3 Best Museums in Varanasi

“Sarnath Museum is India's oldest site museum operated by the Archaeological Survey of India. Known as Rishipatana, it is where the materials related to five hundred Pratyaka Buddhas were found. In ancient Buddhist literature, the site is referred to as Rishipatana Mirgadava or Mirgadaya. The museum has five galleries and two verandahs showcasing artifacts found in Sarnath, dating from the third century BC to the twelfth century AD. Entry is free for children under 15, and guide services are available. Guide services are available, and there are separate toilet facilities for differently-abled individuals. The Sarnath Museum is historically significant as the site where the foundation of a new order of monks (Sangha) and a new religious doctrine (Dhamma) was established.”

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“Ramnagar Fort Museum, also known as Maharaja Banaras Vidya Mandir Trust Museum, is a 17th-century fort and palace. The museum features five galleries, starting with a collection of old vehicles and palanquins, followed by a textiles gallery. The Durga Temple and Chhinnamastika Temple are also located at Ramnagar. The fort area is especially beautiful at sunset, and the museum features fascinating exhibits, along with a lovely spot to watch the sunset over the river. Exploring the fort and museum reveals Varanasi's lively traditions and rituals, leaving visitors amazed by the city's timeless beauty. A visit to Ramnagar Fort Museum offers a memorable experience, letting guests explore Varanasi's rich heritage and culture.”

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“Bharat Kala Bhavan, originally founded as Bharat Kala Parishad in 1920 at Godaulia, showcases India's history and preserves its past. The museum has grown steadily and now holds over 100,000 artefacts. The museum features a collection of artefacts, including Buddhist and Hindu sculptures, manuscripts, Mughal miniatures, paintings, brocade textiles, contemporary art, and bronze statues from the 1st to 15th centuries. The entrance has a temporary exhibition space on two floors. Bharat Kala Bhavan also has a valuable textile collection, including Benaras silks, embroidered Kashmir shawls, and rare Chamba rumals. The museum offers parking and locker facilities for visitor convenience.”

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