Things To Do
in Janakpur
Janakpur, located in southeastern Nepal, is a historically significant city known for its religious and cultural heritage. It is considered to be the birthplace of Hindu goddess Sita according to the epic Ramayana. The city is famous for its stunning Janaki Temple, a major pilgrimage site for Hindu devotees.
Janakpur is also known for its intricate Mithila art, which adorns many homes and buildings in the region.
- "Timi lai kasto chha?" - How are you?
- "Dhanyabad" - Thank you
- "Ma sanchai chhu" - I am fine
- "Kripaya" - Please
- "Tapaiko naam ke ho?" - What is your name?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $10 - $30
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $2 - $10
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.20 - $0.50
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $15 - $40
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Visit the Janaki Mandir, an impressive temple known for its intricate architecture. Take time to observe the local worshippers and the vibrant atmosphere.
Explore the nearby Ram Mandir, another significant religious site. Enjoy the tranquil surroundings and immerse yourself in the spiritual environment.
Stroll around the local bazaars and shop for traditional handicrafts. Savor delicious street food from local vendors.
Take a peaceful walk in the gardens of Janaki Mandir. The lush greenery and serene atmosphere are perfect for relaxation.
Head to nearby Janakpur Dham park for a picnic. Enjoy the nature trails and observe the local wildlife.
Relax at a local café, sipping on traditional Nepali tea. Watch the sunset as you unwind from your day.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage with historical significance, including the Janaki Mandir.
- Beautiful natural scenery, including the nearby Terai region and lakes.
- Strong community spirit and friendly locals.
- Religious significance for Hindus, attracting pilgrims and tourists.
- Growing tourism opportunities and local crafts.
- Limited infrastructure and access to modern amenities.
- Challenges with transportation and connectivity to major cities.
- Potential for political instability affecting local governance.
- Environmental concerns such as deforestation and pollution.
- Economic opportunities may be limited compared to larger urban areas.
Best Activities in Janakpur
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the famous Janaki Temple, an important religious and cultural site in Janakpur dedicated to Goddess Sita.
Experience the local mode of transportation by taking a rickshaw ride around the city to see its vibrant streets and markets.
Participate in local festivals and events, such as the Ram Navami festival, to witness the city's rich cultural heritage.
Visit Dhanusha Dham, a revered Hindu pilgrimage site located near Janakpur, known for its historical and religious significance.
Places to Visit in Janakpur
Visit one of these nice places.
A famous temple dedicated to Goddess Sita, offering a great view for photography
A religious and cultural landmark with beautiful architecture and scenery for photography
A scenic water pond linked to the Hindu epic Ramayana, providing a picturesque setting for photography
Food in Janakpur
Janakpur Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A popular local dish, yam curry is a flavorful and spicy curry made with chunks of yam, turmeric, and traditional spices. It's best enjoyed with rice or traditional bread.
Must-Try!
A traditional Nepali rice donut, often served during festivals and celebrations. It has a unique ring shape and a slightly sweet taste, making it a delightful snack.
Khaja set is a classic Nepali platter that typically includes beaten rice (chiura), fried potatoes, soybean, and various dried fruits. It's a great way to sample a variety of local flavors in one meal.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Dhanusa Bazaar is a bustling marketplace where you can find a wide array of local street foods, including samosas, momos, and various savory snacks. It's a great place to experience the vibrant street food scene of Janakpur.
The area around the iconic Janaki Mandir is dotted with street food stalls offering a variety of local snacks such as chatpate, a spicy and tangy street snack made with puffed rice, vegetables, and traditional spices.
Ram Sita Market is another hub for street food where you can savor popular local delicacies like jalebi, lassi, and chaat. The market is alive with the aromas of sizzling snacks and sweet treats.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Janakpur, Nepal, it is customary to greet people with a 'Namaste' gesture, which involves pressing your palms together at chest level and saying 'Namaste' as a sign of respect.
Janakpur is a city with many sacred sites and temples. It is important to show respect when visiting these places by dressing modestly and taking off your shoes before entering.
When dining with locals in Janakpur, it is respectful to use your right hand for eating as the left hand is considered unclean. Additionally, it is polite to accept food and drink with both hands.
Safety
Tipping in Janakpur
Ensure a smooth experience
In Janakpur, Nepal, tipping is not a common practice. However, in some upscale establishments, a 5-10% tip may be appreciated for exceptional service, but it is not expected.
In Janakpur, Nepal, cash is the primary form of payment, especially in smaller shops and local markets. In larger establishments, credit and debit cards may be accepted, but it's always advisable to carry cash for convenience.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit for warm weather and blooming flowers, and to participate in the annual Ram Navami festival in April.
Another good time to visit for clear skies and comfortable temperatures, and to witness the Dashain festival in September/October.
Hot and humid weather, with occasional monsoon rains, but you may experience fewer crowds and lower prices.
Cool temperatures, especially at night, and the opportunity to witness local festivals like Chaat and Maghe Sankranti.
Janakpur at Night
Hiking in Janakpur
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic trail that takes hikers through lush green forests and offers views of the surrounding hills. Suitable for all skill levels.
A cultural and spiritual trail that connects various religious sites around Janakpur, combined with light hiking through the region's natural beauty.
A trail that features various spots where people gather for Chhath Puja. It is both a spiritual and scenic experience.
A moderate hike that offers panoramic views of the Terai plains and the Janakpur area. Ideal for intermediate hikers.
Informal walking trails through the Mithila region that explore the local flora and fauna, rich culture, and traditional villages.
Aiports
How to reach Janakpur by plane.
The main international airport serving Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, located approximately 225 km from Janakpur.
An airport serving Bharatpur, located around 175 km from Janakpur, mainly catering to domestic flights but has some international connections.
Positioned near Simara, this airport is about 115 km from Janakpur and primarily serves domestic flights with occasional international services.
Located in Lumbini, this airport is around 280 km from Janakpur and is Nepal's second international airport with connections to various countries.
Approx. 360 km from Janakpur, this airport serves Biratnagar city and has both domestic and limited international services.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant ethnic group in Janakpur, primarily of Indo-Aryan descent, known for their unique culture, traditions, and language.
A significant group traditionally involved in religious and scholarly roles, contributing to the education and cultural heritage of the region.
An indigenous community known for their distinct language, customs, and practices, contributing to the cultural diversity of Janakpur.
A historical group with rich cultural traditions, known for their craftsmanship and contributions to the arts and architecture.
A religious and ethnic community present in Janakpur, contributing to the multicultural fabric of the area.
Including various smaller ethnic communities that add to the diversity of Janakpur, each with their unique traditions and cultures.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is one of the most popular sports in Janakpur, played widely among youth and organized in local clubs.
Cricket has a significant following, with many local tournaments organized and a growing interest in the sport.
Kabaddi is a traditional sport that is popular in Janakpur, often played during festivals and local events.
Volleyball is played in schools and community areas and has a good participation rate among both men and women.
Athletics events, particularly running competitions, are popular in schools and among local sports clubs.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Janakpur.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many local eateries and restaurants in Janakpur offer a plethora of vegetarian and vegan options. Dishes like aloo tama, dal bhat, and vegetable momos are readily available and cater to vegetarian and vegan preferences.
While traditional Nepali cuisine heavily features rice, there are also gluten-free options available for those with dietary restrictions. Items such as sel roti, dhido (traditional Nepali dish made of millet flour), and various lentil-based dishes are suitable for individuals seeking gluten-free alternatives.