Varanasi is set to welcome Summit Heritage Kashinaama, an 18-room hotel by Summit Hotels & Resorts, on November 1, 2026. Located in Bhagwanpur, the property is owned by Abhinav Rai and falls under the company's Mandir Collection, which focuses on spiritual hospitality and accommodation near pilgrimage destinations.
The hotel will feature 18 rooms across four categories: Superior Twin, Superior King, Luxury and Suite. Its interiors combine heritage-inspired architectural elements, warm design features and contemporary amenities, drawing inspiration from Banaras' cultural character.
Adding to its distinct identity, the property will house a dedicated gallery showcasing Varanasi's connection with Indian cinema. The filmstrip-inspired installation will display framed posters of movies shot in the city, including Masaan, Raanjhanaa and Gangs of Wasseypur.
Dining facilities will include an in-house restaurant serving exclusively vegetarian and Satvik cuisine. The hotel will also assist guests with temple visits and darshan arrangements, including visits to Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Kaal Bhairav Temple.
Other attractions within the region include Dashashwamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, Sarnath and Ramnagar Fort.
Sumit Periwal, Director, Summit Hotels & Resorts, said, “Varanasi is one of India's most important spiritual destinations, attracting travellers whose visits are closely connected with faith, culture and tradition. With Summit Heritage Kashinaama, we are bringing our Mandir Collection to a city where this approach to hospitality is particularly relevant. We wanted to create a property that reflects the identity of Banaras, from its architectural influences and vegetarian food traditions to its contribution to Indian cinema. As spiritual tourism continues to evolve, we see an opportunity to develop hotels that understand the specific needs of pilgrims and cultural travellers while offering the comfort and service they expect.”
Abhinav Rai, Owner, Summit Heritage Kashinaama, said, “Varanasi attracts visitors from across India and the world, and there is growing demand for accommodation that combines modern comfort with the city's cultural and spiritual character. Our vision for Heritage Kashinaama was to create a hotel that feels connected to Banaras, both in its design and the experiences it offers. Through our association with Summit Hotels & Resorts, we look forward to bringing professional hospitality standards to the property while preserving the distinctive identity we have created.”
The Varanasi property adds to Summit Hotels & Resorts' growing presence in the spiritual tourism segment through its Mandir Collection. The company, which has an established presence across the Eastern Himalayas and Northeast India, is broadening its reach into new destinations and travel segments through three collections: Mandir, focused on spiritual hospitality; Offbeat, catering to travellers seeking lesser-explored destinations; and Signature, offering premium destination-led stays.
At the core of its operations is its Generous Hospitality philosophy, inspired by the warmth and personalised attention associated with Indian homes. Through its mission, The Summit Way, the company seeks to make care central to guest interactions, encourage respect and empathy among its teams and support the communities where it operates.