The Best Hotels in Varanasi for Dev Deepawali 2025

Varanasi messes with your sense of time. Maybe it’s the smoke rising from the ghats at dawn, curling like prayers. Or the sound of temple bells that don’t just ring but they vibrate through your chest. This is where life and afterlife share the same address, where chaos has rhythm, and where a traveler quickly learns that maps don’t matter. If you’re hunting for the best hotels in Varanasi for Dev Deepawali, this is your season and your time when the ancient city turns into a living flame, its riverfront glowing with millions of diyas, and every balcony view feels like a front-row seat to heaven.

Varanasi isn’t just a destination; it’s a slow unraveling of everything one assumes about India. Between the sizzle of frying jalebis, the chants echoing from ghats, and the golden haze that wraps the Ganga at sunset. The city reveals itself in fragments; messy, divine, & truly unforgettable.

Flights sell out fast, trust that. Thankfully, there are plenty of cheap flights to Varanasi that make the journey from anywhere in India a breeze. Less than two hours from Mumbai, about 1.5 from Delhi, and if you’re lucky, the landing gives you a glimpse of the winding river glinting in gold.

And during Dev Deepawali, that night when even the gods are said to descend for a dip; Varanasi glows like a universe made of fire. Finding the right stay, the perfect ghat view, and a spot to just sit and breathe it all in… that’s where the magic begins.

The Divine Glow: Significance of Dev Deepawali in Varanasi
Where to Stay: The Best Hotels in Varanasi for Dev Deepawali
Dev Deepawali Highlights in Varanasi (2025): What Not to Miss
Best Time to Visit: Timing Your Varanasi Staycation
Some local intel for planning:
Varanasi travel tips:
The Bottom Line
FAQs – Hotels in Varanasi for Dev Deepawali
Akbar Travels Services

The Divine Glow: Significance of Dev Deepawali in Varanasi

Hindu priests perform the Ganga Aarti ritual
Image Editorial Credit: AJP/Shutterstock

Dev Deepawali isn’t your usual festival of lights; it’s the gods’ Diwali. According to legend, it’s the day when the devas themselves descend to bathe in the Ganga. Happens on the full moon of Kartik month (this year, Dev Deepawali 2025 in Varanasi will fall on November 5th). Every ghat, yes, you read it correctly, all 88 of them will transform into a flickering field of diyas, with priests chanting, conch shells echoing, and petals drifting down the water like dreams.

Travelers often stand spellbound at Dashashwamedh Ghat, the heart of the ceremony, watching 21 Brahmins perform the Ganga Aarti under a sky exploding with fireworks. The river reflects a thousand tiny flames, and somewhere in that hypnotic shimmer, you forget time entirely. If you are planning a full festive trip, check out Varanasi Tour Packages because they’re a good way to skip the ticket chaos, guides, and long taxi negotiations that test even the calmest traveler.

Also Read: The Best 10 Hotels in Varanasi That Bring You Closest to the Divine Energy

Where to Stay: The Best Hotels in Varanasi for Dev Deepawali

Finding the right place to stay in this city is a quest of its own, especially during Dev Deepawali week, when rooms vanish faster than jalebis on a winter morning. Here’s a list of the best hotels in Varanasi for Dev Deepawali, from royal palaces to riverside gems.

1. BrijRama Palace

Historical architecture Brijrama Palace at Darbhanga Ghat in Varanasi India.
Image Editorial Credit: TK Kurikawa/Shutterstock

Built in 1812, BrijRama Palace feels like stepping into another century. Every inch is draped in marble, silk, and history; once the royal residence of the Nagpur rulers, now one of the luxury hotels in Varanasi for Dev Deepawali. The view from the terrace? Straight onto the river, where hundreds of lamps flicker during the aarti.

Amenities:

Complimentary boat ride check-in (non-monsoon months)
Rooftop terrace overlooking Dashashwamedh Ghat
Onsite restaurant “Darbhanga” serving royal Awadhi thalis
Spa, fitness center, and river-view lounge
Airport transfers and concierge service

Approx. Price: ₹25,000–₹35,000 per night (festival rates)
Address: Munshi Ghat / Darbhanga Ghat, Near Dashashwamedh, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

AT Tip: Pack light as reaching the palace involves a short boat ride and a few heritage steps. Worth it for those sunrise views, though.

