Videha-Mithila Tourism sector is one of among 18 tourism zones of Nepal, consisting of four districts namely, Dhanusa, Mahottari, Sarlhi, and Sindhuli. It is bordered by Birat Tourism Area in the east, Simraun Tourism Area in west, Sagarmatha Tourism Sector and Kathmandu Tourism Area in north and India in the South. This region is connected by B.P Highway and East-West Mahendra Highway, by which we can reach this region within about 5 hours from Kathmandu in a private or public vehicle. Janakpur Airport is the airport connected from Kathmandu with regular domestic flights. This region is situated in the Mithila region. So it contains the historical architecture and epics. Furthermore, this region also carries the evidences of an ancient war with the remains of the fort in different areas. Here, the popular sites are enlisted with the information.
Dhanusha District is situated in Province No. 2 covering an area of 1,180 sq. km. It is situated in Outer Terai. Janakpur is the administrative headquarters. The district, with Janakpur as its district headquarter. It is bordered by Siraha in the east, Sindhuli in the north, Mahottari in the west, and India in the south. It ranges from a height of 61 meters to 610 meters from sea level. The main residents of this district are Yadav, Dhanuk, Teli, Kewat, Hajam, Tamma, Gaderi, etc. The most common language spoken in Dhanusha is Maithili.
Tourism in Dhanusa
Dhanusa is enriched in its famous temples and ponds, mostly situated in Janakpur. These include the Janaki Temple, Dhanusadham where according to Hindu mythology, a part of Shiva's bow that Lord Ram broke is said to have fallen, and the Vivah Mandap where it is believed that Ram and Sita were married. A beautiful Mithila Women's Art Center is also a major tourist attraction. Dhanusagar, Gangasagar, Dugthawatee, Aaragaja are the holy lakes of Dhanusa. Dhanusha district has an airport connected from Kathmandu. It has several good hotels like Hotel Rama, Hotel Sita Palace, including the starred hotel, Hotel Welcome, and Sitasaran hotel.
Places to visit in Dhanusa
Janaki Mandir
Janaki Mandir is a Hindu temple in Janakpur in the Mithila region of Nepal, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Sita. It is an example of Hindu-Koiri Nepali architecture. It is a three-storied structure made entirely of stone and marble. All its 60 rooms are decorated with the flag of Nepal, colored glass, engravings, and paintings, with beautiful lattice windows and turrets. According to legends and epics, King Janak ruled this area (called Videha) during the Ramayana period. His daughter Janaki (Sita), during her swyambar, had chosen Lord Rama as her husband, and become the queen of Ayodhya. Their marriage ceremony had occurred in the nearby temple which is also called vivaha mandap. The temple is popularly known as the Nau Lakha Mandir (meaning "nine lakhs"). The cost for the construction of the temple was about the same amount of money: rupees nine lakhs or nine hundred thousand, hence the name.
Ram Sita Bibaha Mandir
The place where Ram and Sita got married, Ram Janaki Vivah Mandap, is visited by thousands of pilgrims to pay homage to Sita at the time of Vivah Panchami. It is the marriage day of Sita, and Ram is usually celebrated on the fifth day of the Shukla Paksha or waxing phase of the moon in November/December. The mandap is a gorgeous structure made of marble located in the southwest region of the Janaki Mandir. It resembles a part of a palace with sturdy pillars, elegant arches, and stunning domes. At the center of the mandap, the traditional wedding ceremony is depicted. The sacred mandap is known as Ram Sita Vivah Mandap. One can see idols of the couple, Goddess Sita and Lord Rama, sitting on a raised pedestal in the center while some sages and their parents are seen seated on parallel pedestals facing each other.
Ram Mandir
Ram Mandir is one of the oldest temples in Janakpur built in the late 1700s by Amar Singh Thapa, a Gorkhali General. The architecture of the temple is traditional pagoda-style like the other shrines in the region. The modestly quaint temple is flocked by pilgrims during the occasion of Ram Navami and Dashain which are sacred and important annual festivals dedicated to Lord Rama. The opulent temple is a perfect attraction for those interested in exploring ancient cultures and experiencing its divine vibe.
Ganga Sagar
Ganga Sagar is the holy pond in Janakpur. Its name comes from the words Ganga (the holy river in India) and Sagar (pond) which means the water for this pond has been brought in from the Ganga. This pond is worth seeing at night when prayers are performed on the river bank with special chanting. Visitors can also enjoy a boat ride on the pond, even during the aarti time. Beside it lies the Ratansagar (a pond). These ponds are beautifully decorated during the chhath festival (in November and April).
Dhanus Sagar
Dhanush Sagar is a sacred tank located near the famous Ram Mandir of Janakpur. It is also the largest ceremonial tank in the city. Visitors can see several small shrines all around the perimeter and vendors selling flowers and other ritual objects for the puja. Taking a bath at the ghat is considered sacred by the devotees.
