Things To Do
in Itārsi

Flattened rice cooked with mustard seeds, turmeric, peanuts and lemon — a common, light breakfast available at street stalls.

Must-Try!

Lentils served with rotis or local bread; filling and ubiquitous at modest eateries and family-run dhabas.

Fried savory pastries stuffed with spiced potatoes or lentils, ideal for tea-time and available at most snack stalls.

Grated corn cooked with spices and milk — a sweet-savory local snack sometimes found in central MP markets.

The main market near the station sells fresh produce, spices and snacks; try poha in the morning and chaat in the evening.

Stalls and small eateries around the station serve quick meals for travelers—samosas, kachori, parathas and chai.

Use 'Namaste' with folded hands for formal greetings; show respect to elders and remove shoes before entering homes and temples.

Dress conservatively in public—covered shoulders and knees are recommended, especially in religious places and rural areas.

Ask permission before photographing individuals, particularly women and religious ceremonies; some temple areas may restrict photography.

If invited to a home, accept modest portions; eating with the right hand is customary. Avoid public displays of affection in conservative areas.

Tipping is modest: 5–10% in sit-down restaurants if service isn’t included; round up fares for auto-rickshaws or add Rs 10–20 ($0.15–0.25) for short rides. Small tips to hotel staff and porters are appreciated.

Cash (Indian rupees) is widely used for markets and small shops; UPI apps, debit cards and some credit cards work in larger outlets. ATMs and basic banking services are available but carry some cash for rural trips.

April–June are hot and dry, with daytime highs often 35–45°C (95–113°F). Plan outdoor activities early morning or late afternoon, carry water and sun protection, and expect dusty streets.

June–September bring heavy rains and higher humidity; roads can flood or become muddy and some rural tracks may be impassable. This is a lush, green time great for nature photography but travel can be slower.

November–February are mild to cool, with daytime temperatures around 15–25°C (59–77°F) and cooler nights. Comfortable for sightseeing and outdoor walks; bring a light jacket for evenings.

March and October are transitional months with pleasant weather for travel and fewer crowds — ideal for day trips and market visits.

Gentle shoreline walks and informal trails around the reservoir — good for easy hikes, birdwatching and sunset views.

Low-elevation trails on the approaches to the Satpura range offering forested paths, small ridges and wildlife spotting opportunities.

Longer drives from Itārsi lead to Pachmarhi, where marked trails like Rajdari-Gupt Mahadev and Apsara Vihar offer waterfall treks, viewpoints and cave explorations.

Guided trails and nature paths in Bori give access to forest environments and opportunities to see mammals and birds; best done with a guide.

A substantial portion of the local economy and population is linked to the railway junction — staff, vendors and commuters.

Surrounding villages rely on agriculture (millets, wheat, pulses) and form the backbone of local markets.

Tribal groups such as Gond and other indigenous communities live in nearby forested regions and contribute to regional culture.

Shopkeepers, dhaba owners, transport operators and local artisans who run daily commerce in town markets.

Vegetarian food is widely available and easy to find—most dhabas and eateries serve vegetarian thalis, dals and chaat. Clarify if dishes are prepared with ghee or onion/garlic if needed.

Vegan options exist (lentils, vegetable curries, rotis) but ask about ghee, butter and yogurt; street snacks may be fried in shared oil.

Rice-based dishes and many dals are gluten-free, but rotis and snacks like samosa/kachori contain wheat—request rice-based meals and confirm preparation methods.

Prefer busy stalls with high turnover, drink bottled or boiled water, avoid uncooked salads from street vendors if you have a sensitive stomach.