Things To Do
in Behat

Behat is a small historic town in the Saharanpur district of Uttar Pradesh, set near the lower Shivalik foothills and surrounded by agricultural plains. It offers a mix of rural markets, modest temples and ghats, and easy access to patchwork fields and small forested pockets that make for quiet country walks. Life in Behat moves at a relaxed pace and gives a close-up view of everyday small‑town North Indian culture, food and festivals.

The town is a practical base for short nature trips into nearby Shivalik hill-country and for experiencing regional cuisine and markets away from big-city crowds.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Explore Behat Fort
morning
:

Begin your day by visiting the historic Behat Fort, a stunning example of Indian architecture steeped in history. As you walk through its ancient walls, take in the tales of battles and leaders that once inhabited this stronghold. Capture breathtaking views of the landscape as the sun rises, casting a golden hue over the fort.

afternoon
:

After lunch, delve deeper into the local culture by visiting nearby artisanal workshops where traditional crafts are made. Engage with local artisans to learn about their skills and the history behind their crafts. Savor a delicious meal at a local eatery, trying authentic North Indian dishes.

evening
:

As the day winds down, enjoy a leisurely stroll around the picturesque village of Behat. Engage in conversations with friendly locals, absorbing their stories and traditions. Conclude your day with a serene sunset at a nearby vantage point, reflecting on the rich experiences of the day.

day 2
Visit the Local Markets
morning
:

Start your morning by heading to the vibrant local markets filled with colorful spices, textiles, and fresh produce. Experience the hustle and bustle as vendors call out to sell their goods, creating an electrifying atmosphere. Sample some local snacks while chatting with the locals, soaking in the lively ambiance.

afternoon
:

Post-lunch, take a cooking class that uses ingredients sourced from the market you visited earlier. Learn how to prepare classic Behat dishes under the guidance of a local chef, who will share secrets only passed down through generations. Enjoy the feast you've prepared, sharing stories and laughter with fellow travelers.

evening
:

As night falls, immerse yourself in a cultural dance performance showcasing local folk traditions. Sit back and admire the colorful costumes and rhythmic music that transport you into the heart of Behat's heritage. End your evening with a casual walk through the village, experiencing the calmness of life after sunset.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍽️Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$1.50-3
Tea/Street snack$0.20-0.80
🏨Budget guesthouse / room$10-25
🚌Local bus or short auto ride$0.10-1
🥭Fresh seasonal fruit (per kg)$0.50-1.50

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Authentic small-town North Indian experience with lively markets and local hospitality
  • Close access to Shivalik foothills and peaceful nature walks
  • Very affordable food and accommodation
  • Good for photography of rural life and landscapes
  • Limited tourist infrastructure and few formal guided services
  • Healthcare and advanced services require travel to larger towns
  • Transportation options are basic; fewer direct connections to major airports
  • Quiet at night — limited nightlife or entertainment for some travelers
  • "Namaste / नमस्ते" - Hello / respectful greeting
  • "Dhanyavaad / धन्यवाद" - Thank you
  • "Kitna hua? / कितना हुआ?" - How much is this?
  • "Kripya / कृपया" - Please
  • "Shukriya / शुक्रिया" - Thanks (colloquial)
  • "Pani milega? / पानी मिलेगा?" - Can I get water?
  • "Kahan hai…? / कहाँ है…?" - Where is…?

Places to Visit in Behat

Visit one of these nice places.

Market Lanes of Behat

Colorful stalls, spice piles, sweets and local shoppers create vivid street photography opportunities — best in the morning and early evening.

Fields at Sunrise/Sunset

Panoramic views of cultivated fields against the backdrop of the Shivalik foothills make for dramatic golden-hour landscapes.

Small Temples and Ghats

Local temples, small ghats or community squares offer candid shots of daily rituals, festivals and local architecture.

Shivalik Foothill Trails

Wooded pockets and trails near the town provide nature photography opportunities — birds, butterflies and rural scenes.

Culinary Guide

Food in Behat

Cuisine around Behat reflects the hearty, grain-and-dal based food of western Uttar Pradesh with Punjabi influences: breads (parathas, rotis), lentils, seasonal vegetables, pickles and rich sweets. Meals tend to be savory and filling, with dairy (ghee, paneer, lassi) playing a big role. Street food and dhabas (roadside inns) serve spicy snacks and quick meals, while small sweet shops sell traditional mithai. Drinking water safety varies; bottled water is recommended for visitors.

Behat Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Aloo‑paratha

Pan-fried flatbread stuffed with spiced mashed potatoes, usually served with curd, pickles and chutney; available at many local breakfast stalls and dhabas.

Must-Try!

Chole Bhature

Spiced chickpea curry with deep-fried bread — a popular heavy breakfast or lunch option in the region, found at larger local eateries.

Lassi and Sweets (jalebi, peda)

Thick yogurt drink (sweet or salted) and traditional milk‑based sweets; try at local sweet shops in the market.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Behat Main Bazaar

Central market with stalls selling fresh seasonal produce, spices, snacks and sweets — great for trying local chaat, kachori and jalebi from street vendors.

Weekend/Weekly Village Market

Periodic open-air markets in surrounding villages where local farmers sell fruits, vegetables and regional snacks — best for fresh mangoes in season and homemade pickles.

Climate Guide

Weather

Behat experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers (April–June), a monsoon season (June–September), pleasant autumn and spring months, and cool winters (December–February). Rainfall is concentrated during the monsoon and winters are generally dry and cool. Temperatures can vary from around 5°C in cold snaps up to 40°C+ in peak summer.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Respectful Greetings

Greet people with 'Namaste' (folded hands) or a simple hello; addressing elders first and polite tone are valued.

