Things To Do
in Susāri

Susāri is a small heritage town in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, set among rolling plains and ancient ruins. Its old market, ornate temples, and surrounding farmland give visitors a glimpse of traditional life in western India. The town serves as a gateway to nearby lakes, hill vistas, and artisan crafts, all within easy day trips.

Expect warm hospitality, slow-paced days, and plenty of photo-worthy moments around every corner.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, where you can savor traditional South Indian dishes like idli and sambar. Afterward, stroll through the historic lanes of Susāri, marveling at the intricate architecture of ancient temples and colonial-era buildings. Engage with local artisans who may share stories about their crafts, providing a rich backdrop to your exploration.

afternoon
:

Visit the Susāri Fort, an iconic landmark that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Enjoy a packed lunch in the fort's courtyard, where you can soak in the history while surrounded by the stunning architecture. After lunch, explore the nearby vibrant market, where you can shop for handcrafted souvenirs and taste local street food delicacies.

evening
:

As the sun sets, make your way to a traditional music performance at a local cultural center. Immerse yourself in the captivating rhythms and melodies that reflect the rich heritage of the region. After the show, enjoy a dinner at a restaurant that serves authentic regional cuisine, rounding off your day with a delightful culinary experience.

day 2
Adventure in Nature
morning
:

Begin your day with a sunrise trek to the nearby hills, where the fresh air and stunning views will invigorate your spirit. Along the way, keep an eye out for local wildlife and unique flora that thrive in the region's diverse ecosystems. Upon reaching a scenic viewpoint, take a moment to appreciate the breathtaking panorama of Susāri and its surroundings.

afternoon
:

After descending from the hills, head to a nearby river for a refreshing picnic lunch by the water's edge. Spend the afternoon kayaking or fishing, enjoying the tranquility and natural beauty of the area. If you're lucky, you might even spot some vibrant bird species that inhabit the riverbank.

evening
:

As evening approaches, return to Susāri and unwind at a local tea house, sipping on masala chai while watching the world go by. Engage in conversations with fellow travelers or locals, exchanging stories and experiences. For dinner, opt for a cozy eatery known for its tandoori specialties, treating your taste buds to the flavors of North Indian cuisine.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$5-12
Coffee/tea$1-3
🥗Street food snack$1-3
🚕Short taxi ride$3-6
🏨Mid-range hotel (per night)$25-60

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich cultural heritage and markets
  • Proximity to hills and lakes for day trips
  • Limited nightlife and entertainment options
  • Infrequent public transportation between outlying areas
  • "Namaste" - Hello / Greetings
  • "Kem cho?" - How are you?
  • "Aabhar" - Thank you
  • "Maaf karjo" - Sorry / Excuse me
  • "Maru naam [your name] chhe" - My name is [your name]

Places to Visit in Susāri

Visit one of these nice places.

Susāri Fort Ruins at Dawn

Ancient stone walls lit by the first light; ideal for dramatic wide-angle shots and moody silhouettes.

Old Town Market Street

Colorful storefronts, textiles, and daily life; best captured in late afternoon when shadows are long.

Temple Complex Courtyards

Intricate carvings and quiet corridors offer symmetry and candid portrait opportunities.

Kheda Lake Viewpoint

Calm waters and reflections at sunrise; perfect for serene landscape photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Susāri

Susāri's cuisine blends Malwa vegetarian staples with Gujarati influences, featuring fresh vegetables, pulses, and maize-based specialties.

Susāri Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Bhutte ki kees

Grated corn cooked with milk and spices; a Malwa specialty often served with lemon and cilantro.

Must-Try!

Dal Bafla

Lentil curry served with baked dough balls dipped in ghee; a hearty Malwa staple found in local dhabs.

Sabudana khichdi

Soaked sabudana with peanuts and cumin; a light, gluten-free breakfast option.

Poha with peas

Fluffy flattened rice with peas, curry leaves, and mustard seeds; popular for breakfast.

Mawa ki kachori

Sweet flaky pastry filled with milk-based fudge; a regional snack often enjoyed with tea.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Susāri Bazaar

A bustling market where you can sample bhajia, chaat, fresh fruit, and spice blends.

Climate Guide

Weather

Susāri experiences a subtropical climate with hot summers, a monsoon season, and mild winters. The best times to visit are late winter to early spring and the post-monsoon period.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Dress and behavior

Dress modestly for temple visits; remove shoes before entering religious sites; ask before photographing people, especially children; use the right hand for giving and receiving.

Gifts and greetings

Say Namaste; bargaining is common but polite; avoid public displays of affection in rural areas.

Safety Guide

Safety

Travelers should stay aware in crowded markets, keep valuables secure, use licensed taxis, and drink bottled water. Exercise extra caution during the monsoon and at night in isolated areas.

Tipping in Susāri

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

A 5-10% tip is appreciated in restaurants with service; many small eateries don’t expect tips, but rounding up is common.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot days with temperatures above 35°C (95°F); hydrate, wear sunscreen, and schedule outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.

Monsoon

Green landscapes but slippery trails and variable visibility; carry a light rain jacket and waterproof footwear; roads may be affected by rain.

Autumn

Pleasant days with clear skies; great for walking and photography; evenings can be cool.

Winter

Mild days and cool nights; bring a jacket for evenings and early mornings; comfortable for temple visits and markets.

Nightlife Guide

Susāri at Night

The nightlife in Susāri is low-key, centered on tea houses, family-run eateries, and occasional temple festivals. Weekends may feature small cultural performances or music at central squares.

Hiking in Susāri

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Hill Ridge Trail near Susāri

A scenic hillside trail offering views of the plains and a half-day hike.

Chiryam Lake to Hilltop

Easy lakeside to hilltop hike with birdlife and sunset vistas.

Airports

How to reach Susāri by plane.

Rajkot Airport

Regional hub with domestic flights; convenient connections to major cities.

Bhavnagar Airport

Domestic flights serve the region and neighboring towns; useful for coastal access.

Porbandar Airport

Coastal airport with domestic connections; helpful for quick hops to the coast and major centers.

Getting Around

Walkability

The historic core is walkable with narrow lanes; many attractions are within walking distance. For hills or markets outside the center, auto-rickshaws or cycle rickshaws are common.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Rural artisans

Many residents are farmers and craftspeople maintaining weaving, pottery, and textile traditions.

Students and commuters

A steady stream of students and workers traveling to nearby towns and colleges.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Cricket

Cricket is the most popular sport in the region and draws large crowds for local matches and festivals.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is moderate in town with narrow streets; plan for auto-rickshaws or personal cars. Public transport consists mainly of buses and shared taxis; expect slower travel during festivals and monsoon season.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Susāri.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most dishes are vegetarian; ask for Jain options to avoid root vegetables if needed.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

There are small clinics and a district hospital in the region; for major care or emergencies, larger hospitals in nearby cities (Indore, Rajkot) are reachable by road or air.

Discover India

Read more in our India 2025 Travel Guide.

India Travel Guide