Janakpur Tour
Janakpur Tour
Janakpur, the birthplace of Goddess Sita (also known as Janaki), is revered as the consort of Lord Ram. According to the Ramayana, the Ram Janaki Temple in Janakpur was once part of the kingdom ruled by King Janak. The grand Janaki Temple, constructed entirely in a striking white hue, showcases a unique blend of classical and neo-classical architectural styles infused with rich Mithila artistry. During King Janak’s reign, his daughter Janaki (Sita) chose Lord Ram as her husband during her Swayamvar and later became the queen of Ayodhya. According to legend, a golden statue of Goddess Sita was discovered in this area, where she is believed to have resided. In her honor, a temple was built in 1657 on the exact site where the statue was found. The place where their marriage ceremony took place is still preserved as the Ram Janaki Bibaha Mandap, located near the main temple.
Janakpur Dham holds immense significance as a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus. Every year, thousands of devotees from Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, and other countries visit the Ram Janaki Temple to worship Lord Ram and Goddess Sita. Major festivals such as Ram Nawami, Bibaha Panchami, Dashain, and Tihar are celebrated with great enthusiasm in Janakpur. In addition to the main Janaki Temple, other notable pilgrimage sites include the Ram Mandir, Laxman Mandir, Bibaha Mandap, Ganga Sagar Lake, and Dhanusha Sagar.
Located about 18 kilometers from the Janaki Temple, Dhanusha Dham is another revered pilgrimage site in Janakpur. With historical and religious significance dating back to the Ramayana, Dhanushadham lies northeast of Janakpur in Nepal’s south-central region. It is believed to be the site where Lord Ram broke Shiva’s divine bow as a prerequisite to marrying Sita. According to the epic, one of the three fragments of the bow fell in present-day Dhanushadham, where a sacred temple now stands. This site is considered a symbol of faith and devotion against evil.
Janakpur is situated 225 kilometers south of Kathmandu and just 20 kilometers from the Indian border. Many Indian pilgrims cross the Janakpur border to visit this holy site and explore other significant religious destinations in Nepal. For a more extensive pilgrimage experience, visitors can opt for a combined tour of P
- Guided exploration of the iconic Ram Janaki Temple with its white marble architecture and Mithila art
- Visit to Dhanusha Dham, the legendary site where Lord Ram broke Shiva's bow
- Spiritual immersion at Ram Mandir, Laxman Mandir, and Bibaha Mandap (marriage pavilion)
- Serene walks around Ganga Sagar Lake and Dhanusha Sagar for reflection and photography
- Seasonal festival glimpses (e.g., Ram Nawami, Bibaha Panchami) if timed right
- Cultural insights into Hindu mythology from the Ramayana epic
- Proximity to the India-Nepal border for cross-border pilgrimage vibes
- Optional extensions to combined sacred sites like Pashupatinath and Muktinath
Included
- Round-trip transportation from Kathmandu to Janakpur (AC vehicle; flight optional)
- Guided tours of Ram Janaki Temple, Dhanusha Dham, and key pilgrimage sites (Ram Mandir, Laxman Mandir, Bibaha Mandap)
- All monument and temple entry fees
- Daily breakfast and meals as per itinerary (lunch and dinner on tour day)
- Hotel/guesthouse accommodation in Janakpur if overnight extension chosen
- Professional English-speaking guide with Ramayana expertise
- Bottled water and all local taxes/service charges
Not Included
- International and domestic flights (if opting for air travel)
- Personal expenses and souvenirs (e.g., Mithila art, offerings)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Tipping for guide and driver (recommended $5-10/person)
- Travel insurance (essential for road travel)
- Additional activities outside the outlined tour (e.g., festival special events)
- Visa fees for non-Nepali/Indian nationals
Itinerary (Timeline)
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06:00 AMDeparture from Kathmandu
Early morning pickup from your hotel in Kathmandu. Scenic drive (6-7 hours) or optional short flight to Janakpur via private AC vehicle. En route, enjoy Terai landscapes and brief stops for tea.
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01:00 PMArrival & Lunch in Janakpur
Check into local guesthouse or direct to sites. Light lunch with Mithila cuisine (e.g., sel roti, curd-based dishes).
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02:00 PMRam Janaki Temple & Surrounds
Guided tour of the grand Janaki Temple, exploring its architecture, golden Sita statue legend, and inner sanctum. Visit adjacent Ram Mandir, Laxman Mandir, and Bibaha Mandap for Ram-Sita marriage history.
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04:00 PMDhanusha Dham Excursion
Short drive (18 km) to Dhanusha Dham. Tour the sacred temple marking the bow-breaking site, with time for prayers and lake views at Dhanusha Sagar.
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06:00 PMGanga Sagar Lake & Free Time
Relaxing visit to Ganga Sagar Lake for sunset reflections. Optional shopping for Mithila paintings or paan (betel leaf).
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07:00 PMDinner & Overnight/Return
Dinner at a local eatery. For day tour: Evening drive back to Kathmandu (arrival ~02:00 AM next day). Optional overnight in Janakpur for extended rest.Early return to Kathmandu post-breakfast.
October to March ideal for clear skies and festivals (20-30°C, dry). Summers hot/humid; monsoons (June-September) rainy roads. Pack light cotton clothes, hat, sunscreen, and modest layers for temples. Early starts beat crowds at sacred sites.
Yes, spiritual and story-rich for all ages—kids love Ramayana tales. Temples have some stairs, but flat paths at Dhanusha Dham; vehicle access prioritized. Notify for wheelchairs (limited in rural areas). Seniors welcome with paced itinerary.
Breakfast in Kathmandu, lunch/dinner in Janakpur (Mithila veg dishes like dal, roti). Fully vegetarian; inform for gluten-free/allergies. Local eateries accommodate Jain (no onion/garlic).
Full refund up to 48 hours prior; 50% within 24 hours; no-show non-refundable. Book via website/email with 20% deposit—quick quotes for groups. Includes border crossing tips if relevant.