Things To Do
in Dhāri
Dhāri is a small town in the Amreli district of Saurashtra, Gujarat that serves as a quiet agricultural and market centre for surrounding villages. The town is characterised by bustling weekly bazaars, modest temples, and a landscape of cotton, groundnut and millet fields that change with the seasons. Dhāri’s culture reflects traditional Gujarati life—festivals, simple vegetarian cuisine and hospitable communities—while being a practical base for day trips into Saurashtra and nearby wildlife areas.
Visitors find a low-key, authentic experience here rather than large tourist infrastructure, making it suitable for short stays and rural exploration.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the ancient Bhairavnath Temple, nestled among the lush hills. The morning sunlight filters through the trees, creating a serene atmosphere perfect for meditation. Take time to appreciate the intricate carvings and the peaceful surroundings.
After a traditional lunch in a local eatery, head to the nearby Giri Baba Temple for its stunning architecture and panoramic views. The vibrant local market offers a chance to shop for handicrafts and souvenirs, immersing you in the local culture. Spend some time interacting with friendly locals, learning about the crafts and traditions of the area.
As dusk approaches, find a quiet spot to watch the sunset over the hills, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple. Later, enjoy a cultural performance at a local venue, where traditional music and dance bring the spirit of Dhāri to life. Conclude your day with a leisurely walk along the riverside, soaking in the peaceful ambiance.
Set off early for a trek in the surrounding hills, where breathtaking views and the sound of chirping birds accompany you. The cool morning air invigorates your senses as you navigate through lush green trails. Be sure to carry your camera; the landscape here is mesmerizing.
After an exhilarating hike, take a break in a picturesque meadow, enjoying a packed lunch surrounded by nature. Consider trying some local wild plants or fruits, as Dhāri is known for its rich biodiversity. The afternoon is perfect for relaxation, reflecting on your adventures so far.
Return to the base as the sky transitions to twilight, taking in the golden hues and the sounds of nature. Once back in Dhāri, visit a local tea stall to savor a cup of chai and engage in conversations with the villagers. The night concludes with stargazing, where the clear skies reveal countless stars.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $2-4 |
| ☕Cup of tea / coffee | $0.3-1 |
| 🚕Short autorickshaw / local ride | $0.5-2 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel per night | $12-30 |
| 💧Bottle of water | $0.3-0.6 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic rural Gujarati culture and cuisine
- Low tourist density — peaceful, off-the-beaten-path experience
- Good access to regional attractions (wildlife, coast) for day trips
- Affordable prices for food and lodging
- Limited tourist infrastructure and few English-speaking services
- Fewer dining and nightlife options compared with larger cities
- Public transport can be infrequent for some day-trip destinations
- Summer heat and monsoon road conditions may limit activities
- "Kem cho?" - How are you?
- "Majama / Saru che" - I am fine / It's good
- "Aabhar / Dhanyavaad" - Thank you
- "Krupa kari ne" - Please
- "Ketla ma?" - How much?
- "Shubhe chhe" - Good / Congratulations
Places to Visit in Dhāri
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful stalls, vendors selling spices and textiles, and candid street scenes—best in early morning or late afternoon for soft light.
Expansive fields, seasonal crops and farming activity offer authentic rural landscapes and portrait opportunities with local farmers.
Local temples and shrines display regional architecture and rituals—photograph respectfully during prayer times and festivals.
If you travel toward Gir or other protected areas, expect wildlife, birds and forest scenes for nature photography—book guided trips for access.
Open fields and low ridgelines around town provide wide-open skies and dramatic sunsets over the Saurashtra plains.
Food in Dhāri
Dhāri Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A multi-course meal with rotla/thepla, dal, shaak (vegetable), kadhi, rice and sweets; available at local restaurants and dhabas.
Must-Try!
Steamed gram flour cake—light and spongy; widely available from street vendors and breakfast stalls.
Khandvi are thin rolls made from gram flour and yogurt with mustard and coconut garnish; thepla are flatbreads often carried on journeys—both common at markets and sweet shops.
