Things To Do
in Raurkela

A fermented rice dish served with fried or mashed vegetables and chutneys; cooling and popular in hot months. Try at local Odia eateries.

Must-Try!

A traditional Odia lentil and vegetable stew seasoned with ginger and panch phoran; commonly available in casual restaurants.

A baked cottage-cheese dessert special to Odisha; available at sweet shops and some restaurants.

River and freshwater fish prepared in mustard or tomato-based curries; best at local Odia restaurants.

Bustling markets with street-side stalls selling chaat, samosas, pakoras, fresh juices and local sweets—good for evening snacks and budget eats.

Stalls offering tea, fritters, and quick breakfasts popular with early visitors to the park.

A simple 'Namaste' with folded hands is a polite greeting; handshakes are common in more formal settings.

Dress conservatively in public and when visiting religious sites; remove shoes before entering temples or some homes.

Avoid touching people's heads and do not point feet at religious altars; use the right hand for giving and receiving items.

Ask permission before photographing individuals, especially in tribal villages and religious contexts.

Tipping is modest: leave 5–10% at sit-down restaurants if service is good; round up fares for auto-rickshaw drivers or give small amounts (₹10–50). Hotel porters and housekeeping typically receive small tips. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory.

Cash (Indian Rupee) is widely used in markets and small eateries; major hotels, malls and larger restaurants accept cards. UPI and mobile wallets (PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm) are common and convenient for many transactions. Carry some cash for rural or small vendors.

Hot and humid from March to June with daytime temperatures often in the high 20s–mid 30s °C; mornings and evenings are best for outdoor activities. Stay hydrated and plan indoor or water-side activities during peak heat.

June to September brings heavy rains that make waterfalls lush but can disrupt travel on rural roads; expect occasional flooding and slippery trails—carry rain gear and allow extra travel time.

November to February offers the most comfortable weather with cool mornings and pleasant days (10–25 °C), ideal for sightseeing, hiking and outdoor photography.

October and late February are transition months with generally pleasant weather and festival activity—good for cultural visits and shorter hikes.

A hike to one of the region's most impressive waterfalls; distance and difficulty vary by access point—best visited in the dry post-monsoon months for safer footing.

Easy, scenic walking routes around the reservoir good for birdwatching and sunset photography; suitable for families.

Small hill walks and viewpoints near Rourkela offering panoramic views of forests and the township—ideal for short day hikes and nature photos.

Longer treks through tribal country and plateaus around Sundargarh district; can require a guide and 4x4 access in the monsoon season.

Small regional airport serving Rourkela directly; limited scheduled flights—check current services. Short drive to city center (20–40 minutes).

A regional airport (~100–160 km by road) with more frequent connections to major Indian cities; a common option for visitors traveling by air to western Odisha.

Major airport approximately 150–220 km away depending on route; offers wider flight options and good road/rail connectivity to Raurkela.

The largest nearby international airport (~300+ km) providing the most flight choices; good for international connections and onward travel to Odisha.

Vegetarian options are widely available in most restaurants and street stalls; ask for 'sampurna shakahari' (fully vegetarian) if you need to avoid ghee or non-veg traces.

Vegan choices exist (rice-based dishes, dals, vegetable curries), but clarify use of ghee, curd, or paneer when ordering at local eateries.

Rice is a staple and many dishes are naturally gluten-free; avoid wheat-based breads (roti/paratha) and chaat unless confirmed gluten-free.

If you have strong allergies, carry translations on a card (e.g., 'I am allergic to nuts') and prefer well-established restaurants over street stalls.