Asansol West Bengal, India Travel Guide
The official currency is the Indian Rupee (INR), symbolized as ₹. Banknotes are in ₹10, ₹20, ₹50, ₹100, ₹200, and ₹500. Coins are in ₹1, ₹2, ₹5, and ₹10. Exchange major foreign currencies like USD, EUR, or GBP at banks or authorized bureau de change upon arrival at international airports or major cities like Kolkata. Direct exchange choices in Asansol are more limited. ATMs are widely available across Asansol for cash withdrawals. Major credit/debit cards are accepted at larger hotels, restaurants, and shops. Smaller establishments and street vendors largely accept cash. UPI-based mobile payments are popular locally.
UPI (Unified Payments Interface) mobile payments are very popular among locals, and many small vendors now accept them, though this needs an Indian bank account.
Accommodation: Budget Guesthouse/Hostel: ₹500 - ₹1,500. Mid-range Hotel (3-star): ₹1,800 - ₹4,000. Higher-end Hotel (4-star, limited): ₹5,000 - ₹8,000.
Meals: Street Food/Local Dhaba: ₹50 - ₹200. Mid-range Restaurant Meal: ₹250 - ₹600. Fine Dining (limited): ₹700 - ₹1,500+. Transportation (within Asansol): Shared Auto-rickshaw: ₹10 - ₹30. Private Auto-rickshaw: ₹50 - ₹200. Cycle Rickshaw: ₹20 - ₹50. Local Bus: ₹10 - ₹40. Attractions: Most temples and parks: Free or nominal entry fee (₹10 - ₹50 for Indian nationals, slightly higher for foreigners). Maithon Dam boating: ₹100-₹200 per person.
Stretch your rupees further.
Choose street food and local eateries (dhabas) for authentic and inexpensive meals.
For market purchases or unmetered auto-rickshaws, politely negotiate for a fair price.
Smart choices for movement and rest.
Use shared auto-rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, and city buses. These are cheaper than private options.
Asansol has many affordable lodging choices near the railway station and bus stand.
Staying hydrated smartly.
Purchase sealed bottled water. Larger bottles often save money. A water purification bottle is a long-term saving and sustainable choice.
Carry small denomination Indian Rupee notes for area transit and street food.
Asansol experiences hot and dry conditions. Temperatures range from 25°C to 45°C. April and May are the hottest, often exceeding 40°C. Humidity rises before the monsoon. This period can be uncomfortable for outdoor activities.
High humidity and significant rainfall characterize this season. Temperatures are generally between 28°C and 35°C. Heavy downpours are frequent, sometimes causing local flooding and potential travel disruptions. The landscape becomes green and flourishing.
After the monsoon, autumn brings mild weather, 20°C to 86°F. Lower humidity, clear skies. Comfortable for outdoor exploration.
Mild and dry conditions. Temperatures generally 10°C to 25°C. Night lows can drop to 5°C. Most comfortable for sightseeing.
June to September, heavy rainfall may cause localized flooding and disrupt transport. Monitor local weather.
April and May often experience severe heatwaves over 40°C. Stay hydrated, avoid midday sun.
Though inland, remnants of cyclonic storms (April-May, Oct-Nov) bring heavy rains and strong winds.
A well-stocked personal health kit for minor ailments and well-being. Consider destination-specific items for local health concerns.
Traveler'traveler's Diarrhea is common. Mosquito-borne diseases are present. Heat-related illnesses a risk in summer. Air pollution may occur.
Asansol has a number of hospitals. Pharmacies are widely available. For advanced care, Durgapur or Kolkata have more facilities.
Monsoonal Flooding (June-September) disrupts transport. Heatwaves (April-May) pose health risks. Cyclones, though less frequent inland, bring heavy rains/winds.
A well-stocked personal health kit for minor ailments and well-being. Consider destination-specific items to address local medical concerns.
Lightweight, breathable cotton or linen. Loose-fitting long sleeves/pants for sun. Light colors.
Quick-drying fabrics. Lightweight rain jacket or sturdy umbrella. Sandals or watertight footwear.
Light cotton for autumn. Thermal layers, sweaters, light jackets, scarves for winter.
Modest attire is generally appropriate, especially for religious sites.
For women, loose-fitting clothing like kurtis (long tunics) with leggings or salwar kameez make comfortable and culturally appropriate choices. Men should avoid shorts in religious places. This shows respect for local customs.
For general sightseeing, comfortable, ventilated clothing for walking and the climate is good. You will spend time on your feet.
Remember to remove your shoes before entering shrines and mosques.
These for general sightseeing and navigating city streets.
Useful for temple visits, where you will remove your shoes often.
Pack sandals or Crocs for the monsoon season to keep your feet dry.
Keeping your documents organized and secure makes for travel without stress. Carry both original and copies of required papers.
Staying connected and powered up simplifies navigation and communication. Pack the right electronics and accessories.
India uses 230V, 50Hz (Types C, D, M plugs). Universal travel adapter with surge protection. GSM network compatible phones. Local SIM cards available.
Camera, extra batteries, memory cards. Protect from dust/moisture. Portable chargers useful for long travel or power outages. B&H Photo for gear.
Google Maps, Google Translate (downloadable packs), WhatsApp. UPI apps (Google Pay/PhonePe) for local payments. Cloud storage or External hard drive for photo/document backup.
