About Janakpur
Janakpur, also known as Janakpurdham, is a historic and religious city in the Dhanusa District of Nepal. As of 2023, it is home to approximately 200,000 residents. Janakpur is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and religious significance, being the birthplace of Sita, the consort of Lord Rama, and a major pilgrimage site for Hindus.
Janakpur features a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers, mild winters, and a monsoon season from June to September. The best time to visit Janakpur is from October to March when the weather is more temperate and suitable for outdoor activities and exploring the city's many temples and historic sites.
The city is served by Janakpur Airport, located about 4 kilometers from the city center. Many airlines, including Buddha Air and Yeti Airlines, offer flights from Kathmandu, connecting Janakpur to the capital and other major cities in Nepal. For UAE citizens, reaching Janakpur typically involves flying to Kathmandu and then taking a domestic flight to Janakpur. Major airlines like Flydubai, Air Arabia, Qatar Airways, and Nepal Airlines provide international connections from Dubai and Abu Dhabi to Kathmandu.
Janakpur’s culinary scene includes traditional Nepali and Maithili dishes, reflecting its cultural diversity. Local favorites include taruwa (fried vegetables), dhuska (a type of fried bread), and fish curry. Street food is also popular, with vendors offering a variety of snacks and meals that capture the flavors of the region.
Tourists in Janakpur can explore various attractions that showcase the city's cultural and religious significance. The Janaki Mandir, a stunning temple dedicated to Sita, is the most prominent landmark and a major pilgrimage site. Other significant sites include the Ram Mandir, Vivah Mandap (the site believed to be where Lord Rama and Sita were married), and the Dhanush Sagar and Ganga Sagar ponds, which are considered holy.
Outdoor enthusiasts and those interested in cultural experiences will appreciate the various festivals celebrated in Janakpur, such as Vivah Panchami and Chhath Puja, which offer a glimpse into the local traditions and vibrant community life. The city's parks and public spaces, such as Ratna Sagar Park, are popular for relaxation and social gatherings.
UAE citizens have the option for a visa on arrival in Nepal. To obtain a Nepal visa, UAE citizens can choose from three tourist options: 15 days, 30 days, or 90 days, all allowing multiple entries with a 32 USD service fee and no visa fee, payable on arrival. The application process involves filling out a simple online form in under 5 minutes, receiving a pre-visa by email, and presenting it with your passport upon arrival in Nepal. Ensure you have a valid passport copy, recent photograph, email address, and bank card for payment. The online pre-visa application eliminates the need for embassy visits and helps avoid mistakes and long waits. Print the pre-visa document and show it at the border to obtain your tourist visa.
