Darbhanga, often referred to as the Cultural Capital of Bihar, offers a rich blend of Royal Heritage, profound Spiritual Sites, and Modern Scientific Attractions. The city is defined by its history as the seat of the Darbhanga Raj, which is reflected in its Grand Palaces and Unique Temples.
Historical & Royal Landmarks :
1. Darbhanga/Chandradhari Museum
> Houses Collection of Rare Artifacts like Tools/Weapons, Furniture, etc.
> Displays Traditional Maithili Paintings, Rare Manuscripts, and a Miniature Painting Gallery of Krishna Leela with Gopies, Ramayan, and many more.
> Displays Unique Items made out of Different Fabrics, Stone, Metals, etc.
> There are various Sculptures and Statues of God/Goddess.
> You can even enjoy a Boat Ride with Charges.
The Museum is Open from 10:30 AM to 04:30 PM and except on Monday for the Public without Charges for Entry. It is Situated Near Darbhanga Railway Station.
It is is a massive 18th-century structure that stands as a primary symbol of the region’s regal past. Its has red-brick tall walls covering the entire remains of Royal Residence and Watchtowers. The main entrance is modeled after the Buland Darwaza of Fatehpur Sikri, serves as a striking example of Mughal and Rajput
architectural fusion.
3. Lalit Narayan Mithila University (LNMU)
LNMU established in 1972 is primarily housed within the sprawling, majestic Nargona Palace and the Lakshmishwar Vilas Palace, this isn’t just a University; it’s a living museum. It has a residential campus of about 230 acres.
The architecture of the LNMU is a blend of European and Indian styles.
The university library, which is one of the largest in Bihar, holding over 200,000 books including rare palm-leaf manuscripts.
Spiritual and Sacred Sites :
4. Shyama Mai Temple/Rameshwari Shyama Mai Temple
This Temple is a highly revered spiritual site built directly atop the cremation pyre of Maharaja Rameshwar Singh and holds a 10-foot-high black idol of Goddess Kali, which is central to the temple’s Aarti ceremonies.
The architecture incorporates Nagara-style spires and intricate Tantric symbols on the ceiling, believed by devotees to channel positive energy.
The Temple is most lively during Navratri and the annual Shyama Mai festival in December.
This Temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and People Pray here for Fulfilment of their Desires. The Temple Resides under the LNMU Campus and Built entirely out of
White Marble which gives stark and beautiful contrast to the red-brick buildings of the campus.
There is also a tradition here that Devotees write their Wishes directly onto the walls of the temple or on a small slips of paper.
Science and Nature :
This is recently established Bihar’s Second Planetarium and Science Museum. The planetarium was built on a 21,000 square meter area with a total budget of 164 crore rupees. The design was prepared by US Architectural firm Chelsea West Architects. This Planetarium has 150 seats and the Auditorium has 300 seats. The planetarium has three shapes: elliptical, spherical, and dome-shaped. The dome size is 14 meters for the content is to be 3D. It also includes a Solar Parking Pathway, Cafeteria, Lobby, Science Gallery, Service Building, and Lotus Pond.
The Planetarium hosts 4 3D shows a Day except on Monday from 11:00 AM to 04:00 PM. Anyone can Book Ticket Online which Costs 30 Rupees For Children of age 6 to 14 years and 70 Rupees For people age above 15 years.
7. Kusheshwar Asthan Bird Sanctuary
This Place is a expanding wetland area of about 7,000-acre protected wetland spanning 14 villages, located about 45 km from the city centre and is a haven for Bird Watchers.
There is also a Baba Kusheshwar Nath Temple resides on these lands which is also a Popular Site for the Devotees.
This land is Home for over 20 Species of Migratory Birds from Siberia and Europe during the winter months (November to March). Some of Rare Sightings of Birds often include the Sarus Crane and the Bar-Headed Goose in these lands.