Dress Modestly

Dress conservatively, especially when visiting religious sites — cover shoulders and knees and remove shoes where required.

Temple Customs

Observe local rules at temples and ghats: remove shoes, avoid loud behavior, and follow any guidelines for photography or entry.

Right Hand Use

Use the right hand for giving or receiving items and for eating when using hands; the left hand is considered less clean in local custom.

Safety Guide

Safety

Behat is relatively safe for travelers but exercise common-sense precautions: keep valuables secure, avoid isolated areas at night, and be cautious with road crossings and local traffic. During the monsoon watch for flooded or slippery rural roads. For emergencies, locals can direct you to the nearest clinic or police station; for serious medical issues travel to Saharanpur or larger nearby cities.

Tipping in Behat

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but modest: 5–10% in restaurants if service is good (many small eateries rely on cash and expect no tip), and 10–30 INR for porters or helpers. Tipping taxi drivers and auto-rickshaw drivers is not mandatory but rounding up the fare is common.

Payment Methods

Cash (Indian rupees) is widely used, especially in markets and small shops. Mobile payment systems such as UPI and apps like Paytm are increasingly accepted; debit/credit cards work in some restaurants and hotels but may not be accepted everywhere. ATMs are available in larger towns — carry cash for rural purchases.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot and humid from April to June with daytime temperatures often in the 30–40°C (86–104°F) range; plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon, carry water and sun protection.

Monsoon

June to September brings the southwest monsoon; expect heavy rains, muddy trails and higher humidity — good for lush landscapes but some roads or low areas can flood or become waterlogged.

Autumn

October to November is pleasant with clear skies, moderate temperatures and many festivals — a prime time for market visits and outdoor excursions.

Winter

December to February brings cool mornings and evenings (sometimes near 5–8°C / 41–46°F) with comfortable daytime temps — ideal for walking, photography and outdoor markets; pack a warm layer for early mornings.

Nightlife Guide

Behat at Night

Behat has a quiet, small‑town nightlife: after sundown the town center is lively with tea stalls and street food vendors rather than bars or clubs. Evenings are best spent at local markets, family restaurants or attending seasonal festivals and community events. For more energetic nightlife (bars, nightclubs, late-night malls) you would need to travel to larger nearby cities.

Hiking in Behat

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Shivalik Foothill Trails

Short, accessible trails along the lower slopes of the Shivalik range suitable for easy day hikes, birdwatching and nature walks; best visited in cooler months.

Kalesar Reserve (day trip)

Located within a couple of hours’ drive (in the broader region), Kalesar forest offers longer hikes, wildlife viewing and mixed deciduous forest scenery — ideal for a nature day-trip from Behat.

Local Village Paths

Network of rural lanes and field tracks that make for peaceful walking routes through farmland, seasonal ponds and small groves — great for low-effort exploration and cultural immersion.

Airports

How to reach Behat by plane.

Dehradun Jolly Grant Airport (DED)

Approximately 90–120 km away depending on route; nearest medium-size airport with flights to major cities. Road transfer of 2–3 hours typical.

Chandigarh International Airport (IXC)

About 130–170 km by road; larger airport with national and some international connections. Expect a 3–4 hour drive depending on traffic.

Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi (DEL)

Major international airport roughly 180–250 km away (~4–6 hours by car). Offers the widest range of domestic and international flights; often used for long-distance travel to/from Behat.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center and bazaar are highly walkable with short distances between shops and eateries; side streets can be crowded and uneven. For reaching outskirts, agricultural fields or foothill trails you will need a bicycle, motorbike, auto-rickshaw or car.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Rural farming communities

A large portion of the population is engaged in agriculture and allied activities; seasonal rhythms of sowing and harvest shape daily life.

Hindu and Muslim communities

Religious communities live side-by-side with diverse cultural practices, festivals and mutual participation in markets and trade.

Small traders and artisans

Local shopkeepers, small-scale artisans, and service providers form the backbone of the town economy.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Cricket

The most popular sport across the region; local matches and informal games are common in fields and school grounds.

Kabaddi

Traditional contact sport widely played and watched, especially at village-level competitions and festivals.

Wrestling (Kushti)

Traditional wrestling in akharas is culturally significant — look for local training grounds and occasional matches during fairs.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Behat is usually light compared with big cities but roads can be narrow and shared by bicycles, scooters, tractors and occasional heavy vehicles. Auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws are common for short distances; state-run buses connect to nearby towns. Be cautious while crossing roads and during peak market times when pedestrian density rises.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Behat.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian food is widely available and easy to find; most dhabas and restaurants offer multiple vegetarian options (dal, paneer, vegetable curries, rotis).

Vegan

Vegan options are more limited because dairy is frequently used; ask for dishes without ghee, butter or yogurt and request oil-only preparations where possible.

Gluten‑free

Rice-based dishes and many lentil curries are naturally gluten‑free, but breads contain wheat. Mention gluten sensitivity to vendors to avoid cross-contamination with roti/paratha.

Food Safety

Stick to busy stalls with high turnover, eat cooked-hot food, and drink bottled or boiled water to reduce gastrointestinal risk.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare is available through local clinics and primary health centers; pharmacists and small private practitioners can handle minor ailments. For serious conditions, hospitals in Saharanpur or larger regional cities (Dehradun, Chandigarh, Delhi) have more advanced facilities — plan accordingly and carry travel insurance that covers medical evacuation if needed.

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