New Delhi : Summit Hotels & Resorts is set to open Summit Heritage Kashinaama, an 18-room property in Varanasi, on November 1, 2026. Part of the company’s Mandir Collection, the hotel will cater to pilgrims, families and cultural travellers, combiningpala contemporary accommodation with the city’s spiritual traditions and architectural heritage.
Located in Bhagwanpur, Varanasi, the property, owned by Mr. Abhinav Rai, will feature 18 rooms across four categories: Superior Twin, Superior King, Luxury and Suite. The hotel has been designed with heritage-inspired architectural elements, warm interiors and contemporary amenities, reflecting the cultural character of Banaras.
A distinctive feature of the property is its dedicated cinematic gallery celebrating Varanasi’s association with Indian cinema. Designed as a filmstrip-inspired installation, the gallery features framed posters of films shot in Banaras, including Masaan, Raanjhanaa and Gangs of Wasseypur. The installation adds a cultural dimension to the hotel’s interiors, highlighting the city’s place in Indian filmmaking.
The property will also feature an in-house restaurant serving exclusively vegetarian and Satvik cuisine, aligned with the spiritual hospitality proposition of Summit’s Mandir Collection. Guests will have opportunities to explore Varanasi’s religious and cultural landmarks through temple visits and darshan planning, including visits to Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Kaal Bhairav Temple. Other prominent 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.”
Mr. 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 marks a further step in Summit Hotels & Resorts’ expansion into spiritual tourism through its Mandir Collection, which focuses on hospitality designed around pilgrimage destinations, temple visits and culturally rooted stays.
With its established presence across the Eastern Himalayas and Northeast India, Summit is broadening its portfolio into new destinations and travel segments through three collections: Mandir for spiritual hospitality, Offbeat for lesser-explored destinations and Signature for premium destination-led stays.
Central to this expansion is Summit’s philosophy of Generous Hospitality, which draws inspiration from the warmth, kindness and personal attention traditionally extended to guests in Indian homes. Through its mission under The Summit Way, the company aims to make genuine care the foundation of every guest interaction, creating memorable journeys while building a culture of respect and empathy among its teams and contributing positively to the communities in which it operates.
****