Things To Do
in Risod
Risod is a small agricultural town in Washim district of Maharashtra, known for its rural markets, temples and relaxed small-town vibe. It functions as a local trading hub for surrounding villages, with colorful weekly bazaars and family-run shops. The town reflects typical Vidarbha/Marathwada culture — Marathi-speaking, cuisine rooted in millet- and legume-based dishes, and seasonal agricultural rhythms.
Risod is a practical base for exploring nearby rural landscapes, riverbanks and smaller temples rather than a destination for big-city sightseeing.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to the local market, where the vibrant colors of fresh fruits and vegetables greet you. Engage with local vendors and learn about traditional Indian spices and ingredients. As you stroll through the market, don’t miss the opportunity to taste some authentic street food like vada pav.
Visit the historic temples of Risod, where intricate carvings and sculptures narrate stories from ancient mythology. Take a guided tour to understand the significance of each temple and its architecture. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely lunch at a nearby eatery, savoring local cuisine like puran poli and bhakri.
As the sun sets, unwind at the picturesque banks of the local river. Capture stunning photographs of the sunset reflecting on the water while enjoying a cup of chai from a nearby tea stall. End your evening with a walk through the town, soaking in the local nightlife and perhaps stopping by for some traditional music performances.
Rise early for an exhilarating trek in the nearby hills, where the lush greenery and chirping birds create a serene atmosphere. Equip yourself with hiking gear and a camera to capture breathtaking views from the top. A packed breakfast of parathas and fruits will keep your energy levels high as you ascend.
After conquering the hills, enjoy a well-deserved picnic lunch amidst nature, surrounded by the sounds of rustling leaves and flowing streams. Explore the flora and fauna, spotting unique birds and perhaps even some local wildlife. Take this time to relax and connect with nature before heading back.
Return to Risod and freshen up before heading out for dinner at a local restaurant. Enjoy a delicious meal featuring regional specialties, such as misal pav and dal bati. Conclude your day by gathering around a bonfire, sharing stories with fellow travelers under the starry sky.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $2-5 |
| ☕Tea or coffee | $0.20-1 |
| 🚕Short auto-rickshaw or taxi ride | $0.50-3 |
| 🛏️Budget guesthouse / basic hotel (per night) | $10-25 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (bottle) | $1.5-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic small-town Maharashtrian culture and friendly local communities
- Affordable prices and easy access to rural life, markets and local food
- Good opportunities for photography of everyday agrarian landscapes and markets
- Calm, low-stress environment suitable for a relaxed visit or rural day trips
- Limited nightlife, entertainment and upscale accommodation options
- Fewer direct transport connections — nearest major airports and big-city services require travel
- Basic medical and emergency facilities compared with larger cities
- Fewer curated tourist attractions; most experiences are informal and locally centered
- "Namaskar / नमस्कार" - Hello / respectful greeting
- "Dhanyavaad / धन्यवाद" - Thank you
- "Kiti bhav? / किती भाव?" - How much does this cost?
- "Shauchalaya kuthe ahe? / शौचालय कुठे आहे?" - Where is the restroom?
- "Me Marathi thoda-bahut bolto / मी मराठी थोडं-म्हणून बोलतो" - I speak a little Marathi
- "Majhyasathi pani / माझ्यासाठी पाणी" - Water for me, please
Places to Visit in Risod
Visit one of these nice places.
Vibrant market scenes with colorful produce, textiles and everyday life — excellent for candid street photography and portraiture.
Architecturally modest but photogenic temples with rituals, devotees and decorative details; early morning and evening light works best.
Wide-open agricultural landscapes offer dramatic golden-hour light, silhouettes of farmers and seasonal crops.
Calm waters and birdlife provide nature shots, reflections and local activity like fishing or washing.
Old houses, bicycles, domestic animals and everyday chores make for intimate documentary photography.
