Things To Do
in Umarkhed

Umarkhed is a small market town in eastern Maharashtra’s Yavatmal district, known for its agricultural surroundings, seasonal markets and relaxed provincial pace of life. The town sits near low hills and reservoirs that create pleasant green pockets and opportunities for short nature walks. Umarkhed acts as a local hub for surrounding villages, with simple eateries, weekly bazaars and basic services for visitors.

It’s a good base for low-key rural exploration, birdwatching and experiencing everyday Marathi hinterland culture.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring the Rich Heritage of Umarkhed
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the ancient temples of Umarkhed, where intricate carvings and historical significance await. As the sun rises, witness the serene atmosphere and the locals engaging in morning prayers, providing a glimpse into the spiritual heart of the town. Don't forget to savor a traditional breakfast at a local eatery, featuring delicious poha and chai.

afternoon
:

After lunch, head to the Umarkhed Fort, a historical site that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Wander through the remnants of the fort, learning about its history and the role it played in regional power dynamics. Capture stunning photographs and enjoy the tranquility of the area as you explore.

evening
:

As evening approaches, visit the bustling local market where you can shop for handicrafts and sample street food delicacies. Engage with friendly vendors and learn about the local culture through their stories and products. End your day by watching the sunset at a nearby hilltop, soaking in the picturesque views.

day 2
Nature Walks and Bird Watching
morning
:

Begin your day with a refreshing nature walk in the nearby forests, where the chirping of birds and rustling leaves create a symphony of sounds. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife and various bird species, making it a perfect outing for nature enthusiasts. A light breakfast picnic amidst nature sets a serene tone for the day ahead.

afternoon
:

Post lunch, visit the Umarkhed lake, where you can indulge in bird watching and observe migratory birds in their natural habitat. Join a local guide who can provide insights into the different species and the ecological significance of the area. Spend some time relaxing by the lakeside, taking in the soothing sounds of water and wildlife.

evening
:

As twilight descends, participate in a guided night walk to experience the forest’s nocturnal wonders. Listen to the fascinating stories of the forest from your guide while keeping an eye out for night creatures. Conclude your evening with a cozy bonfire under the stars, sharing stories with fellow travelers.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$2-4
Cup of tea / chai$0.20-0.50
🚕Short auto-rickshaw ride$0.50-2
🏨Budget guesthouse per night$10-25
🛒Local market groceries (daily)$2-5

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Authentic rural Maharashtrian culture and simple, home-style food
  • Pleasant natural surroundings, reservoirs and easy short hikes
  • Low costs and relaxed pace, good for slow travel and cultural immersion
  • Limited tourist infrastructure and few formal accommodations
  • Sparse nightlife and limited dining variety compared with larger towns
  • Public transport can be infrequent, so a vehicle or local contacts help
  • "नमस्ते (Namaste)" - Hello / Greetings
  • "काय हावस? / क्या हाल है? (Kāy hāvas? / Kya haal hai?)" - How are you?
  • "धन्यवाद (Dhanyavād)" - Thank you
  • "किती देणार? / कितना है? (Kitī denār? / Kitna hai?)" - How much does it cost?
  • "मला मदत हवी आहे (Malā madat havī āhe)" - I need help
  • "शाकाहारी आहे (Shākāhārī āhe)" - I am vegetarian
  • "पाणी (Pāṇī)" - Water

Places to Visit in Umarkhed

Visit one of these nice places.

Umarkhed Reservoir / Lakefront

Calm water reflections at sunrise and sunset make the reservoir a top spot for landscape and bird photography.

Local Bazaar

Colorful stalls, produce, textiles and daily life provide vivid street photography opportunities. Early morning market scenes are especially photogenic.

Temple Grounds and Town Square

Architectural details, local rituals and festival preparations provide cultural photo subjects — approach respectfully and ask permission before photographing people.

Nearby Hill Ridges and Fields

Expansive views over agricultural fields and low hills are good for wide-angle landscape shots, especially after the monsoon when everything is green.

Culinary Guide

Food in Umarkhed

Cuisine around Umarkhed is grounded in Maharashtrian and Vidarbha traditions — hearty, spicy, and often based on grains, lentils and seasonal produce. Meals are typically simple and home-style, with street stalls and small regional restaurants serving the most authentic flavors. Local food emphasizes peanut, sesame, jaggery and millet preparations alongside rice and wheat staples. Freshness and seasonal vegetables are central, and snacks are popular throughout the day.

Umarkhed Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Misal Pav

A spicy sprouted lentil curry topped with farsan (crunchy mix) and served with pav (bread). Widely available at breakfast stalls and small eateries across town.

Must-Try!

Pithla-Bhakri

A chickpea flour (besan) curry served with bhakri (millet or jowar flatbread), common in rural meals and a good way to taste local staples.

Poha

Flattened rice cooked with mustard seeds, chilies, turmeric and peanuts — a light and popular breakfast option.

Varan-Bhat with Thecha

Simple dal (lentil) with rice, accompanied by thecha (a hot chili-peanut condiment) — homely and typical of the region.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Umarkhed Weekly Bazaar

A traditional market where farmers sell vegetables, pulses, jaggery and local snacks. Good for sampling fresh fruits, roasted peanuts and street foods like vada pav and bhajiyas.

Lakefront Snack Stalls

Small stalls near the reservoir selling tea, samosas, and grilled corn — pleasant for an evening snack with views.

