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Province No. 2
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Explore Madhesh Province’s Mithila temples, Terai wildlife, borderland markets, local cuisine and living cultural traditions across southern Nepal.

Province No. 2, officially known as Madhesh Province since 2022, occupies Nepal’s southern plains along the Indian border. It is the country’s most densely settled province and differs markedly from the hill and mountain regions farther north. The landscape is predominantly flat, fertile and subtropical, with rice fields, sugar-cane plots, market towns, wooded patches and broad river systems spreading across the Terai. Eight districts make up the province: Saptari, Siraha, Dhanusha, Mahottari, Sarlahi, Rautahat, Bara and Parsa.
Read more about Province No. 2
Janakpurdham, the provincial capital, is the cultural centre of Mithila and the province’s most important destination for heritage travellers. Its great Janaki Mandir, dedicated to Sita, attracts pilgrims from Nepal and India, while the surrounding temples, ponds, wedding traditions and Mithila art reflect a cultural world shared across the border. The city is especially significant during festivals associated with Sita and Rama, although visitor numbers and arrangements vary considerably by season. Nearby Dhanushadham preserves a landscape connected with the Ramayana tradition and offers a quieter complement to Janakpur’s busy streets.
The western and central districts have their own identities. Birgunj, in Parsa, is Nepal’s principal southern commercial gateway and a major centre of trade, transport and industry. Parsa National Park, north of Birgunj, protects sal forest and supports wildlife including one-horned rhinoceros, wild elephant and several deer species, although sightings are never guaranteed. Bara contains the sacred Gadhimai Temple at Bariyarpur and the archaeological remains of Simraungadh, while Rautahat is associated with historic settlements, religious sites and the broad agricultural plain. In the east, Saptari combines market towns with wetlands and access to the Koshi floodplain.
Madhesh is also a living centre of Maithili, Bhojpuri, Tharu, Urdu and Nepali cultural expression. Mithila painting, produced on paper, cloth and walls, is one of the region’s best-known artistic traditions, featuring carefully drawn figures, plants, animals and ritual motifs. Local food reflects the plains: rice, lentils, vegetables, fish, buffalo and wheat-based breads appear in different combinations, alongside sweets such as peda and jalebi. Travellers should allow time for heat, traffic and slower rural journeys; the province is best understood through a combination of temple towns, forest excursions, markets, food and conversations rather than a hurried checklist of sights.

When is the best time to visit Province No. 2?

Best: February–March, November · 22–27°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January1910
February (best)2215
March (best)2725
April3240
May3560
June34100
July33200
August33200
September32140
October3160
November (best)2620
December2110

Getting to and around Province No. 2

How to get there

Janakpur Airport, within Dhanusha District, is the most useful air gateway for Janakpurdham and eastern-central Madhesh, with domestic connections subject to current operating arrangements. Simara Airport in Bara serves Birgunj and the central Terai, while Gautam Buddha International Airport at Bhairahawa is outside the province and may be relevant for travellers approaching from western Nepal. Birgunj is connected by road to Kathmandu and the east–west highway network, and is Nepal’s principal southern commercial gateway opposite Raxaul in India. Janakpurdham can also be reached by road from Kathmandu and by the cross-border passenger railway from Jayanagar in India; check current border, ticketing and service conditions before travelling.

Transportation

Road travel is the main way to move around Madhesh Province. Buses, microbuses, shared jeeps and taxis link the principal towns, but journey times are affected by traffic, roadworks, weather and market activity. The Janakpurdham–Jayanagar railway is useful for the cross-border corridor, not as a comprehensive provincial transport system. A private car with a local driver can be practical for visiting dispersed temples, archaeological sites and rural areas, while cycling or walking works better within individual towns. In Parsa National Park and other rural destinations, use locally arranged transport and follow access instructions rather than assuming that every track is publicly passable.

