Things To Do
in Janakpur
Janakpur is a pilgrimage city in southeastern Nepal known as the historic and cultural heart of the Mithila region and the reputed birthplace of Sita. The town centers around the ornate Janaki Mandir, colorful bazaars, and a living tradition of Mithila (Maithili) art and music. Visitors encounter a mix of temple rituals, seasonal festivals (notably Vivah Panchami), and everyday life on broad Terai plains.
Janakpur is accessible, affordable, and offers an intimate experience of Maithili culture distinct from Nepal’s hill capitals.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Janaki Mandir, an intricately designed temple dedicated to Goddess Sita. Marvel at the stunning architecture and the vibrant atmosphere as local devotees engage in morning prayers. Take a peaceful stroll through the temple gardens, where fragrant flowers and lush greenery create a serene setting.
After a traditional Nepali lunch at a local eatery, visit the historic Ram Mandir, a lesser-known gem that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Janakpur. Engage with local artisans in the nearby markets, where you can find exquisite handicrafts and textiles that reflect the region's artistic traditions. Spend some time at the Janakpur Railway Station, a historic site that offers a glimpse into the town's colonial past.
As the sun sets, enjoy a leisurely walk along the ponds surrounding Janaki Mandir, where the reflections create a magical ambiance. Stop by a local tea shop to sip on masala chai while mingling with friendly locals. Conclude your day by attending an evening prayer ceremony at the temple, soaking in the spiritual energy of the chanting and rituals.
Kick off your day with a cooking class led by a local chef who will teach you the secrets of traditional Mithila cuisine. Get hands-on experience preparing local dishes such as 'dal bhat' and 'aloo tarkari,' enjoying the aromas and flavors of fresh ingredients. After cooking, savor the delicious meal you've prepared with your fellow participants.
Visit the nearby Mithila Art Institute to learn about the beautiful Madhubani painting style, where you can observe artists at work and even try your hand at painting. Engage in a workshop that allows you to create your own piece of art to take home as a unique souvenir. Later, explore the local markets to shop for authentic Mithila artworks and handicrafts.
As the day winds down, take a seat at a local restaurant known for its delicious momos and sit down for a shared dinner with your new friends. Engage in lively conversations about Nepali culture and traditions, bonding over the shared experience. Finish your evening by witnessing a cultural performance showcasing traditional Nepali music and dance.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍛Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $1-3 |
| 🛏️Budget guesthouse private room | $8-20 |
| 🚕Short tuk-tuk / taxi ride | $1-5 |
| 🎟️Temple/museum entry or small donation | $0.50-5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich, unique Maithili culture and strong pilgrimage atmosphere
- Affordable costs and friendly local hospitality
- Excellent opportunities for cultural photography and handicrafts (Mithila paintings)
- Easy access for regional travel across the Terai and to border towns
- Hot, humid summers and heavy monsoon rains can hamper travel
- Limited modern infrastructure and nightlife compared with larger Nepali cities
- Language can be a barrier (Maithili is dominant; Nepali and English less widespread)
- Medical facilities are basic for serious emergencies — transfers may be required
- "नमस्ते (Namaste)" - Hello / respectful greeting
- "धन्यवाद (Dhanyabad)" - Thank you
- "कृपया (Kripaya)" - Please
- "कति खर्च होला? / कतिका? (Kati kharcha hola? / Katika?)" - How much does it cost?
- "तपाईंलाई कस्तो छ? (Tapaiṅlāī kasto cha?)" - How are you?
- "सुनुहोस / सुन्नुहोस (Sunuhos)" - Excuse me / please listen (polite attention-getter)
Places to Visit in Janakpur
Visit one of these nice places.
The striking Hindu temple with white-marble facades, carved pillars and colorful ornamentation — best photographed in morning light or during festival processions.
Rituals and evening aarti at the river/pond ghats provide atmospheric shots of devotees, lamps and colorful attire.
Artists painting traditional Mithila murals and paper art — ideal for close-ups of process and vivid color studies.
Bustling markets, textiles, vendors and street food stalls that capture daily life and local commerce.
Rural scenery, oxen carts, and seasonal agricultural activity provide pastoral and documentary-style photography opportunities.
