Famous Monuments & Museums in Varanasi, UP, India

• 🏯 1. Ramnagar Fort

  Built By: Raja Balwant Singh in the 18th century

  Architecture: Mughal style with carved balconies, courtyards, and pavilions

  Located On: Eastern bank of River Ganges

  Museum Inside: Yes, includes royal palanquins, vintage cars, swords, and manuscripts

  Highlights: Dussera celebration, scenic Ganga view

  🛕 2. Sarnath Monuments & Archaeological Museum

  Significance: Site where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon

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  Key Monuments:

  Dhamek Stupa – major Buddhist relic site

  Ashoka Pillar – National Emblem of India

  Museum:

  Houses ancient Buddhist sculptures and artifacts

  Managed by ASI (Archaeological Survey of India)

  Famous for: The Lion Capital of Ashoka

  🕌 3. Alamgir Mosque (Beni Madhav Ka Darera)

  Built By: Emperor Aurangzeb

  Architecture: Indo-Islamic with massive domes and a scenic river view

  Note: Built over the ruins of a Vishnu temple; symbolizes Varanasi's layered religious past

  🏠 4. Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum (at BHU Campus)

  Affiliated With: Banaras Hindu University (BHU)

  Famous For: Over 100,000 artifacts including miniature paintings, sculptures, textiles, and folk art

  Established: 1920

  Highlights: Mughal miniatures, ancient terracotta, and textile exhibits

  🎨 5. Raja Todar Mal’s Memorial (Near Chowk Area)

  Who Was He: Akbar’s finance minister and a key figure in Indian history

  Historic Importance: Associated with Akbar’s Navaratnas and local legends

  🕍 6. Man Mandir Observatory (Jantar Mantar, Varanasi)

  Built By: Maharaja Jai Singh II in the 18th century

  Purpose: Astronomical observatory

  Location: Near Dashashwamedh Ghat

  Features: Ancient instruments to measure time, altitude, and celestial movements

  Viewpoint: Offers panoramic view of River Ganga

  🛕 7. Chunar Fort (near Varanasi, about 30 km away)

  Strategic Location: On the banks of the Ganges

  Historic Relevance: Used by Sher Shah Suri, Mughals, and British

  Architecture: Blend of Mughal and Rajput styles

  Trivia: Shooting location for several Bollywood films.