Things To Do
in Masar

Masar, India is a small town in eastern India perched along the river plains with a quiet rhythm and a strong sense of community. Its streets wind past age-old temples, bustling markets, and farm terraces that roll into the distance. Visitors are welcomed by warm hospitality, rustic Bihar flavors, and a sense of timeless village life.

Evenings glow with riverbank lights, chai stalls, and the scent of roasted chestnuts from street vendors.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring the Temples of Masar
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the ancient Kalika Mata Temple, nestled on a hilltop. The sunrise view over the surrounding landscape is breathtaking, filling you with peace and reverence. After exploring the temple, enjoy a traditional breakfast at a nearby local eatery, sampling dishes like poha and jalebi.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, visit the 11th-century Bhimashankar Temple, known for its intricate carvings and rich history. Take your time to wander through the temple complex and soak in the spiritual ambiance. For lunch, indulge in authentic Gujarati thali at a local restaurant, savoring the vibrant flavors of the region.

evening
:

As the sun sets, take a leisurely stroll through the vibrant local market, where you can shop for handicrafts and traditional garments. Enjoy a cup of chai at a local tea stall, engaging with friendly locals who share stories about the town's heritage. Conclude your evening with a delicious dinner at a rooftop restaurant, offering panoramic views of the illuminated temples.

day 2
Cultural Immersion in Local Villages
morning
:

Begin your day with a visit to a nearby village, where you can witness traditional crafts being made, such as pottery and weaving. Engage with the artisans and learn about their techniques and the significance of their crafts. Afterward, enjoy a hearty breakfast prepared by a local family, featuring fresh ingredients and traditional recipes.

afternoon
:

Spend your afternoon participating in a cooking class, where you'll learn to make local delicacies like dhokla and the famous masala chai. This hands-on experience will deepen your understanding of Masar’s culinary heritage. After your class, enjoy the meal you prepared, sharing stories with your fellow participants and hosts.

evening
:

In the evening, attend a folk dance performance showcasing the vibrant culture of Gujarat. The colorful costumes and rhythmic music will captivate your senses and give you a glimpse into local traditions. After the performance, savor a dinner featuring regional specialties at a nearby restaurant, rounding off the day with delightful flavors.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$5-8
🚲Local transportation (auto-rickshaw or bus)$0.25-0.75 per ride
🛏️Budget hotel room per night$15-30
Coffee or tea at cafe$1-3
🍡Street food snack$0.25-1.50

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Warm hospitality and a slower pace of life
  • Rich local flavors and authentic Bihar experiences
  • Limited nightlife and tourist infrastructure
  • Smaller town amenities may require adaptation
  • "Namaste" - Hello
  • "Shukriya" - Thank you
  • "Kripya" - Please
  • "Mujhe madad chahiye" - I need help
  • "Kya aap Angrezi bolte hain?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Mujhe bhook lagi hai" - I am hungry

Places to Visit in Masar

Visit one of these nice places.

Masar Riverfront at Dawn

Golden light over calm waters with silhouettes of local boats and distant hills.

Temple Complex Courtyards

Intricately carved stonework and quiet courtyards ideal for detail shots and portraits.

Old Market Street with Colonial Architecture

Colorful storefronts and shaded lanes that evoke a historic, small-town mood.

Barabar Hills Viewpoint

Breathtaking panoramas of forests, caves, and a distant river valley—great for landscape shots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Masar

Masar's cuisine reflects Bihar's farming heritage—simple, hearty, and flavorful. Staples like rice, lentils, sattu, makhana, and fresh vegetables feature prominently, along with street snacks ideal for exploring on foot.

Masar Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Litti Chokha

Charred wheat dough balls filled with sattu, served with chokha (roasted tomato-eggplant mash); widely available at litti houses and street stalls.

Must-Try!

Sattu Paratha

Whole wheat paratha stuffed with roasted gram flour (sattu), often served with pickles and yogurt.

Dal Pitha

Steamed rice flour dumplings stuffed with spiced dal; a comforting village specialty.

