Janakpur: The City of Goddess Sita – Travel Guide

Country: Nepal
State: Madhesh Province

Planning Your Trip to Janakpur

Essential Information

Country: Nepal
State: Madhesh Province

Timezone

GMT +5:45

Languages Spoken

Nepali, Maithili, Hindi, English (Limited)

Currency

Nepalese Rupee (NPR)

Weather and Climate in Janakpur

Here’s a month-by-month snapshot of Janakpur’s weather to help you plan your trip:

January: Cool and dry, average temperature 10-20°C
February: Pleasant and dry, average temperature 12-25°C
March: Warm and dry, average temperature 18-32°C
April: Hot, average temperature 22-37°C
May: Hottest month, average temperature 25-38°C
June: Hot and humid, monsoon season starts, average temperature 27-35°C
July: Monsoon, heavy rainfall, average temperature 26-33°C
August: Monsoon, heavy rainfall, average temperature 26-33°C
September: Monsoon gradually receding, average temperature 25-32°C
October: Pleasant and dry, average temperature 20-30°C
November: Cool and dry, average temperature 15-27°C
December: Coolest month, average temperature 10-22°C

Janakpur City Overview

Janakpur, also known as Janakpurdham, is a vibrant city steeped in ancient history and Hindu mythology. It is believed to be the birthplace of Goddess Sita and the place where she married Lord Rama, making it a significant Hindu pilgrimage site. Expect colorful temples, bustling bazaars, and serene ponds. Janakpur offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Terai region of Nepal, heavily influenced by Maithili traditions. The aroma of local delicacies fills the air, while devotional music resonates from the numerous temples. It’s a place where spirituality and everyday life intertwine, creating a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors.

Best Time to Visit Janakpur

October to March: Pros: Pleasant weather, clear skies, ideal for sightseeing. Cons: Can be crowded during peak season (October/November).
April to June: Pros: Festivals and celebrations. Cons: Extremely hot, potential for dust storms.
July to September: Pros: Lush greenery, fewer tourists. Cons: Heavy rainfall, potential for flooding, humidity.

How to Get to Janakpur & Visa Requirements

Flights: Janakpur Airport (JKR) has regular flights from Kathmandu. Book flights in advance for best prices.
Trains: The Janakpur Railway connects Janakpur to Jaynagar in India. Check schedules and availability before your trip.
Visa Details: Nepal offers visa on arrival for most nationalities at Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu) and land borders. Always check the latest requirements based on your nationality on the Department of Immigration’s website.

Discovering Janakpur

Fun Fact: Bibaha Panchami Festival

The Bibaha Panchami festival, celebrated annually in Janakpur, commemorates the divine wedding of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita. Thousands of pilgrims witness the reenactment of the wedding ceremony, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere. It’s a testament to the enduring power of love and devotion.

Famous People from Janakpur

Janaki (Sita) – The central female figure of the Ramayana and an important deity of Hinduism.

Top 10 Attractions in Janakpur

Janaki Mandir: A stunning marble temple dedicated to Goddess Sita. Address: Janakpurdham, Nepal
Ram Mandir: A temple dedicated to Lord Rama, adjacent to Janaki Mandir. Address: Janakpurdham, Nepal
Bibaha Mandap: The sacred site where the wedding of Rama and Sita is believed to have taken place. Address: Janakpurdham, Nepal
Ganga Sagar: A holy pond where devotees take ritual baths. Address: Janakpurdham, Nepal
Dhanush Sagar: Another significant pond near Janaki Mandir. Address: Janakpurdham, Nepal
Ratna Sagar: A sacred pond located close to Janaki Mandir. Address: Janakpurdham, Nepal
Kapileshwar Mahadev Temple: A temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Address: Janakpurdham, Nepal
Vivah Mandap Temple: Marks the spot of the divine wedding; reenactments take place here during festivals. Address: Janakpurdham, Nepal
Jaleswar Mahadev Temple: Another important Shiva temple in the region, located slightly outside of Janakpurdham. Address: Jaleswar, Nepal
Raj Devi Temple: A significant temple dedicated to the royal family deity. Address: Janakpurdham, Nepal

Janakpur Hidden Gems

Explore the local bazaars: Discover traditional Maithili crafts, clothing, and spices. Address: Around Janaki Mandir, Janakpurdham, Nepal
Visit smaller, less-known temples: Uncover hidden spiritual retreats throughout the city. Address: Throughout Janakpurdham, Nepal
Experience a Maithili cooking class: Learn to prepare local delicacies from a local family. Address: Contact local tour operators for options.

