The short answer
Start with the Janaki Mandir, a large white marble temple in a Mughal-influenced style, built in the 1870s and often called Naulakha. It is the largest temple in Nepal and the heart of the city. Nearby are the Ram Mandir, the Vivah Mandap where the wedding of Sita and Rama is re-enacted, the Raj Devi temple and the Dulha-Dulhan temple.
Outside the centre, three places are often added: Rangabhoomi, said to be the field where the bow-breaking ceremony took place, with a Hanuman temple on one corner; Dhanushadham, about twenty kilometres north, linked to a fossil said to be a piece of the bow; and Jaleshwar, a Shiva temple south-west of the city. Allow a full day for the city and a second for the outer sites.
Key facts
- Main temple
- Janaki Mandir
- Beside it
- Ram Mandir and Vivah Mandap
- Outer sites
- Dhanushadham, Jaleshwar
- Time
- 1 day city, 1 more for outer sites
How it works
- Morning at Janaki MandirQuiet and cool.
- Walk to Ram Mandir and Dhanush SagarThey are close together.
- See RangabhoomiThe bow-breaking field.
- Midday restHeat builds fast.
- Evening prayersReturn to Janaki Mandir.
Insider tip
Be at the Janaki Mandir for the evening prayers, when bells and drums fill the courtyard.
Avoid this
Do not wear shoes, short clothes or leather in temple areas.
Related questions
Is Janaki Mandir the biggest temple in Nepal?
It is commonly described as the largest temple in the country.
Are cameras allowed?
Rules vary by area; ask at the gate.
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