Brijrama Palace • Luxury Redefined

ARTEFACTS IN BRIJRAMA PALACE

For the connoisseur in You –
Walk through the Maratha Pillars and the bastions
Find the Royal emblem of Darbhanga at the Arch
Admire the treasure of collections in the Baithak and Bada Aangan
Simply gaze at the handcrafted ceiling fans with wooden blades
And the old furniture that belonged to the Maharaja and Maharani
You are at one of the oldest landmarks of Kashi
The BRIJRAMA Palace

What will leave you spellbound on Darbhanga Ghat, Kashi is the Brijrama Palace. This is the only heritage palace hotel which overlooks the river and is the epitome of luxury with a majestic experience.

Built in 1812 by Shridhara Narayana Munshi, who was the Minister for Estate of Nagpur, the adjacent Ghat to the Palace was named as Munshi Ghat.
The palace was later acquired in 1915 by the King of Darbhanga (Bihar), Rameshwar Singh Bahadur and the Ghat came to be known as Darbhanga Ghat.
In 1994, the Darbhanga palace was further acquired by Brij Rama Hospitality Pvt. Ltd.

Dilapidated structure of Darbhanga Palace which was restored

From the ruins and ravaged remains, this Group worked tenaciously for 18 long years in preservation and restoration of this heritage. The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) played a significant role in the restoration and conservation of this palace.

BRIJRAMA PALACE was inaugurated in April, 2016 and the name ‘BRIJ RAMA’ is a tribute to the Founder of Clarks Group of Hotels, Late Shri Brijpal Das and his wife, Late Smt. Rama Devi.

View from the Baithak Terrace in Monsoon

I had the opportunity to visit Brijrama Palace in one of my trips to Kashi. This trip was in midst of peak monsoon and the ghats were flooded. With heavy rains and the swelling river water, boats were off the Ghats. And we had to make our way through Gowdulia Chowk in a designated cycle rickshaw.
In good times, the Royal experience begins at the Bhaisasur Ghat (Rajghat), where guests are escorted in a private boat to Brijrama Palace at Darbhanga Ghat.

THE PALACE’s ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN

Fort like structure of the Palace

Maratha Pillars

Royal Emblem of King of Darbhanga . Look out for the ‘RS’ mark which stands for Rameshwar Singh Bahadur

The Palace showcases the distinct architectural style of the Maratha dynasty.  Chunar Sandstone was widely used for the construction of floorings, walls and the ceilings of the palace. Heavy carved stone brackets, narrow balconies, pointed arches, semi-circular extensions called ‘Burj’ or Bastions are all representations of this ‘fort’ like architectural legacy of the Marathas.
It is believed that the Marathas were engaged in long drawn battles with the Mughals. With their limited time and frugal approach, the structures that were built by them were ‘fort’ like and rustic.

Hand painted Fresco on wall surfaces

Restored Jharokas

Thikri Art in the niches of the palace

For the restoration of art and artefacts, traditional artisans from this region were engaged who have extensively worked on the restoration of hand painted Frescos on ceilings and wall surfaces, Thikri art (handmade mirror work) and Jharokas. Their mastery and workmanship has singularly added to the classic look of the palace, bringing back the bygone era.

DID YOU KNOW?

One of the earliest elevators in India was installed in 1918 in the Darbhanga Turret and was operated manually by a Rope and Pulley system.

In 1942, this was replaced by a Kerosene operated engine, turning the Pulley.

The same engine has been preserved and is on display in the Elevator Turret.

BADA AANGAN

The main Central Courtyard of the Palace is the Bada Aangan.
The traditional pattern and the aesthetic design of this courtyard with white Makrana marble and Jaisalmer stone blends gracefully with the Sky light and reflects a sense of yesteryears.

BADA AANGAN

DON’T MISS :

The 120 year old, 5 ft 8 inch tall, exquisite wooden statues of Shri Krishna and Radha, crafted in Oriya art form, artistically restored and placed on either sides of Bada Aangan, facing each other.
Being apart from each other, even today, THEY are defining the true meaning of Love – Of not being bound, yet Love blossoms when liberated.
And THEIR DIVINE LOVE resonates everywhere.

