Darbhanga is the fifth largest city and municipal corporation in the state of Bihar in India, and is considered an important city in North Bihar. It serves as the headquarters of the Darbhanga district and the Darbhanga division. It is held that the name Darbhanga has been derived from Dwar Banga or Dari – Banga, meaning the 'door of Bengal'.Darbhanga was the seat of the erstwhile Khandwala zamidaar dynasty under the Mughals and British India.
It is considered an important medical centre of North Bihar as it is the location of the Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital, and the second AIIMS of the state is to be constructed here.Darbhanga is one of the oldest cities in India. Musical, folk art, and literary traditions in Sanskrit,Urdu ,Hindi and Maithili have passed down generations in Darbhanga and constitute the city's strong cultural background.
It is popularly known as the "Cultural Capital of Bihar" and the "Heart of Mithilaanchal".
Palaces built by Maharajah of Darbhanga are the most important attractions in Darbhanga. Just a kilometer from bus and train terminal, most of the palaces are located inside a walled campus. There are plenty of temples dedicated to mother Goddess (primarily Kali and Durga) built by erstwhile kings of Darbhanga. Major temples include Shyama Kali Temple and Kankali Temple.
Some of the important palaces are now converted into universities (Lalit Narayan Mithila University and Kameshwar Singh Sanskrit University). Despite decay and chaos all around, you will encounter one of the best examples of Indo-European architectural traditions followed in building these palaces.
Darbhanga Fort is another attraction for outsiders coming to the city. Not much was built inside the fort except a few temples and a house for family deity. Successors of Darbhanga royal clan still stay inside the fort in an almost ruined house surrounded by mango trees.
Darbhanga is also known for its ponds and you will find hundreds of them across this city. Some of the major ones are Harahi (in front of Railway station), Dighi and Gangasagar.
European Library of Mithila University and official library of Sanskrit University are a rich source for someone interested in researching ancient Indian culture and traditions. The library at Sanskrit University is known for its collection of around 5500 ancient manuscripts on subjects like Epic, Philosophy, Vyakaran, Dharmashastra, Agam-Tantra etc.
Kasai Coaching is a state of the art educational hub for the locals, meets every standards for an educational infrastructure. The founder himself is a noble-laureate and also runs several NGOs. The place is located near a lake, therefore making it the perfect environment for education and research. The building has its own research facility dedicated to every fields of science.
If you are planning to learn Sanskrit or Maithili, Darbhanga is a place for you. There are plenty of courses offered by two universities in Darbhanga for people interested in these languages. Darbhanga is also an ideal place to learn Madhubani painting - one of the richest folk-art traditions of India. Contact locals for a list of good teachers of this art.
Makhana (Gorgon nut or Fox nut) is a local aquatic food product. Puddings and salted delicacies made of makhana are famous in this region. Other local delicacies include chuda-dahi and sattu. For non-vegetarians, fish in mustard paste will be the most rewarding experience.
There are plenty of restaurants across Darbhanga who serve Indian, European and Indian variant of Chinese food. Some of the well known are Rajasthan, Mithai Ghar,Baseraand Paul restaurant at Darbhanga Tower and Ganga Executive club inside Darbhanga Fort.
You can also taste variety of Mughal dishes like Pulaa, Baqar Khani (a type of bread), Kabaab, Kofta, Nihari, Paya. These are easily available in local restaurants, especially at ramkumar pandit hotel near laheriasarai bus stand.
You can discuss the whole world over a glass of lassi at any of the lassi counters across this city. Do try out Bhang lassi. Shankaranand Shrbataalaya, near Rose Public School is one the places you can do so. Other important drink is sattu mixed with water and sugar or salt.
You can buy authentic Mithila paintings really cheap here if you compare the prices from major city hubs like Delhi or Mumbai. Products made of sikki (a local hard grass) are also a good buy.
Darbhanga is well connected to other parts of India and Bihar through railway and roads.
Most reliable and easily available local transport is cycle rickshaw. You can also get shared three-wheelers and buses from the railway and bus terminal. Darbhanga is a not a small city and you have to take any means of transport around and see places of attraction.
