Mithila Circuit
Trace the divine journey: Sitamarhi (birth) → Janakpur (wedding) → Ayodhya (home) → Prayagraj (moksha). Across India and Nepal.
~825 km · 2 countries · 3 states · 5–7 day recommended pilgrimage
🪷 1. Sitamarhi, Bihar, Birthplace
Day 1 Punaura Dham marks the exact spot where King Janaka found infant Sita. Visit Sita Kund (108 ponds), the main Janaki Sthan Mandir (1.5km from station), and Urvija Kund. Allow 1–2 days.
🕌 2. Janakpur, Nepal, Wedding Venue
Day 2 Once the capital of King Janaka's Mithila kingdom, today a Nepalese pilgrimage city. The Janaki Mandir (Naulakha Mandir, 1911) is Nepal's largest temple, a marble palace where Sita and Rama were married.
🏛️ 3. Ayodhya, UP, City of Lord Rama
Days 3–4 350 km west of Janakpur (8–9 hr drive). The Ramayana comes full circle, Sita's birthplace (Sitamarhi) meets Rama's birthplace (Ayodhya), with their wedding in between (Janakpur). The Ram Mandir (consecrated Jan 2024) is the centrepiece.
Allow 2–3 days. Key sites: Ram Mandir, Hanuman Garhi, Kanak Bhawan, Saryu aarti, Ram Katha Museum.
🪷 4. Sita Samahit Sthal, Prayagraj, Return to Earth
Day 5 Near Prayagraj (Allahabad), just off NH2, between Varanasi and the Sangam. This is where Sita merged back into Mother Earth. Valmiki Ashram on the Ganga, the only surviving ashram of Sage Valmiki. A 108-ft Hanuman statue overlooks the site. One of the five great Teerths of Purvanchal (with Prayagraj, Kashi, Vindhyachal, Sarnath). Allow 3–4 hours.
Recommended Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Sitamarhi. Punaura Dham + Sita Kund (morning), Janaki Sthan Mandir + Urvija Kund (evening).
Day 2: Cross into Nepal (Raxaul/Birgunj). Janakpur, Janaki Mandir, Vivah Mandap, Ram Mandir.
Day 3: Janakpur morning. Travel to Ayodhya via Gorakhpur (350 km, 8–9 hr).
Day 4: Full day Ayodhya, Ram Mandir, Hanuman Garhi, Saryu Aarti, Kanak Bhawan.
Day 5: Ayodhya → Prayagraj (200 km). Sita Samahit Sthal + Valmiki Ashram + Prayagraj Sangam.
Day 6: Visit Prayagraj Sangam (Triveni) or extend to Varanasi (120 km). Depart.
"जनकनन्दिनी सीता, From the furrow of Mithila to the lap of Mother Earth."
Weather Across the Circuit
The circuit spans three climate zones. Sitamarhi and Janakpur share North Bihar weather (hot summers, monsoon Jun–Sep). Ayodhya is drier. Prayagraj is hottest in summer. Plan travel in October to February for comfortable conditions across all four sites.
Travel Essentials
- Documents: Carry Aadhaar or passport for the India–Nepal border at Raxaul/Birgunj. Indian citizens need no visa.
- Currency: Carry Nepali rupees for Janakpur (ATMs available, but cash is king at small stalls).
- Clothing: Modest attire for temple visits; a light jacket for early-morning Ayodhya and Prayagraj winters.
- Transport: Book intercity cabs in advance for the Ayodhya–Prayagraj leg; trains are an alternative via Prayagraj Junction.
- Health: Carry basic medication; carry a reusable water bottle and stay hydrated across the long driving days.