Things To Do
in Baihar

Flattened rice breakfast often cooked with mustard seeds, turmeric, peanuts and fresh coriander—widely available from small stalls and tea shops in the morning.

Must-Try!

Hearty lentils served with baked wheat dumplings (baati or local bafla variation); common at larger family meals and festivals, available at traditional restaurants.

Rustic meat curries cooked with local spices—found at dhabas and local restaurants, often served with roti or rice.

Simple sabzis made from locally grown vegetables—what’s fresh at market dictates what’s on the plate.

A periodic market where villagers sell vegetables, pulses, spices and snacks; great for trying fresh seasonal produce, roasted corn and local sweets.

Morning and evening stalls serve tea (chai), poha, samosa and chaat-style snacks; ideal for casual tasting and people-watching.

Use 'Namaste' with folded hands as a polite greeting. Show respect to elders and local customs in villages and tribal communities.

Remove footwear at temple entrances and dress modestly—cover shoulders and knees when visiting religious sites or rural households.

Always ask permission before photographing people, especially in tribal communities; a small printed photo or sharing images can be a friendly gesture.

If visiting homes, bring a small token (tea, sweets) rather than expensive gifts. Bargaining is common in markets but remain polite and fair.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory: 5–10% at restaurants if service is good; small tips (₹10–50) for porters, cleaners or local guides; round up rickshaw fares or add a small extra for helpful drivers.

Cash (Indian rupees) is king in Baihar—carry sufficient small notes for markets and rural purchases. Some hotels and larger shops may accept cards, and UPI/mobile payments (Google Pay, PhonePe) are increasingly used, but network coverage can be patchy. ATMs are available in larger towns; don’t rely on finding one locally at short notice.

(March–June) Hot and dry with daytime temperatures that can be high; mornings and evenings are better for outdoor activities. Stay hydrated, avoid strenuous daytime hikes, and plan travel early or late in the day.

(July–September) Heavy rains can make rural roads muddy and certain forest tracks impassable, but landscapes become lush and waterfalls and streams swell—carry waterproof gear and check local conditions.

(October–November) Clear skies, pleasant temperatures and refreshed greenery make this an excellent time for photography, hiking and village visits.

(December–February) Cool to chilly nights with comfortable days—good season for safaris and outdoor exploration; pack warm layers for early mornings and evenings.

Vegetarian options are easy to find—many shops serve vegetarian thalis, dals and vegetable curries. Confirm ghee or butter if you avoid dairy. In small shops, ask clearly for 'shakahari' (vegetarian).

More challenging but manageable: request food without ghee, butter or curd; rice, lentils and plain vegetable dishes are typically available if you explain your needs.

Rice-based dishes and many curries are gluten-free, but rotis and breads contain wheat. Cross-contamination is possible in small kitchens—ask about preparation methods.

Prefer cooked hot food and bottled water; avoid raw salads and unpeeled fruit if unsure about water quality. Use bottled water for brushing teeth if recommended.