Things To Do
in Silao

Silao, India sits on the fertile plains of Bihar, blending ancient temples with bustling markets and colorful street life. The town offers a gateway to nearby religious sites, riverside walks, and traditional crafts. Visitors can sample rustic Bihar fare, shop for handwoven goods, and watch daily life unfold in narrow lanes.

Silao is best explored on foot, with easy access to rural excursions and cultural performances.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Explore the Historical Temples
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the majestic Bhadra Khandadhar Temple, nestled amidst lush greenery. Enjoy the serene ambiance as you witness the intricate carvings and architecture that tell tales of ancient times. After a peaceful visit, relish a traditional breakfast at a nearby local eatery.

afternoon
:

Head to the stunning Kotilingeshwar Temple, known for its grand installations of Shivalingas, which create a captivating sight. Explore the surrounding area and take advantage of the spiritual vibes that linger in the air. Enjoy a flavorful lunch at a local dhaba, sampling regional specialties.

evening
:

As the sun sets, spend some peaceful moments by the lakeside, watching the reflection of the vibrant sky on the water. Engage with locals or indulge in a quiet stroll while savoring the cool evening breeze. Wind down your day with a sumptuous dinner at a popular restaurant, immersing yourself in the local culinary scene.

day 2
Adventure in Nature
morning
:

Wake up early and embark on a trek to the nearby hills that frame Silao, offering breathtaking vistas of the landscape. The morning light casts a golden hue across the path, making it a perfect time for photography. Stop at a scenic point for a wholesome breakfast picnic amidst nature.

afternoon
:

Visit the beautiful waterfalls in the vicinity for an exhilarating experience, where you can swim and relax under the cascading water. Enjoy your time exploring the flora and fauna of the region, and take a guided nature walk to understand its eco-system better. Lunch can be packed for this adventure, allowing for a leisurely meal surrounded by natural beauty.

evening
:

Return to Silao as dusk approaches, and enjoy a quiet evening at a local café sipping chai while chatting with the residents. Attend a folk music performance often held in local venues, where you can learn about the vibrant culture of the region. Conclude your day with a simple and delicious dinner made from seasonal ingredients.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$3-7
🛍️Souvenir or snack from street market$1-6
🚆Local transport ride$0.5-3
Coffee or tea$1-3
🏨Mid-range hotel per night$25-60

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich cultural heritage and friendly locals
  • Affordable travel with delicious regional cuisine
  • Limited nightlife and tourist infrastructure
  • Occasional crowding in markets and temples
  • "Namaste" - Hello/Good morning
  • "Shukriya" - Thank you
  • "Kripya" - Please
  • "Aapka din shubh ho" - Have a good day
  • "Mujhe yaad dilaiye" - Please remind me

Places to Visit in Silao

Visit one of these nice places.

Old City Clock Tower (Ghanta Ghar)

A colonial-era tower overlooking bustling markets, ideal for golden-hour city shots.

Riverbank Promenade

Wide riverbank with boats and boatsmen; perfect for sunset silhouettes and long-exposure water shots.

Temple Row and Bazaars

Colorful storefronts, ornate gates, and texture-rich streets offering vibrant street photography opportunities.

Culinary Guide

Food in Silao

Silao’s cuisine blends regional Bihar flavors with street-food staples. Expect hearty dal, seasonal vegetables, makhana snacks, and bread made from millet or wheat. Fresh chutneys, yogurt-based dishes, and roasted spices perfume the streets, especially in the evenings.

Silao Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Litti Chokha

Roasted dough balls stuffed with spiced gram flour, served with chokha (mashed roasted vegetables). A Bihar staple widely available in local eateries.

Must-Try!

Sattu Paratha

Parathas stuffed with spiced roasted chickpea flour (sattu), often enjoyed with pickle and potato curry.

Chana Chaat

Spiced chickpea snack with tangy tamarind and mint chutney, a popular street-side bite.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Silao Bazaar Street Food Zone

Lively lanes lined with litti chokha stalls, chaat corners, and fresh chaas; ideal for an informal lunch or evening snack.

Climate Guide

Weather

Silao experiences hot summers (April–June), a rainy monsoon season (July–September), and cool winters (October–February). Spring and autumn are mild, with comfortable temperatures. Humidity is moderate to high most of the year.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Greet with Namaste or a polite hello; show respect to elders and avoid public confrontation.

Dress Code

Dress modestly, especially at religious sites; shoulders and knees should be covered in sanctums.

Photography

Ask for permission in religious spaces or private homes; avoid photographing children without consent.

Safety Guide

Safety

Take standard travel precautions: watch your belongings in crowded markets, avoid poorly lit areas at night, and use trusted transport options. Drink bottled water and be cautious with street food if you have a sensitive stomach. In case of emergencies, know the local emergency numbers and find nearby clinics or hospitals.

Tipping in Silao

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated for good service, typically 5-10% in mid-range places; small change for street vendors is common.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot and dry days; start early to avoid heat, stay hydrated, and wear light, breathable clothing.

Monsoon

Frequent heavy showers and high humidity; carry a compact umbrella, water-resistant footwear, and a rain cover for gear.

Winter

Cool and mild temperatures; ideal for outdoor exploration; mornings can be chilly but days are pleasant.

Nightlife Guide

Silao at Night

The nightlife in Silao is low-key, centered around tea houses, small live-music cafes, and weekend street markets rather than large clubs. Expect intimate performances, folk music, and tasty snacks late into the evening.

Hiking in Silao

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Rajgir Hills

Rolling hills with temples and viewpoints; easy to moderate trails suitable for a day trip.

Barabar Caves Trail

Ancient caves with scenic forest paths; a longer hike for history and nature lovers.

Airports

How to reach Silao by plane.

Patna Airport (PAT)

Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport; about 60-90 minutes by road from Silao depending on traffic.

Gaya Airport (GAY)

Gaya International Airport, reachable by road or rail; longer journey but serves many domestic routes.

Getting Around

Walkability

Old town is walkable with many narrow lanes; core market areas are pedestrian-friendly, but wider streets can have traffic. Rideshares and auto-rickshaws are convenient for longer distances. Bring a comfortable pair of walking shoes.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Bihari Hindus

Largest religious community in the region, with festivals and temple visits.

Muslim community

Active community with mosques and local markets.

Agrarian and artisan families

Includes farmers, weavers and craftspeople who contribute to local markets.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Cricket

Most popular sport among locals; informal games and local leagues are common.

Kabaddi

Traditional sport widely played in schools and communities.

Badminton

Popular in clubs and community centers.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic can be busy around markets and during festival seasons. Auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws are common; roads can be narrow and congested. Public transport includes buses and rail connections to major cities; plan for travel times during peak hours.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Silao.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian travelers will find dal, vegetables, and dairy options; many places offer vegan options—ask for no ghee or dairy if required.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is available through district hospitals and private clinics in Silao; basic care is accessible, but serious conditions may require travel to Patna or Gaya for advanced treatment. Carry medical insurance and keep essential medicines.

Discover India

Read more in our India 2025 Travel Guide.

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