Things To Do
in Gurwaliā Biswās

A classic Bengali fish dish cooked in a pungent mustard sauce; best found at local Bengali-style restaurants and family kitchens when hilsa is in season.

Must-Try!

Fried flatbreads (luchi) served with spicy potato curry (aloo/alu dom) — a popular breakfast or festive meal available at small eateries and street vendors.

Simple, comforting red lentil dal served with steamed rice—a staple of home cooking and diners across the town.

Soft syrupy or milk-based sweets sold at local sweet shops; perfect for a mid-morning treat or to take home as gifts.

A bustling market happening on designated days with fresh produce, fish stalls, spices, and street snacks like jhalmuri (spiced puffed rice) and muri mixtures; ideal for sampling local flavors and buying seasonal fruit.

Small roadside tea shops where locals gather; they serve chai, samosas, and fritters — excellent for people-watching and casual conversation.

Use a polite greeting such as 'Nomoskar' or a slight nod when meeting elders; removing shoes before entering homes and some temples is expected.

Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites—cover shoulders and knees to show respect.

Always ask permission before photographing people, particularly in private or religious settings; many will be happy to be photographed if asked politely.

Small reciprocations like bringing sweets or packaged gifts when visiting a home are appreciated; avoid alcohol as a gift unless you are sure it is acceptable to the household.

Tipping is appreciated but not always mandatory—small tips (10% in restaurants where service is provided, or 10-50 INR to local guides, drivers, or porters) are customary. For tea stalls and small vendors, round up the bill as a polite gesture.

Cash (Indian Rupees) is the most accepted form in markets and small shops; mobile payments and UPI are increasingly common in larger establishments. ATMs may be limited—carry sufficient cash for rural excursions and confirm acceptance of cards in advance.

Hot and humid with daytime temperatures often high; mornings and evenings are best for outdoor activities. Carry water, sun protection, and plan indoor or shaded activities during peak heat.

Heavy rains can cause muddy roads and occasional flooding in low-lying areas—expect lush green landscapes but plan for travel delays and bring waterproof gear.

Mild and pleasant with cooler mornings and evenings; ideal time for walking, photography, and festivals. Light layers are recommended for early mornings.

Transitional seasons with comfortable temperatures, blooming vegetation, and active agricultural work—good for cultural visits and outdoor treks.

Vegetarian options are widely available—dal, vegetable curries, rice, and lentil-based snacks are common. Communicate clearly about ingredients, especially ghee (clarify if you avoid dairy) and shrimp/prawn pastes in some vegetable preparations.

Vegan choices can be found but may require requests to omit ghee, paneer or yogurt; fresh vegetables, legumes, and simple lentil dishes are usually vegan-friendly when prepared without dairy.

Many dishes (rice, lentils, fish, vegetables) are naturally gluten-free; avoid wheat-based breads like roti and fried snacks made from wheat flour unless confirmed safe.

Make allergies known clearly—fish and mustard are commonly used, and some sweets contain nuts; carry translations of allergy descriptions in Bengali or Hindi for clarity.