Thekua

Crispy, sweet biscuits made from wheat flour and jaggery, popular during festivals and as a snack.

Khichdi with Ghee

A comforting lentil-rice dish enriched with ghee and vegetables, common in home cooking and local eateries.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Masar Bazaar

Traditional market where fresh produce, spices, and snacks spill onto the streets; great for tasting everyday flavors.

Chaat Corner by the River

A cluster of stalls offering aloo tikki, papdi chaat, and pani puri with a tangy, spicy kick.

Sweets Shop Lane

A row of shops selling kaju burfi, rasogolla-inspired sweets, and jaggery treats.

Climate Guide

Weather

Masar experiences a subtropical climate with hot summers, a monsoon season bringing heavy rains, and cool winters. Humidity is common year-round, especially during the monsoon and post-monsoon transitions.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Greet with a respectful Namaste and a smile; address elders with polite titles.

Dress and modesty

Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples and rural villages; shoulders and knees covered.

Photography etiquette

Ask permission before photographing people; give space and respect local norms—avoid taking photos in sensitive contexts.

Safety Guide

Safety

Stay vigilant against petty theft in crowded markets; travel during daylight hours whenever possible; drink bottled or boiled water; be cautious on unfamiliar roads during monsoon and after dark.

Tipping in Masar

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In restaurants, tip about 5-10% if service charge is not included; small tips (₹20–₹100) for guides and porters are appreciated.

Payment Methods

Cash is widely accepted; many places also accept debit/credit cards and UPI/digital wallets for convenience.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot, dry days with high humidity; temperatures often exceed 40°C (104°F). Hydration, sunscreen, and breathable clothing are essential.

Monsoon

Heavy rainfall and humidity; occasional thunderstorms and road flooding in low-lying areas. Pack rain gear and waterproof bags.

Winter

Pleasantly cool to mild temperatures; best for outdoor exploring. Nights can be chilly; bring a warm layer.

Nightlife Guide

Masar at Night

In Masar, nightlife is low-key, centered on tea stalls, small cafes, and casual gatherings; live music or festival events can occur seasonally in temples or community centers.

Hiking in Masar

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Barabar Hills Trail

Ancient granite hill range with caves and forest trails offering scenic views and history.

Kaimur Range Outlook Trail

Forest trails with occasional viewpoints across the surrounding plains and river valleys.

Airports

How to reach Masar by plane.

Patna Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport (PAT)

Major hub with domestic and limited international connections; serves as a gateway for longer trips from Masar.

Gaya Airport (GAY)

Close to Bodhgaya; convenient for quick connections to northern and eastern India.

Varanasi Airport (VNS)

Serves regional and some national routes; alternative gateway for longer journeys toward central and northern India.

Getting Around

Walkability

Masar is best explored on foot, with many sights concentrated in a compact town center; sidewalks can be uneven in older areas, so care is needed when strolling after sunsets.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Religious composition

Predominantly Hindu with minority Muslim communities; festivals and rituals reflect a shared regional culture.

Language and schooling

Hindi and Bhojpuri widely spoken; basic English understood in tourist areas; local schools emphasize traditional crafts and agriculture.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Cricket

The most popular sport, with local pickup games in parks and school grounds.

Kabaddi

Traditional contact sport played in village tournaments and school events.

Football (Soccer)

Common in schools and community grounds; informal matches on weekends.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is typical of small Indian towns: crowded streets with auto-rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, and pedestrians. For longer trips, trains and buses are practical; during peak hours and after rainfall, roads can become congested and slower.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Masar.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most dishes are vegetarian in Masar; request no ghee or dairy if needed, and ask for vegan options where available.

Gluten-free

Choose dishes made with rice, millet, or lentils; verify utensils and cross-contamination in busy kitchens.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic medical facilities are available in town clinics; for major care, residents typically travel to larger cities with hospitals and specialists. Carry essential medications and travel insurance.

Discover India

Read more in our India 2025 Travel Guide.

India Travel Guide