Embark on a soul-stirring four-day journey into the heart of Kashi during the miraculous festival of Dev Deepawali, running from November 22 to 25, 2026. Designed for travelers yearning for pure magic, this retreat invites you to experience the world’s oldest living city at its most celestial. From the rhythmic bliss of the evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat to serene sunrise boat rides during Subah-E-Banaras, every moment unveils the timeless beauty, rich heritage, and comforting street food delicacies that define Varanasi.
The crescendo of your voyage arrives as night falls on Dev Deepawali, when the gods themselves are said to descend to the Ganges. Drift along the dark, silent waters on a boat while millions of flickering earthen diyas illuminate the grand stone steps in a brilliant sea of gold. Enhanced by spectacular laser light displays, vibrant fireworks, and echoing Vedic chants, this breathtaking festival of lights offers an unforgettable, divine communion with Kashi’s transcendent spirit. Step into the light and reserve your seat for an extraordinary pilgrimage you will treasure forever.
November 22, 2026: Arrival in Varanasi, evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, and sampling street food along the riverbanks.
November 23, 2026: Sunrise boat ride with Subah-E-Banaras, exploration of sacred temples, and an afternoon walk through the Old City lanes.
November 24, 2026: Morning excursion to historical Sarnath followed by an evening Dev Deepawali boat ride amidst laser shows and illuminated ghats.
November 25, 2026: Morning tour of Ramnagar Fort, a traditional Banarasi breakfast, and last-minute shopping before departure.
Trip concludes.
This trip is ex-Banaras. Arrive before 01:00 PM on Day 1 and depart at 11:00 AM on Day 4.
Your journey into the spiritual heart of Kashi begins as you arrive in Varanasi. Settle into your hotel or guesthouse near Dashashwamedh or Assi Ghat for easy access to the river's daily rhythms, taking time to refresh after your travels and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the ancient city.
In the evening, head down to Dashashwamedh Ghat to catch the evening prayer. As one of the oldest and most important ghats, Dashashwamedh is also Varanasi’s liveliest. Two major Hindu mythologies surround the site: one holds that Lord Brahma created it to welcome Lord Shiva, while another describes how he sacrificed ten horses during a sacred yajna performed here. As the chants reverberate across the river, witness the mesmerizing brass lamp ritual illuminating the water.
After the ceremony, spend your night taking a relaxed stroll along the stone steps, enjoying local street delicacies like tangy tamatar chaat served in clay pots and airy, seasonal malaiyyo that melts seamlessly on the tongue.
Wake early for Subah-e-Banaras at Assi Ghat, where Vedic chanting, classical music, and yoga mark the break of dawn. Board a sunrise boat tour as Kashi wakes under a warm golden light, watching pilgrims gather at the confluence of the Ganga and Asi rivers to pay homage to Lord Shiva.
After stepping ashore, head into the heart of the ancient city for a morning visit to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple corridor. Afterward, immerse yourself in the vibrant galiyan (lanes) surrounding Vishwanath Gali and Thatheri Bazaar. Watch local brassware artisans, silk weavers, and flower sellers at work, pausing along the way to savor legendary street eats—hot puri-kachori with jalebi, and creamy lassi in clay kulhads.
In the afternoon, visit some of Banaras’s prominent outlying shrines, such as the Tulsi Manas Temple or Sankat Mochan, before enjoying a relaxed dinner and an early night to rest before the festival.
Enjoy a relaxed morning at your hotel following breakfast, taking time to rest and recharge as the city prepares for its grandest celebration. In the late morning, take a gentle excursion to nearby heritage sites or local artisan workshops (such as a Banarasi silk weaving center in Madanpura) to pick up authentic souvenirs away from the heavily congested main ghats.
Return to your hotel by early afternoon to rest and prepare for the extraordinary evening ahead, as Dev Deepawali transforms the holy city into a glowing realm where the gods themselves are said to descend to earth.
At dusk, step aboard your private traditional boat and glide out onto the Ganges. Watch in awe as millions of flickering earthen diyas carpet the crescent-shaped riverfront in a sea of living light. The night reaches a breathtaking crescendo with state-of-the-art laser light shows projecting ancient cosmic motifs across the historic stone facades, accompanied by synchronized fireworks and reverberating Vedic chants over the water before you return to shore.
On your final day, cross the Ganges to Ramnagar Fort, an eighteenth-century riverfront fortress, to explore its vintage museum, historic armory, and sweeping panoramic views of the river. Take your time wandering through its ancient courtyards and soaking in the grand architecture that overlooks the flowing water.
Afterward, treat yourself to an authentic Banarasi breakfast of crisp, hot kachori-sabzi paired with syrup-dripping, sweet jalebis. Spend your remaining afternoon hours browsing vibrant local bazaars for last-minute souvenirs like rich Banarasi silk sarees or handcrafted brassware before heading off for your departure, carrying the spiritual warmth of Kashi with you.
Trip concludes.
This trip is ex-Banaras and concludes at Banaras only. Arrive before 01:00 PM on Day 1 and depart at 11:00 AM on Day 4.
We will be staying in well-appointed boutique / deluxe hotels (4 star Review Ratings) during the trip.
We will arrange for authentic north / south Indian food. If you have any specific meal preferences / dietary requirements, please let us know beforehand.
November in Banaras generally has temperatures stay around 20 degrees Celsius in daytime and about 15 degrees Celsius in night. Precipitation levels at moderate.
*Please note that now a days, climate/ weather is dependent on many factors and unpredictable hence above information might be subject to change during your actual travel days.