Sitamarhi Travel Guide

Discover the top attractions, best things to do, where to eat and stay, local customs, and safety tips in Sitamarhi.


Introduction to Sitamarhi

Sitamarhi is a small town situated in the Mithila region of Bihar, India. It is believed to be the birthplace of Goddess Sita, who is an epic character from the Hindu mythology Ramayana. With its rich history and culture, Sitamarhi attracts tourists from around the world. It is also an important center of trade and commerce of the region.

In this comprehensive travel guide, we will take you through the top attractions, best things to do, where to eat and stay, local customs, and safety tips in Sitamarhi.

List of Places to Visit in Sitamarhi

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Sitamarhi Museum

Sitamarhi Museum is a must-visit for those who love exploring history and culture. It has a vast collection of artifacts, manuscripts, ancient coins, sculptures, and paintings from the Mauryan, Gupta, and Mughal periods. You can also see the replica of Ram Janaki temple and learn about the life of Goddess Sita.

Janki Temple

Janki Temple is a popular religious site in Sitamarhi, known for its unique architecture and devotion to Goddess Sita. The temple is surrounded by lush green gardens and a beautiful pond. You can attend the evening aarti and witness the mesmerizing view.

Natural Attractions of Sitamarhi: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Narahi Dam

Narahi Dam is situated on the Budhi Gandak River and is a perfect spot for a day picnic. You can enjoy boating and fishing in the dam waters while admiring the scenic beauty. You can also take a stroll on the dam and enjoy the cool breeze amidst nature.

Dumri Katsaraiya Hills

Dumri Katsaraiya Hills is a beautiful place situated in Sitamarhi, known for its serene surroundings and hiking trails. You can explore the verdant greenery, cascading waterfalls, and get a panoramic view of the town from the hilltop. The place is perfect for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Sitamarhi

Sitamarhi has many beautiful hiking and biking trails. The Dumri Katsaraiya Hills offer an excellent trekking experience, with beautiful views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The town’s outskirts are perfect for cycling, with beautiful agricultural lands and scenic countryside.

Best Things to Do in Sitamarhi: Activities and Tours

Ram and Sita Trail Tour

Sitamarhi is the birthplace of Goddess Sita, and Ram and Sita Trail Tour is the perfect tour to explore the mythological connection. You can visit the Janaki Temple, Ram Janaki Santan Mandir, and various other spots related to the Ramayana period.

Boat Riding in Narahi Dam

Boat Riding in Narahi Dam is a perfect activity, especially if you are visiting Sitamarhi in summers. You can enjoy the calm waters, lush greenery, and cool breeze while rowing a boat.

Week-Long Itinerary for Sitamarhi

Here’s a suggested week-long itinerary for Sitamarhi:

  • Day 1: Arrival and Check-in at the Hotel
  • Day 2: Visit the Sitamarhi Museum and Janaki Temple
  • Day 3: Explore Dumri Katsaraiya Hills and Narahi Dam
  • Day 4: Ram and Sita Trail Tour
  • Day 5: Discover the town’s outskirts on a cycle
  • Day 6: Day Trip to Muzaffarpur
  • Day 7: Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Sitamarhi

Must-Try Dishes

Sitamarhi has a vibrant food culture with a mix of Bihari and Mithila cuisine.

  • Litti-Chokha: A dish made of roasted wheat balls stuffed with sattu (gram flour) and served with mashed potato and brinjal.
  • Sattu Sharbat: A sweet and savory drink made from sattu powder mixed with water, sugar, and flavored spices like cumin and coriander.
  • Chana Ghugni: A spicy street food dish made of boiled chickpeas, served with onions and tamarind sauce.

Local Beverages

Sitamarhi is famous for its delicious Lassi, made by combining yogurt, sugar, and milk, and can be flavored with fruits like mango and strawberry.

Where to Stay in Sitamarhi: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Sitamarhi has a range of accommodation options that cater to all kinds of travelers, from budget to luxury.

  • Hotel Rangshala: A budget hotel that offers comfortable rooms and basic amenities.
  • Satham Khana Guest House: A mid-range guest house that is clean and has an excellent location.
  • Taj Hotel, Sitamarhi: A luxury hotel that offers premium amenities, fine dining, and excellent service.

What to Buy in Sitamarhi: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Sitamarhi is famous for its Madhubani paintings. You can buy beautiful handcrafted paintings from local artisans. You can also take home traditional silk sarees and textiles, religious artifacts, and other handicrafts made from local materials.

Local Culture and Customs of Sitamarhi

Sitamarhi has a rich cultural heritage, and the locals follow many customs and traditions. People are friendly and welcoming, and it’s advisable to dress modestly while visiting religious sites. Many festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm, like Chhath Puja, Holi, and Diwali.

Best Time to Visit Sitamarhi

The best time to visit Sitamarhi is during winters (December to February) when the weather is pleasant and perfect for outdoor activities. Summers (March to June) can be hot, and the monsoon season (July to September) can disrupt travel plans.

Do’s and Don’ts of Sitamarhi

Do:

  • Dress modestly while visiting religious sites.
  • Try the local cuisine, especially Litti-Chokha, Sattu Sharbat, and Chana Ghugni.
  • Be courteous and respectful towards the locals.

Don’t:

  • Do not litter and maintain cleanliness.
  • Do not behave disrespectfully towards the locals or the local culture.
  • Do not take photographs without taking prior permission.

Safety and Health

Safety in Sitamarhi

Sitamarhi is generally a safe town, but it’s advisable to avoid traveling alone at night and take necessary precautions while traveling to remote areas. It’s essential to take care of your belongings and avoid carrying large sums of cash.

Health in Sitamarhi

Sitamarhi has a good medical facility, and you can find hospitals and clinics in the town. It’s advisable to carry a first aid kit and take necessary vaccination before traveling. Also, avoid drinking tap water and eating uncooked foods to prevent any health issues.

Getting to Sitamarhi: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Sitamarhi

The nearest airport to Sitamarhi is Patna Airport, which is well-connected to major cities in India.

Bus Stations Near Sitamarhi

Sitamarhi has a well-connected bus network, and you can find buses from major cities like Patna, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, etc.

Other Options

You can also hire a taxi or a private vehicle to travel to Sitamarhi from nearby cities.

How to Get Around in Sitamarhi

Sitamarhi has a well-maintained network of roads, and you can easily find taxis and auto-rickshaws. Bikes and cycles are also available for rent.

Where to Go Next from Sitamarhi: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Patna: Situated 150 km from Sitamarhi, Patna is the capital of Bihar and is known for its rich history, culture, and ancient monuments.
  • Muzaffarpur: Situated 60 km from Sitamarhi, Muzaffarpur is an important commercial and educational center of Bihar, known for its cultural heritage.
  • Darbhanga: Situated 90 km from Sitamarhi, Darbhanga is a beautiful town known for its unique style of architecture and historic buildings.

Conclusion

Sitamarhi is a beautiful town that offers a perfect blend of Ganga-Jamuna culture, mythology, history, and scenic beauty. We hope this comprehensive travel guide helped you plan your visit to Sitamarhi better. Remember to keep an open mind, respect the local culture, and create meaningful memories!