Darbhanga Guide: Planning Your Trip

Pic Credit: Wikipedia

Darbhanga, positioned as the fifth largest city and a prominent municipal corporation in the state of Bihar, India, holds significant importance in North Bihar. It functions as the headquarters for both the Darbhanga district and the Darbhanga division. The nomenclature of Darbhanga is believed to have originated from "Dwar Banga" or "Dari – Banga," signifying the 'door of Bengal.' This alternate interpretation suggests a historical connection, portraying Darbhanga as a gateway to the Bengal region.



Darbhanga stands as one of the ancient cities in India, steeped in rich cultural heritage. The city boasts a profound cultural background, with enduring musical, folk art, and literary traditions flourishing in languages such as Sanskrit, Hindi, and Maithili, handed down through generations. Widely recognized as the "Cultural Capital of Bihar" and the "Heart of Mithilaanchal," Darbhanga epitomizes a vibrant hub of artistic and literary expressions, contributing significantly to the cultural tapestry of the region.

Planning Your Trip

  • Best Time to Visit: October to March are the best months to visit Darbhanga. This is when the weather is at its coolest. Winters are refreshing and pleasant, albeit chilly at night. The temperature gets uncomfortably hot from April onward, easily reaching 35 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). This is followed by monsoon rain from July to September.
  • Language: Hindi and English.
  • Currency: Indian rupee.
  • Time Zone: UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) +5.5 hours, also known as Indian Standard Time. India does not have daylight saving time.
  • Getting Around: Streets are very narrow in the old part of the city along the ghats, so walking is the only option in many places. It's possible to hire a bicycle at Assi Ghat. Further out, auto rickshaws and Ola cabs (the Indian version of Uber. Uber is yet to start operating in Varanasi) are convenient ways of getting around. There are prepaid booths for auto rickshaws and taxis directly outside Varanasi Junction railway station.
  • Travel Tips: If you're not familiar with Varanasi and think you might be overwhelmed, or you want to gain deeper insight into the city, taking a tour is highly recommended. Keep in mind that taxis and auto rickshaws can't reach the Dashashwamedh Ghat area between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. because of the crowds. You'll be dropped at Godaulia Crossing, where auto rickshaws line up.

Getting There

Darbhanga is in Bihar, about 140 kilometers (87.5 miles) Northeast of capital Patna. The city has an airport and is connected by direct flight from major cities in India including Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Ayodhya.


Many people choose to travel to Darbhanga by train. It takes a minimum of eight hours from Kolkata, 12 to 16 hours from Delhi, and around 30 hours from Mumbai. Most trains run overnight. The main railway station in Darbhanga is called Darbhanga Junction (the code is DBG). However, there are two other railway stations in the vicinity of the city -- Laheriasarai(the code is LSI) and Thalwara (TLWA).


Bus services to Darbhanga tend to be very fast and comfortable, and are generally advicable unless you're on a super strict Time.

Things to Do

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 08 p.m on all days of the week.
  • Entry fee: Free

2. Shyama Mandir

pic credit: Prabhat Khabar

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: 06 a.m to 12 p.m and 03 p.m to 10 p.m on all days of the week.
  • Entry fee: Free.

3. Iskcon Darbhanga

pic credit: Bhanuvlogs-Youtube

Adjacent to the fort, in the Shubhankarpur area, lies the inaugural ISKCON temple of northeastern Bihar. This splendid temple serves as a divine venue for weddings and birthday celebrations, blessed under the benevolence of Lord Krishna. Following the traditions of other ISKCON temples, it hosts morning and evening prayers where devotees gather to collectively contemplate on the betterment of humanity. The temple is vibrant with various daily activities, making it a lively and spiritually enriching place. An ideal time to visit is in the evening, especially during the engaging evening aarti. It becomes a space where individuals delve into discussions on self-consciousness and explore the life of Krishna, drawing valuable lessons for personal growth and enlightenment.

