Things To Do
in Chunchura

A light, spiced Bengali fish curry (usually rohu or katla) served with rice—ubiquitous in local homes and inexpensive restaurants.

Must-Try!

Hilsa cooked in a pungent mustard sauce; seasonal and celebrated—best at local eateries when hilsa is in season (monsoon).

Deep-fried flatbreads (luchi) with a spicy potato curry—popular breakfast or snack option available in many local stalls.

Street snacks: spiced puffed rice (jhalmuri) and the Bengali version of pani puri (puchka) sold by market vendors and roadside stalls.

A bustling market with fresh fish and vegetables in the mornings; try telebhaja (fried snacks), jhalmuri, and sweets from small shops lining the lanes.

Small vendors near the ghats selling tea, samosas, and fried treats—ideal for quick bites while watching river activity.

Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples and mosques. Remove shoes at places of worship and avoid loud or boisterous behavior in religious spaces.

Use the right hand for eating, giving and receiving items; the left hand is traditionally considered less clean for these actions.

Show deference to elders—use polite greetings and allow elders to be served first; a slight nod or hands-joined greeting (nomoshkar) is appreciated.

Ask permission before photographing people, especially inside temples or during ceremonies; many locals are comfortable being photographed if asked politely.

Tipping is modest: round up for rickshaw drivers and porters, give 5–10% in restaurants if service charge isn't included, and 10–50 INR for hotel staff or helpers. For taxi drivers and boatmen tipping is discretionary; many locals simply round up the fare.

Cash (INR) is king for markets, street food and small vendors. Most restaurants accept cards in bigger establishments; UPI apps (PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm) are widely used. ATMs are available but carry cash for small purchases and remote areas.

March to May: hot and humid, temperatures often 30–40°C (86–104°F). Midday sightseeing can be tiring—plan outdoor activities for morning or late afternoon and stay hydrated.

June to September: heavy rains and high humidity; river levels rise and some low-lying streets may flood. Boat trips are atmospheric but check conditions; carry rain gear and allow extra travel time.

November to February: pleasant and mild (10–25°C / 50–77°F), the best season for sightseeing, photography and outdoor walks—clear skies and comfortable evenings.

Durga Puja (Sept–Nov) and other festivals create vibrant street scenes, music and puja pandals—crowded but culturally rich times to visit.

Easy, scenic walks along the riverfront in nearby Chandannagar—ideal for relaxed explorations and short nature/architectural strolls.

Short trails and paths around Bandel Church and the surrounding riverbanks—good for gentle hikes and village exploration.

Seasonal mangrove and creek-side walks a couple of hours away—offers a different riverscape and light trekking on muddy paths (best in drier months).

Extensive gardens and tree-lined paths at the Indian Botanic Garden (a short drive from Howrah) provide longer walking routes and shaded trails—great for a day outdoors.

Primary international airport serving the region, about 40–60 km away depending on route; accessible by taxi, car or a combination of train and taxi—typical travel time 1–2 hours depending on traffic.

A domestic airport roughly 120–160 km away; useful for some regional flights but longer ground travel required to reach Chunchura.

The majority group, deeply rooted in local culture, language, festivals and traditions.

A significant minority contributing to the cultural, culinary and social fabric of the town.

Smaller groups and historical families with links to the colonial past; visible in architecture and some cultural institutions.

Because of good rail links, many residents commute to larger cities for work or study, adding a younger, mobile population.

Vegetarian options are widely available—vegetable curries, dal, rice, luchi and sweets are common. Ask vendors to prepare without onion/garlic if needed; many small eateries understand simple requests but language helps.

Vegan choices are more limited but possible—rice, dal, vegetable dishes and certain sweets (avoid milk-based ones). Confirm ghee or butter usage when ordering.

Rice-based diet makes many dishes naturally gluten-free; avoid wheat-based items like roti and fried snacks made with wheat flour unless confirmed otherwise.

Prefer busy vendors with high turnover for street food, drink bottled water or filtered tea, and peel fruit or eat cooked items to reduce risk of stomach upset.