A Rajput palace on the Ganga with an 18th-century astronomical observatory on its roof — right beside Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Man Mandir Ghat takes its name from the palace built around 1585 by Raja Man Singh of Amber. In the 18th century, his descendant Sawai Jai Singh II added an astronomical observatory on the palace roof — one of the five Jantar Mantar observatories he built, alongside Delhi, Jaipur, Ujjain and Mathura.
From the water you can admire the palace's Rajput style — projecting jharokha balconies, stone screens and delicate carving that catch the morning sun.
Sawai Jai Singh II was passionate about astronomy. The rooftop instruments at Man Mandir were used to measure the movement of the sun, moon and stars.
Man Mandir is right next to Dashashwamedh, so you pass it on every evening Aarti ride and sunrise ride. It is one of the most photogenic façades on the river — see our photography boat tour.
Last updated: 8 October 2026 · All Varanasi guides
