Things To Do
in Bihāt

Bihāt is a small town and rural community in northern India characterized by patchwork fields, modest temples, and a closely connected local population. Life here moves at a slower pace than in big cities, with daily rhythms tied to agriculture, markets and religious festivals. Visitors will find colorful markets, simple guesthouses and opportunities to experience authentic small-town Uttar Pradesh culture.

While modern amenities exist, infrastructure can be basic, which contributes to the town's traditional charm and relaxed feel.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Bihāt
morning
:

Arrive in Bihāt and immerse yourself in the local culture by exploring the vibrant streets and markets. Enjoy a traditional breakfast at a local eatery, sampling dishes like poha and jalebi. Take a moment to admire the unique architecture that blends modern and traditional styles.

afternoon
:

Visit the nearest temples and historical sites to understand the rich heritage of the region. Engage with friendly locals and perhaps participate in a local crafts workshop. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a restaurant that features regional cuisine, introducing you to more local flavors.

evening
:

As the sun sets, take a walk along the serene banks of the nearby river. Experience a beautiful sunset, followed by visiting a local community gathering or cultural event. End the day with dinner at a local dhaba, relishing the flavors of freshly prepared meals.

day 2
Exploring Local Temples
morning
:

Start your day with a trip to the historic temples in and around Bihāt. Witness the morning rituals as locals gather to offer prayers and the peace of the early hours adds to the spirituality of the place. Spend time appreciating the intricate carvings and serene atmosphere of these places of worship.

afternoon
:

After a morning of reflection, head to a traditional restaurant for lunch, where you can sample the regional specialty bhaji and roti. Post-lunch, embark on a guided tour that delves into the history and mythology surrounding the temples, providing context to the remarkable architecture. Capture memorable photographs of the surroundings and engage in conversations with knowledgeable guides.

evening
:

As dusk approaches, return to a favorite temple for evening aarti, a captivating ceremony of light and sound. The atmosphere reverberates with spiritual chants and the scent of incense fills the air. Conclude the evening with a dinner featuring items freshly prepared in the spirit of the local cuisine.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant$2-4
🚌Local rickshaw / short taxi ride$0.5-2
🏠Budget guesthouse / homestay (per night)$10-25
💧Bottled water (1.5L)$0.3-1
Tea and snack at a stall$0.5-1.5

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Authentic small-town atmosphere and close interaction with rural life.
  • Lower costs and easy access to home-cooked regional cuisine.
  • Good seasonal opportunities for photography and cultural observation.
  • Limited modern amenities and nightlife; fewer high-end accommodation options.
  • Infrastructure can be basic — roads, medical facilities and connectivity may be limited.
  • Language barrier if you do not speak Hindi or local dialects; fewer tourist services.
  • "Namaste" - Hello / respectful greeting
  • "Dhanyavaad" - Thank you
  • "Kripya" - Please
  • "Kitne ka hai?" - How much does this cost?
  • "Shauchalay kahaan hai?" - Where is the restroom?

Places to Visit in Bihāt

Visit one of these nice places.

Main Market

Vibrant colors, busy vendors, piles of spices and produce make the market ideal for street and candid photography.

Temple/Mosque Complex

Architectural details, ritual activities and evening aarti can yield evocative cultural images — be respectful and ask permission before photographing people.

Riverside or Canal Embankment

Sunrise and sunset light on water, boat activity and villagers washing clothes or collecting water provide atmospheric scenes.

Village Lanes and Fields

Close-up shots of farming life, seasonal crops, and rural households capture authentic everyday life and landscapes.

Culinary Guide

Food in Bihāt

Cuisine around Bihāt reflects classic Uttar Pradesh flavors: hearty vegetarian and meat dishes, wheat-based breads, rice, lentils and richly spiced curries. Meals are cooked with mustard oil or ghee in many households and local snacks and sweets play a major role in daily food culture.

Bihāt Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Thali (North Indian)

A full plate with daal, seasonal sabzi, roti, rice, pickles and a sweet — widely available at dhabas and family restaurants.

Must-Try!

Kebabs and Tikkas

Grilled meat skewers available at roadside stalls and small eateries in the evening — try seekh or tikka where offered.

Litti Chokha

Roasted wheat balls filled with sattu (gram flour) served with spiced mashed vegetables; more common in Bihar-UP border areas and at local specialty vendors.

Sweets (Peda, Jalebi)

Local mithai shops sell classic north Indian sweets — ideal to try after a meal or as a snack with chai.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Main Town Market

The central market is best for fresh produce, masalas and street snacks — sample samosas, chaat, and fresh-cut fruit. Look for busy stalls with many locals; that’s often a sign of freshness and taste.

Evening Food Stalls

Street vendors who set up after sunset offer kebabs, parathas and fried sweets. Try stalls recommended by locals and eat where turnover is high.

Climate Guide

Weather

Bihāt experiences a subtropical climate with hot summers (April–June), a monsoon season with heavy rains (June–September), pleasant and cool winters (November–February), and short transitional periods in spring and autumn. Humidity is higher in the monsoon, winters are dry and comfortable, and dust can be an issue in the pre-monsoon months.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greeting and Respect

A simple 'Namaste' with hands pressed together is a polite greeting. Address elders with respect and accept invitations with gratitude.

