Janakpur, the city of ponds: temples, Mithila art and Nepal’s warmest welcome
Janakpur's marble Janaki Mandir, its 200-plus sacred ponds and the bright Mithila paintings on its walls make it one of Nepal's most colourful cities.
If your picture of Nepal is all snow peaks and prayer flags, Janakpur will surprise you. Down on the plains, just 74 metres above sea level, this city is all colour, warmth and devotion.
The temple that looks like a palace
The Janaki Mandir rises out of the city in white stone and marble. It was built in 1910 by Queen Vrisha Bhanu of Orchha and covers about 1,480 square metres across three storeys. Inside and out, you will find bright Madhubani paintings. The temple is dedicated to Sita, known here as Janaki, the daughter of King Janak.
The busiest and most joyful times to visit are Vivaha Panchami, which celebrates the wedding of Ram and Sita, and Ram Navami.
The city of ponds
Janakpur has more than 200 sacred ponds, which is why people call it the City of Ponds. The two best known are Dhanush Sagar and Ganga Sagar. In the evening, people gather on the steps to pray, chat and watch the light fade over the water.
Mithila art everywhere
Janakpur is the heart of Mithila culture in Nepal. Women here have painted walls, floors and pottery with bold patterns of fish, peacocks, elephants and wedding scenes for generations. Look out for painted houses in the villages around the city and for local artists selling work on paper and canvas. Buying direct is one of the best souvenirs you can bring home, and it supports the artists.
Getting there
- By air: Janakpur Airport has flights to Kathmandu.
- By rail: the Jaynagar to Bardibas railway connects Janakpur with Jaynagar in Bihar, India.
- By road: Janakpur is about 225 kilometres southeast of Kathmandu.
Janakpur is also the capital of Madhesh Province, so you will find hotels and restaurants for every budget. Come hungry and come curious.
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