Climate Guide

Weather

Umarkhed has a tropical climate with hot summers, a pronounced monsoon season and mild winters. Summers (March–June) are hot and dry, monsoon (June–September) brings most of the annual rainfall, and winters (November–February) are pleasantly cool by day and cooler at night. Seasonal variations affect travel plans: monsoon makes greenery spectacular but can disrupt roads; winter is the most comfortable time for outdoor activities.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and Respect

A respectful 'Namaste' with folded hands is a common greeting; address elders politely and remove shoes before entering temples and some homes.

Dress

Modest clothing is appreciated — both men and women should avoid revealing outfits, especially in villages and religious sites.

Photography and Permission

Always ask permission before photographing people, especially women and during religious rituals.

Social Customs

Accept offerings and food politely; avoid public displays of affection and be mindful of local gender norms in conservative areas.

Safety Guide

Safety

Umarkhed is generally safe for travelers, with low levels of violent crime compared to urban centers. Standard precautions apply: avoid carrying large amounts of cash, keep belongings secure in markets, and be cautious when walking alone at night in poorly lit areas. Road safety can be a concern — drive defensively on rural roads, watch for livestock and potholes, and check weather conditions during monsoon season. If traveling to remote areas, inform locals of your plans and carry a charged phone.

Tipping in Umarkhed

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is modest and informal: 5–10% in restaurants where service is good, small change or a rupee or two for porters and drivers, and no tipping expected at street stalls.

Payment Methods

Cash (Indian rupees) is the most accepted form, especially in markets and small eateries; mobile payments like UPI, Paytm and card acceptance are growing but may be inconsistent in rural areas — carry cash for the whole day.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot and dry from March to June with daytime temperatures often high; plan outdoor activities early morning or late afternoon, stay hydrated and seek shade during midday.

Monsoon

June to September brings heavy rains and green landscapes — good for nature photography and birdwatching but expect muddy tracks and occasional travel delays.

Winter

November to February is pleasant and cool, ideal for daytime exploration and hiking with chilly mornings and comfortable afternoons; nights can be cool so bring a light jacket.

Festival Periods

Festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi and local fairs are lively and colorful — a great time to experience local culture but expect crowds and busy markets.

Nightlife Guide

Umarkhed at Night

Nightlife in Umarkhed is quiet and community-focused: evenings are generally spent in local tea stalls, family restaurants or temple grounds. There are no clubs or late-night entertainment venues; festivals or fairs are the main sources of nighttime activity. Travelers looking for nightlife will need to travel to larger towns for bars or cinema halls.

Hiking in Umarkhed

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Umarkhed Lake Trail

A gentle trail around the town reservoir ideal for short walks, birdwatching and sunrise/sunset photography.

Local Hill Ridge Walks

Short hikes on nearby low ridges offering scenic overlooks of fields and villages; best after monsoon when greenery is at its peak.

Forest Tracks and Village Paths

Informal paths through farmland and small forest patches that provide immersive rural hiking experiences — hire a local guide for safer navigation and local insights.

Airports

How to reach Umarkhed by plane.

Nanded Airport (Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Airport)

A regional airport with flights to major cities; several hours' drive from Umarkhed and commonly used by travelers to the region.

Nagpur Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport

A larger airport offering more domestic connections and some international flights; easier onward ground transport to Umarkhed via road.

Aurangabad Airport

Another regional airport option with domestic flights; travel by road from Aurangabad to Umarkhed can take several hours but is feasible for itinerary planning.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center and market area are easily walkable on foot; distances are short and most attractions are within a reasonable walking radius. Sidewalks may be uneven and lighting limited at night, so use caution after dark. For exploring surrounding areas, a bicycle, motorbike or car is recommended.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Marathi-speaking rural population

The majority are Marathi speakers engaged in agriculture, trade and local services, with traditional village lifestyles and customs.

Farmers and agricultural workers

A large segment of the population is involved in farming crops like cotton, soybean, pulses and millet, shaping the local economy and seasonal rhythms.

Adivasi and Tribal Communities

There are tribal and Adivasi groups in the broader district whose cultural practices and livelihoods contribute to regional diversity.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Cricket

The most popular sport across the town and villages — informal matches and local tournaments are common in open fields.

Kabaddi

A traditional contact sport widely played in rural Maharashtra, featured in local competitions and village-level events.

Kho-Kho and Local Athletics

Traditional Indian field games and simple athletic events are played in schools and during community festivals.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Umarkhed is light compared with urban centers but can include a mix of trucks, tractors, motorcycles and animal-drawn carts on rural roads. Peak congestion occurs during market days and festival times. Public transport consists mainly of state buses and shared auto-rickshaws; services can be infrequent so plan inter-town travel in advance.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Umarkhed.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian diets are easy to follow; many dishes are vegetarian by default. Ask for no onion/garlic if you have religious dietary restrictions, but clarify with vendors.

Vegan

Vegan options exist but require asking — avoid ghee and dairy in gravies and request oil-only preparation at small eateries.

Gluten-free

Rice-based meals, millet bhakris and many dals are gluten-free, but breads like pav and items made with wheat are common; always mention the restriction to cooks.

Food Safety and Allergies

Street food is generally safe if eaten hot and from busy vendors; carry an allergy card in Marathi/Hindi for serious allergies and avoid raw salads if unsure about water quality.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Umarkhed has basic healthcare facilities and clinics for minor ailments and first aid. For more serious medical needs or specialized care, travelers should plan to reach larger district hospitals in Yavatmal or medical centers in nearby cities like Nanded or Nagpur. Carry basic medications, a first-aid kit, and travel insurance that covers medical evacuation if necessary.

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