Things To Do
in Tohāna

A winter specialty made from cornmeal flatbread served with mustard greens; usually available at seasonal dhabas and during local winter markets.

Must-Try!

Spicy chickpea curry with deep-fried bread; a common breakfast or lunch item available at most dhabas and town eateries.

Thick, sweet or salted yogurt drink — extremely popular and best had at local milk shops or dhabas.

Pearl millet preparations common in rural households; hearty and excellent for colder months.

Central market area with fruit, vegetable and spice stalls; street vendors sell chaat, samosas and fresh parathas especially in mornings and evenings.

If your visit coincides with market day, you can observe the grain trade (wheat, mustard seeds) and try simple snacks sold by traders’ stalls.

Remove shoes and cover your head when entering gurudwaras; dress modestly in temples and religious sites. Follow any posted customs for each place of worship.

A respectful 'Namaste' or 'Sat Sri Akal' (for Sikhs) is appreciated. Use both hands when offering or receiving items to show respect.

Ask permission before photographing people, especially women and elders; some may decline for cultural or privacy reasons.

Avoid public displays of affection, be polite to elders, and accept hospitality graciously. Conservative dress is preferred, especially in rural areas.

Tipping is appreciated but not compulsory: 5–10% in restaurants if service isn't included, a small tip or rounding up for dhaba staff, INR 20–100 for local guides depending on service, and drivers/taxis often receive a few tens of rupees or rounding up of the fare.

Cash (Indian rupees) is king in Tohāna — small shops and dhabas may not accept cards. Mobile UPI payments are increasingly common but require local apps/accounts. ATMs are available in town; carry small notes for markets and transport.

April to June are very hot and dry — daytime temperatures often exceed 40°C (104°F). Travel early in the morning or late in the day, stay hydrated, and schedule outdoor activities for cooler hours.

July to September bring intermittent rains and higher humidity. Fields turn green and roads can be muddy locally; expect occasional travel delays but a refreshed landscape and fewer crowds.

October to November are pleasant with warm days and cooler nights; perfect for sightseeing, market visits and short excursions to nearby attractions.

December to February are cool to cold, with early morning fog and nighttime temps that can drop near or below 5°C (41°F). This is the best season for outdoor photography and sampling hearty winter cuisine.

A popular hill station area (a couple of hours' drive) offering easy to moderate trails, scenic vistas and lakes — a common day-trip option for nature and trekking enthusiasts.

Tosham Hills provide short treks, ancient rock inscriptions and panoramic views; suitable for a half-day outing from Tohāna.

Informal walking routes along the Ghaggar riverbed and nearby embankments are ideal for gentle walks, birdwatching and rural photography.

A longer drive away but valuable for birdwatchers and nature walks in winter when migratory species are present; combine with regional sightseeing for a full-day trip.

The closest regional airport with limited services; used for some charter and regional flights. Roughly an hour to 2 hours by road depending on traffic — useful for domestic connections and fast access to the region.

A small regional airport in Punjab serving select domestic routes. It is a practical option if flight schedules align and is within reasonable driving distance from Tohāna.

A major airport with many domestic and some international connections. Approximately 3–4 hours by road; a common choice for international visitors routing through northern India.

India's largest international gateway with the widest range of flights. Around 4–6 hours by road/train depending on route; offers best onward connections and international services.

A large portion of the population is engaged in farming and related trades, living in town and surrounding villages.

Local language mix includes Punjabi and Haryanvi dialects; Hindi is widely understood. Cultural practices draw from both Punjab and Haryana traditions.

Prominent communities include Sikhs and Hindus, both of whom are active in town life, festivals and religious institutions.

Younger people often travel seasonally or migrate to larger cities for work, leading to a transient workforce in some sectors.

Vegetarian travelers will find many options: dals, vegetable curries, rotis, parathas and lassi are widely available. Inform the cook about spice levels and confirm the use of ghee if avoiding dairy or clarified butter.

Vegan options are limited but possible — request dishes without ghee, butter or yogurt; simple dal, vegetable sabzi and rotis can be veganized if prepared without dairy.

Rotis and parathas are usually wheat-based; ask for bajra (pearl millet) or makki (corn) rotis where available. Be cautious with fried items that may be cross-contaminated.

Stick to busy, popular stalls for better turnover, avoid raw salads if unsure about water quality, and drink bottled or boiled water.