Things To Do
in Kāri

A common breakfast of lightly spiced flattened rice with peanuts, onions and lemon; widely available at stalls and small cafés.

Must-Try!

Grated corn prepared with spices and milk—an iconic local snack/dish in parts of central India; try at street vendors or home-style eateries.

Wheat dough balls baked/boiled then dunked in ghee, served with spiced lentils—hearty regional comfort food often found in traditional restaurants.

Fried, stuffed pastries served as snacks or breakfast items from street vendors and markets.

The town’s weekly market is the best place to sample street snacks, seasonal fruit, fresh chutneys and local sweets; great for photographing food stalls and local trade.

Small permanent stalls offering chai, pakoras, chaat and quick meals — perfect for sampling inexpensive local flavors.

Use a respectful 'Namaste' with hands folded for formal greetings; a handshake is acceptable among men, but be cautious offering a handshake to women — wait to see if they extend their hand.

Dress modestly — cover shoulders and knees, especially when visiting temples or rural areas; loose, breathable clothing is practical in the heat.

Always ask permission before photographing people, especially women and religious ceremonies; some people may decline.

If invited to a home, accept a small portion and use your right hand for eating and passing food; showing appreciation goes a long way.

Tipping is modest: round up taxi or auto fares, leave 5–10% in casual restaurants (or a few tens of rupees), and offer small tips to helpful guides or porters. In very small family-run places tipping is not expected but appreciated.

Cash (Indian rupees) is king in Kāri — carry small notes for markets and tuk-tuks. Digital payments (UPI, mobile wallets) and cards are increasingly accepted in larger towns but may be unreliable in small shops. ATMs are available in nearby larger towns; plan ahead for cash needs.

April–June brings hot, dry conditions with daytime temperatures often high; carry water, sun protection and plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.

June–September sees the southwest monsoon bringing irregular but sometimes heavy rains — roads can become muddy or flooded and some rural trails may be slippery.

November–February is pleasant with cool mornings and nights; days are comfortable for exploring — pack a light jacket for evenings.

March and October offer milder temperatures and clearer skies, making it a good time for outdoor photography and village walks.

Vegetarian diets are easy to maintain — most eateries offer vegetarian meals. Clarify if ghee or dairy is acceptable and ask about the use of onion/garlic if observing stricter diets.

Vegan options are more limited but possible: plain breads (roti), vegetable curries made without ghee and lentils can work — always ask vendors whether dishes contain ghee or milk.

Rice-based dishes and some lentil preparations are gluten-free, but many breads contain wheat; request meals without roti or paratha and watch for cross-contamination at busy stalls.

Communicate allergies clearly — carry a translated note for severe allergies (nuts, dairy) and keep medication on hand; street-food hygiene varies.