Things To Do
in Aklera

Aklera is a small town in southeastern Rajasthan's Jhalawar district, sitting near the Rajasthan–Madhya Pradesh border and surrounded by agricultural lands and low hills. It functions as a local market and transport hub for surrounding villages, with a quiet, slow-paced atmosphere and friendly residents who mostly work in farming or small trade. The town gives easy access to rural Rajasthani life, weekly bazaars, and nearby natural areas along riverbanks and forest patches.

While not a major tourist centre, Aklera is a good base for travelers interested in off-the-beaten-path cultural experiences, regional food, and day trips into Jhalawar district and neighboring Madhya Pradesh.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Temples
morning
:

Begin your day with a visit to the ancient temples of Aklera, where the intricate architecture tells stories of centuries past. Experience the serenity of morning prayers and rituals as locals gather to seek blessings. The soft light of dawn enhances the beauty of the carvings, making it a perfect time for photography enthusiasts.

afternoon
:

After a traditional lunch at a local eatery, delve deeper into the history of Aklera by visiting the local museum. Engage with knowledgeable guides who can share fascinating tales about the town’s heritage and the significance of its monuments. Take a leisurely stroll through the nearby market, where you can find handcrafted souvenirs and local delicacies.

evening
:

As the sun sets, find a cozy spot at a rooftop cafe overlooking the town. Enjoy a cup of masala chai while watching the vibrant colors of dusk transform the sky. Finish your day with a quiet walk along the riverbank, absorbing the tranquil atmosphere of Aklera.

day 2
Nature and Wildlife Exploration
morning
:

Kick off your day with a guided nature walk in the surrounding forests, where you can witness diverse flora and fauna. The early morning mist adds a magical quality to the landscape, making it an ideal time for bird watching. Listen to the sounds of nature as you spot various wildlife that calls this area home.

afternoon
:

After the morning trek, enjoy a picnic lunch in a serene clearing, surrounded by the lush greenery. Post-lunch, visit a nearby wildlife sanctuary to learn about local conservation efforts and see animals in their natural habitats. Engage with conservationists to understand the challenges they face and how you can contribute.

evening
:

As the day winds down, return to Aklera and enjoy a traditional Rajasthani dinner at a local restaurant. Savor the flavors of regional dishes like dal baati churma while interacting with friendly locals. Cap off the night with a cultural performance featuring local music and dance, immersing yourself in the vibrant heritage of the region.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍛Meal at inexpensive restaurant$2-4
Tea / Chai and snack$0.30-1
🛌Budget guesthouse / room$10-30
🚕Short tuk-tuk or taxi ride$0.50-4
🚌Local bus intercity fare$0.50-5

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Authentic rural Rajasthani experience away from mass tourism
  • Friendly locals and easy access to local markets and food
  • Good base for day trips into Jhalawar district and neighboring countryside
  • Limited tourist infrastructure and few formal amenities
  • Public transport and connectivity can be sparse to remote spots
  • Fewer dining and nightlife options compared with larger towns
  • "Namaste / Namaskar" - Hello / respectful greeting
  • "Dhanyavaad" - Thank you
  • "Kitna hua? (Kitna hai?)" - How much is this?
  • "Kripya paani / bottle paani" - Please, water / bottled water
  • "Shukriya / Bahut accha" - Thanks / Very good

Places to Visit in Aklera

Visit one of these nice places.

Aklera Market (Haat)

Vibrant daily/weekly market scenes with colorful produce, textiles, and animated trade—great for candid street and cultural photography.

Riverside and Reservoirs

Early-morning and sunset shots along nearby riverbanks or small reservoirs capture mist, birdlife and rural fishermen at work.

Village Lanes and Traditional Homes

Photograph mud-plastered homes, painted doors, cattle and agrarian activities—the town's calm lanes offer intimate rural portraits.

Nearby Hillocks at Sunrise

Short hikes to local hilltops deliver wide panoramas of patchwork fields and dramatic skies—excellent for golden-hour landscape work.

Culinary Guide

Food in Aklera

Aklera's food scene reflects rural Rajasthan and nearby Malwa influences: simple, hearty, largely vegetarian-friendly with flavors built on wheat, pulses, seasonal vegetables, dairy and aromatic spices. You'll find local dhabas, street vendors, and small family restaurants serving regional staples, along with sweet shops offering traditional confections.

Aklera Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Dal Baati Churma

A Rajasthani classic: baked wheat baati (dumplings) served with spiced dal and sweet churma; widely available at local eateries and special-occasion cooks.

Must-Try!

Gatte ki Sabzi

Gram-flour dumplings simmered in a spicy, tangy yogurt-based gravy—common in local restaurants and homestays.

Kadhi and Bajra Roti

Yogurt-based curry (kadhi) paired with pearl millet (bajra) roti, a traditional rural staple especially in cooler months.

Sweets: Malpua & Ghevar

Local sweet shops sell malpua (fried pancake soaked in syrup) and seasonal ghevar—great to try after meals or at festivals.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Aklera Weekly Haat

The weekly market where villagers sell produce, snacks, and homemade sweets; try chaat, jalebi, fresh pakoras and local seasonal fruit here.

Roadside Dhaba Clusters

Small dhabas along main roads offer thali lunches, rotis and fresh buttermilk—ideal for an economical, authentic meal.

Climate Guide

Weather

Aklera experiences a typical inland north Indian climate: hot, dry summers; a monsoon season with moderate to heavy rains; and cool, comfortable winters. Temperatures peak in late spring/early summer and drop to pleasantly cool or chilly levels in December–January. The monsoon brings relief and greenery but can make rural roads slippery.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Dress and Modesty

Dress modestly—cover shoulders and legs, especially when visiting temples or rural homes. Local conservative dressing is common, particularly among older generations.

