Things To Do
in Kichha
Kichha is a small town in the Udham Singh Nagar district of Uttarakhand, India, located near Pantnagar at coordinates 28.92, 79.5. It sits in the Doon-Ganga plains, surrounded by agricultural fields and lively market streets that reflect daily life in the region. The town serves as a quiet gateway to Kumaon foothills and nearby educational institutions, including Pantnagar University.
With friendly locals, modest temples, and a bustling market atmosphere, Kichha offers an authentic, low-key travel experience.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the bustling Kichha market, where you can soak in the vibrant colors and sounds of local life. Engage with friendly vendors selling fresh produce, spices, and artisanal crafts, allowing you to experience the heart of the community. Don’t forget to try a traditional breakfast of aloo paratha with a cup of masala chai from a local eatery.
After lunch, head to the nearby Kichha Fort, an important historical site that offers a glimpse into the region's rich past. Take a guided tour to learn about the fort's architecture and stories that date back centuries, while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Wrap up your afternoon with a visit to the local temple, where you can witness traditional rituals and interact with the locals.
In the evening, stroll through the town's main square, where you can find lively street performances and food stalls. Sample local street food delicacies such as chaat and samosas, mingling with locals as you enjoy the atmosphere. As the sun sets, find a cozy café to relax in and reflect on your day's adventures.
Begin your day with an early morning trek through the lush forests surrounding Kichha, which are home to diverse flora and fauna. As you walk along the trails, keep an eye out for colorful birds and other wildlife, while enjoying the fresh, crisp air. Capture the beauty of nature with your camera, as the morning light filters through the trees.
After a hearty lunch, visit Dhangari Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its rich biodiversity and serene landscapes. Spend your afternoon exploring the sanctuary with a naturalist guide, who will point out various species and explain their ecological significance. Don't forget to pack a picnic to enjoy amidst the tranquil surroundings.
As the day winds down, return to Kichha and enjoy a peaceful evening at a local park. Engage in conversations with fellow travelers or locals, sharing stories and experiences from your day. As night falls, indulge in a traditional dinner at a local restaurant, savoring regional specialties.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-8 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two (mid-range restaurant) | $12-25 |
| 🥤Coffee or tea | $1-3 |
| 💧Bottle of water (1.5L) | $0.5-1 |
| 🛏️One night at budget hotel | $15-30 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic small-town Uttarakhand experience
- Friendly locals and affordable prices
- Proximity to Pantnagar University and Kumaon foothills
- Limited nightlife and tourist infrastructure
- Direct railway connectivity from Kichha is limited
- Fewer large-scale attractions compared with bigger cities
- "Namaste" - Hello / Greetings
- "Aap kaise ho?" - How are you?
- "Shukriya" - Thank you
- "Mujhe madad chahiye" - I need help
- "Iski keemat kitni hai?" - What is the price?
Places to Visit in Kichha
Visit one of these nice places.
Arched entrances and colorful market stalls provide vibrant, everyday documentary shots with locals and shopkeepers in candid moments.
Calm, stone courtyards and ornate doors offer opportunities for architectural detail and people-focused photography.
Water reflections, silhouettes of traders returning home, and golden-hour light along the canal present serene composition chances.
Early morning light over green fields and fruit trees creates expansive landscape shots with soft tones.
Food in Kichha
Kichha Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Garhwal specialty featuring spicy potato slices seasoned with red chilies and mustard seeds; commonly found in local eateries and home kitchens.
Must-Try!
A creamy green spinach curry often made with greens and a smooth texture; pairs well with rice or puri and is widely available at homestays and casual restaurants.
A millet-based dessert pudding (jhangora/barnyard millet) typical to the region; look for it in sweet shops or as a special at local restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic market area where you can sample fresh produce, milk products, chaat, pakoras, and sweets; ideal for wandering and trying a variety of street bites.
Row of stalls offering quick bites like chaats, samosas, aloo tikki, and piping hot tea; great for a casual, inexpensive meal.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Cover shoulders and knees; remove shoes when entering temples where required; follow local guidance on conduct.
A respectful greeting with palms pressed together; use in formal and informal encounters.
Respect privacy in markets and homes; obtain consent before taking close portraits.
Safety
Tipping in Kichha
Ensure a smooth experience
Inexpensive restaurants and mid-range places often appreciate a 5–10% tip or rounding up the bill. Street vendors typically do not expect tips; cash tips are common, and digital payments are increasingly accepted in larger shops.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot daytime temperatures with cooler evenings; stay hydrated, wear light clothing, and seek shade or indoor attractions during peak sun hours.
July to September brings heavy rain and lush greenery; be prepared for slippery paths, occasional flooding in low-lying areas, and compact, waterproof footwear.
Cool to cold months with crisp mornings and mild days; layering is key, and evenings can be quite chilly.
Kichha at Night
Hiking in Kichha
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Accessible day hikes offering forested scenery and ridge views within a short drive from Kichha.
Flat to rolling trails through farmland and orchards, suitable for easy to moderate walks.
Airports
How to reach Kichha by plane.
Nearest airport, typically 60–120 minutes by road from Kichha; connections primarily to Delhi and select hubs.
Major domestic airport about 180–200 km away; accessible by road or rail via nearby towns.
Large international hub; often used for longer or international travel; considerable rail or road transfer from Kichha.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of local Kumaoni communities and migrant workers connected to Pantnagar University and nearby industries; Hindi is widely spoken, with Kumaoni in everyday speech.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The dominant sport in schools and local grounds; informal matches are common in evenings.
Traditional regional sport played in villages and community events.
Popular in community centers and homes for indoor play.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kichha.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Navigation tips: most dishes are vegetarian; ask about ghee or butter usage if avoiding dairy; request no onions/garlic where preferred and explore lentil-based curries and greens.