  • 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

Known for its ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, this locale holds historical significance dating back to the times of the Ramayana. The Kusheshwarasthan temple is deeply revered by the local community, serving as a testament to the rich cultural and religious heritage of the region. In addition to its spiritual allure, the area is celebrated for the Kusheshwar Asthan Bird Sanctuary. This sanctuary is a haven for bird enthusiasts, featuring hundreds and thousands of avian species. Notably, it welcomes migratory birds, including those from as far as Siberia, along with feathered visitors from neighboring countries like Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bhutan, and Nepal. The coexistence of the ancient temple and the thriving bird sanctuary adds a unique and diverse charm to this culturally and ecologically significant destination.

  • Timings: 06 a.m to 09 p.m on all days of the week.
  • Entry fee: Free.

6. Nargona Palace

pic credit : Wikipedia

This stands as the ultimate bastion of Royal Brahmin Heritage Palaces, holding the distinctive honor of being India's inaugural palace to integrate earthquake-resistant technology. This innovation was spurred by the devastating earthquake that struck Bihar in 1934, causing widespread destruction to palaces and structures. Commissioned by Maharaja Kameshwar Singh, this palace not only epitomizes regal grandeur but also showcases a forward-thinking approach to architectural resilience.
Currently, the palace is an integral part of Lalit Narayan Mithila University, signifying a harmonious blend of historical legacy and educational progress. This unique synthesis of the past and the present adds an intriguing layer to the significance of the palace, marking it not only as a symbol of royalty but also as a testament to the adaptability and endurance of architectural marvels over time.

  • Timings: 10:30 a.m to 04:30 p.m on all days except Monday.
  • Entry fee: Free.

7. Chandradhari Museum

pic credit : Wikipedia

Founded on December 7, 1957, this museum owes its existence to the generous contribution of Late Chandradhari Singh of Ranti Dyordhi (Madhubani). His donation included a remarkable collection of artifacts and rare objects, forming the nucleus of the museum's exhibits. The museum is a treasure trove comprising eleven diverse galleries, each showcasing a unique aspect of art and history.
These galleries encompass a wide range of themes, such as the 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, a strong room, and a library. This extensive array provides visitors with a comprehensive journey through various art forms and historical artifacts, making it a hub for cultural exploration and education.

  • Timings: 10:00 a.m to 04:30 p.m on all days except Monday.
  • Entry fee: Free.

8. Maharaja Laxmiswar Singh Museum

pic credit: Telegraph India

Established on September 16, 1977, this museum owes its inception to the generous donation of Prince Subheshwar Singh, who contributed a plethora of valuable items to set up this cultural institution. The museum is a repository of diverse exhibits housed in various halls, each dedicated to specific categories of artifacts.
These halls include the Raj Singhasan Kash (Hall no. 1), showcasing regal thrones and furnishings; the Hall of Metallic Artifacts (Hall no. 2); the Hall of Stone Idols and Artifacts (Hall no. 3); the Ivory Hall (Hall no. 4); the Hall of Weapons (Hall no. 5), featuring an array of historical weaponry; and the Hall of Wooden Artifacts (Hall no. 6). Each hall presents a unique and fascinating aspect of history, art, and culture, making the museum a captivating destination for enthusiasts and scholars alike.

  • Timings: 10 a.m to 03:30 p.m on all days except Mondays.
  • Entry fee: Free.

Some other places to visit in Darbhanga:-

  • Manokamana Temple
  • Kankali Temple
  • Gautam Kund
  • Berhampur
  • Chhaprar
  • Dekulldham
  • Gautamasthan

Q1. How to reach Darbhanga?

Darbhanga has a big transportation center in North Bihar, and it's easy to get to and from the city. You can reach Darbhanga by train, with railway connections to almost every part of India. The city also has an airport connecting to major cities. Darbhanga is well-connected by road through national and state highways, making travel convenient. For local travel within the city, there are buses and auto-rickshaws available. Buses also connect Darbhanga to other cities in India and different parts of Bihar.

Q2. What is the best time to visit Darbhanga?

Darbhanga has a warm and humid climate. The hottest months are from April to June. The best time to visit is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and cool.

Q3. What to eat?

In Darbhanga, you can enjoy a variety of tasty local dishes like Machchar Jhor, Baqer Khani, Mutton Biryani, Paya, Nihari, Pulaav, Nargisi Kofte, and Bihari Kabab. The city's food scene has a lot to offer, with delicious flavors waiting to be savored.

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.