21st May, 2025

Janakpur Travel Guide 2025

Explore Ram Janaki Temple and Sacred Sita’s Birthplace
Janakpur – Ram Janaki Temple is one of Nepal’s most treasured pilgrimage destinations and a key site in the ancient Ramayana. This vibrant city in the southern Terai is the legendary birthplace of Sita (Janaki), wife of Lord Ram, and home to the magnificent Ram Janaki Temple, also known as Naulakha Mandir.

Every year, thousands of Hindu pilgrims from Nepal and India visit Janakpur Dham to honor Sita’s legacy, participate in spiritual rituals, and explore the Mithila culture that surrounds the temple and its history.

Why Visit Janakpur and Ram Janaki Temple?

• Historical Significance: Janakpur is where Sita was born and married to Lord Ram, making it a cornerstone in Hindu mythology.

• Spiritual Importance: The Janaki Mandir is one of the most revered shrines in Nepal.

• Cultural Experience: Discover traditional Mithila art, music, and festivals.

For spiritual seekers and Ramayana enthusiasts, visiting Janakpur and Ram Janaki Temple is a profound journey into the heart of divine love and devotion.

About Ram Janaki Temple (Naulakha Mandir)

The Ram Janaki Temple is the main attraction in Janakpur. Built in 1910 by Queen Vrisha Bhanu of Tikamgarh (India), it is an architectural marvel made of white marble and stone in a Mughal-Rajput style, costing around nine lakh rupees—hence the name Naulakha Mandir.

• Three-storey palace-like structure with domes and pillars

• Houses the idols of Sita (Janaki), Ram, Lakshman, and Hanuman

• Major site for Ram Navami and Vivah Panchami celebrations

Key Religious Sites Around Janakpur

1. Ram Sita Bibaha Mandap
   Commemorates the marriage of Ram and Sita, complete with life-size statues depicting the sacred union.

2. Dhanush Sagar & Ganga Sagar
   Sacred ponds near the temple used for ritual bathing and reflection.

3. Ratna Sagar Temple
   A serene and colorful temple devoted to Lord Vishnu.

4. Ram Mandir
   One of the oldest temples in Janakpur, surrounded by local bazaar life and festival celebrations.

5. Jaleshwar Mahadev Temple (35 km away)
   A highly revered Shiva temple believed to have a self-manifested lingam.

Best Time to Visit Janakpur and Ram Janaki Temple

Major Festivals to Witness

• Ram Navami (March–April): Celebrates Lord Ram’s birth

• Vivah Panchami (Nov–Dec): Reenacts the royal wedding of Ram and Sita, attracting thousands of pilgrims

How to Reach Janakpur

• By Air: Daily flights from Kathmandu to Janakpur Airport (JKR) – ~35 minutes

• By Road: Buses and private vehicles available from Kathmandu (9 hrs), Birgunj (4 hrs), and Indian border towns

• By Train: Janakpur Railway Station offers limited domestic service and links with Indian border at Jaynagar

Where to Stay in Janakpur

Budget Hotels

• Hotel Welcome

• Hotel Rama

• Sita Palace Guest House

Mid-Range Options

• Hotel Raj Durbar & Spa

• Hotel Manaki

• Hotel City Star

Pilgrimage Dharamshalas

• Janaki Mandir Dharamshala

• Ram Mandir Guesthouse (advance booking recommended during festivals)

Most hotels are near the Janaki Temple complex, offering easy access for early morning puja and evening aarti.

What to Pack for Janakpur

• Modest clothing (temples require covered shoulders and knees)

• Lightweight fabrics (especially for summer)

• Shawl or scarf for entering temples

• Comfortable walking sandals

• Water bottle, sunscreen, and basic medical kit

• Camera (for exterior temple photography)

Janakpur Tour Packages

2 Days Janakpur Pilgrimage Tour

• Day 1: Arrival, visit Janaki Temple, Bibaha Mandap

• Day 2: Morning aarti, explore Dhanush Sagar and local Mithila art markets
  Cost: NPR 4,500 – NPR 9,000 per person (transport + lodging)

5 Days Ramayana Circuit Tour

• Includes Ayodhya (India) + Janakpur + Valmiki Ashram (Nepal)
  Ideal for: Religious groups and families
  Cost: NPR 25,000 – NPR 40,000 per person (multi-city)

Janakpur with Chitwan and Lumbini

• Combines spiritual, nature, and heritage destinations
  Cost: NPR 40,000 – NPR 60,000 per person (8-day package)

Cultural Tips for Visiting Janakpur

• Remove shoes before entering any shrine

• Avoid loud behavior near temple sanctums

• Ask before photographing priests or rituals

• Support local artisans and Mithila painters by purchasing handmade souvenirs

• Participate respectfully in evening aartis and processions during festivals

FAQs – Janakpur Ram Janaki Temple

1. What is the Ram Janaki Temple famous for?
   The Ram Janaki Temple in Janakpur is famous as the site of Goddess Sita’s birth and her marriage to Lord Ram.

2. Where is the Janaki Temple located?
   The temple is in Janakpur, Dhanusha District, about 225 km southeast of Kathmandu.

3. When was the Ram Janaki Temple built?
   It was built in 1910 AD by Queen Vrisha Bhanu of Tikamgarh, India.

4. What festivals are celebrated in Janakpur?
   Major festivals include Vivah Panchami, Ram Navami, Chhath, and Holi.

5. How do I reach Janakpur from Kathmandu?
   You can fly (35 mins) or take a bus (8–10 hours) to Janakpur from Kathmandu.

6. Is Janakpur safe for tourists and pilgrims?
   Yes, Janakpur is safe, with welcoming locals and good tourism infrastructure.

7. What is the best time to visit Janaki Temple?
   The best time to visit is between October and March, especially during Vivah Panchami.

8. Are non-Hindus allowed in the Ram Janaki Temple?
   Yes, the temple welcomes all respectful visitors regardless of religion.

9. Can I take photos inside the Janaki Temple?
   Photography is generally not allowed inside the sanctum, but permitted in the outer areas.

10. What should I wear when visiting Janakpur temples?
    Wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and legs out of respect for religious customs.