali bursts with flavor, featuring rich dum aloo, zesty matar nimona, and crispy sago papads, all topped off with the famous Banarasi paan. If you’re in the mood for international cuisine, the chef can whip up anything from Thai to Italian.
Now, Aangan is something special. Dining here is an experience in itself, featuring a 10-course feast that’ll leave you in awe. Each dish, from the ancient-inspired ‘achappam crisps’ to the elegant ceviche, combines tradition and creativity. And the desserts? Wow. The ‘saffron malaiyo’ is light and airy, and the ‘rasmalai tres leches’ will spark memories with every bite. After a Ganga Aarti, enjoying a meal here warms both the heart and soul.
In a nutshell, Brijrama Palace seamlessly combines royal heritage with modern luxury. It’s a place that makes you feel connected to the vibrant cultural history of Varanasi.
Address: Darbhanga Ghat, Dashashwamedha, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
Phone: +918069057704
Website: brijhotels.com/hotels/siddhi/brijrama-palace
