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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽️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.
Colorful stalls, spice piles, sweets and local shoppers create vivid street photography opportunities — best in the morning and early evening.
Panoramic views of cultivated fields against the backdrop of the Shivalik foothills make for dramatic golden-hour landscapes.
Local temples, small ghats or community squares offer candid shots of daily rituals, festivals and local architecture.
Wooded pockets and trails near the town provide nature photography opportunities — birds, butterflies and rural scenes.
Food in Behat
Behat Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
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!
Spiced chickpea curry with deep-fried bread — a popular heavy breakfast or lunch option in the region, found at larger local eateries.
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
Central market with stalls selling fresh seasonal produce, spices, snacks and sweets — great for trying local chaat, kachori and jalebi from street vendors.
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.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet people with 'Namaste' (folded hands) or a simple hello; addressing elders first and polite tone are valued.
Dress conservatively, especially when visiting religious sites — cover shoulders and knees and remove shoes where required.
Observe local rules at temples and ghats: remove shoes, avoid loud behavior, and follow any guidelines for photography or entry.
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
Tipping in Behat
Ensure a smooth experience
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.
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...
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.
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.
October to November is pleasant with clear skies, moderate temperatures and many festivals — a prime time for market visits and outdoor excursions.
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.
Behat at Night
Hiking in Behat
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
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.
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.
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.
Approximately 90–120 km away depending on route; nearest medium-size airport with flights to major cities. Road transfer of 2–3 hours typical.
About 130–170 km by road; larger airport with national and some international connections. Expect a 3–4 hour drive depending on traffic.
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.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A large portion of the population is engaged in agriculture and allied activities; seasonal rhythms of sowing and harvest shape daily life.
Religious communities live side-by-side with diverse cultural practices, festivals and mutual participation in markets and trade.
Local shopkeepers, small-scale artisans, and service providers form the backbone of the town economy.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across the region; local matches and informal games are common in fields and school grounds.
Traditional contact sport widely played and watched, especially at village-level competitions and festivals.
Traditional wrestling in akharas is culturally significant — look for local training grounds and occasional matches during fairs.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Behat.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian food is widely available and easy to find; most dhabas and restaurants offer multiple vegetarian options (dal, paneer, vegetable curries, rotis).
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.
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.
Stick to busy stalls with high turnover, eat cooked-hot food, and drink bottled or boiled water to reduce gastrointestinal risk.