Dhanushadham
Dhanushadham is a historically and religiously important site dating back to the time of the great Hindu epic Ramayana that also reflects the long history of Nepali art and architecture. The holy pond of Parashuram Kunda, previously known as Janak Sarobar, holds a historical as well as cultural significance for the people of Nepal. It is said that this is the same pond where Maharishi Parashuram had took a bath to quell his anger after his confrontation with Rama over the breaking of the sacred bow of Shiva. In between, the pond exists a nearly 20-foot-high high Shiva idol and a snake concrete structure.
More to see in Dhanusa
Mithila Painting
The dazzling Mithila artwork produced by Maithili women of Nepal can be traced back as far as the 7th century and has been passed from generation to generation since. Mithila painting also known as Madhubani art or painting in India is a traditionally designed painting created by the women of various communities in the Mithila region of Nepal and India. As the former capital of the kingdom of Mithila, Janakpur has emerged as the center for both preserving and promoting this ancient art. The representative form of Mithila art has its origin in the great Indian sub-continental epic Ramayana where it is believed King Janaka of Mithila hired local artists and decorated the town of Janakpur with this unique art form for the wedding of his daughter Sita to Rama.
Mahottari District is situated in Province No. 2 covering an area of 1,002 sq. km. Jaleshwar is its headquarters which is a neighboring town of the historical city of Janakpur. It is bordered by the Dhanusha district in the east, Sarlahi in the west, Sindhuli in the north, and India in the south. The name Jaleshwar means the 'God of Water'. One can find a famous temple of Lord Shiva in Water there. Jaleshwar lies at a few kilometers distance from the Nepal-India border and has a majority Maithili population.
Tourism in Mahottari
Mahottari district is rich in historical and religious sites of great archeological importance. Many sites in this district carry the immense potential to draw a large number of tourists. This district is linked with East-West Highway, so it is easily accessible to reach there. Alternatively, we can reach there by airways from Kathmandu to Janakpur Airport and drive for a few hours. Gautam Hotel is a well-renowned hotel in the Mahottari district.
Places to visit in Mahottari
Jaleshor Mahadev Mandir
Jaleshwor means God of water because of the Shiva Linga situated under the surface of the water. Located in the Mahottari district of the central Terai region of the country, it is said that about 250 years ago, a hermit named Jagadesh had visited this place and had meditated. He then made a prophecy that the soil of this place would crack and Shiva Linga would emerge. Because of this belief, even today, the ritual of offering food to the hermit Jagadesh takes place in the month of Mangsir (November/December), of each year and his Shraddha is performed. During the Shivaratri festival, great religious gatherings take place at this temple.
Gaushala
Gaushala Bazar is the second-largest business center in the Mahottari district of Nepal. The animal market of the place is well known. Gaushala is a variation of Goshala, a Sanskrit word that means the house of Cow. There is a huge cattle pen named Gaushala containing more than one hundred cows. The cow is regarded as a sacred animal in Nepal. Hindus consider the cow as a mother and worship the cow as a form of Goddess.
Sarlahi is situated in Province No. 2, covering an area of 1,259 sq. km. Malangwa is its administrative headquarters. It is bordered to the west by the Rautahat, to the east by Mahottari, to the north by the Sindhuli, and to the south by India. Generally, the people of Sarlahi believe that the Sarlahi name comes from the name of Sarlahi Devi temple. The population mostly consists of Yadavs along with the Tharus and Danuwars being the indigenous and ethnic settlers of the district.
Tourism in Sarlahi
Sarlahi district is rich in cultural sites. This district is also famous for the fresh crops like tomato, sugarcane, etc. Farhadwa village of sarlahi is famous for its fish production and export. Lalbandi is the most famous for growing tomatoes in the country, it is also known as the Tomato capital of Nepal. This region can be a suitable destination for Agro-tourism. Sarlahi’s headquarter Malangwa is connected to East-West Mahendra Highway. Regular buses and micro-buses travel to the city from different parts of Nepal. Malangwa is about 204 from Kathmandu and can take about 6 hours to reach. The best way to explore the city is by cycle rickshaws and electric rickshaws. However, Janakpur Airport is located close to the city. It takes about 2 hours to reach Malangwa from the airport covering a distance of 50km.
Places to visit in Sarlahi
Sarlahi Devi Temple
The Sarlahi Devi temple is situated in Hempur village in the Sarlahi district. There is a belief that if someone goes to the temple at night with light then that person will die. That is why people still do not go at night to that temple with light. Still, there is no residence around this temple.
Nunthar Pahad (Hill)
The historical Nunthar Pahad is very famous among different religious groups because of its typical geographical location. It is located in a strategic place bordering four districts Makawanpur, Sarlahi, Rautahat, and Sindhuli. Nowadays, it has become a popular picnic spot.
Nadiman Lake
The Nadiman Lake, an important Puranic place, is located nearby Malangawa which is believed to be the Yaksha pool (Kunda), the mystic lake owned by the Yaksha himself.
