Things To Do
in Kharod
Kharod is a small town and agricultural community in central India, typical of Chhattisgarh's rural landscape with paddy fields, seasonal rivers and a close-knit local population. Life here moves at a relaxed pace, centred on farming, weekly markets (haats) and local temples that mark community rhythms. The town offers an authentic glimpse of Chhattisgarhi culture, food and festivals rather than tourist infrastructure, so visitors should expect simple amenities and warm local hospitality.
Kharod is a good base for experiencing village life, nearby forests and riverbanks, and short day trips to larger towns for services and transit connections.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the bustling Kharod local market where the aroma of fresh spices fills the air. Engage with local vendors and sample traditional snacks while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. As the sun rises higher, take your time to browse through colorful textiles and handicrafts unique to the region.
After a hearty lunch at a nearby eatery, continue your exploration by visiting the nearby temples that showcase exquisite architecture and rich history. Spend your afternoon learning about the cultural significance of these places while enjoying the serene surroundings. Don't forget to capture the stunning details of the intricate carvings and sculptures that adorn these sacred sites.
As dusk approaches, wander through the market once more to experience it in a different light, filled with twinkling lights and enticing aromas. Indulge in some street food delicacies that Kharod is known for, such as chaat and samosas. Conclude your day with a leisurely stroll along the nearby river, reflecting on the vibrant day you've had.
Begin your day with a refreshing walk in the lush green surroundings of Kharod, where you can enjoy the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves. Bring along your binoculars to spot various local bird species flitting between the trees. This peaceful morning walk will set a serene tone for the rest of your day.
After your morning stroll, head to a local café for a light lunch, where you can savor traditional dishes made with local ingredients. Post-lunch, visit a nearby nature reserve or park that is home to numerous wildlife species, including various birds and small mammals. Spend your afternoon hiking along well-marked trails, appreciating the natural beauty and tranquility of the area.
As the sun begins to set, find a scenic spot within the nature reserve to witness a breathtaking sunset. Enjoy a picnic dinner surrounded by nature, with the peaceful sounds of the wilderness as your backdrop. Reflect on your day's adventures, listening for the evening calls of the local wildlife.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍛Street meal | $0.50-2 |
| 🍽️Meal at an inexpensive restaurant / dhaba | $2-6 |
| 🚕Short auto-rickshaw or taxi ride | $0.50-4 |
| ☕Tea/coffee and snack | $0.20-1 |
| 🛏️Basic guesthouse room | $8-20 per night |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic rural Chhattisgarhi culture and warm local hospitality
- Strong value for money—low prices for food and lodging
- Excellent opportunities for photography of everyday life, fields and markets
- Calm, low-tourist environment good for slow travel and immersion
- Limited tourist infrastructure and few formal accommodations or restaurants
- Basic healthcare and emergency services locally; major facilities are in larger cities
- Transport links may be infrequent—requires planning for connections to airports or rail
- Language barrier if you don't speak Hindi or Chhattisgarhi; fewer English speakers
- "नमस्ते (Namaste)" - Hello / respectful greeting
- "धन्यवाद (Dhanyavaad)" - Thank you
- "कितने का है? (Kitne ka hai?)" - How much does this cost?
- "बाथरूम कहाँ है? (Bathroom kahan hai?)" - Where is the bathroom?
- "कृपया (Kripya)" - Please
- "मुझे मदद चाहिए (Mujhe madad chahiye)" - I need help
- "ठीक है (Theek hai)" - Okay / fine
- "सस्ती जगह कहाँ है? (Sasti jagah kahan hai?)" - Where is an inexpensive place (to eat/stay)?
Places to Visit in Kharod
Visit one of these nice places.
Wide-open fields that glow in gold and green—ideal for sunrise or sunset photography, capturing farmers at work and reflective water in the fields.
A colourful, bustling market with produce, textiles and portraits of daily life; great for candid street photography of vendors and shoppers.
Narrow lanes, mud walls, decorated doors and local courtyards offer authentic scenes of rural architecture and family life.
Riverbanks and small bridges near town provide scenic compositions—fishing boats, children playing and reflections in water.
Temples during morning or evening aarti have atmospheric light, ritual movement and devotional activity—ask permission before close-up shots of people.
Food in Kharod
Kharod Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Steamed lentil dumplings (made from chana dal) spiced and often served as a snack; find them at markets and small roadside stalls.
Must-Try!
Rice- or lentil-based savoury pancakes or dumplings, a common breakfast item in Chhattisgarh; try from breakfast vendors or local eateries.
Simple vegetable curries served with steamed rice and dal—homestyle cooking found at dhabas and family-run restaurants.
