Try this. The scent of the Ganges mist rises with the sun as beautiful wooden boats pass through glass surfaces towards palaces restored to their former glory, straight out of an old Indian fairy tale. It’s more than just arriving at a hotel, it’s an experience that feels undeniably elegant. A journey that begins in the labyrinth of Varanasi’s sacred ghats and ends on the grand staircase of this luxurious palace (built in 1812), graced by the Darbhanga Ghats, whispers stories of kings and ministers, and tells history etched in every pillar and courtyard.
Hotel
Inside the palace, there is a whisper and enchantment, from the gentle glow of the mirrored walls to the flickering of diya lamps casting golden shadows on the marble patio. Its architectural authenticity is an elegant homage to Maratha majesty with elements of Greco-Roman eccentricity. There’s something about these sandstone columns and river dolphin carvings that makes you wonder if the walls themselves are having a conversation when the crowds disappear. And the central atrium! Sun-dappled light pours in through the opening at the top, creating patterns on the life-sized statues of Radha and Krishna that sit serenely in the small niches of the temple. It’s like stepping into a time capsule, where each whisper of the wind conveys secrets from a distant and glorious past.
One of the first elevators installed in Asia, it’s like stepping into a historical version of a time machine, an interesting contrast to the aroma of freshly brewed masala tea wafting lazily through the palace corridors. A perfect blend of preservation and sophistication, it’s an architectural love letter with hand-painted frescoes, intricate shiny artwork, and a ceiling adorned with wood-bladed fans dating back to the 1940s. These 18th-century works of art seem to hold secrets from another era, giving off a sense of antiquity at every glance. It’s not just a place to stay, it’s a place where history comes alive, a place where you quite literally ‘live with the past’.
room
Our 32 rooms offer more than just accommodation, they offer a carefully selected experience steeped in the grandeur of Banarasi. The jewel tones of the silks are matched with antique wooden furniture, creating an elegant tension between old world decor and understated modern comfort. I stayed in the “Bastion” or “Varna Burj Room” at the end of the palace. It was as if the emperor was inspecting his territory. The semicircular expanse creates a cinematic “180-degree panorama” of the Ganges River, as if the crescent river were the scene at the beginning of a lifelong journey. The morning began with the soft glow of the sunrise over the Ghats, painting the walls in a mosaic of light and shadow. It’s a view that draws you into its poetry and makes you forget about time and even technology.
Elsewhere, the hallways are decorated with mirrored murals that shift and shimmer under traditional lamps, giving the palace an almost pious glow at night. The antiques sprinkled throughout are intentional, with each piece telling a story loud enough to drown out the noise of modernity. Here, you won’t just be served sumptuous food, but served with an effortless elegance, like a nostalgic taste aged elegantly like wine. The heart of this traditionally styled sanctuary, the magnificent ‘Bada Aangan’ is like a stage where the soul of Banaras performs every night. Think classical music or Kathak dancers dancing gracefully under golden arches. It’s the kind of art that cuts deep into your heart and lingers like an unforgettable sound. Brijrama’s charm lies not in flashy modernity but in its commitment to the soul of Varanasi.
Eating and drinking
At Kamaria Terrace, the panoramic views of the Ganges River are postcard-like, like a living meditative painting. But let’s move on to the star, the food. The main restaurant, Darbhanga, serves only vegetable dishes (no alcohol, as this is a sacred place!). The Banarasi thali here is a kaleidoscope of flavours, filled with mellow dum aloo, tangy matar nimona, crispy sago papad and ending with the iconic Banarasi paan, an ode to Uttar Pradesh itself. Versatility is built into the kitchen’s DNA, so when your global appetite strikes, our chefs create everything from Thai curries to Italian pasta.
Now, Aangan. Oh, where do I start? Imagine dining courtyard-style under a Sanskrit chandelier while listening to the sounds of a sitar. The 10-course feast here should be registered as a cultural landmark. Experiences range from the anciently inspired ‘achhapam crisp’ to the criminally elegant betel-spiked ceviche, to the smoky curry paired with buttery shemar that soothes a broken heart. But what about dessert? Ethereal. The light “Saffron Malaiyo” melts like a whisper of winter, while the “Rasmalai Tres Leche” hits you with a nostalgic flourish that brings back memories with every sip. If you dine here after your pious Ganga Aarti, you will leave with a satisfied soul and even a satisfied heart.
In a nutshell
This historic palace combines royal tradition with modern luxury to provide an exquisite stay filled with old-world charm and cultural grandeur.
fact box
Address: Darbhanga Ghat, Dashashwamedha, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
Phone: +918069057704
Website: brijhotels.com/hotels/siddhi/brijrama-palace