2. Amritara Suryauday Haveli

Sitting right at Shivala Ghat, this restored 20th-century haveli offers front-row seats to sunrise. Seriously, you can hear the oars dipping into the Ganga while sipping chai in bed. If someone asks about the best hotels on the river in Varanasi, this one’s your answer. The rooms glow in warm ochres, the courtyards smell of marigolds, and the kitchen serves kachoris that could ruin your diet forever.

Amenities:

Rooftop dining with panoramic river views
In-house vegetarian restaurant serving Banarasi thalis
Free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, tea/coffee makers
Laundry service, library, and courtyard with live music
Airport pickup and guided heritage walks

Approx. Price: ₹12,000–₹15,000 per night
Address: B-4/25, Shivala Ghat, Nepali Kothi, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

AT Tip: No parking (the lanes are ancient and narrow), but autos can drop you close. Carry comfortable sandals because the ghats demand it.

3. Guleria Kothi

Hidden along Guleria Ghat, this restored 180-year-old mansion blends heritage with homely warmth. A top pick for those wanting a hotel in Varanasi near Ganga River, Guleria Kothi offers airy rooms, private terraces, and a rooftop café with the best chai latte in town (not an exaggeration).

Amenities:

Rooftop restaurant and tea terrace
Free Wi-Fi, minibar, air conditioning, flat-screen TV
Airport shuttle (on request)
Courtyard lounge and library corner
Daily cultural performances and boat booking assistance

Approx. Price: ₹9,000–₹12,000 per night
Address: CK 1/14, Patni Tola, Chowk, Between Mehta Hospital & Bhosle Ghat, Varanasi

AT Tip: You’ll need to walk through narrow lanes to reach it or arrange for porter service through the hotel. Totally worth it once you see that river shimmer below.

4. Ganga Monastery Hotel

If serenity had an address, it would be this. The Ganga Monastery Hotel sits close to Assi Ghat, slightly away from the frenzy and perfect for those who prefer quiet reflections over crowds. It is one of the cheap hotels in Varanasi for Dev Deepawali. The walls are minimalist, the vibe monastic (no pun intended), and the breakfast parathas are dangerously addictive.

Amenities:

Complimentary breakfast
River-view rooms available on higher floors
Free Wi-Fi and 24-hour room service
Yoga and meditation classes on request
Onsite vegetarian café

Approx. Price: ₹3,500–₹5,000 per night
Address: Near Assi Ghat, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

At Tip: Ask for a room on the upper levels for better river views and step out early morning for Ganga Aarti at Assi, a softer version of Dashashwamedh’s grand show.

5. Surya Kaisar Palace

For travelers hunting the best family hotel in Varanasi, this one checks all boxes. Located near Cantt, away from the dense ghat lanes but close enough to reach the river in 15 minutes, Surya Kaisar Palace has large rooms, a pool, and an in-house bakery that could give any Parisian patisserie competition.

Amenities:

Outdoor swimming pool and wellness spa
Multi-cuisine restaurant and bakery
Bar, garden lounge, and event halls
Free parking, Wi-Fi, and room service
Airport transfer available on request

Approx. Price: ₹6,000–₹8,000 per night
Address: S-20/51-A-5, The Mall Road, Varuna Bridge Road, Cantonment, Varanasi

At Tip: The hotel is in the quieter Cantonment area, so you’ll need a short ride (10–15 minutes) to reach the ghats.

Dev Deepawali Highlights in Varanasi (2025): What Not to Miss

Dev Deepawali celebrations kick off around 5 PM and peak when darkness settles. The main ghats; Dashashwamedh, Rajendra Prasad, and Assi are where the real magic unfolds. There’s also a spectacular laser show near Chet Singh Fort, and locals whisper about the evening boat rides where you can watch the river glow from the middle.

Date: November 5, 2025
Where: All 84 Ghats of Varanasi, especially Dashashwamedh, Assi, and Raj Ghats.

