21 October 2026, 02:06 PM
Choosing the right place to stay in Varanasi during Dev Diwali can make a big difference to your trip. The city becomes extremely busy during the festival, with visitors arriving to see the illuminated ghats, attend Ganga Aarti, and enjoy the festive atmosphere along the River Ganga. If you are planning to visit, it is worth booking your accommodation early and choosing an area that suits your travel plans.
Here are some areas to consider for a comfortable stay during the festival.
1. Godowlia for Easy Access to the Main Ghats
Godowlia is a popular choice for travellers who want to stay close to the old city and its famous temples. Dashashwamedh Ghat, known for its grand Ganga Aarti, is accessible from this area on foot, depending on your hotel's location and crowd restrictions.
During the Dev Deepawali celebration, the streets around Godowlia can become very crowded. Vehicles may not be allowed into certain areas, so be prepared to walk. This location is suitable for visitors who want to experience the lively atmosphere and explore the old city.
2. Assi Ghat for a Relaxed Riverside Atmosphere
Assi Ghat is worth considering if you prefer a riverside neighbourhood with cafes, guesthouses, and smaller hotels. The area is popular with pilgrims, students, and international travellers.
You can enjoy morning walks, explore nearby temples, and experience the spiritual side of Varanasi. Assi Ghat also hosts its own Ganga Aarti, although the festival atmosphere and crowd levels may vary from those at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Keep in mind that Assi Ghat is not completely quiet during Dev Diwali. Book accommodation early and check how easily you can reach your preferred viewing points.
3. Lanka and BHU Area for a Convenient Stay
The Lanka area, near Banaras Hindu University, offers guesthouses, hotels, restaurants, and everyday conveniences. It can be a practical option for families and travellers who prefer staying away from the busiest parts of the old city.
You may need additional travel time to reach the main ghats, particularly during festival hours. Ask your hotel about walking routes, local transport availability, and possible road restrictions before confirming your booking.
4. Cantonment Area for Hotels and Comfort
Varanasi Cantt is another option, particularly for visitors who prefer established hotels, easier vehicle access, and a wider choice of accommodation facilities.
This area is farther from the main riverfront, but it can suit families, senior citizens, and travellers looking for a comfortable hotel after a busy day of sightseeing. You should allow extra time for reaching the ghats because traffic diversions and pedestrian restrictions may affect travel on Dev Diwali evening.
5. Sigra for Shops, Restaurants, and Transport
Sigra offers a mix of hotels, restaurants, shopping areas, and local services. It is worth considering if you want a balance between city conveniences and accommodation options away from the immediate riverfront.
However, it is not right beside the main ghats, so plan your evening transportation carefully.
Tips for Booking Accommodation During Dev Diwali
Whatever area you choose, keep these points in mind:
A comfortable stay helps you enjoy the festival without worrying too much about travel arrangements. Whether you choose Godowlia for its proximity to the old city or Cantt for hotel convenience, plan your accommodation according to your budget and sightseeing preferences.
For visitors who want to admire the illuminated ghats from the River Ganga, Banaras Bhraman can help with boat ride arrangements and local sightseeing in Varanasi. Planning your stay and boat experience in advance can make your Dev Deepawali celebration more enjoyable, especially during this busy festival.
Here are some areas to consider for a comfortable stay during the festival.
1. Godowlia for Easy Access to the Main Ghats
Godowlia is a popular choice for travellers who want to stay close to the old city and its famous temples. Dashashwamedh Ghat, known for its grand Ganga Aarti, is accessible from this area on foot, depending on your hotel's location and crowd restrictions.
During the Dev Deepawali celebration, the streets around Godowlia can become very crowded. Vehicles may not be allowed into certain areas, so be prepared to walk. This location is suitable for visitors who want to experience the lively atmosphere and explore the old city.
2. Assi Ghat for a Relaxed Riverside Atmosphere
Assi Ghat is worth considering if you prefer a riverside neighbourhood with cafes, guesthouses, and smaller hotels. The area is popular with pilgrims, students, and international travellers.
You can enjoy morning walks, explore nearby temples, and experience the spiritual side of Varanasi. Assi Ghat also hosts its own Ganga Aarti, although the festival atmosphere and crowd levels may vary from those at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Keep in mind that Assi Ghat is not completely quiet during Dev Diwali. Book accommodation early and check how easily you can reach your preferred viewing points.
3. Lanka and BHU Area for a Convenient Stay
The Lanka area, near Banaras Hindu University, offers guesthouses, hotels, restaurants, and everyday conveniences. It can be a practical option for families and travellers who prefer staying away from the busiest parts of the old city.
You may need additional travel time to reach the main ghats, particularly during festival hours. Ask your hotel about walking routes, local transport availability, and possible road restrictions before confirming your booking.
4. Cantonment Area for Hotels and Comfort
Varanasi Cantt is another option, particularly for visitors who prefer established hotels, easier vehicle access, and a wider choice of accommodation facilities.
This area is farther from the main riverfront, but it can suit families, senior citizens, and travellers looking for a comfortable hotel after a busy day of sightseeing. You should allow extra time for reaching the ghats because traffic diversions and pedestrian restrictions may affect travel on Dev Diwali evening.
5. Sigra for Shops, Restaurants, and Transport
Sigra offers a mix of hotels, restaurants, shopping areas, and local services. It is worth considering if you want a balance between city conveniences and accommodation options away from the immediate riverfront.
However, it is not right beside the main ghats, so plan your evening transportation carefully.
Tips for Booking Accommodation During Dev Diwali
Whatever area you choose, keep these points in mind:
- Book early: Hotels can fill up quickly as the festival approaches.
- Check the exact location: A hotel advertised as being near the ghats may still require a considerable walk.
- Ask about road restrictions: Confirm where taxis can drop you off during the festival.
- Plan your evening: Reach your preferred viewing area well before the main celebrations begin.
- Consider your family’s needs: Choose accommodation with suitable facilities if you are travelling with children or elderly relatives.
A comfortable stay helps you enjoy the festival without worrying too much about travel arrangements. Whether you choose Godowlia for its proximity to the old city or Cantt for hotel convenience, plan your accommodation according to your budget and sightseeing preferences.
For visitors who want to admire the illuminated ghats from the River Ganga, Banaras Bhraman can help with boat ride arrangements and local sightseeing in Varanasi. Planning your stay and boat experience in advance can make your Dev Deepawali celebration more enjoyable, especially during this busy festival.