Things To Do
in Belhi

Vibrant stalls, colourful produce, local vendors and traditional attire provide candid street-portrait opportunities.

Wide-open fields at sunrise or sunset yield sweeping landscape shots and reflections in small irrigation channels.

Small temples and river ghats offer ritual scenes, devotional gatherings and atmospheric light for cultural photography.

Artists at work painting walls or paper provide intimate portrait and craft-focused images—always ask permission before shooting close-ups.

A staple of the region: wheat balls stuffed with spiced sattu (roasted gram flour) served with mashed roasted vegetables (chokha). Available at dhabas and many village eateries.

Must-Try!

Fox nuts (makhana) are grown locally and used roasted as snacks or in creamy kheer desserts; find them in markets and sweets shops.

Freshwater fish prepared in mustard-based curries or simple gravies—best at local eateries or homes near riverbanks.

Flatbread stuffed with seasoned sattu; a filling vegetarian option commonly available for breakfast or lunch.

The periodic village market where farmers sell produce, sweets, spices and makhana; ideal for trying fried snacks, fresh seasonal fruit and buying local ingredients.

Small stalls offering chai, samosa, kachori and jalebi—perfect for sampling everyday street food and observing local life.

Use a respectful 'Namaste' with palms together when meeting people; dress modestly—covered shoulders and knees—especially when visiting temples or rural homes.

Remove shoes before entering homes and many temples; follow local rules about offerings and touching sacred objects.

Always ask permission before photographing individuals, especially women and during religious rituals; a smile and a polite request goes a long way.

Expect warm hospitality—accept small servings of tea or sweets when offered; reciprocate with polite thanks or a small gift if appropriate.

Tipping is not mandatory; small tips (20–50 INR / $0.25–$0.60) for helpful guides, porters or restaurant staff are appreciated. For larger services (private drivers or multi-day guides) consider a 5–10% tip depending on service.

Cash (Indian rupees) is king in Belhi; small shops, dhabas and markets seldom accept cards. Mobile UPI payments and wallets (Paytm, Google Pay) are increasingly common but coverage varies—carry sufficient cash for rural purchases. ATMs and banks are available in nearby towns rather than every village.

Hot and humid from April to June with daytime temperatures often high; travel early mornings and late afternoons, stay hydrated and seek shade during peak heat.

Heavy rains typically arrive from June to September; fields and rivers swell and low-lying areas can flood—road travel may be disrupted and some rural routes become muddy or impassable.

October–November is pleasant with clearer skies, cooler nights and festival activity—one of the best times to visit for culture and comfortable weather.

December–February brings cool mornings and evenings (often foggy), mild daytime temperatures and ideal conditions for sightseeing and outdoor walks.

If accessible within a few hours' drive, the Rajgir hills offer short hikes, scenic views, ancient ruins and monasteries—popular for a cultural-nature combination.

Further afield in northwestern Bihar, Valmiki has designated trails and wildlife viewing opportunities—best visited with a permit and guide.

The Kaimur hills to the south/west provide rocky ridges, waterfalls and trails for moderate trekking—suitable as a day or overnight trip from Belhi by road.

Local, low-impact walks along the Kosi or other river embankments are ideal for easy hikes, birdwatching and photography, especially at dawn and dusk.

The majority group in this region, speaking Maithili and preserving Maithili customs, art and festivals.

Hindi is widely used as a lingua franca across communities for trade and official matters.

Many villages include Muslim families contributing to the cultural and economic life of the area; intercommunal relations are typically peaceful and cooperative.

Large segments of the population are engaged in agriculture, seasonal labour, and traditional crafts such as Mithila painting and makhana processing.

Vegetarian options are plentiful: dals, vegetables, sattu preparations and breads. Specify 'shakahari' and avoid foods cooked in shared oil if strict; many small eateries are vegetarian-friendly but check before ordering meat dishes.

Possible but trickier—ask for no ghee, butter or milk in dishes and request vegetable or dal preparations cooked in mustard or vegetable oil.

Rice-based dishes and many lentil/vegetable items are naturally gluten-free; avoid wheat-based rotis and litti unless you confirm ingredients and preparation method.

Use bottled or boiled water for drinking, avoid raw salads or uncooked street items if you have a sensitive stomach; prefer freshly cooked hot food.