Don’t miss:

The grand Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat under fireworks
Floating diyas from Assi Ghat (₹50 a set)
Street food crawl at Godowlia; kachori sabzi, tamatar chaat, and the iconic thandai
Fireworks reflecting off the river post 8 PM
Cultural performances and devotional music at the ghats

Also Read: Best Hotels in Varanasi: Top Hotels and Homestays for Comfort

Best Time to Visit: Timing Your Varanasi Staycation

The best time to visit Varanasi is between October and March, where you’ll get a mild winter mornings, soft sunlight, and a reason to overeat samosas guilt-free. The city simmers with pilgrims, photographers, and chai stalls on every corner. A Varanasi staycation during this period hits just right – festive yet not exhausting.

Some local intel for planning:

Varanasi hotel booking: Always at least 2 months in advance during Dev Deepawali.
Varanasi hotel price per day: ₹4,000–₹25,000 depending on location and view.
Varanasi trip cost: Around ₹25,000–₹35,000 for a 3-day festival visit (including flights, food, and stay).
Varanasi tour guide: ₹1,000–₹1,500 per day – worth every bit when navigating temple rituals and local customs.
Use reliable cab services in Varanasi; local autos tend to overcharge festive-time travelers.

Varanasi travel tips:

Carry light cottons and a shawl because evenings can get cold near the river.
Always keep small change for temple offerings and rickshaw rides.
Expect delays as festivals mean traffic, but honestly, the chaos is half the charm.
Don’t rush. The city reveals itself slowly, like a story being retold by an old friend.

The Bottom Line

Varanasi doesn’t ask you to understand it; it just lets you feel. Every diya, every chant, every ripple on the Ganga feels like it’s whispering something ancient. And when the lights fade after Dev Deepawali, what remains is this strange serenity like the city has exhaled, and you’re part of that breath.

If you’re planning your international trip after celebrating Dev Deepawali in Varanasi, get your documents sorted through online visa services for 180+ countries.

FAQs – Hotels in Varanasi for Dev Deepawali

1. What makes Dev Deepawali in Varanasi so special?
Dev Deepawali, often called the “Festival of Lights of the Gods,” is celebrated fifteen days after Diwali. On this night, all 84 ghats of Varanasi are lit with countless diyas, and the entire riverbank glows in gold. It’s believed that on this day, the gods themselves descend to the Ganga to bathe.

2. When should travelers book hotels in Varanasi for Dev Deepawali?
Hotels in Varanasi for Dev Deepawali get booked out weeks and sometimes months in advance. The festival usually falls in late November or early December, so booking by early October is wise. Prices can rise significantly closer to the event, especially for riverside or heritage properties.

3. What’s the average hotel price per day in Varanasi during Dev Deepawali?
During festival time, Varanasi hotel price per day ranges roughly between ₹3,000 for budget stays and ₹30,000 or more for luxury heritage hotels near the ghats.

4. Which area is the best to stay in Varanasi during Dev Deepawali?
The best area to stay in Varanasi during Dev Deepawali is around Dashashwamedh Ghat or Assi Ghat. These neighborhoods offer easy access to the main Aarti, boat rides, and local food stalls while still having a mix of both luxury and budget accommodation.

5. Are cabs and local transport easily available in Varanasi during Dev Deepawali?
Yes, but with a small catch, the main ghats and old city lanes often close to vehicles during the celebrations, so travelers might need to walk or take short rickshaw rides.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

The Divine Glow: Significance of Dev Deepawali in Varanasi

Also Read: The Best 10 Hotels in Varanasi That Bring You Closest to the Divine Energy

Where to Stay: The Best Hotels in Varanasi for Dev Deepawali

1. BrijRama Palace

2. Amritara Suryauday Haveli

3. Guleria Kothi

4. Ganga Monastery Hotel

5. Surya Kaisar Palace

Dev Deepawali Highlights in Varanasi (2025): What Not to Miss

Don’t miss:

Also Read: Best Hotels in Varanasi: Top Hotels and Homestays for Comfort

Best Time to Visit: Timing Your Varanasi Staycation

Some local intel for planning:

Varanasi travel tips:

The Bottom Line

FAQs – Hotels in Varanasi for Dev Deepawali

You May Also Like:

Akbar Travels Services

Best Flight Deals

Domestic Flights

International Flights

Best Hotel Deals

Apply Visa Online

International Tour Packages

Domestic Tour Packages

Packages by Themes

5 Comments

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