Sitamarhi - India Travel Guide hero image

Sitamarhi!

india-guide.in

groups

Population

130,000

schedule

Best Time

October to March

calendar_month

Time Needed

1-2 days minimum

currency_rupee

Currency

Rupee (₹)

View full travel guide
See timings and practical tips

Plan by Intent

Trip Planning pages built for fast decisions and deeper discovery.

photo_camera

Did You Visit Sitamarhi?

Showcase Your Photography Skills • Help Thousands of Travelers • Get Featured with Credit

location_on Bihar map East India 🕉️ Spiritual Pilgrimage Historical Sites Sitamarhi Bihar Janaki Temple Sita Birthplace Pilgrimage Hindu East India

Sitamarhi is a town in Bihar, India, revered as the birthplace of Sita, the consort of Lord Rama in the Hindu epic Ramayana. It is a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus, drawing devotees from across India and Nepal.

Visit Sitamarhi for its religious significance and peaceful rural atmosphere. The Janaki Temple is a major draw, and the town offers a glimpse into traditional Bihari culture. However, expect basic infrastructure and limited tourist facilities.

Reaching Sitamarhi is best done via Patna, the nearest major airport. Allow 1-2 days to explore the main sites. Travel within the town relies on auto-rickshaws and local buses.

When To Visit

Best Time

October to March

10-25 degrees C

Pleasant and dry weather, ideal for sightseeing and temple visits. The days are sunny and the nights are cool.

Why Visit:

The weather is perfect for exploring the temples and surrounding areas. Major Hindu festivals also occur during this time, adding to the cultural experience. It's the most comfortable period to visit.

Tip: Expect a moderate influx of pilgrims, especially around major festivals. Booking accommodation in advance is recommended.

Shoulder Season

July to September

28-35 degrees C

Monsoon season with moderate to heavy rainfall. The humidity levels are high.

Why Visit:

The landscape turns lush green, offering a different perspective. Fewer crowds can make for a more peaceful experience, but some outdoor activities may be restricted.

Tip: Expect travel disruptions due to heavy rains. Check weather forecasts before planning your trip.

Avoid

April to June

35-45 degrees C

Extremely hot and dry weather. Heatwaves are common.

Why Avoid:

Avoid visiting during these months due to the scorching heat, which makes it difficult to explore the region comfortably. The high temperatures can also lead to health issues.

Note: If you must travel during this time, stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.

Top Sights - Top Attractions!

Janaki Temple

⏱ 2-3 hours Free

The Janaki Temple is the most important religious site in Sitamarhi, believed to be the place where Sita was discovered in a furrow. It's a beautiful ...

Read more arrow_forward

Punaura Dham

⏱ 1-2 hours Free

Punaura Dham is another significant temple dedicated to Sita, located a short distance from Sitamarhi town. It is believed to be Sita's actual birthpl...

Read more arrow_forward

Haleshwar Asthan

⏱ 1 hour Free

Haleshwar Asthan is a Shiva temple known for its ancient lingam (a symbol of Lord Shiva). It is believed to have been established by King Janak, Sita'...

Read more arrow_forward

Urvashi Kund

⏱ 1 hour Free

Urvashi Kund is a natural spring believed to be associated with the celestial nymph Urvashi. According to local legends, she bathed in this kund....

Read more arrow_forward

Janki Kund

⏱ 30 minutes Free

Janki Kund is a small pond located near the Janaki Temple. It is believed to be the spot where Sita was found....

Read more arrow_forward

Bodh Gaya (Day Trip)

⏱ Full day ₹30 (Indians), ₹300 (foreigners)

Bodh Gaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment. The Mahabodhi Temple is the main attraction, marking the spot...

Read more arrow_forward

Vaishali (Day Trip)

⏱ Full day ₹25 (Indians), ₹300 (foreigners)

Vaishali is an ancient city with significant historical and religious importance, associated with both Buddhism and Jainism. It was one of the first r...

Read more arrow_forward
View all attraction details

Things To Do

attractions

Temple Tours

⏱ 4-6 hours 💰 ₹500-1000 per person (including transportation)

Visit multiple temples in and around Sitamarhi, including Janaki Temple, Punaura Dham, and Haleshwar Asthan. Learn about...

Read more arrow_forward
attractions

Village Visits

⏱ 3-4 hours 💰 ₹300-500 per person (including transportation)

Explore the villages surrounding Sitamarhi to experience the authentic rural life of Bihar. Interact with local communit...

