🛕 Janakpur Travel Guide – Land of Sita, Temples & Mithila Culture

📍 Overview

Janakpur, also known as Janakpurdham, is a historic and sacred city located in the Dhanusha District of southern Nepal, close to the Indian border. It is believed to be the birthplace of Goddess Sita (Janaki) and the kingdom of King Janak, her father. Rich in Hindu mythology, Mithila art, and Maithili traditions, Janakpur is an important pilgrimage site, especially for followers of the Ramayana. The city combines vibrant cultural heritage with religious devotion, drawing visitors from Nepal and India year-round.

🛕 Top Attractions in Janakpur

1. Janaki Mandir

• Grand marble temple dedicated to Goddess Sita.

• Built in 1910 by Queen Vrisha Bhanu of Tikamgarh (India).

• Indo-Saracenic architecture, colorful frescoes, and vibrant religious life.

2. Ram Mandir

• An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Ram, located near Janaki Mandir.

• Important during Vivah Panchami, which celebrates Ram and Sita's wedding.

3. Vivah Mandap

• A ceremonial site believed to be where Ram and Sita's wedding took place.

• Decorated pavilion with statues and sacred symbolism.

4. Dhanusha Dham

• About 24 km from Janakpur — believed to be the place where Lord Shiva’s bow (Dhanush) broke during Sita’s swayamvar.

5. Maithili Art Centers

• Visit local workshops and cultural centers to experience Mithila paintings, traditional Maithili music, and folk performances.

🌟 Festivals in Janakpur

🪔 Vivah Panchami (Nov–Dec)

• Reenacts the marriage of Ram and Sita.

• Pilgrims from India and Nepal gather in thousands.

• Colorful processions, rituals, and cultural programs.

🎉 Ram Navami (March–April)

• Celebrates the birth of Lord Ram with temple worship, singing, and fairs.

🕉️ Chhath Festival

• Devoted to the Sun God, celebrated with devotees offering prayers in ponds and rivers.

🏨 Where to Stay

• Budget to mid-range hotels and guesthouses available near Janaki Mandir.

• Recommended: Hotel Welcome, Hotel Manaki, Hotel Rama.

🍛 What to Eat

• Local Maithili cuisine: Tarua, bagiya, ghughni, anarsa, and dal-pitha.

• Street snacks: Samosa, jalebi, puri-tarkari.

• Vegetarian food dominates due to religious culture.

🚗 How to Reach Janakpur

🛫 By Air:

• Janakpur Airport (JKR) – regular flights from Kathmandu (35 mins).

🚆 By Train:

• Janakpur–Jaynagar Railway (India-Nepal rail) — connects to Jaynagar, Bihar.

🚍 By Road:

• Buses and jeeps from Kathmandu (8–10 hrs) or Birgunj.

🕰️ Best Time to Visit

• October to March – Cool and pleasant for temple visits and festivals.

• Avoid peak summer (April–June) due to extreme heat.

• Monsoon (July–September) may hinder travel but makes surroundings lush.

📿 Spiritual & Cultural Significance

• Janakpur is part of the Ramayana Circuit — a sacred route linked to the life of Lord Ram.

• It’s the cultural capital of Maithili people, with living traditions of Maithili language, literature, music, and art.

🛍️ What to Buy

• Mithila (Madhubani) paintings

• Handmade Maithili crafts

• Traditional jewelry & textiles

⚠️ Travel Tips

• Dress modestly, especially in temple areas.

• Carry cash; limited ATMs.

• Shoes must be removed before entering temples.

• Respect local customs, especially during rituals and festivals.