Things To Do
in Pīlibhīt

Wildlife and landscape photography opportunities—sunrise and sunset safaris produce the best light; follow park rules and use a telephoto lens for animal shots.

Vibrant street scenes, colorful market stalls, portraits of vendors and close-up food photography in lively settings.

Seasonal landscapes and rural life photography—flowering trees, harvest scenes and interactions with farmers during harvest seasons.

Architectural details, train movements and candid commuter photography at the town’s railway station and nearby lanes.

A classic breakfast or lunch choice—deep-fried puris served with spiced potato curry. Found at local breakfast stalls and dhabas in the bazaar.

Must-Try!

Grilled and pan-fried meat preparations served at small non-vegetarian restaurants and hotel restaurants; best tried at well-reviewed family eateries in town.

Popular street snacks—pani puri, aloo chaat and samosas are sold at market corners and evening food stalls.

Yogurt-based drinks to cool off in hot weather; lassi is often sweet or salted, while chaas (buttermilk) is spiced and refreshing.

The main market area for street food, sweets, and snacks—try fresh jalebi, kachori, samosas and local chaat from small vendors.

Seasonal mango and other fruit stalls, especially during summer; good for fresh produce photography and sampling ripe local varieties at the source.

Wear modest clothing in public and especially when visiting religious sites—cover shoulders and knees to show respect.

A simple 'Namaste' with palms joined is a polite greeting. Use polite forms like 'ji' when speaking with elders (e.g., 'aap kaise hain?').

Remove shoes before entering temples and some homes; follow local instructions and signs.

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

Tipping is modest—round up restaurant bills (5–10%), give guides and safari drivers a small tip (INR 200–500 / ~$3–6 depending on service), and tip porters a small amount per bag.

Cash (Indian rupees) is widely used in markets and small eateries. Card acceptance is limited outside hotels and larger shops. Mobile wallets and UPI apps (e.g., Paytm, PhonePe) are common; carry enough cash for rural areas and safaris.

Hot and dry from April to June with daytime temperatures often above 35°C (95°F). Carry water, light clothing, sun protection and plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.

June to September brings seasonal rains that can make rural roads muddy and affect access to some forest tracks; wildlife visibility reduces but the landscape is lush and birdlife is active.

October–November is pleasant with moderate temperatures and is a good time for safaris and outdoor activities as the skies clear after monsoon.

December–February brings cool to chilly mornings (sometimes near 5–8°C / 41–46°F). This is peak season for wildlife spotting and comfortable sightseeing—carry layers for colder mornings.

The most popular sport—local matches and informal games in fields and school grounds are common across the town and villages.

Traditional contact sports with regional popularity; local tournaments and village-level participation keep these sports alive.

Vegetarian food is widely available—most thalis, street snacks and dhabas have vegetarian options. Specify 'shakahari' if you want purely vegetarian preparations.

Vegan choices are more limited because dairy is common; ask vendors to prepare food without ghee, butter or yogurt and confirm ingredients.

Many non-vegetarian eateries serve halal-style meats—ask locals or look for Muslim-run restaurants for assurance.

Rice-based dishes are available but wheat (roti) is the staple—explain 'gluten-free' needs and avoid wheat-based items when necessary.