Summit Hotels to Open 18-Room Heritage Property in Varanasi, Targets Spiritual Tourism Market

Summit Hotels & Resorts will open Summit Heritage Kashinaama, an 18-room hotel in Varanasi, on November 1, 2026, expanding its Mandir Collection into one of India's key pilgrimage destinations. The property is owned by Abhinav Rai and is positioned to cater to pilgrims, families and cultural travellers.

Located in Bhagwanpur, the hotel will have four accommodation categories: Superior Twin, Superior King, Luxury and Suite. Its design incorporates heritage-inspired architectural elements and contemporary amenities, drawing on the cultural character of Banaras.

A dedicated gallery will showcase Varanasi's connection with Indian cinema through framed posters of films shot in the city, including Masaan, Raanjhanaa and Gangs of Wasseypur. The filmstrip-inspired installation forms part of the property's interior design.

The hotel's food and beverage offering will include an in-house restaurant serving vegetarian and Satvik cuisine. It will also assist guests with temple visits and darshan planning for destinations such as Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Kaal Bhairav Temple. Other nearby attractions 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 opening is part of Summit Hotels & Resorts' expansion into pilgrimage-led hospitality through its Mandir Collection. The company operates across three collections: Mandir, focused on spiritual destinations; Offbeat, covering lesser-explored locations; and Signature, which includes premium destination-led properties. With an established presence in the Eastern Himalayas and Northeast India, the company is extending its portfolio into additional destinations and travel segments.