Things To Do
in Rohtak
Rohtak is a historic city in the state of Haryana, about 65–80 km northwest of New Delhi, with a mix of agricultural hinterland and an expanding urban, educational hub. The city is known for Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU), a lively student population, and local Haryanvi culture reflected in markets, festivals and food. Green pockets like Tilyar Lake and its mini-zoo provide quick escapes from the urban bustle, while busy highways and dhabas connect Rohtak to the national capital region.
Rohtak offers straightforward access to Delhi while retaining a distinctly regional character—good for short cultural visits, food exploration and day trips into nearby countryside or birding sites.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by visiting the historic Bhawani Museum, where you can immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Rohtak. As you explore the exhibits, take in the fascinating artifacts that showcase the region's history. Afterward, stroll through the nearby parks to enjoy the morning breeze and vibrant flora.
In the afternoon, head to the bustling local markets such as the Nayi Mandi, where you can experience the lively atmosphere and shop for local handicrafts. Grab a bite at a nearby dhaba, savoring traditional North Indian cuisine like butter chicken or dal makhani. As you walk around, engage with local vendors and learn about their crafts and stories.
As the sun sets, visit the serene Tilyar Lake, where you can take a peaceful boat ride or simply relax by the water's edge. Enjoy the picturesque views as the sky transforms into a canvas of orange and purple hues. Complete your day with a hearty dinner at a lakeside restaurant, indulging in local delicacies.
Begin your day by visiting the historic Jain Temple, known for its intricate architecture and peaceful ambiance. Participate in the morning prayers to experience the spiritual vibe of the temple and learn about Jain traditions. Afterward, enjoy a traditional breakfast at a local eatery, sampling dishes like chole bhature.
In the afternoon, explore the sacred Shiv Mandir, which is a popular pilgrimage site among locals. Spend time observing the rituals and architecture, and consider engaging with the priests to gain deeper insights into the temple's significance. For lunch, try regional specialties at a nearby restaurant, savoring the authentic flavors of Haryana.
As dusk approaches, visit the beautiful Devi Temple to witness the evening aarti ceremony, where you can feel the spiritual energy in the air. The colorful decorations and the chanting of hymns create a mesmerizing atmosphere. Conclude your evening with a visit to a local café, enjoying chai and snacks while mingling with the locals.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍛Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $2-5 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $10-20 |
| 🚕Short taxi/auto ride (local) | $0.5-3 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $15-40 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at a cafe | $0.5-2 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close proximity to Delhi makes it an easy day-trip or stopover.
- Strong local food scene with authentic dhabas and markets.
- Good value for money on accommodation and food.
- Access to green spaces like Tilyar Lake and a lively student population.
- Can be very hot and dusty in summer months.
- Limited nightlife and cultural attractions compared to larger cities.
- Traffic and road safety can be challenging for newcomers.
- Public transport options within the city are limited compared with metros.
- "Namaste / नमस्ते" - Hello (respectful greeting)
- "Dhanyavaad / धन्यवाद" - Thank you
- "Kitna hua? / कितना हुआ?" - How much is it?
- "Bathroom kahan hai? / बाथरूम कहाँ है?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Kya aap angrezi bolte hain? / क्या आप अंग्रेज़ी बोलते हैं?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Rohtak
Visit one of these nice places.
Scenic reservoir with a park, walking trails and a small zoo—great for lakeside sunrise/sunset shots, waterfowl and family scenes.
Lush campus with academic buildings, student life and tree-lined avenues—good for candid street-style and architectural photography.
Vibrant market lanes around the clock tower offering colorful stalls, textiles, food vendors and everyday street life perfect for documentary photography.
Dynamic roadside settings—trucks, bikers, bustling dhabas and colorful signage offer atmospheric roadside portraits and travel photography.
Food in Rohtak
Rohtak Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Stuffed potato flatbread, often served with curd or pickles; ubiquitous for breakfast and available at almost every local eatery.
Must-Try!
Traditional millet flatbread paired with mustard-green curry, a winter specialty often found in local homes and some regional restaurants.
