Things To Do
in Kharagpur

Freshwater fish like rohu or katla prepared in mustard or tomato-based gravies; commonly available in local eateries and home-style restaurants.

Must-Try!

Slow-cooked Bengali mutton curry: rich, spicy and aromatic—found in traditional restaurants and celebratory meals.

Spiced yellow peas curry (ghugni) served with chopped onions and chutney; popular as a street-food breakfast or snack near the station.

Sweet yogurt and cottage-cheese confections from local sweet shops—must-try desserts in West Bengal.

A cluster of vendors near Kharagpur Junction offering tea, kathi rolls, chaat, and quick snacks—ideal for sampling street flavors and observing rail-life bustle.

Markets selling fresh produce, fish stalls and sweet shops where you can taste local delicacies and buy sweets to take away.

A polite 'Namaste' or 'Nomoshkar' with folded hands is commonly used; a handshake is acceptable in urban settings, but be sensitive to gender norms (some may prefer not to shake hands with strangers).

Show deference to elders—use formal greetings and avoid interrupting. If invited into a home or temple, remove your shoes and dress modestly.

Dress conservatively outside college areas; public displays of affection are frowned upon in many places. Ask before photographing individuals, especially in rural or religious contexts.

Eating with the right hand is customary for many locals; if offered food, accept politely. Sharing food is common at social gatherings.

Tipping is modest: round up fares for auto-rickshaws or give 10–50 INR extra for good service; for restaurant service, 5–10% tip is appreciated if service charge isn’t included. For porters and helpers, 20–100 INR depending on service is customary.

Cash (INR) is widely used for small purchases, street food and autos. Digital payments (UPI apps such as Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm) are common in shops and restaurants; major hotels accept cards but carry cash for markets and rural vendors.

March to June bring hot, humid conditions with daytime temperatures often exceeding 35°C (95°F). Carry sunscreen, light breathable clothing, a hat and water; plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.

June to September sees heavy rain and high humidity—rains make the landscape lush but can disrupt travel; bring waterproof gear and expect occasional road or train delays.

October to November is pleasant with moderate temperatures and clearer skies—great for sightseeing, photography and short excursions.

December to February are mild and comfortable (10–25°C / 50–77°F) with cool mornings and evenings—ideal for outdoor exploration and festivals.

Major international airport serving Kolkata, approximately 120–160 km away (3–4 hours by road or a faster rail connection to Kolkata). Most visitors fly into Kolkata and continue to Kharagpur by train or car.

A smaller domestic airport (sometimes called Durgapur/Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport) located roughly 150–180 km away; limited flights and ground transport options—useful in some domestic routing scenarios.

IIT Kharagpur brings a large, diverse student population from across India, shaping much of the town’s culture, economy and services.

The majority population is ethnic Bengali with a mix of Hindu and Muslim communities, contributing to local festivals, cuisine and daily life.

Surrounding rural areas include tribal and agrarian groups (including Santhal communities in the region) with distinct cultural practices and livelihoods.

A significant workforce connected to the railway and local industries contributes to the town’s bustling daytime activity.

Vegetarian options are widely available: rice-based thalis, dal, sabzi, cholar dal, and snacks. Ask vendors 'palon-khawa' or point to vegetables; markets and canteens usually accommodate.

Vegan choices exist but can be limited—stick to vegetable curries, dal and rice; confirm ghee or dairy usage when ordering sweets or desserts.

Steamed rice and many curries are naturally gluten-free, but be cautious with bread (roti, paratha) and fried snacks that may use wheat or cross-contamination.

Drink bottled water, avoid uncooked salads from uncertain vendors, and choose busy stalls with high turnover for safer street food.