Things To Do
in Rautara

Rautara is a small historic town perched on the eastern plains of Bihar, where ancient temples meet bustling local markets. The town sits along a gentle river, offering simple pleasures like street food and handmade crafts. Wander its shaded lanes to glimpse rural life and savor the region’s bold spice blends.

Rautara embodies a relaxed pace and warm hospitality that makes travelers feel at home.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Rautara
morning
:

Arrive in Rautara and settle into your accommodation, surrounded by lush greenery and the gentle sounds of nature. After refreshing, enjoy a traditional breakfast at a local eatery that offers authentic flavors of the region. Take a leisurely stroll to explore the nearby markets, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and local crafts.

afternoon
:

Lunch at a quaint restaurant where you can enjoy Rautara's specialties, followed by a visit to the nearby historical sites to learn about the town's rich heritage. Engage with local artisans and shop for handcrafted souvenirs that reflect the culture of this enchanting land. Spend some time at a local park, indulging in the tranquility of nature.

evening
:

As the sun sets, head to a rooftop restaurant to savor local dishes with a breathtaking view of the landscape. After dinner, participate in a cultural event or performance that showcases regional music and dance. Wind down with a peaceful stroll through the town, admiring the illuminated streets and local life.

day 2
Cultural Exploration
morning
:

Start your day with a guided tour of the ancient temples around Rautara, immersing yourself in the spiritual atmosphere and architectural beauty. Enjoy a hearty breakfast at a café known for its local delicacies, preparing you for a day of exploration. Capture the morning light for stunning photographs at these historical sites.

afternoon
:

After lunch, engage in a workshop that focuses on traditional crafts, where you can learn directly from the artisans. Explore the local museum to gain insights into the history and culture of Rautara, enriching your understanding of this charming town. Enjoy some leisure time at a café, sipping chai whilst observing the local life unfold.

evening
:

Conclude the day by visiting a nearby village that hosts cultural events, experiencing traditional dances and music. Return to Rautara and dine at a local restaurant specializing in vegetarian cuisine. End the evening with a relaxing walk alongside the river, reflecting on the day’s experiences.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$8-12
🧃Bottle of water (1L)$0.5-1
🚕Auto-rickshaw short ride$1-3
🧆Street snack$0.5-2
🛍️Souvenir$2-10

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Authentic local experiences
  • Affordability and value for money
  • Compact town easy to explore on foot
  • Warm and welcoming residents
  • Limited nightlife and major attractions
  • Rural transport can be sparse outside town center
  • Weather can impact travel plans (monsoon shadows)
  • Connectivity to major cities requires some travel time
  • "Namaste" - Hello
  • "Aap kaise hain?" - How are you?
  • "Shukriya" - Thank you
  • "Kripya" - Please
  • "Mujhe madad chahiye" - I need help
  • "Kitna hai?" - How much is this?

Places to Visit in Rautara

Visit one of these nice places.

Rautara Riverfront at Sunset

A long riverside path where the sun reflects on the water as boats drift by, perfect for silhouettes and golden-hour shots.

Old Temple Complex

Intricate carvings and a serene courtyard provide a quiet backdrop for architecture and detail photography.

Colorful Haat Market Street

A vibrant alley of textiles, spices, and daily life—great for candid street photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Rautara

Rautara’s cuisine centers on lentils, rice, vegetables, and bold spice blends that highlight the region.

Rautara Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Litti Chokha

Baked wheat balls stuffed with sattu, served with chokha made from roasted tomatoes and brinjal; best found at street stalls near the bazaar.

Must-Try!

Sattu Paratha

Paratha pressed with roasted gram flour (sattu), often served with chutney or pickle for a hearty breakfast.

Dal Puri

Puffed puris served with a spiced lentil curry, a common village meal paired with fresh yogurt.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Rautara Bazaar Street Food Row

A string of stalls offering litti chokha, aloo tikki, samosas, chaat, and sweet jalebi after sunset.

Kisan Market

Weekly market with fresh produce, spices, and ready-to-eat snacks from nearby villages.

Climate Guide

Weather

Rautara experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers, a monsoon season bringing heavy rainfall, and cool to mild winters. Humidity is high most of the year, and temperatures can swing significantly between seasons.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Etiquette Rule

Greet with Namaste; dress modestly, especially around religious sites; ask permission before photographing people; use the right hand for giving or receiving; remove shoes before entering homes and many temples.

Safety Guide

Safety

Petty theft can occur in crowded market areas; keep valuables secure and use hotel guidance for safe routes at night. Road travel is generally safe during daylight; avoid isolated areas after dark. Stay informed about weather-related road conditions during the monsoon.

Tipping in Rautara

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In restaurants and for guides, a 5–10% tip is appreciated if service is good; some places may include a service charge.

Payment Methods

Cash is widely accepted. Digital wallets (Paytm, PhonePe, Google Pay) are increasingly common in towns; card acceptance is limited outside larger establishments.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

March to June brings hot, dry days with highs often in the upper 30s°C. Start early, stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and seek shade during peak heat.

Monsoon

July to September brings heavy rainfall and high humidity. Roads can flood and travel plans may shift; carry a compact umbrella and waterproof footwear.

Winter

October to February offers cooler, comfortable days and chilly nights. Layers are essential, especially after sunset.

Nightlife Guide

Rautara at Night

Nightlife in Rautara is low-key, centered around tea stalls, small markets, and occasional cultural programs. After dark, most activities occur at family-run eateries or in private homes during festivals rather than in clubs or bars.

Hiking in Rautara

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Chandra Parvat Trail

A gentle hillside trail about 20–30 km from Rautara offering scenic plains views and village views on clear days.

Rau Tal Forest Walk

A nearby forested area with easy trails and opportunities for wildlife spotting and birding.

Airports

How to reach Rautara by plane.

Gaya Airport (GAY) Bodh Gaya

Domestic and regional connections; located about 120–140 km from Rautara; best accessed by road or rail from Patna.

Patna Airport (PAT) Jay Prakash Narayan International

Major hub with international and domestic flights; approximately 180–220 km away; long-haul connections available; rail/road links connect to Rautara.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center is compact and pedestrian-friendly, with most sights within a 2–3 km radius. Sidewalks can be uneven near markets, so comfortable footwear is recommended. For outskirts and nature spots, short rides by auto-rickshaw or bicycle are common.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Residents

Predominantly Bhojpuri- and Magahi-speaking communities with Hindu and Muslim populations; agriculture is a common livelihood.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Cricket

The dominant sport; informal matches and school leagues are common in the evenings.

Football

Popular among youth; local teams and weekend matches occur in open grounds.

Kabaddi

A traditional contact sport seen in schools and fairs; plays a cultural role in local events.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic comprises auto-rickshaws, motorcycles, scooters, and some cars. In town, congestion is typical near markets and bus stops; long-distance buses and trains connect to larger cities. Daytime travel is usually more predictable than at night when roads are quieter.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Rautara.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most dishes are vegetarian; inform cooks if you need no onion or garlic, and note that some preparations use ghee.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare is available in town, including a Primary Health Center and several private clinics. For major emergencies, patients typically go to the district hospital in the nearest city; travel times can be several hours by road, so travel insurance and a first-aid kit are wise.

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