Local Festivals & Events in Janakpur

Bibaha Panchami: The annual celebration of the wedding of Rama and Sita.
Chhath Puja: A festival dedicated to the Sun God.
Ram Navami: Celebrates the birth of Lord Rama.
Holi: The festival of colors is celebrated with great fervor.

Day Trips & Nearby Attractions from Janakpur

Bardibas: A nearby town with local markets. (Approx. 1-hour drive)
Jaleswar: Home to the Jaleswar Mahadev Temple. (Approx. 30-minute drive)
Sindhuli Gadhi: A historical fort with panoramic views. (Approx. 3-hour drive)

Photography Spots & Instagrammable Places in Janakpur

Janaki Mandir: Capture the stunning architecture of the temple.
Ganga Sagar: Photograph the serene pond, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Local bazaars: Capture the vibrant colors and bustling atmosphere.
Bibaha Mandap: Capture the architectural details of this holy site

Accommodation & Getting Around Janakpur

Recommended Length of Stay

2-3 days are generally sufficient to explore the major attractions.

Top Places to Stay in Janakpur

Budget Hotels

Hotel Welcome: Janakpurdham, Nepal
Hotel Sita Palace: Janakpurdham, Nepal
Hotel Rama: Janakpurdham, Nepal
Hotel Shankar: Janakpurdham, Nepal
Hotel Raj Tilak: Janakpurdham, Nepal

Mid-Range Hotels

Hotel Janakpur International: Janakpurdham, Nepal
Hotel Siddhartha: Janakpurdham, Nepal
Hotel Manaki International: Janakpurdham, Nepal
Hotel Royal Darbar: Janakpurdham, Nepal
Happy Home Janakpur: Janakpurdham, Nepal

Luxury Hotels

There aren’t many traditionally luxurious options available within Janakpur itself. Consider options slightly outside the city or hotels with high ratings that offer comfortable accommodations.
Check Hotel Janakpur International or Hotel Manaki International for their suites or deluxe rooms for more upscale amenities.

Getting Around Janakpur

Rickshaws: A common and affordable way to travel short distances. Negotiate the fare beforehand.
Taxis: Available for longer distances. Confirm the price before starting your journey.
Buses: Local buses connect different parts of the city. A cheap option but can be crowded.
Walking: Many attractions are within walking distance of each other.

Preparing for Your Janakpur Experience

What to Pack for Janakpur

Light and comfortable clothing: Suitable for warm weather.
Modest clothing: Especially when visiting temples.
Sunscreen: To protect against the strong sun.
Hat or cap: For sun protection.
Comfortable walking shoes: For exploring the city.
Insect repellent: Especially during the monsoon season.

Useful Apps for Travel in Nepal

Google Maps: For navigation.
Translate apps: To communicate with locals.
Food delivery apps: If available locally (e.g., Foodmandu, Pathao Food, depending on availability).

Local Tips, Safety, and Cultural Etiquette for Janakpur

Remove shoes before entering temples.
Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.
Be respectful of local customs and traditions.
Bargain politely when shopping in local markets.
Beware of scams targeting tourists.
Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas.
Drink bottled water to avoid waterborne illnesses.

Janakpur Food & Entertainment

Top Restaurants in Janakpur

Mithila Bhavan: Traditional Maithili cuisine. Address: Janakpurdham, Nepal
Annapurna Bhojanalaya: A local restaurant serving Nepali thalis. Address: Janakpurdham, Nepal
Hotel Janakpur International Restaurant: Offers a variety of cuisines. Address: Janakpurdham, Nepal

Must-Try Dishes in Janakpur

Dal Puri: Lentil-stuffed fried bread.
Mithila Thali: A traditional Nepali meal with rice, lentils, vegetables, and meat or fish.
Singhara: A deep-fried snack.
Khir: Rice pudding, often served during festivals.

Nightlife & Entertainment in Janakpur

Local teahouses: Enjoy conversations and local music. Address: Around Janaki Mandir, Janakpurdham, Nepal
Few options for western style nightlife: Explore restaurants with outdoor seating in the evenings.

What to Buy in Janakpur (Souvenirs & Markets)

Maithili paintings: Traditional artwork depicting Hindu mythology. Address: Around Janaki Mandir, Janakpurdham, Nepal
Handicrafts: Locally made items, including pottery and textiles. Address: Local bazaars around Janaki Mandir, Janakpurdham, Nepal
Religious items: Statues, prayer beads, and incense. Address: Shops near the temples, Janakpurdham, Nepal