Things To Do
in Ekwāri
Ekwāri is a small, rural town and administrative block in the state of Bihar, India, characterized by fertile agricultural land, simple market streets and close-knit village communities. Life here moves at a relaxed pace, with seasonal rhythms dictated by planting and harvest, local festivals and temple rituals. The town is a good place to experience authentic everyday Bihar — from home-cooked sattu and litti to colorful fairs and roadside chai stalls.
Infrastructure is basic: expect modest guesthouses, primary health services and road links to larger district towns and cities for broader services.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the stunning Ekwāri Temple, known for its intricate carvings and serene atmosphere. Engage with local priests and learn about the rituals and history of the temple, immersing yourself in the spiritual vibe of the place. Enjoy a traditional breakfast at a nearby café, savoring local delicacies like idli and sambhar.
After a leisurely lunch, make your way to the ancient ruins of the nearby Kshira Sagara Fort, where you can explore the remnants of its storied past. Enjoy a guided tour that reveals the fort's significance in Ekwāri's history while taking in panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. Spend some time at a local craft shop, where artisans showcase their skills in pottery and weaving.
As dusk falls, head to the banks of the serene Ekwāri River, where you can partake in a tranquil boat ride. The setting sun casts a golden hue over the water, making it a perfect backdrop for reflective moments. Conclude your day with dinner at a riverside restaurant, indulging in authentic Indian cuisine with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.
Rise early for a guided nature walk in the Ekwāri Wildlife Sanctuary, where the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves awaken your senses. Keep your eyes peeled for exotic birds and wildlife, including deer and monkeys, as you traverse through lush greenery. After the walk, enjoy a wholesome breakfast picnic amidst nature, surrounded by the beauty of the forest.
Post-lunch, visit the small interpretation center within the sanctuary to learn more about the local flora and fauna from knowledgeable guides. Participate in a photography session, capturing the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant wildlife that inhabit the area. As the afternoon sun begins to set, embark on a short trek to a scenic viewpoint that offers stunning vistas of Ekwāri.
Return to the town for a leisurely evening stroll through the local market, where you can shop for unique handicrafts and souvenirs. Engage in conversations with friendly vendors and learn about their craft, creating a personal connection to your purchases. Dine at a popular eatery offering regional specialties, ensuring your palate enjoys the flavors of Ekwāri.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $2-5 |
| ☕Tea (chai) at a stall | $0.10-0.50 |
| 🚕Short auto-rickshaw ride | $0.20-1.50 |
| 🚌Intercity bus ticket | $1-8 |
| 🛏️Budget guesthouse / room | $8-25 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic rural experience and cultural immersion
- Low travel costs and hearty regional cuisine
- Good opportunities for photography of everyday village life and landscapes
- Friendly local communities and relaxed pace
- Limited tourist infrastructure and few formal attractions
- Basic healthcare and accommodation options
- Language barriers if you don’t speak Hindi/Bhojpuri
- Transport can be slow; roads may be affected during monsoon
- "Namaste" - Hello / respectful greeting
- "Dhanyavaad / Shukriya" - Thank you
- "Kitna hua?" - How much is it?
- "Kahaan hai...?" - Where is...?
- "Mujhe madad chahiye" - I need help
- "Shudh paani milega?" - Can I get potable water?
Places to Visit in Ekwāri
Visit one of these nice places.
Vibrant scenes of vendors setting up, colorful produce, and early-morning light — great for candid street and portrait shots.
Golden fields, farmers at work, and seasonal crops provide classic rural landscapes, especially dramatic at sunrise and sunset.
Small neighborhood temples, morning pujas and festival processions offer opportunities for cultural and portrait photography — always ask permission before shooting people up close.
If a river or irrigation canal is nearby, it provides reflective water scenes, fishermen, and wildlife activity that change with seasons.
Narrow lanes, mud or brick homes, and courtyard scenes are excellent for telling visual stories of daily life.
Food in Ekwāri
Ekwāri Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Roasted wheat dough balls stuffed with spiced sattu, typically served with chokha (mashed roasted eggplant, tomato and potato). Widely available at local eateries and roadside stalls.
Must-Try!
Flatbreads or cooling drinks made with sattu — a regional staple often eaten for energy and during hot weather; commonly prepared in homes and small shops.