Food in Risod
Risod Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A staple comfort meal — spicy gram-flour curry (pithla) served with bhakri (jowar or bajra flatbread). Found at local eateries and home-style restaurants.
Must-Try!
A spicy sprouted lentil curry topped with farsan and served with pav; a popular breakfast or snack available from street stalls and small cafés.
Flattened rice (poha) and semolina upma are common breakfast choices at local tea stalls and breakfast joints.
Crispy fried patties made from tapioca, peanuts and spices — widely available, especially during fasting seasons.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market day where farmers and vendors sell fresh vegetables, pulses, spices and street snacks — great for tasting seasonal produce and local sweets.
Evening stalls serving tea, poha, misal-pav and fried snacks; perfect for people-watching and inexpensive tasting.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples and rural areas — cover shoulders and knees to show respect.
Remove shoes before entering temple premises, speak quietly and follow local worship routines; photography may be restricted in some sanctums.
Use the right hand for giving and receiving items and for eating; the left hand is generally considered unclean for these tasks.
Greet elders and community figures with respect. Address people politely and accept hospitality graciously.
Safety
Tipping in Risod
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is modest: rounding up taxi fares, leaving 5–10% at sit-down restaurants (if service charge not included), and a small tip for hotel porters or guides is appreciated but not mandatory.
Cash (Indian rupees) is king in small towns; UPI apps and mobile payments are increasingly accepted at shops and restaurants, while credit/debit cards work at larger establishments. Carry small notes for markets and auto-rickshaws; ATMs may be limited outside town centers.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and dry (March–May); temperatures can be high, so plan outdoor activities in early morning or late afternoon, stay hydrated and wear sun protection.
Rainy season (June–September) brings relief and greener landscapes but can cause muddy roads and occasional travel delays; light rain gear and flexible schedules help.
October–November is pleasant with cooler temperatures and busy agricultural activity — a good time for seeing harvests and vibrant rural life.
December–February brings mild, comfortable days and cool nights; ideal for exploring on foot and for outdoor photography.
Risod at Night
Hiking in Risod
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Easy walks following irrigation canals, field boundaries and village lanes — great for short, low-difficulty hikes and cultural immersion.
Flat, scenic walks along local reservoirs and riverbanks for birdwatching and sunset views; accessible year-round with care in monsoon.
Longer hikes and sightseeing excursions are possible with a 1–3 hour drive to larger towns and heritage sites (temples and rock-cut sites) where short treks and viewpoints exist.
Airports
How to reach Risod by plane.
A regional airport offering domestic connections; a practical option for quicker access to the region with onward road travel to Risod.
Serves Aurangabad and surrounding districts with regular domestic flights; a larger selection of services than smaller regional airports and a drive away from Risod.
A major airport and transport hub for eastern Maharashtra with extensive domestic connections; typically the best option for international arrivals connecting into the region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest group are Marathi-speaking residents engaged in agriculture, trade and local businesses.
Many families are smallholder farmers growing cotton, soybean, cereals and pulses; rural traditions strongly influence daily life.
There are Hindu majorities with Muslim and other minority communities participating in local commerce and cultural life.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cricket is the most popular sport; local matches in school grounds and village teams are common and draw community interest.
Traditional regional sports such as kabaddi and kho-kho remain popular, especially during school and festival competitions.
Traditional wrestling is practiced in some villages and during sports meets, reflecting local sporting culture.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Risod.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian food is very common and easy to find; most eateries will have multiple vegetarian options. Ask for less oil or spice if needed, and prefer freshly cooked dishes.
Vegan options exist but require asking — avoid ghee and clarified butter in dishes, and request dry preparations or lentil-based dishes without dairy.
Millet (jowar, bajra) bhakri and rice-based dishes are good gluten-free options; ensure no wheat-based accompaniments are used if strictly gluten-free.
Drink bottled or boiled water, eat at busy stalls with turnover to reduce risk of stomach upset, and avoid raw salads from untrusted vendors.