Read more arrow_forward
attractions

Yoga and Meditation

⏱ 1-2 hours per session 💰 ₹200-400 per session

Participate in yoga and meditation sessions at local ashrams or yoga centers. Rejuvenate your mind and body in a serene ...

Read more arrow_forward
attractions

Cooking Classes

⏱ 2-3 hours 💰 ₹500-800 per person

Learn to cook traditional Bihari dishes from local families or cooking schools. Discover the unique flavors and ingredie...

Read more arrow_forward

Cultural Experiences

celebration

Attend a Local Festival

Varies | Free

Experience the vibrant culture of Sitamarhi by attending a local festival. Major festivals include R...

Read more arrow_forward
celebration

Visit a Local Market

1-2 hours | Free

Explore the local markets to experience the daily life of Sitamarhi. Observe the local commerce and ...

Read more arrow_forward
celebration

Participate in a Religious Ceremony

1-2 hours | Free (donations welcome)

Participate in a religious ceremony at Janaki Temple or other local temples. Experience the spiritua...

Read more arrow_forward
celebration

Learn Maithili Language

1-2 hours | ₹200-300 per session

Learn basic phrases in Maithili, the local language of Sitamarhi. Interact with locals and show your...

Read more arrow_forward
celebration

Watch a Traditional Folk Performance

2-3 hours | ₹100-300 per person

Experience traditional folk performances showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Bihar. Witness loc...

Read more arrow_forward
celebration

Visit a Local Artisan's Workshop

1-2 hours | Free (purchase of items optional)

Visit the workshops of local artisans to see traditional crafts being made. Observe the skills and t...

Read more arrow_forward
View all cultural experiences

Eat This!

Must-Try Dishes

Litti Chokha
Litti Chokha

a traditional Bihari dish made of wheat and sattu (roasted gram flour), served with mashed potatoes and eggplant (try at local dhabas)

Sattu Paratha
Sattu Paratha

a flatbread stuffed with sattu (try at local restaurants)

Khaja
Khaja

a sweet snack made of layered dough and sugar syrup (available at sweet shops)

Dal Puri
Dal Puri

lentil-stuffed fried bread, a popular breakfast item (try at street food stalls)

Thekua
Thekua

a dry sweet made of wheat flour, sugar, and ghee, often prepared during festivals (available at sweet shops)

Where to Eat

Annapurna Restaurant

Annapurna Restaurant

₹₹

Indian

📍 Sitamarhi Main Road

A popular restaurant serving delicious and affordable Indian dishes. The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly. A reliable choice for a good meal.

Thali

₹400-600 for two

Punjabi Tadka

Punjabi Tadka

₹₹

North Indian

📍 Dumra Road

Serves tasty North Indian dishes with a Punjabi flair. The ambiance is lively and inviting. A great place for a hearty meal.

Butter Chicken

₹500-700 for two

Street Food Spots

Main Market Area

Main Market Area

💰 Budget: ₹50-100 per person

⚠️ Tips: Try the local snacks from street vendors. Be careful about hygiene and choose stalls that look clean.

🍽️
Discover More on
Foodie Finder: Sitamarhi

More restaurants & dishes from Sitamarhi

Where To Stay ?

Best Neighborhoods

Near Janaki Temple

Best for pilgrims who want to stay close to the main temple. Expect budget-friendly accommodations and easy access to religious sites.

Best For: Pilgrims

Sitamarhi Main Road

Offers a mix of budget and mid-range hotels with good connectivity. It's a convenient location for travelers exploring the town.

Best For: General tourists

Accommodation Options

Budget

💰

₹800-1200/night

Hotel Shri Ram Palace

📍 Near Janaki Temple

Basic but clean rooms with essential amenities. Good for budget travelers seeking proximity to the main temple.

₹800-1200/night

Hotel Sita International

📍 Sitamarhi Main Road

Offers comfortable rooms and a convenient location. It's a practical choice for budget-conscious travelers.

₹900-1300/night

Mid-Range

🏨

₹1500-2500/night

Hotel Grand City

📍 Near Bus Stand

Provides well-appointed rooms and a restaurant. Offers a comfortable stay with decent amenities.

₹1500-2500/night

Hotel Simran

📍 Dumra Road

Features spacious rooms and a multi-cuisine restaurant. Good for families and business travelers.

₹1800-2800/night

Luxury

₹3000+/night

Hotel Maurya Royal

📍 Sitamarhi-Dumra Road

Offers luxurious rooms, a swimming pool, and multiple dining options. Provides a premium experience with excellent service.