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120 year old statues of SHRI KRISHNA and RADHA

STAY IN ROYALTY

The Palace offers 32 luxuriously designed rooms over 3 different floors.
Mandakini, Bhagirathi, Dhruvnanda and Varuna Burj are the 4 magnificent Maharaja Suites which have captivating interiors with traditional Banarasi touch.

VARUNA BURJ earlier

VARUNA BURJ restored

Varuna Burj was restored completely as the ceiling had collapsed.
‘Burj’ or Bastions were built joining the fort walls. They were semi-circular extensions of the fort walls that protruded on the outside. They served as watch towers or Tehelnicha Burj.

Varuna Burj – Inside view

INDULGE IN :

BANARASI THALI AT DARBHANGA FINE DINING

Banarasi Thali, the Royal meal at Darbhanga, a multi cuisine vegetarian restaurant with impeccable service standards is just one of the many Brij experiences that are lined up for Royal guests at Brijrama Palace.

DARBHANGA FINE DINING RESTAURANT

Royal Banarasi Thali and Friends

This traditional cuisine served in ornamental silverware has been curated keeping the local flavours in mind. We relished every delicacy that was served in style:
– Nimona (made with mashed green peas and spices), Khatta Meetha kaddu (sweet and sour pumpkin), Yellow Dal (lentils with traditional tempering style with red chillies), Paneer dish (Cottage cheese), Dahi bhalla , different breads like Kachoris, Palak puris and Pulao.
Sweet happiness with Gulkand ka Gulab Jamun, Rasmalai, Kulfi and other seasonal varieties.
The Chef also takes special care of gluten free meal requirements, if any.

Prior booking of table can be made on +91-9129414141 or e-mail at info@brijrama.com or fnb@brijrama.com
Royal Banarasi Thali – INR 1750 plus GST per person
Cover charge for non resident guests – INR 1000 plus GST per person (this charge gets adjusted against the bill)
Timings: Lunch -12.30 pm to 3.30 pm | Dinner – 7 pm to 10.30 pm

RIDE THE ROYAL BRIJRAMA BAJRA 

Plan an exclusive evening on the holy Ganga with The Brijrama Bajra which commences from Darbhanga Ghat.
Experience the spectacular Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat and the profoundness of this journey, as this double decker boat makes it way from Manikarnika Ghat towards Assi Ghat.
Accompanied by Fine dining with a 3 course meal and live classical music, those 90 minutes on Brijrama Bajra is a timeline that will linger on.

Brijrama Bajra can accommodate 34 guests.
Charges : INR 5000 plus GST per person
Prior booking of Boat Dining can be made on +91-9129414141 or e-mail at info@brijrama.com or fnb@brijrama.com

MY BRIJRAMA MOMENT :

Even in the midst of dark, clouded skies and drizzle, for me, the most magical moment at Brijrama has been on the Open terraces of Udayan and Kamalya with breathtaking, panoramic view of the holy Ganga, the Ghats and Kashi.
It is a timeless zone, where any expression from sunrise to the fall of light can be just left to imagination.

Kamalya Terrace

Udayan Terrace

Keeping an eye for detail was most crucial in the months ahead to the much awaited launch of this heritage property.
And Mr.Rajeev Kr. Manhar, Vice President, Brijrama Hospitality spent those endless hours to redefine luxury and create an ambience of excellence at Brijrama.

Mr. Manhar who hails from Dehradun recalls “When I was transferred to Kashi, I had no plans to be here for long. It is truly the Power of Shri Kashi Vishwanath, Maa Ganga and the positive vibes of Kashi which have held me back for the last 5 years.
Brijrama is at the centre of every experience in Kashi and being a part of this heritage palace is another rare experience for our discerning guests.” 

Brijrama Palace
Darbhanga Ghat
Dashashwamedh
Varanasi
Phone : + 91 9129414141
Mobile : + 91 7390850072
Email: info@brijrama.com
Visit : brijrama.com

BRIJRAMA PALACE ON DEV DEEPAWALI