Mithila Travel Guide
Plan your trip to Mithila, Bihar with this comprehensive travel guide featuring top attractions, hiking/biking routes, food scene, local culture, safety and health info, and more.
- Introduction to Mithila
- List of Places to Visit in Mithila
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Mithila
- Best Things to Do in Mithila: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Mithila
- Food and Drink Scene of Mithila
- Where to Stay in Mithila: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Mithila: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Mithila
- Best Time to Visit Mithila
- Do’s and Don’ts of Mithila
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Mithila: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Mithila
- Where to Go Next from Mithila: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Mithila
Mithila is a district in Bihar, a state located in the Plains region of India, in South Asia. Mithila is known for its rich cultural heritage, evident in its art, music, dance, and festivals. It is also home to numerous historical sites and natural attractions that offer visitors a glimpse of its enchanting beauty.
List of Places to Visit in Mithila
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Mithila Museum in Madhubani
- Sitamarhi Museum in Sitamarhi
- Kali Temple in Kaliyaganj
- Janaki Temple in Sitamarhi
- Chandrahari Museum in Darbhanga
Natural Attractions of Mithila: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Someshwar Hills in Banjariya
- Janki Kund in Sitamarhi
- Kunauli Dam in Singhwahini
- Madhuban Forest in Madhuban
Hiking/Biking Routes of Mithila
- Darbhanga to Kusheshwarsthan cycling route
- Sitamarhi Heritage Walk
- Banjariya Village Trek
- Madhubani to Ranti cycling route
Best Things to Do in Mithila: Activities and Tours
- Attend the Maithili Folk Music Festival
- Take a train ride on the Darbhanga-Kusheshwarsthan-Raxaul route
- Participate in the Sama Chakeva Festival
- Explore the Mithila Art Gallery in Madhubani
Week-Long Itinerary for Mithila
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Darbhanga; visit Chandrahari Museum, Shivaji Park, and Kali Temple |
| 2 | Travel to Sitamarhi; visit Janaki Temple, Sitamarhi Museum, and Janki Kund |
| 3 | Trek to Banjariya and explore Someshwar Hills; enjoy a picnic at Kunauli Dam |
| 4 | Cycle from Madhubani to Ranti and explore the Mithila Art Gallery |
| 5 | Take a train ride from Darbhanga to Kusheshwarsthan, and then to Raxaul |
| 6 | Attend the Maithili Folk Music Festival in Kaliyaganj |
| 7 | Participate in the Sama Chakeva Festival in Madhubani before departing |
Food and Drink Scene of Mithila
Must-Try Dishes
- Sattu Paratha
- Litti Chokha
- Bihari Thali
- Mutton Curry
Local Beverages
- Lassi
- Thandai
- Aam Panna
- Bhang
Where to Stay in Mithila: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Sitamarhi: Raj Hotel, Hotel Nilkamal, Hotel Shivam
- Darbhanga: Royal Heritage Hotel, Hotel Naveen Residency, Hotel Shivam
- Madhubani: New Bambu Hotel, Hotel Padma, Hotel Ashirwad
What to Buy in Mithila: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Madhubani Paintings
- Sujni Embroidery
- Sikki Grass Crafts
- Terracotta Pottery
Local Culture and Customs of Mithila
The people of Mithila are known for their rich cultural heritage, which is evident in their art, music, dance, and festivals. The Mithila region is home to the Maithili language, one of the prominent languages of Bihar. The women of Mithila are known for their intricate Madhubani paintings, which are a form of traditional folk art.
Best Time to Visit Mithila
The best time to visit Mithila is from October to March when the weather is pleasant, and there is less heat and humidity. This is also the time when most of the festivals are celebrated in Bihar, providing an opportunity to experience the local culture.
Do’s and Don’ts of Mithila
Do:
- Respect the local culture and customs.
- Carry an umbrella or hat to protect yourself from the sun.
- Learn a few local phrases to communicate with the locals.
Don’t:
- Wear revealing clothes in public places.
- Use your left hand while eating or giving something to someone.
- Take photographs of people without seeking permission.
Safety and Health
Safety in Mithila
Mithila is generally a safe place, but it is best to take precautions to avoid any mishap. Always keep your valuables safe, and avoid venturing out into unfamiliar areas alone.
Health in Mithila
It is essential to take precautions, such as drinking only bottled water and carrying mosquito repellent, to avoid any health issues. It is also recommended to get vaccinated before traveling to India, and to carry necessary medications.
Getting to Mithila: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Mithila
- Darbhanga Airport
- Patna Airport
Bus Stations Near Mithila
- Darbhanga Bus Station
- Madhubani Bus Station
Other Options
- Train: Mithila is well connected by rail, with major railway stations in Darbhanga and Sitamarhi.
- Private taxi: Private taxis are available for hire from nearby cities.
How to Get Around in Mithila
Local buses, auto-rickshaws, and taxis are readily available to get around Mithila. Bicycle rentals are also available for those who prefer a more eco-friendly option.
Where to Go Next from Mithila: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Vaishali: Home to the ancient city of Vaishali, known for its rich Buddhist history.
- Bodh Gaya: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a major pilgrimage center for both Hindus and Buddhists.
- Nalanda: Home to the famous Nalanda University, an ancient center of learning.
Conclusion
Mithila is a cultural paradise and a hidden gem of Bihar, with numerous attractions that cater to all interests. Whether one is a foodie, art enthusiast, history buff or nature lover, Mithila has something to offer everyone. So start planning your trip to this mystical land today!