Dress and Public Behavior

Dress modestly, especially near religious sites — cover shoulders and legs. Avoid public displays of affection and be mindful of local conservative norms.

Eating Customs

Use the right hand for eating and passing items. Remove shoes before entering temples or some homes, and ask permission before photographing people in private situations.

Safety Guide

Safety

Bihāt is generally safe for visitors who use common-sense precautions: keep an eye on belongings in crowded markets, avoid isolated areas after dark, and use reputable transport. Carry a copy of your ID, have local contact details, stay hydrated in summer, and ensure food and water safety by choosing busy, trusted vendors. In medical emergencies, be prepared to travel to a larger town for more advanced care.

Tipping in Bihāt

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not always expected in small towns. For restaurant service, 5–10% is fine if service is good. Tip hotel staff (a small amount per bag) and local guides in cash; rickshaw drivers can be rounded up to the nearest 10–20 rupees.

Payment Methods

Cash (Indian rupees) is the most widely accepted form of payment in Bihāt. Digital payments (UPI, mobile wallets) and cards are increasingly available in shops and hotels in larger nearby towns, but always carry cash for markets and small vendors.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot and humid from April to June with daytime temperatures often above 35°C (95°F). Plan outdoor activities for early morning or late evening, stay hydrated and wear light, breathable clothing and sunscreen.

Monsoon

June to September brings heavy rains and occasional local flooding; rural roads can become muddy. Travel times may increase; bring a waterproof jacket and insect repellent.

Winter

November to February is cool and pleasant, with chilly mornings and evenings (sometimes dropping to 5–10°C / 40–50°F). This is the most comfortable time for sightseeing and outdoor walks.

Spring/Autumn

Transitional months (March–April and October) have mild weather and are great for visiting — fields are often green and festivals are frequently celebrated during these times.

Nightlife Guide

Bihāt at Night

Nightlife in Bihāt is low-key and community-oriented: small tea stalls and roadside eateries stay open into the evening, and social life revolves around family gatherings, temple events and occasional local music. For bars, clubs or late-night entertainment, travelers usually need to go to larger nearby cities where nightlife options are more varied.

Hiking in Bihāt

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Riverside Trail

Easy, flat walks along the town's riverbank or canal embankments — good for sunrise/sunset photography and birdwatching.

Village Loop Trails

Short hikes through surrounding villages and agricultural fields; ideal for observing rural life and seasonal crops, usually gentle and accessible year-round.

Small Forest Reserve / Woodlot Walks

Nearby patches of woodland or community forest (where present) offer shaded walks and opportunities to spot local flora and fauna — best visited in the cooler months.

Airports

How to reach Bihāt by plane.

Kanpur Chakeri Airport (KNU)

The closest regional airport serving Kanpur; offers domestic connections and is typically a 1–2 hour drive from many surrounding small towns depending on exact location.

Lucknow Amausi Airport (LKO)

A major airport with frequent domestic flights and some international connections; commonly used for access to this region and roughly 2–3 hours by road from many towns in the area.

Varanasi Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS)

Further afield but an option for travelers combining cultural visits; larger city services and rail connections available, usually a longer drive of several hours.

Getting Around

Walkability

Bihāt is very walkable within the town center and neighboring lanes; distances are short and streets are pedestrian-friendly during daytime. Some paths may be uneven or dusty, so wear comfortable shoes and avoid walking long distances after dark without local guidance.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Agrarian Families

Many residents are smallholder farmers or agricultural laborers who work seasonal crops and form the backbone of the local economy.

Artisans and Traders

Local shopkeepers, craftsmen and market vendors who run small businesses and traditional trades.

Youth and Students

Younger residents often move between the town and nearby cities for education and employment, contributing to shifting demographics.

Religious Communities

Hindu and Muslim communities live side-by-side in many towns in this region, with local festivals and religious observances forming an important part of social life.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Cricket

The dominant sport across India, played in open fields, lanes and school grounds; local matches and informal games are common.

Kabaddi

A traditional contact team sport popular in rural areas and frequently played at local competitions and school events.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic within Bihāt is generally light compared with larger cities, with a mix of bicycles, motorbikes, auto-rickshaws and occasional trucks. Roads can be narrow and unpaved in places; expect slower travel during monsoon season. For longer journeys, buses and shared taxis connect to nearby towns, while private hires and auto-rickshaws serve local transport needs.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Bihāt.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian food is widely available and easy to find. Ask for no ghee or ask about preparation methods if strict about dairy or cooking oil types.

Vegan

Vegan options exist (lentils, vegetable curries, rice) but clarify the use of ghee or yogurt. Communicate clearly and point to ingredients if there’s a language gap.

Gluten-free

Rice-based dishes and many lentil preparations are gluten-free, but breads like roti and paratha contain wheat; mention the restriction when ordering and prefer rice meals.

Food Safety

Stick to busy, popular stalls and freshly cooked hot food; drink bottled or boiled water and peel fruit to reduce risk of stomach upset.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic primary healthcare facilities and clinics serve Bihāt for routine illnesses and minor injuries. For specialized care, diagnostics or emergencies, the nearest district hospital in a larger town or city will be better equipped — plan for transport time and consider travel insurance that covers evacuation if necessary.

Discover India

Read more in our India 2025 Travel Guide.

India Travel Guide