🔹 Places to Visit in Darbhanga

1. Darbhanga Raj Palace 🏰

📍 Location: Near Laheriasarai, Darbhanga
🕰 Timings: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
💰 Entry Fee: Free

A grand palace built by the Maharajas of Darbhanga, showcasing Rajput and Mughal architecture. Though not fully open to the public, visitors can admire its majestic gates, gardens, and old-world charm from outside.

2. Anandbagh Palace & Lakshmeshwar Vilas Palace 🏛️

📍 Location: Darbhanga Fort Area
🕰 Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
💰 Entry Fee: Free

Former royal residences that once hosted grand durbars and cultural events. Though damaged in the 1934 earthquake, the palaces remain a symbol of Darbhanga’s royal legacy.

3. Shyama Mai Temple 🛕

📍 Location: Near Darbhanga Palace
🕰 Timings: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
💰 Entry Fee: Free

A famous temple dedicated to Goddess Kali, built by the Darbhanga royal family. The temple is known for its devotional atmosphere and intricate architectural beauty.

4. Chandradhari Museum 🏺

📍 Location: Darbhanga Town
🕰 Timings: 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)
💰 Entry Fee: Free

A must-visit for history lovers, displaying rare artifacts, coins, sculptures, and paintings, especially those related to Mithila culture.

5. Ahilya Sthan Temple 🛕

📍 Location: 24 km from Darbhanga (Ahiyari Village)
🕰 Timings: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
💰 Entry Fee: Free

A temple linked to the Ramayana, where Lord Rama liberated Ahilya from a curse. A significant site for Hindu devotees.

6. Kusheshwar Asthan Bird Sanctuary 🦜

📍 Location: 45 km from Darbhanga
🕰 Timings: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
💰 Entry Fee: Free

A biodiversity hotspot, home to migratory birds from Siberia and Europe, making it a must-visit for bird watchers and nature lovers. Best time to visit is November to March.

🔹 Places to Visit in Madhubani

1. Mithila Haat 🎨

📍 Location: Jhanjharpur, Madhubani
🕰 Timings: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
💰 Entry Fee: Free

A paradise for art enthusiasts, Mithila Haat is a hub for traditional Mithila art, handicrafts, and Madhubani paintings. Visitors can purchase authentic hand-painted souvenirs, handmade jewelry, and handicrafts while supporting local artisans.

2. Madhubani Art Village (Jitwarpur) 🎨

📍 Location: Jitwarpur, 3 km from Madhubani
🕰 Timings: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
💰 Entry Fee: Free

The birthplace of Madhubani painting, where every house is a canvas of intricate artwork. Visitors can interact with local artists, learn about the centuries-old painting techniques, and buy authentic hand-painted souvenirs.

3. Saurath Sabha Gachhi 🌳

📍 Location: 6 km from Madhubani
🕰 Timings: Open all day
💰 Entry Fee: Free

A unique historical site where Maithil Brahmins traditionally arrange marriages. This sacred mango orchard hosts annual matchmaking gatherings, a centuries-old tradition.

4. Kapileshwar Temple 🛕

📍 Location: Near Madhubani Town
🕰 Timings: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM
💰 Entry Fee: Free

A famous Shiva temple believed to be one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. Devotees visit this temple, especially during Mahashivaratri.

5. Bhawanipur Durga Temple 🛕

📍 Location: 30 km from Madhubani
🕰 Timings: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
💰 Entry Fee: Free

A centuries-old temple dedicated to Goddess Durga, attracting thousands of devotees, especially during Durga Puja.

6. Nagar Fort (Nau Lakha Palace) 🏰

📍 Location: 17 km from Madhubani
🕰 Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
💰 Entry Fee: Free

A historical fort, once the residence of the Raj family of Madhubani. Though partially in ruins, it remains an important architectural landmark.

7. Uchaitha Shakti Peeth 🛕

📍 Location: 25 km from Madhubani (Uchaitha Village)
🕰 Timings: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
💰 Entry Fee: Free

A famous Shakti Peeth where it is believed that Goddess Sati’s body part fell, making it a sacred site for devotees.

8. Rajnagar Palace Ruins 🏰

📍 Location: Rajnagar, 15 km from Madhubani
🕰 Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
💰 Entry Fee: Free

A grand palace built by Maharaja Rameshwar Singh, now in ruins but still offering a glimpse of Mithila’s royal grandeur.

Best Time to Visit

⏳ October to March (Pleasant weather, cultural festivals, best for sightseeing)

Travel Tip

🚕 Taxis, auto-rickshaws, and rental cabs are available in both Darbhanga and Madhubani for easy transportation.

Explore the heart of Mithila while attending BASICON 2025! 🌿🎨🏰