Darbhanga is known as the cultural capital of Bihar. Its history, art, culture, literature, folk songs and dance, food and it’s sweet language “Maithili” makes it a perfect spot to be on your travel list. Darbhanga is the fifth largest city in India. It is also one of the oldest cities in India having a strong cultural background. It is one of the biggest medical and educational hubs in Bihar. Darbhanga was established in the 16th century and was the capital city of the kingdom. The Ainwar and Mughal rulers established trade routes and helped in flourishing the place as an agricultural hub. Darbhanga is famous for its fox nuts and mangoes.
Did you know that these Bollywood artists are from Darbhanga?
And for a fun fact, did you know that the famous Bollywood director “Imtiaz Ali” and the pop singer “Ritviz” were born in Darbhanga? Well, I’m sure that you didn’t know. Even I came to know about it while researching this topic. Cool. Right? Who knew Darbhanga was such an underrated place? Let’s get back to the topic now.
The topic is often debated as to what led to the name of Darbhanga. There have been many theories among people. But the most relevant and agreed upon one is that its name has been derived from “Dwar Banga” or “Dar-e-Banga” which means “The door of Bengal”. There is also a less agreed upon theory which practically does not have any evidence backing it is that a man named “Darbhangi Khan” was the one who found this city.
So, here we present a quick guide for your smooth and exciting trip to Darbhanga.
8 Best places to explore in Darbhanga
1. Darbhanga Fort
It is also known as the Ram Bagh fort. The construction of this fort was started in the year 1934 by the Raja of Darbhanga, Maharaja Kameshwar Singh. The main gate for entry to the fort is called “Sinhala”. The architecture is in the Bengal style. The fort is also called the “second Red fort”. The rulers of Darbhanga were known to be the protectors of arts and crafts. The fort is sure to make you realize how truly mesmerizing the place was when it was in its glory days.
- Timings: 06 a.m to 06 p.m on all days of the week.
- Entry fee: Free
2. Shyama Mandir
The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali. It was built in the year of 1933. It is situated inside Lalit Narayan Mithila University. There are 6 temples around the pond situated in the complex. As per the locals, the pond has been created by bringing water from 7 different rivers. The temple is in the list of Tantric Temples of North Bihar along with the Kankali Temple which is inside the Darbhanga Fort.
- Timings: 04 a.m to 01 p.m and 03 p.m to 11 p.m on all days of the week.
- Entry fee: Free.
3. Iskcon Darbhanga
Near the Fort, the first northeast Bihar ISKCON temple is located in the Shubhankarpur area. The temple is magnificent and offers weddings and birthday celebrations under the blessing of lord Krishna. Like other Iskcon temples, morning and evening prayers are organized; people sit together and discuss the betterment of humanity as a whole. This place is very much alive and a number of activities are held daily. One may choose to visit in the evening as evening aarti is very engaging and people talk about self-consciousness and discuss the life of Krishna and learn from it.
- Timings: 04:30 a.m to 09 p.m on all days of the week.
- Entry fee: Free.
4. Ahilya Sthan
It is a famous temple situated in the Ahilya Gram. The temple has a connection with Ramayana. It is dedicated to Devi Ahilya, the wife of Maharishi Gautam. She was cursed by her husband and turned into a stone. When Lord Rama’s foot touched the stone, the curse was broken. Devi Ahilya turned into a woman again. The temple has a female priest who is in charge. The temple is most crowded at the time of Ramnavami and Vivah Panchami.
- Timings: 05 a.m to 09 p.m on all days of the week.
- Entry fee: Free.
5. Kusheshwar Asthan
This place is famous for its temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Kusheshwarasthan temple dates back to the Ramayan times. It is highly revered among the locals. The place is also famous for Bird Sanctuary called the “Kusheshwar Asthan Bird Sanctuary”. There are hundreds and thousands of Bird species including the migratory Siberian birds to the birds coming from the neighbouring countries of Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Nepal etc.
- Timings: 06 a.m to 09 p.m on all days of the week.
- Entry fee: Free.
6. Nargona Palace
It is the last Royal Brahmin Heritage Palace. It is also the first palace/building in India to have incorporated earthquake resistance technology after Bihar was hit by a massive earthquake in 1934 and most of the palaces and buildings suffered heavy damages. The palace was constructed under the orders of Maharaja Kameshwar Singh. It is now a part of Lalit Narayan Mithila University.
- Timings: No fixed timings.
- Entry fee: Free.
7. Chandradhari Museum
It was established on 7 December 1957. Late Chandradhari Singh of Ranti Dyordhi (Madhubani) donated his artifacts and other rare objects to this Museum. It consists of eleven galleries which include a glass gallery, textile gallery, miniature painting gallery, modern paintings, stone sculpture gallery, wood Gallery, mother of pearls gallery, natural history gallery, ivory gallery, brass gallery, special gallery, strong room and a library.
- Timings: 10:30 a.m to 04:30 p.m on all days except Monday.
- Entry fee: Free.
8. Maharaja Laxmiswar Singh Museum
The museum was established on 16th September 1977. Prince Subheshwar Singh donated all his valuable items for the establishment of this museum. It includes the Raj Singhasan Kash (Hall no. 1), Hall of Metallic artifacts (Hall no. 2), Hall of stone idols and artifacts (Hall no. 3), Ivory Hall (Hall no. 4), Hall of Weapons (Hall no. 5) and Hall of Wooden Artifacts (Hall no. 6).
- Timings: 10 a.m to 03:30 p.m on all days except Mondays.
- Entry fee: Free.
Some other places to visit in Darbhanga:-
- Gautam Kund
- Berhampur
- Chhaprar
- Dekulldham
- Manokamana Temple
- Newri
- Raghopur
- Gautamasthan
- Mahinam-Mahadeo-sthan
- Baneshwaristhan
- Nawadah Durga-sthan
- Sati Asthan
- Malechchhed Mardani Temple
- Kankali Temple
FAQ’S =》
Q1. How to reach Darbhanga?
Ans. Darbhanga has the biggest transportation hub in North Bihar and is connected by all major modes of transportation. The city is connected to almost every part of India by Railway and to major cities via Airways. It is also linked via National Highways and State Highways. BSRTC Buses and Auto-Rickshaw are available as local transport within the city and bus service is available for major cities in India as well as other parts of Bihar.
Q2. What is the best time to visit Darbhanga?
Ans. Darbhanga falls in a humid subtropical region and April to June are the hottest. October to March is the best time to visit as the weather remains calm and cool.
Q3. What to eat?
Ans. Darbhanga has a variety of foods and local dishes such as Machchar Jhor, Baqer Khani, Mutton Biryani, Paya, Nihari, Pulaav, Nargisi Kofte, Bihari kabab etc.
Q4. How many days are needed to explore the city?
Ans. 2-3 days are ideal for exploring Darbhanga but it depends on your itinerary and planning.
Q5. How much would it cost to visit Darbhanga?
Ans. ₹3,000 – ₹4,000 per head would be sufficient to explore Darbhanga for 2-3 days.