A classic Gujarati snack pairing crunchy gram-flour sticks with sweet jalebi; a popular roadside breakfast choice.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The town bazaar is where vendors sell fresh produce, spices, snacks and sweets—great for trying local chaat, seasonal fruits and fresh rotis from small stalls.
Small eateries and tea stalls near the bus stand serve quick food like dhokla, kachori, chai and simple thalis—ideal for casual sampling.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a Namaste (hands pressed together) or a polite hello; show respect to elders by waiting for them to be served first and using formal language when appropriate.
Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples or rural households—cover shoulders and knees; women may prefer longer skirts or trousers and light scarves.
Remove shoes before entering homes and temples, ask before photographing people during worship, and avoid public displays of affection in conservative areas.
If invited into a home, accept small offerings of tea or snacks; it’s polite to reciprocate warmth and to compliment meals and hospitality.
Safety
Tipping in Dhāri
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is modest and discretionary in small towns—round up bills, give small tips (₹20–100) to restaurant servers or hotel staff for good service, and tip drivers/porters for help. In local eateries and tea stalls tipping is not expected but appreciated for exceptional service.
Cash is widely used, especially in small shops and markets. Digital payments (UPI, Paytm) are increasingly common in shops and restaurants, and ATMs are available in district centres. Credit/debit cards are accepted at larger establishments in nearby towns but may not be reliable in every local outlet—carry sufficient cash for markets and rural trips.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
April–June bring hot temperatures (often 35–45°C/95–113°F); travel early mornings and late afternoons, stay hydrated and choose air‑conditioned transport for longer trips.
June–September sees the southwest monsoon; expect heavy rains some days, muddy rural tracks and lush green fields—check road conditions for day trips to rural spots.
November–February offers mild, pleasant days and cool nights (10–25°C/50–77°F)—this is the most comfortable time for outdoor activities and festivals.
Navratri (autumn) and other regional festivals bring vibrant celebrations, traditional music and dance—excellent for cultural experiences but book local transport early.
Dhāri at Night
Hiking in Dhāri
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short hiking loops around Dhāri’s outskirts offering easy walks through farmland and low ridges with good sunrise/sunset views.
A more substantial hike located in the broader Saurashtra region near Junagadh—known for ancient temples and panoramic views; reachable by a longer drive and suitable for experienced walkers.
If you drive to nearby coasts, there are scenic coastal trails and beach walks—combine with a seaside stay for a multi-day trip.
Guided trails and jeep routes in and near Gir National Park offer wildlife-focused walking and short treks—book with park authorities or licensed guides.
Airports
How to reach Dhāri by plane.
The nearest major airport offering regular domestic flights to Mumbai, Ahmedabad and other cities; typically a 2–4 hour drive from Dhāri depending on route and traffic—rent a car or take a bus/taxi to reach Dhāri.
Another regional airport with domestic services; reachable by a longer drive and used as an alternative for travelers coming from western Saurashtra.
Smaller airport serving the Diu coastal area—useful if you plan to combine Dhāri with coastal visits; expect a multi-hour road journey to reach Dhāri.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population, engaged in farming, trade and local businesses; family and community life are central.
Small but established communities contributing to local commerce, cuisine and religious life.
A large segment of residents work in agriculture (groundnut, cotton, millet) and related trades, shaping the town’s seasonal rhythms.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The dominant sport across Gujarat and Dhāri—informal matches in school grounds and village fields are common and accessible to visitors.
Traditional team sports popular in rural areas with local tournaments and village-level competitions, especially during festivals.
Traditional wrestling practised in akharas (training grounds) in some rural communities; events may accompany festivals.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Dhāri.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are abundant; many restaurants and homes serve purely vegetarian food, making Dhāri easy to navigate for vegetarians.
Vegan choices are possible but require asking about ghee, milk and yogurt; stick to plain rotis, vegetable curries and dal, and request no ghee or butter.
Rice dishes, lentils and many vegetable preparations are gluten-free, but wheat-based breads (rotla, thepla) are common—confirm ingredients at eateries.
While many places are vegetarian, some eateries and nearby towns offer meat; for halal meat, ask in advance or visit larger towns where options are clearer.