Popular street snacks—poha for breakfast and spicy samosas from evening vendors in the market area.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The weekly market is where locals buy produce and snacks—look for fresh seasonal fruits, bajra rotis, bafauri stalls and roadside tea sellers.
Small clusters of vendors selling chai, pakoras, samosas and sweets—great for tasting quick, affordable local flavours.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use 'Namaste' with palms together as a polite greeting; a gentle head nod or handshake is fine among men, while women may prefer not to shake hands—follow their lead.
Dress modestly—cover shoulders and knees in public and when visiting religious sites; women may feel more comfortable wearing loose trousers or a kurta with a scarf.
Remove shoes before entering temples; photography may be restricted in some places. Respect prayer times and avoid loud behaviour in religious spaces.
Always ask before photographing people, especially in villages and tribal areas; offering a smile and showing the photo afterwards is courteous.
If invited to a local home bring a small gift (fruit, sweets) and accept offered refreshments—remove shoes if requested and avoid disrespectful remarks about food or customs.
Safety
Tipping in Kharod
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is modest: at small dhabas and tea stalls you can round up the bill or leave change; for drivers and guides 50–200 INR (≈ $0.60–2.50) is appreciated depending on service and trip length. Hotels and restaurants in larger towns may expect 5–10% service if not included.
Cash (Indian rupees) is king in Kharod—carry small denominations for markets and rickshaws. Some shops and eateries may accept UPI payments, but bank cards and international credit cards are generally usable only in larger towns like Raipur.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
March to June can be hot (often 35–45°C); plan outdoor activities early morning or late afternoon, stay hydrated and wear sun protection. Midday rests and lightweight, breathable clothing are essential.
June to September brings heavy rains and lush landscapes; roads can be muddy or flooded—travel may be slower, and some rural tracks become impassable. This is the best time for greenery and rice-field photography.
November to February is cool and pleasant (10–25°C), ideal for exploring and outdoor activities—mornings can be chilly, so carry a light jacket. Many festivals take place in this season, offering cultural experiences.
Late winter to early spring coincides with harvest and local festivals—good weather, active agricultural scenes and abundant local produce at markets.
Kharod at Night
Hiking in Kharod
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short guided trails at the edge of nearby forest patches—good for birdwatching, learning about local flora and short nature hikes (seek a local guide for safety).
Gentle walks along irrigation bunds and riverbanks that offer scenic views, especially during the post-monsoon and winter months.
Low-elevation hill walks in the surrounding countryside—moderate difficulty, best done in cool weather and with local guidance where paths are informal.
A nearby wildlife/forest area in Chhattisgarh (accessible by road from Raipur) offering longer nature trails and wildlife spotting—suitable as a day trip from Kharod if you arrange transport.
Airports
How to reach Kharod by plane.
The main regional airport for Chhattisgarh (Raipur) with domestic connections to major Indian cities; the easiest gateway for Kharod—expect a 1–3 hour road transfer depending on exact location and road conditions.
A smaller regional airport serving Bilaspur and nearby districts; fewer flights than Raipur but an option if your itinerary includes Bilaspur. Road travel from Bilaspur to Kharod may take several hours.
A larger airport in neighboring Maharashtra with more flight options; useful as an alternate if combining travel with central India circuits, but expect a longer road transfer to Kharod.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A large portion of the population is engaged in agriculture—smallholder farmers cultivating rice, pulses and seasonal vegetables.
The region includes tribal communities (such as Gond and other local groups) with distinct languages, crafts and cultural practices—many villages preserve traditional lifestyles.
Shopkeepers, government workers, teachers and service providers from varied caste and community backgrounds, with Hinduism as the majority religion and minorities of Muslims, Christians and others.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cricket is the dominant sport—kids and adults play in open fields and school grounds; local tournaments are a common social activity.
Traditional contact sport popular in rural areas and schools, often played during festivals and village competitions.
Traditional wrestling holds cultural significance in some villages; akharas (wrestling pits) host training and local bouts.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kharod.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian diets are easy to manage—many eateries offer vegetarian thalis, rice and dal dishes, and vegetable snacks. Always confirm that dishes are prepared without ghee or meat stock if strictly vegetarian.
Vegan options exist but are less common; request meals without dairy (milk, ghee, curd) and confirm preparation methods. Street food may use butter/ghee, so ask vendors.
Rice-based cuisine makes gluten-free eating straightforward, but check for wheat-based snacks like rotis and samosas; communicate allergies clearly.
Use bottled or boiled water for drinking, choose well-cooked hot food and busy stalls with high turnover to reduce the risk of stomach upset.