Spiced chickpea curry with deep-fried bread—popular at breakfast and lunch in dhabas and street stalls.
Rich, sweet or salted yogurt drink (lassi) and condensed-milk dessert (rabri) made from local dairy; excellent at sweet shops and market stalls.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bustling market with street-food vendors selling chaat, samosas, kachori, and seasonal sweets. Good spot to sample regional snacks and watch daily city life.
Clustered on the highways near Rohtak, these dhabas serve large platters of Punjabi/Haryanvi-style food—ideal for meat lovers and travelers seeking authentic roadside experience.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A respectful 'Namaste' with palms together is common; handshakes are fine in urban settings—wait for women to offer their hand first in conservative circles.
Dress modestly—especially for women—in markets, religious places and rural areas. Cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples or gurdwaras.
Remove shoes before entering temples and some homes. Observe silence or low voices in places of worship and follow any posted rules.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially women in rural areas. Respect privacy and local sensibilities.
Safety
Tipping in Rohtak
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always mandatory. Round up taxi fares, tip 5–10% at restaurants if service is good, and give small amounts (₹20–100) to hotel staff or guides. No need to tip in small street stalls.
Cash (Indian rupees) is widely used—carry small notes for markets and rickshaws. Debit/credit cards are accepted at many restaurants, hotels and larger shops. UPI-based mobile payments (Paytm, Google Pay, PhonePe) are extremely common and convenient for small merchants.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and dry; daytime temperatures often exceed 40°C (104°F) in peak months. Travel early mornings or evenings, carry water, sun protection and plan indoor/cooler activities mid-day.
Moderate to heavy rains at times; rural roads can become muddy and some low-lying areas flood. The countryside turns green—good for landscape photos but check local weather before day trips.
Winters (Nov–Feb) are cool to cold with chilly mornings and occasional heavy fog near Delhi affecting visibility; days are pleasant and ideal for sightseeing. Spring and autumn offer mild temperatures and comfortable travel conditions.
Rohtak at Night
Hiking in Rohtak
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short, easy walking paths around the lake suitable for gentle hikes, birding and leisurely exploration—ideal for sunrise photography.
A notable birding and walking area within reasonable driving distance (approximately 1.5–2 hours) offering longer trails and seasonal bird-watching opportunities—best in winter and migratory seasons.
Forest and low-hill terrain farther from Rohtak (several hours' drive) with trails, wildlife and a greener landscape—suitable for a weekend nature excursion.
Airports
How to reach Rohtak by plane.
Main international airport serving the region, approximately 65–90 km (1.5–2.5 hours by road depending on traffic). Frequent taxi and bus connections to Rohtak; best option for international and most domestic flights.
Smaller airport to the west of Rohtak with limited services; useful for some regional or charter flights but limited commercial connectivity.
Larger airport to the north (~150–200 km) offering domestic and some international flights—an option if traveling to or from northern Haryana and Punjab, but farther by road.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Locally dominant group with strong rural and agricultural traditions; influential in local culture and politics.
A growing population due to universities and colleges—adds vibrancy to cafes, markets and cultural life.
People from neighboring states (UP, Bihar, etc.) working in construction, services and small industry, contributing to the workforce and cultural mix.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport—played in grounds, streets and university fields; local and student matches are common.
Traditional contact sport widely followed and played in villages and schools—regional tournaments draw enthusiastic crowds.
Traditional wrestling in akharas is an important cultural sport, especially in rural areas and during local festivals.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Rohtak.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarianism is common and easy to accommodate—most restaurants have many vegetarian options. Confirm use of ghee vs. oil if strict vegan; watch for paneer or dairy in many local dishes.
Vegan options are more limited but possible: order simple vegetable curries, dals and rotis and request no ghee/cream. Carry snacks if you have strict requirements.
Rice and millet-based dishes are available (bajra, jowar), but many breads contain wheat; ask vendors about ingredients and avoid deep-fried items if cross-contamination is a concern.
Stick to busy, well-liked stalls and freshly cooked foods. Drink bottled water, avoid ice in drinks if unsure of source, and peel raw fruits.