₹3000+/night

The Royal Heritage

📍 Near Railway Station

Features elegantly designed rooms, a spa, and a fine-dining restaurant. It promises a comfortable and lavish stay.

₹3500+/night

View all stay & eat options

How To Get There ?

flight

By Air

Airport: Patna Airport (PAT), 135km from city

train

By Train

Stations:

Sitamarhi Junction (SMI)

Connects to major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Patna. Located in the heart of the city.

Routes:
  • From Delhi: 18-24 hours (₹800-2000)
  • From Kolkata: 8-12 hours (₹600-1500)

Booking: IRCTC or 12Go.asia

directions_bus

By Bus

Terminals:
  • Sitamarhi Bus Stand
Routes:
  • From Patna: 4-5 hours (₹300-500)
  • From Muzaffarpur: 2-3 hours (₹200-300)

Note: Trains are generally more comfortable for long distances.

Getting Around

local_taxi

Auto-rickshaw

💰 ₹30-100 depending on distance

Best for: Short distances within the town

Bargain before starting your journey. Agree on the fare beforehand.

directions

Local Bus

💰 ₹10-20 per trip

Best for: Traveling between nearby villages and towns

Buses can be crowded, especially during peak hours. Be prepared for a bumpy ride.

local_taxi

Taxi

💰 ₹1500-2000 per day

Best for: Day trips to nearby attractions

Book a taxi through a local travel agency. Negotiate the price in advance.

Practical Tips

checkroom

What To Wear

Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Cover your shoulders and knees. Light cotton clothing is recommended during summer.

payments

Money

Daily Budget: Budget: ₹800, Mid: ₹2000, Luxury: ₹4000+

ATMs: Available in Sitamarhi town

Cash vs Card: Cash is preferred for most transactions. Cards are accepted at some hotels and restaurants.

Bargaining: Expected in local markets and with auto-rickshaw drivers

health_and_safety

Health

Water: Drink bottled water or boiled water only. Avoid tap water.

Food: Eat at reputable restaurants or dhabas. Be cautious of street food.

Common Issues: Heatstroke, dehydration, and stomach infections. Carry necessary medications.

sim_card

Communication

SIM Cards: Airtel and Jio offer good coverage. Requires ID and address proof.

WiFi: Available at some hotels and cafes.

translate

Language & Tipping

Language: Hindi and Maithili are widely spoken. English proficiency is limited.

Tipping: Restaurant: 5-10%, drivers: ₹50-100

Nearby Destinations

Explore More Of India

Kolar - India Travel Guide

Kolar - India Travel Guide

map South India

Top Attractions:

  • Kolaramma Temple
  • Someshwara Temple
  • Antharagange

+3 more attractions

Meerut - India Travel Guide

Meerut - India Travel Guide

map North India

Top Attractions:

  • Augarnath Temple
  • Shaheed Smarak
  • Gandhi Bagh

+2 more attractions

Kaziranga - India Travel Guide

Kaziranga - India Travel Guide

map Northeast India

Top Attractions:

  • Central Range, Kohora
  • Eastern Range, Agaratoli
  • Western Range, Bagori

+2 more attractions

Shoranur - India Travel Guide

Shoranur - India Travel Guide

map South India

Top Attractions:

  • Ariyannur Umbrellas Stone Age Site
  • Kerala Kalamandalam
  • Thiruvilwamala Temple

+3 more attractions

Shivpuri - India Travel Guide

Shivpuri - India Travel Guide

map Central India

Top Attractions:

  • Madhav National Park
  • George Castle
  • Sakhya Sagar Lake

+3 more attractions

Topchanchi - India Travel Guide

Topchanchi - India Travel Guide

map East India

Top Attractions:

  • Topchanchi Lake
  • Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Parasnath Hill

+3 more attractions

Kaas Plateau - India Travel Guide

Kaas Plateau - India Travel Guide

map West India

Top Attractions:

  • Kaas Plateau Main Area
  • Kaas Lake
  • Vajrai Waterfall

+3 more attractions

Chikhaldara - India Travel Guide

Chikhaldara - India Travel Guide

map West India

Top Attractions:

  • ভীম कुंड (Bheem Kund)
  • देवी पॉइंट (Devi Point)
  • गविलगढ़ किला (Gawilghur Fort)

+3 more attractions

Share Your Sitamarhi Photos!

Help fellow travelers by sharing your authentic travel photos. Get credited with your name and social links!

Found an Error?

Help us improve! Report incorrect information or suggest updates.

Suggest a Destination

Know a hidden gem we're missing? Help us add it to the guide!