Temples of Sarlahi
The Pattharkot temple is the best known religious place here. The Sitlamai temple, The Bajrangbali Temple, The Durga temple, The Gadhimai temple, and the laxmipur pokhari are situated in this district. The Sagarmatha temple in Iswarpur, the Gopalkuti Mahadev temple in Karmaiya among many others are equally significant places in Sarlahi.
Sindhuli District is located in Bagmati Pradesh of central Nepal covering an area of 2,491 sq. km. Sindhulimadhi Kamalamai is its district headquarters. It is bordered by Udayapur in the east, Makwanpur, and Kavreplanchok in the west, Ramechhap, and Okhaldhunga in the north, and Sarlahi, Mohattari, and Dhanusa district in the south. Sindhuli is in the middle of BP Highway which connects Kathmandu to the Terai districts of Eastern Nepal.
Tourism of Sindhuli
Sindhuli, a place of historical importance, a place rich with diversities in terms of culture and agriculture, can enrapture travelers. Looking at the green trees on the hills, the rolling terrace farming, serpentine road, and warm weather — all make the journey a memorable one. The hospitality of the people there made the journey even more meaningful. The historic district of Sindhuli offers several natural and cultural places that are worth visiting. The historically and culturally important places of Sindhuli are Adhiling Kusheshwor Mahadev, Sindhuli Gadhi Durbar, Hariharpur Gadhi, etc.
Places to visit in Sindhuli
Sindhuli Gadhi
Sindhuli Gadhi lies about 20km east of Sindhuli Madi, the district headquarters, and about 150 km from Kathmandu. It is located at an altitude of 4,648ft from sea level. Sindhuli Gadhi is a historical fort and tourist attraction in central Nepal. Sindhuli Gadhi is famous for the battle between the then Gorkha Army and the British troop headed by Captain Kinloch. The Gorkha force under the command of Khajanchi Bir Bhadra Upadhyay and Sardar Banshu Gurung defeated the British troop in November 1767 (Kartik 24, 1824 BS). Sindhuli Gadhi lies in Sindhuli District of Janakpur Zone. Currently, the place is a tourist attraction.
Jaburta Art Museum
Jaburta Art Museum is established by artist Bishwamber Lamichhane in Dhakalgaun of Kamalamai municipality of Sindhuli. In this art museum, we can see the sculptures made from the roots of the tree. This root art museum demonstrates the transformation of useless roots of trees into decorative arts and crafts. It is more worthwhile to visit this place.
Selfie hill
As the walls of social media began to get peppered with selfies, Sindhuli took the momentum a step further: it christened a hill after it, the selfie hill. No wonder the hill has been attracting selfie aficionados ever since. The hill is located along the BP Highway, near Dhungre Bhanjyang.
Bhadrakali Temple
Bhadrakali temple lies nearby Dhungre Bhanjyang, enclosed by dense trees. Legend has it that the Bhadrakali temple in Kathmandu is an offshoot of this temple. The temple is popular for animal sacrifice rituals. The temple was established during the battle between the Gurkha soldiers and the British troops in the 18th Century.
The serpentine road
The road along the BP Highway is a wonder in itself. The highway constructed with aid from the Japanese government looks serpentine, especially from Pipal Bhanjyang to Dhungre Bhanjyang, and awe-inspiring. Of late, the road has not just attracted curious visitors but also ambitious film crews seeking to find a perfect shot in the road. The road is enveloped by green forests, further helping the cause for Nepali filmmakers.
Bhadrakali Community Homestay
The Bhadrakali Community Homestay in Dhungre Bhanjyang will be welcoming you. The homestay offers good food and residence at an inexpensive rate. The homestay provides local food such as fried maize, gundruk, and local chicken curry, among others. The homestay lies a few kilometers from Sindhuli gadhi. There’s a Rodhi Ghar, where dance is performed every day, set up to entertain the guests. Locals are set to welcome the visitors at the Bhadrakali community homestay in Dhungre Bhanjyang.
Siddha Baba Temple
This temple is situated at the top of a hill near the headquarters of Sindhuli. We can reach this place by a walk of around two hours from Sindhulimadi. This place is believed to be the holy place and if a person prays for something by pure heart then his desires get fulfilled. We can view the beautiful Sindhulimadi valley from this place.
Kaalimaai Temple
Kalimaai Temple is situated in Kamalamai. This temple is situated on the bank of river Gwanga Khola and is in the middle of a dense forest. We can observe the beautiful Madhutaar Village during the visit to this temple. This is one of the famous temples of Lord Kali and there is a great fair during the first day of Nepali month Magh.
Moreover, this tourism sector is highlighted with the historical architecture, cultural and religious sites. The paintings of this region, Mithila art is popular all over the world. The visit to this area is worthy of the traveler’s life. However, the places are lacking the popularity and recorded the limited visit of travelers. It seems to explore those destinations in national and international markets with attractive offers on transportation, accommodation, e-banking, and other services and facilities.