Things To Do
in Katihār
Katihar is a bustling railway town in northeastern Bihar that serves as a gateway to rural Mithila. The city pulses with markets, ferries, and a welcoming local crowd, making it easy to feel at home as a visitor. Food stalls, temples, and busy bazaars offer an authentic slice of everyday Bihar life.
With affordable prices and easy rail access, Katihar provides a genuine, low-key travel experience away from bigger tourist hubs.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the ancient ruins of the Baidyanath temple, a significant pilgrimage site. As the sun rises, the temple complex fills with devotees, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy a traditional breakfast at a nearby eatery, savoring local delicacies such as litti chokha.
After exploring the temple, take a leisurely stroll through the historic streets of Katihar, where colonial architecture meets vibrant local culture. Stop by the local market to experience the hustle and bustle, where you can shop for handicrafts and spices. Don’t miss the chance to taste street food, especially the popular samosas and jalebis.
As the sun sets, head to the banks of the Ganges River for a peaceful evening by the water. Witness the mesmerizing aarti ceremony, where lamps are lit to honor the river and local deities. Conclude your day with a quiet dinner at a riverside restaurant, relishing traditional Bihari cuisine.
Embark on an early morning trip to the nearby Kanwar Lake, a serene spot known for its natural beauty and birdwatching opportunities. Bring along binoculars to catch a glimpse of migratory birds in their natural habitat. Enjoy a packed breakfast amidst the lush surroundings, surrounded by the sounds of nature.
Continue your exploration at the nearby Kankali Devi Temple, set in a picturesque location surrounded by hills and forests. The hike to the temple offers stunning views and a chance to connect with local flora and fauna. Afterward, indulge in a hearty lunch at a local dhaba, trying out traditional rice dishes.
Return to Katihar and visit the local park for a relaxing evening walk. As dusk falls, the park becomes a gathering place for locals, providing a glimpse of everyday life in the city. Enjoy a simple dinner at a local restaurant, sampling more regional specialties.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee/Tea at a cafe | $0.5-1.5 |
| 🍜Street food snack | $0.5-2 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $15-35 |
| 🚌Public transport (bus/taxi) per ride | $0.8-2 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Affordable travel with authentic Bihar experiences
- Warm hospitality and easy rail/road access
- Limited high-end luxury options and nightlife
- Some areas can be crowded and chaotic
- "नमस्ते" - Hello
- "कृपया" - Please
- "धन्यवाद" - Thank you
- "मुझे मदद चाहिए" - I need help
- "क्या आप अंग्रेज़ी बोलते हैं?" - Do you speak English?
- "शौचालय कहाँ है?" - Where is the bathroom?
Places to Visit in Katihār
Visit one of these nice places.
Expansive riverside views with golden light at dusk; ideal for wide-angle river photography and silhouettes.
Iconic railway architecture and bustling platform scenes; great for candid street photography of trains and travelers.
Narrow lanes and historic storefronts provide character-filled backdrops for street photography and urban texture.
Food in Katihār
Katihār Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Clay-oven baked dough balls stuffed with sattu, served with smoky chokha made from roasted vegetables; widely available at local eateries and dhabas.
Must-Try!
Parathas stuffed with roasted gram flour (sattu), often enjoyed with pickles or yogurt; a common breakfast option.
Rice with a spicy lentil curry and seasonal vegetables —a staple that appears across most restaurants and eateries.
A crunchy sweet wheat and jaggery cookie, popular during festivals and available at bakeries and street stalls.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bustling market area where you can sample chaat, snacks, fresh fruit, and regional sweets from street vendors.
A cluster of informal stalls offering quick bites, dal puri, and hot beverages popular with locals and travelers.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with Namaste; dress modestly when visiting temples; remove shoes before entering homes or sacred spaces; ask before taking photos of people.
Follow posted rules, speak softly, and avoid carrying prohibited items; seek guidance from locals if unsure.
Safety
Tipping in Katihār
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants and cafes, a tip of 5–10% is customary if service is satisfactory; in informal street stalls, rounding up the bill is common but not required.
Cash remains widely used; digital payments (UPI, wallets like Paytm, and card payments) are increasingly accepted, especially in larger shops and hotels.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and dry with daytime temperatures often in the 30s–40s°C; stay hydrated, wear sun protection, and plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.
Heavy rainfall (July–September) with high humidity; expect slick streets and occasional flooding in low-lying areas; carry a lightweight rain jacket and waterproof footwear.
Cool to mild temperatures (roughly 8–20°C); pleasant for walking and photography, especially in the mornings and at riverfront dusk.
Katihār at Night
Hiking in Katihār
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Gentle trails along the Koshi river, suitable for sunrise or sunset hikes and scenic photography.
Easy to moderate hikes through agricultural landscapes, offering a glimpse of village life and local scenery.
Airports
How to reach Katihār by plane.
Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport in Patna is the major nearby airport with domestic and limited international connections; about a several-hour drive from Katihar.
Small domestic airstrip with limited service; typically reached via Patna or via rail to connect to larger hubs.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly Hindu and Muslim communities with diverse local traditions and festival calendars.
A large agricultural workforce with a market-town atmosphere and frequent trade of crops.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in the region, played informally in streets and local grounds.
Common in community centers and clubs; often played in evenings.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Katihār.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most traditional Bihar dishes are vegetarian or can be made vegetarian; request no meat or eggs and, if needed, no ghee or dairy to accommodate dietary preferences.
Many dishes use wheat; opt for rice, bajra (millet), or besan-based options and confirm ingredients with staff.