Janakpur, in the eastern Terai, is revered as the birthplace of Sita, heroine of the Ramayana, and the city where she married Lord Ram. Its centrepiece is the Janaki Mandir, a grand white temple completed in 1910 in a blend of Mughal and Rajput styles.
Janakpur is also the heart of Mithila culture, famous for colourful paintings traditionally made by women on the walls of village homes.
Quick answer: Janakpur is about 30 minutes by air or 6–8 hours by road from Kathmandu. See the Janaki Mandir, the city's sacred ponds and Mithila art. The biggest festival is Vivah Panchami (November or December). Best time: October–March.
Janakpur at a glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Region | Madhesh Province, eastern Terai |
| Famous for | Janaki Mandir, Mithila art |
| Access | Flight from Kathmandu or by road |
| Festival | Vivah Panchami (November–December) |
| Best time | October–March |
Things to do
- Visit the Janaki Mandir in the evening, when it is lit up.
- See Mithila paintings at the Janakpur Women's Art Centre and in villages.
- Walk around the city's sacred ponds.
Trips and guides
Plan your visit
Janakpur shows a side of Nepal most visitors never see. Contact us and our Kathmandu team will help you plan it.