Madhesh Province, Nepal
Janakpur Travel Guide
The Terai city revered as the birthplace of Sita and the heart of Mithila culture — home to the marble Janaki Mandir, sacred ponds and the spectacular Vivaha Panchami festival.
Janakpur — known reverently as Janakpurdham — is the Terai city celebrated as the birthplace of Sita and the spiritual heart of Mithila culture. Pilgrims and travellers come for its temples, its many sacred ponds and a folk-art tradition unlike anything else in Nepal.
At its centre stands the magnificent Janaki Mandir, a marble temple built to honour Sita, surrounded by markets, smaller shrines and the holy sagar ponds where worshippers bathe. The whole city comes alive each year during Vivaha Panchami, when the wedding of Sita and Rama is re-enacted with processions and music.
Beyond the temples, Janakpur is the home of Mithila art — the bold, colourful painting created by local women. While planning a southern loop, pair Janakpur with the Buddha's birthplace at Lumbini, and check the dates of the festivals of Nepal to catch Vivaha Panchami at its peak. Below are our picks for the best things to do in Janakpur.
What to do in Janakpur
The Best Things to Do in Janakpur
Dhanush Sagar & Ganga Sagar
Jaleshwar Mahadev
Janaki Mandir
Janakpur & Mithila Culture
Janakpur Parikrama Paths
Janakpur Women's Development Center
Mithila Art Centre
More Things to Do in Janakpur
Ram Mandir
Rangabhumi
Vivah Mandap
Shopping & markets in Janakpur
Festivals & events in Janakpur
Getting around in Janakpur
Plan your trip in Janakpur
Frequently asked questions
Why is Janakpur famous?+
Janakpur, also called Janakpurdham, is revered as the birthplace of Sita and the place where she married Rama. It is the spiritual heart of Mithila culture, famous for the grand Janaki Mandir, its many sacred ponds and the vibrant Vivaha Panchami festival.
How many days do you need in Janakpur?+
One full day covers the Janaki Mandir, the nearby Ram Mandir and a stroll between the sacred ponds. Add a second day if you want to visit a Mithila art co-operative, watch the artists at work and explore the surrounding villages.
How do you get to Janakpur?+
Janakpur has its own airport with daily flights from Kathmandu, taking about 25 minutes. By road it is a long but scenic drive of roughly 7–9 hours from Kathmandu, and the city sits close to the Indian border.
What is Mithila art?+
Mithila art, also known as Madhubani painting, is a folk tradition of the Mithila region. Women decorate walls, paper and cloth with bold patterns of gods, fish, peacocks and flowers in bright natural colours. You can see and buy it at art co-operatives around Janakpur.
When is the best time to visit Janakpur?+
The cool, dry months of October to March are most comfortable in the Terai lowlands. Time your trip with Vivaha Panchami (late November or early December) to witness the re-enactment of Sita and Rama's wedding, the city's biggest festival.