Janakpur

Janakpur is the religious and cultural heart of Nepal's Madhesh Province, revered as the birthplace of Sita (Goddess Janaki) and the site of her marriage to Lord Rama in the Hindu epic Ramayana. The city's centrepiece is the magnificent Janaki Mandir, a 19th-century architectural masterpiece of Koiri style. Beyond its deep religious significance, Janakpur is also the administrative capital of Madhesh Province and an important educational and cultural centre for the Maithili-speaking region.

The climate is humid subtropical with extremely hot summers (April–June reaching 40°C), a monsoon season (June–September), and pleasant winters (October–February). The best time to visit is October–March. The city is laid out around the Janaki Mandir, with a lively old bazaar and several sacred ponds (kunds).

By Plane

Janakpur Airport (JKR) has daily flights from Kathmandu (25 minutes, around US$80–160). The airport is 5 km from the city centre; a taxi costs Rs 300–500.

By Train

Janakpur has a railway station on the Nepal Railways network, with services connecting to the Indian rail system at Jaynagar. The historic Janakpur–Jaynagar train is a popular tourist attraction.

By Car / Road

Janakpur is on the Mahendra Highway, 140 km south-east of Kathmandu (5–6 hours by bus, Rs 500–1000). Regular buses also connect to Birganj (150 km west), Rajbiraj (65 km east), and the Indian border at Jaynagar (25 km south).

Rickshaws, auto-rickshaws, and cycle rickshaws are the main local transport (Rs 20–100). The city centre around the Janaki Mandir is highly walkable. Taxis are available for longer trips.

• Janaki Mandir – The spectacular pink-coloured temple built in 1898, dedicated to Goddess Sita. Its unique Koiri architecture features 60 rooms, domes, and spires. Entrance free.
• Ram Mandir – A large temple complex dedicated to Lord Rama, located near the Janaki Mandir.
• Bibah Mandap – The site where Rama and Sita are believed to have been married, marked by a beautifully decorated pavilion.
• Dhanush Sagar – A large sacred pond where pilgrims bathe before worship.
• Ratna Sagar – Another holy tank near the Janaki Mandir, surrounded by smaller shrines.
• Ganga Sagar – A large pond complex on the southern edge of the city, popular during festivals.
• Vivah Panchami Festival (November/December) – The city's biggest celebration, re-enacting the wedding of Rama and Sita with grand processions and thousands of pilgrims.

Attend the evening aarti (prayer ceremony) at Janaki Mandir. Explore the old city lanes on a cycle rickshaw. Visit during the Vivah Panchami or Ram Navami festivals for an unforgettable cultural experience. Take a ride on the historic Janakpur–Jaynagar narrow-gauge railway.

• Hotel Rama Restaurant – Reliable North Indian and Nepali dishes near the temple.
• Mithila Cafe – A popular spot for local Maithili cuisine including litti-chokha and regional curries.
• Janaki Bhojanalaya – Budget-friendly dal bhat and Indian thalis.
• Sweet shops – Try local sweets like peda, gulab jamun, and jalebi from shops around the temple.

Tea and lassi are the preferred beverages. Bottled water is essential in the hot months. Small bars serve beer and local spirits.

• Budget: Hotel Janaki (near bus park) – Rs 600–1200. Basic but clean rooms.
• Mid-range: Hotel Welcome, +977 41-521066 – Rs 2000–4000. Comfortable rooms with restaurant and wifi.
• Upscale: Hotel Paradise, near Janaki Mandir – Rs 3000–5000. Modern amenities and air-conditioning.

Janakpur is famous for Maithili art (Mithila painting) – buy directly from local artisans or at the Mithila Art Centre. Other local products include dhaka (traditional woven cloth), brassware, and terracotta items. The main bazaar around Janaki Mandir has a wide selection.

• Dhanushadham (25 km north) – Sacred site believed to be where Rama's bow was kept after the wedding.
• Rajbiraj (65 km east) – Historic city and district headquarters of Saptari.
• Jaynagar, India (25 km south) – Border town with onward rail connections to Bihar.
• Birganj (150 km west) – Major border crossing and commercial hub.
• Bardibas (100 km north) – Gateway to the Chure foothills.