About this Experience
Embark on an extraordinary journey to Varanasi during the Dev Deepawali festival. From sunrise rituals at the Ganga to guided visits of iconic temples and an immersive cruise experience, each day offers a chance to experience the rich culture and spirituality of this sacred city. The tour culminates with an exploration of Sarnath, the birthplace of Buddhism, before departure. This is not simply a trip; it is a deep dive into the heart of India’s spiritual heritage.
Experience Breakdown
The Ultimate Dev Deepawali Experience
Varanasi
This is not just sightseeing. It is a carefully curated cultural, spiritual and festive immersion into one of India’s most spectacular celebrations.
FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE INCLUDES
- Museum Walk Tour
- Banaras-themed Hi-Tea & Buffet Dining
- Classical Music & Kathak Performance
- Handicraft Workshop & Exhibition
- Firecrackers & Lantern Celebration
- Professional security & event management
- Venue photographer
- Special Banaras-themed return gift
DEV DEEPAWALI CRUISE EXPERIENCE
- Private Ghat for cruise boarding
- Comfortable onboard washrooms
- Limited complimentary on-seat refreshments
- Onboard snack counter (paid)
- QR-based fast boarding
- Medical support
- Professional guide
- Storytelling & curated experiences
This is the luxury cruise from which we will witness the spectacular Dev Deepawali, with the entire ghats of Varanasi illuminated by thousands of diyas.
Meals & experiences include
- Traditional Banarasi snacks,
- Hi-Tea,
- Dinner
- all curated experiences mentioned above.
A truly unforgettable evening on the sacred Ganga during Dev Deepawali.
Subah-e-Banaras
Varanasi
6:00 AM – 7:00 AM
- Just a 1 km walk from your hotel, experience the soul of Varanasi as the city awakens.
- Watch the first rays of the sun illuminate the sacred Ganga.
- Experience Vedic chants, devotional music and ancient rituals.
- Discover why the sunrise in Kashi has inspired seekers, saints and travellers for centuries.
- Return to the hotel for breakfast and time to freshen up.
TEMPLE & HERITAGE EXPERIENCE
With an expert guide, visit:
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple – One of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas and the spiritual heart of Varanasi.
- Annapurna Temple – Dedicated to the goddess of nourishment and abundance.
- Kaal Bhairav Temple – The guardian deity and protector of Kashi.
Enjoy time for authentic Banarasi saree shopping before returning to the hotel.
Breakfast included.
Due to Dev Deepawali traffic restrictions, any e-rickshaw used on this day will be self-paid. Dinner is not included.
Sarnath & Departure
Sarnath
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Check out and proceed to Sarnath, one of the world’s most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites.
- It was here that Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment, setting in motion teachings that would spread across the world.
- Explore Sarnath with an expert guide before concluding the journey.
Please book your return flight after 3:00 PM.
What’s included
All curated festival experiences- Dev Deepawali cruise experience
- Banarasi snacks
- Hi-Tea
- Dinner
- Festival performances & celebrations
- Guided/storytelling experiences
- Breakfast with expert guide for temple & heritage experience
- Breakfast with expert guide for Sarnath
What’s not included
- Anything not specifically mentioned under inclusions
Highlights
IMPORTANT NOTE
- Due to heavy traffic restrictions during Dev Deepawali, all participants are requested to reach Varanasi before 10:00 AM on 24th November.
- Pickup timings will be finalised according to the majority of the group’s flight arrivals.
Cancellation Policy
- Due to the extremely high demand during Dev Deepawali, cancellation after booking is not possible.
- However, cancellations made before 15th October 2026 will receive a ₹10,000 credit note.
- The credit note can be redeemed against any group tour organised by Trail the Himalayas.
Credit Note Validity: Until 30th March 2027