Things To Do
in Singhāra Buzurg

Steamed rice or rotis served with a lentil stew and a seasonal vegetable curry; the ubiquitous everyday meal available in homestays and village eateries.

Must-Try!

A rustic, spiced potato and spinach curry often cooked with mustard oil or ghee; commonly prepared in households and enjoyed with rotis.

Deep-fried savory pastries sold at the bazaar and roadside stalls, filled with spiced lentils or potatoes — great as a snack with chutney and tea.

A refreshing yogurt-based drink, either sweet or salted, available at seasonal stalls and homestays — excellent in warm months.

Held once or twice a week, this market sells fresh produce, snacks, spices and street food such as fried breads, kachoris and chai — a great place to sample local flavors.

Small dhabas or tea stalls near the main road serve chai, biscuits, pakoras and samosas and are social hubs where locals exchange news.

Dress conservatively, covering shoulders and knees; women wearing a salwar-kameez or a long skirt and men avoiding shorts helps show respect.

A simple 'Namaste' with folded hands is widely accepted; handshake may be offered, but follow the lead of your host, especially with older people.

Always ask before photographing people, particularly women and elders; a smile and a polite gesture will usually get permission.

Remove shoes before entering homes and many temples; follow local cues and store shoes neatly when requested.

Tipping is modest in villages — rounding up small bills for porters or helpers is appreciated; for homestays a small gift or 200–500 INR per day is generous. At dhabas or small stalls tipping is not expected but appreciated for exceptional service.

Cash (Indian rupees) is the dominant payment method; small vendors rarely accept cards. Mobile UPI payments are increasingly common in nearby towns, but ensure you have notes for market purchases and rural transport.

Hot and dry between April and June with daytime temperatures often high; mornings and evenings are best for outdoor activities, carry water and sun protection, and expect slower village rhythms during midday.

June to September brings heavy rains and lush green fields; some dirt roads can become muddy or impassable, so verify transport and wear waterproof footwear.

October–November is pleasant with clear skies, comfortable temperatures and busy agricultural activity — a great time for visiting and photography.

December–February is cool to chilly, with cold mornings and fog common; layers are essential and evenings can be quite cold despite sunny afternoons.

The nearest regional airport is in the closest district town (often 1–3 hours by road); it connects to larger hubs and offers domestic flights. From the airport, hire a taxi or take a bus to the district bus stand and continue by local transport to the village.

The nearest major international airport (e.g., a state capital like Lucknow or Varanasi depending on exact location) is typically 3–5 hours away by road and offers more flight options; arrange pre-booked transfers or reserve a private taxi for direct transit to the village.

Majority of residents are farming households engaged in crop cultivation and allied activities.

Older generations maintain many cultural practices and manage household crafts and rituals.

Younger people often migrate seasonally or permanently to nearby towns and cities for education and work, returning during festivals.

A mix of religious communities (predominantly Hindu, with Muslim and other minority households depending on the region) living together with local temples and mosques serving as community centers.

Vegetarian diets are easy to manage — most households cook primarily vegetarian food and will happily accommodate requests; clarify spice levels and ingredients if you avoid onions/garlic for religious reasons.

Vegan options require more planning: dairy is widely used, so ask hosts to prepare vegetable-based dishes without ghee, yogurt or milk; carry snacks as backups.

Rice-based meals are common and safe, but flatbreads (roti) are wheat-based; request rice and vegetable curries and avoid fried snacks unless you confirm the batter ingredients.

Ingredient transparency can be limited; communicate allergies clearly to your host in advance and consider carrying an allergy card in Hindi for clarity.