1. Bharat Kala Bhawan: It is perhaps the best Indian museum maintained in a university campus. Bharat Kala Bhawan has a huge collection of archaeological materials, paintings, textiles and costumes, decorative art, historical collections, Indian philately and literary and archival materials. It was established in 1920, and later on shifted to the many places in Varanasi. In 1950, Pandit Nehru laid the foundation of present day museum and finally in 1962, the museum was dedicated to the nation. Though the museum’s target visitors are university students, alumni, research scholars and teachers, it also serves as a Regional Museum and caters to the need of a huge number of lay visitors.
Location: Inside Banaras Hindu University Campus (1.5 kms from the main entrance at Lanka)
How to Reach? Preferably walk, else AutoRickshaw and CycleRickshaw available at main entrance. After entering through the main entrance, take second right, the road towards Vishwanath Temple Road.
Timings: 10.15 AM to 04.30 PM. Museum Galleries 10.00 AM to 05.00 PM (excluding Sundays and University Holidays)
Entry Ticket: Rs. 20 per person for Indian Visitors. Rs. 250 per person for Foreign Visitors. BHU Students and staff members can enter without any ticket on the production of valid Identity card. Other students can get Rs. 5 discount. Separate charges are there for the photography.
2. Ramnagar Fort Museum: The museum is situated inside the fort complex of Ramnagar, across the Ganges river on the opposite bank to Banaras Hindu University. The museum holds a nice collection of ivory works, vintage cars, costumes, palanquins, ornaments, impressive armoury with swords, old gun, armoured matchlocks, ornate hookahs, daggers etc. There is a rare astronomical clock. This clock shows not only the time but also the year, month, week and day, and the astronomical details of the Sun, Moon and other planets. This clock was made in 1852 by the Astronomer at the Court of the Royal Palace of Varanasi.
Location: Inside Ramnagar Fort (3.5 kms from Lanka Market, across the Ganges via Ramnagar Bridge)
How to Reach? Shared Auto Rickshaw and Cycle Rickshaw from the Lanka Market area.
Timings: 10 AM to 5.30 PM
Entry Ticket: INR 20 per person for Indian Visitors. INR 150 per person for Foreign Visitors.
3. Sarnath Archaeological Museum: Many special prides are attached with Sarnath museum. This is the oldest museum of the Archaeological Survey of India. The decision to construct the museum building was taken in 1904 and the construction completed in 1910.
“The Lion Capital of the Ashoka Pillar”, which has become the National Emblem of India is a prized collection of this museum. The wheel “Ashoka Chakra” from its base has been placed onto the centre of the National Flag of India.
Apart from the images of Buddha in different posture and Tara, the inscribed colossal standing images of Bodhisattva in red sand stone dedicated by Bhikshu Bala, octagonal shaft, umbrella are also exhibited.
Location: The museum is located near the Sarnath Excavation Site, approximately 9 kms from Varanasi Junction Railway Station.
How to Reach? Shared Auto Rickshaw is available outside Varanasi Junction Station. Exit from Platform Number 1 and walk on the main G.T.Road to get the shared auto.
Timings: 09.00 AM to 05.00 PM (Closed on Friday)
Entry Ticket: INR 5 per person for Indian Visitors. Free Entry for children below the age of 15 years.
Other Amenities: Purified Drinking Water, Museum Cafe, Museum Shop (Souvinier Shop), Touch Screen Information Kiosks, Restroom, Cloakroom, Wheel Chair & Ramp, Baby Care Room, Braille description for Differently Abled People, Separate Toilate Facility for Differently Abled People