Simple home-style dal (lentils), steamed rice and a seasonal vegetable curry — the everyday meal at most households and modest restaurants.
Local sweet treats offered at sweet shops during festivals and celebrations.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A weekly open-air market where villagers sell produce, snacks and cooked dishes — a great place to try fried snacks, pakoras, samosas and local sweets.
Row of permanent and temporary stalls near the bazaar serving chai, litti, chaat and seasonal specialties; perfect for tasting freshly made local street food.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite 'Namaste' with folded hands is customary; a handshake is common among men in urban settings but less so with women unless initiated by them.
Dress modestly — cover shoulders and knees, especially at religious sites and in conservative village areas. Women may prefer sarees or kurta-pajamas; men usually wear kurta or shirt and trousers.
Remove shoes before entering temples, dress conservatively, and avoid loud behavior during worship; photography may be restricted in sacred spaces.
Public displays of affection are frowned upon. Always ask permission before photographing people, and accept hospitality with courtesy.
If invited to a home, small gifts like sweets, fruit or packaged goods are appreciated. Avoid giving alcohol unless you know it is acceptable to the host.
Safety
Tipping in Ekwāri
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is modest and discretionary. For small services like a porter or a helpful guide, Rs. 20–100 (small amounts) is appreciated; restaurant service charges are not always added, so you can leave a small tip for good service.
Cash (Indian rupees) is widely used and often preferred in markets, tea stalls and small shops. Mobile UPI payments and QR-code apps are increasingly common in towns. Credit and debit cards may work at larger hotels or branches in district towns, but don’t rely on cards in small establishments—carry enough cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid from April to June with daytime temperatures often high; early mornings and evenings are most comfortable. Carry sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water; avoid strenuous activity in midday heat.
Monsoon (June to September) brings heavy rains and greener landscapes but also muddy roads and occasional local flooding; plan extra travel time and bring a lightweight rain jacket and waterproof footwear.
November to February brings cool, comfortable days and chilly mornings and nights — ideal for outdoor activities and photography, though pack warm layers for early mornings.
Transitional months (March and October) are pleasant with moderate temperatures and are good times to visit for festivals, markets and agricultural activity.
Ekwāri at Night
Hiking in Ekwāri
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Easy, flat walks along irrigation canals or riverbanks suitable for morning or evening strolls and birdwatching.
Informal footpaths linking neighboring villages pass through fields, groves and small water bodies — ideal for low-impact walking and cultural encounters.
If you travel further afield, the Kaimur range offers more rugged trails, waterfalls and forested areas — suitable for day hikes and nature excursions from the district town.
Airports
How to reach Ekwāri by plane.
The largest nearby airport serving Bihar with domestic connections; reach Ekwāri by train or road via the district headquarters and local buses or taxis.
Smaller airport with domestic flights and some international pilgrim traffic; accessible by road from surrounding districts and useful if traveling from southern Bihar or Jharkhand.
Ranchi offers another regional airport option if traveling from nearby Jharkhand regions; travelers often combine air and road/rail travel to reach Ekwāri.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Most residents are engaged in agriculture and related occupations; families tend to be multi-generational with strong ties to land and local practices.
A mix of caste-based and community groups typical of rural Bihar; social norms and local leadership structures often reflect these traditional patterns.
Predominantly Hindu population with Muslim and small minority communities; religious festivals and rituals shape the annual calendar.
Many young adults migrate seasonally or long-term to cities for work, creating a visible demographic of older residents and children in the daytime.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The dominant sport across villages and towns; informal matches are common in open fields and school grounds.
A traditional contact sport popular in rural Bihar with local tournaments and strong community interest.
Traditional wrestling is practiced in akharas (wrestling grounds) and remains an important cultural sport in the region.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ekwāri.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian diets are easy to maintain here — many dishes are vegetarian by default. Ask about ghee/butter if avoiding dairy; most restaurants will accommodate simple requests.
Vegan options are available but less common. Communicate clearly about avoiding ghee, milk and paneer; stick to dal, rice, vegetable curries and sattu-based items when possible.
Rice-based meals and many lentil dishes are gluten-free. Avoid wheat-based rotis, litti (wheat dough), and most fried snacks unless prepared from rice or gram flour — always confirm preparation details.
Prefer freshly cooked hot food and bottled or boiled water. Use bottled water for drinking and be cautious with raw salads or unpeeled fruit.