Respect for Elders

Greet elders respectfully, use your right hand for giving/receiving items, and accept invitations politely; removing shoes before entering homes or temples is customary.

Photography Sensitivity

Ask permission before photographing people, especially women and during religious ceremonies; many locals appreciate being asked first.

Safety Guide

Safety

Aklera is generally safe for travelers; petty crime is uncommon but take normal precautions like securing valuables and avoiding poorly lit isolated areas at night. Stay informed about weather-related road conditions during monsoon, carry an emergency phone number for local contacts, and ensure you have travel insurance that covers medical evacuation if needed. Women traveling alone should exercise the usual caution: dress modestly, avoid solitary late-night walks, and use trusted transport options.

Tipping in Aklera

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is modest in small towns: round up bills at restaurants, leave 10% at nicer establishments if service is good, and offer small change to porters or guides; offering a little extra to home-stay hosts or guides is appreciated but not expected.

Payment Methods

Cash (Indian Rupees) is king in Aklera—carry small notes and change for markets and buses. Mobile payments and UPI are increasingly common but may not be accepted everywhere; ATMs may be available in the town center, while larger banks and more reliable ATMs are in nearby district towns.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot and dry from April to June, daytime temperatures can be high—carry water, wear light cotton clothing, and plan outdoor activities for mornings and evenings.

Monsoon

July to September brings rains that green the countryside and cool temperatures; some rural roads may become muddy or temporarily difficult, so check local conditions before heading out.

Winter

November to February are pleasant and cool, with chilly mornings and evenings—ideal for sightseeing and photography; layers are recommended for early mornings.

Spring/Autumn

Transitional months (March and October) are comfortable with moderate temperatures and clear skies, good for outdoor exploration and village walks.

Nightlife Guide

Aklera at Night

Aklera has a quiet, low-key nightlife focused on socializing at tea stalls, small eateries and community gatherings. There are no large clubs or bars—evenings are best spent enjoying local food, music at family events or temple festivals, and relaxed walks through the town. Cultural or festival nights can be lively with folk music, dance and sweets, but after dark public activity generally slows down early compared with bigger cities.

Hiking in Aklera

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Jhalawar Countryside Trails

Gentle walks through patchwork fields, village lanes and low hillocks—ideal for birdwatching and observing rural life, accessible year-round except in heavy monsoon.

Kali Sindh Riverbank Walks

Scenic riverbank routes for peaceful hikes, photography and seasonal birdlife; best in post-monsoon and winter months.

Local Hillock Sunrise Hike

Short, local hill climbs near Aklera suitable for an early-morning viewpoint—comfortably done in 30–90 minutes depending on the trail and fitness level.

Airports

How to reach Aklera by plane.

Kota Airport (small regional)

The closest small regional airport serving Kota and surrounding areas—limited commercial flights; onward road or rail travel to Aklera is required (a few hours by car or bus).

Indore (Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport)

A major airport in Madhya Pradesh with regular domestic connections; typically a 3–5 hour drive to Aklera depending on route and traffic, then by road transport.

Jaipur International Airport

A large international airport serving Rajasthan with many domestic and some international flights; expect a longer drive (several hours) or a train/bus connection to reach Aklera.

Getting Around

Walkability

Aklera is compact and generally walkable for short errands, market visits and exploring the central lanes. Sidewalks may be limited; use caution on main roads with vehicles. For travel to nearby villages, hills or reservoirs, a vehicle or bicycle is recommended.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Rural farming communities

Agricultural families form the backbone of the local population, growing millet, wheat, pulses and seasonal crops.

Scheduled tribes and castes

Various tribal and scheduled caste communities live in the region, contributing distinct cultural practices and crafts.

Small traders and artisans

Local merchants, shopkeepers and craftspeople who run markets, dhabas and small workshops in town and surrounding villages.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Cricket

Cricket is the dominant sport across the region—local matches and informal street/field games are common and community-oriented.

Kabaddi & Kho-Kho

Traditional Indian contact and tag-team sports are played in villages and schools and are popular during local festivals and competitions.

Field Hockey / Football

Played at schools and by youth groups; occasional local tournaments bring communities together.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Aklera is light compared with urban centers; expect a mix of bicycles, motorbikes, tuk-tuks, tractors and small trucks on the roads. Public transport is primarily local buses and shared autos; for flexible travel, hire a private taxi or use personal vehicles. Traffic congestion is rare, but rural roads can be narrow and uneven—drive carefully, especially during monsoon.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Aklera.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian travelers will find abundant choices—most eateries offer vegetarian thalis and snacks. Always confirm when vegetarian food is required, as some dishes may use ghee or curd prepared with non-vegetarian utensils in mixed kitchens.

Vegan & Gluten-free

Vegan options are limited but possible—rotis may be made with ghee, so request oil-only preparations. Gluten-free diets can be managed with rice-based dishes, pulses and millet rotis (bajra/jowar), but ask at the time of ordering.

Food Safety

Stick to cooked, hot food and bottled or boiled water; avoid raw salads from uncertain vendors to reduce risk of stomach upsets.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Primary healthcare needs are usually met by local clinics and small government health centres in town; for more serious medical care, larger hospitals and specialty services are available in district towns such as Jhalawar or Kota, or in bigger cities like Indore and Jaipur. Carry basic medications, a first-aid kit and any prescription medicines; ensure travel health insurance covers transfers to higher-level facilities if needed.

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