Food in Janakpur
Janakpur Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
The Nepali staple of rice, lentil soup, and seasonal vegetable curries — widely available in local eateries and perfect for a filling meal.
Must-Try!
A deep-fried savory pancake made from rice and lentil batter, popular as a breakfast or snack at street stalls and market vendors.
Thinly sliced seasonal vegetables dipped in spiced batter and fried — widely sold by street food vendors near temples and markets.
Sweet rice puddings, milk-based pedas and seasonal treats served at sweet shops and offered during festivals.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The busiest market area around the temple where you’ll find pakoras, samosas, dhuska stalls, sweets, and fresh produce — ideal for sampling street food.
A periodic market where villagers sell seasonal fruits, vegetables, snacks, and regional specialties — good for authentic, low-cost bites and photographing local life.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Remove shoes before entering temples, dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees), and follow any rules about photography or touching idols.
Use the right hand for eating and exchanging items, ask permission before photographing people (especially women), and accept hospitality with polite thanks.
Be mindful of religious practices and festival observances; loud behavior, public displays of affection and provocative dress can offend in conservative areas.
Safety
Tipping in Janakpur
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always expected: small tips for restaurant staff (5–10% or rounding up), guides and drivers are customary. For exceptional service, tip more; for small purchases/shops tipping is not required.
Cash (Nepalese Rupee - NPR) is the most widely used method. ATMs and banks are available but can be limited — carry sufficient cash for markets and remote services. Major hotels and some restaurants accept cards, but expect merchant card acceptance to be inconsistent.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid (March–June): temperatures often rise above 30°C (86°F). Carry water, light clothing, sun protection, and schedule outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.
Heavy rains (June–September) bring humidity, occasional flooding and muddy roads — expect intermittent travel delays and bring a rain jacket and waterproof footwear.
Clear, pleasant weather (October–November) with comfortable days and cool nights — one of the best times to visit for festivals and outdoor exploration.
Cool, dry (December–February): mornings and nights can be chilly (near 5–10°C / 41–50°F) while days remain mild — pack a light jacket for evenings.
Janakpur at Night
Hiking in Janakpur
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short, flat walks around neighboring villages and across agricultural fields — ideal for gentle exploration, photo walks and cultural contact.
Low ridges north of the Terai offering light hikes and vantage points over the plains; terrain is modest but provides contrast to flat rice lands.
Longer day trips or overnight excursions to nearby wildlife and forest areas (such as Chitwan region by road) where guided treks and jungle walks are possible — suitable for wildlife and nature enthusiasts.
Airports
How to reach Janakpur by plane.
Small domestic airport with flights to and from Kathmandu and other regional airports — convenient for reaching Janakpur quickly, though schedules can vary with weather.
A nearby domestic airport (to the east) that sometimes serves flights connecting to Kathmandu; ground travel from Rajbiraj to Janakpur is possible by road.
Nepal’s main international gateway; longer domestic flights or a 1–2 hour flight from Kathmandu to Janakpur are common for international arrivals planning onward travel.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population — Maithili-speaking, with deep cultural ties to Mithila traditions, temple worship and festivals.
Ethnic groups of the Terai with close cultural and linguistic links to neighboring Indian states, often engaged in trade and agriculture.
Small but established Muslim communities and various caste and ethnic minorities contributing to the city’s multi-faith fabric.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cricket is widely played and followed across the Terai, with informal matches common in open fields and organized local competitions.
Another popular sport for young people and community teams, played in school and local grounds.
Local festivals feature traditional games and athletic contests (wrestling, tug-of-war) that are community focal points during celebrations.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Janakpur.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian food is easy to find — many restaurants and market stalls offer vegetarian thalis, lentil dishes and vegetable preparations due to the temple culture.
Vegan options exist but may require asking about ghee, milk and yogurt in dishes; rice-based meals, lentils and vegetable curries can often be made vegan if requested.
Rice is a staple so gluten-free diets are manageable; avoid wheat-based snacks like samosas and puris unless confirmed gluten-free.
Halal options are more limited but available in certain shops and Muslim-owned eateries — ask locally for recommendations.