Varanasi, North & Central India, India

BrijRama Palace is the quintessential boutique hotel of Varanasi and a significant landmark where guests can relive the glories of its 200-year-old royal past, overlooking the ghats of Varanasi. Accessed only by boat, it is a haven set apart from the busy hustle-and-bustle of Varanasi.

It was built in 1812 as an imposing fort by Shridhara Narayana Munshi from the Royal House of Nagpur as a retreat when on pilgrimages. The property was acquired in the 20th century by Maharaja of Dharbhanga and rechristened Dharbhanga Mahal. In its current avatar as Brij Rama Palace, the fortress continues celebrating its heritage as one of the oldest buildings along the waterfront. Still, it resonates with the needs of modern travellers.

An intimate property of just 32 stunning rooms features oppulant Benarasi silk furnishing, pure silver and gold paintwork on the ceilings and original period artwork that adorns the walls and reflects its rich heritage. Meals here are akin to royal feasts but do leave room for some Indian street food snacks with a sumptuous twist at the Maharaja-style specialist eateries of the place, the Chota Angan and the Kamalya Café on the terrace for a lazy evening snack at sunset. The Darbhanga restaurant, a pure vegetarian multi-cuisine fine dining restaurant, serves the most glorious three-course Benarasi thali's, which are a must.