Top city travel guides in Province No. 2

The cities of Province No. 2, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Best attractions in Province No. 2

Madhesh Province’s attractions combine pilgrimage, living culture, archaeology, wildlife and the everyday energy of the Terai. Janakpurdham is the principal cultural destination, with Janaki Mandir, historic ponds, surrounding shrines and Mithila art centres offering insight into the region’s religious and artistic traditions. Dhanushadham, east of the capital, is associated with the Ramayana and provides a more open, rural setting. In Bara, the archaeological remains of Simraungadh reveal the scale of a medieval Mithila centre, while Gadhimai Temple at Bariyarpur is one of the province’s most important pilgrimage sites. Parsa National Park provides the main opportunity for guided forest excursions and wildlife observation, with habitats of sal forest and grassland. Eastern Madhesh connects with the wetlands and floodplain environment of the Koshi region, though access and seasonal conditions require careful planning. Markets, village walks, local food tours and Mithila painting workshops add cultural depth, while the province’s flat roads can suit short cycling excursions when traffic and heat are manageable.

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Best landmarks in Province No. 2

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Explore Province No. 2 on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Province No. 2

Dining in Madhesh Province reflects the foodways of Nepal’s southern plains and the cultural links of Mithila and the Bhojpuri-speaking belt. Rice, lentils, seasonal vegetables, fish, buffalo, chicken and wheat-based breads form the foundation of many meals, with preparation varying from household kitchens to busy market stalls. Around Janakpurdham, visitors can look for Maithili-influenced vegetarian dishes, savoury snacks and sweets such as peda, jalebi and the milk-based treats associated with northern Indian and Terai food culture. Birgunj and other larger towns offer a broader range of Nepali, Indian and regional restaurants, while rural eateries are more likely to serve straightforward thali, rotis, tarkari and snacks. Fresh produce is plentiful in agricultural districts, and fish is significant in communities near rivers and wetlands. Hygiene standards vary, so choose busy establishments with a high turnover, drink treated water and ask about ingredients when unfamiliar spices or cooking methods are a concern.

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Best bars in Province No. 2

Nightlife in Madhesh Province is generally social, local and food-oriented rather than dominated by large clubs. Janakpurdham’s evenings centre on temple areas, tea shops, restaurants, sweetsellers and seasonal religious activity, with the city becoming especially busy during major festivals. Birgunj has the province’s broadest urban evening scene, including hotel bars, restaurants, cafés and spaces used for live music or private celebrations, although venues and operating arrangements change. In smaller towns such as Rajbiraj, Lahan, Kalaiya and Jaleshwar, evenings are more likely to revolve around family gatherings, market streets, tea stalls and neighbourhood restaurants. Alcohol is available in licensed establishments, but it is not necessary to participate in local social life, and travellers should observe any restrictions around religious sites or festival areas. Rural districts become quiet after dark, making early starts preferable for temples, wildlife excursions and road journeys.

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Best nightclubs in Province No. 2

Nightlife in Madhesh Province is generally social, local and food-oriented rather than dominated by large clubs. Janakpurdham’s evenings centre on temple areas, tea shops, restaurants, sweetsellers and seasonal religious activity, with the city becoming especially busy during major festivals. Birgunj has the province’s broadest urban evening scene, including hotel bars, restaurants, cafés and spaces used for live music or private celebrations, although venues and operating arrangements change. In smaller towns such as Rajbiraj, Lahan, Kalaiya and Jaleshwar, evenings are more likely to revolve around family gatherings, market streets, tea stalls and neighbourhood restaurants. Alcohol is available in licensed establishments, but it is not necessary to participate in local social life, and travellers should observe any restrictions around religious sites or festival areas. Rural districts become quiet after dark, making early starts preferable for temples, wildlife excursions and road journeys.

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Best shops in Province No. 2

Shopping in Madhesh Province is centred on markets, practical goods, religious items and regional food rather than a concentrated luxury retail scene. Janakpurdham is the best place to look for Mithila paintings, which may be produced on paper, cloth, walls or other surfaces and often feature ritual, natural and epic themes. Purchase directly from reputable artists or cooperatives where possible and ask about the work’s materials and provenance. The city’s shops also sell devotional objects, textiles, sweets and festival supplies. Birgunj has the broadest commercial selection, with busy market streets, imported goods, clothing, household products and cross-border trading activity. Smaller district towns provide fresh produce, spices, grain, sweets and everyday crafts through local bazaars. Regional snacks, tea, spices and packaged foods can make useful souvenirs, while antiques and archaeological objects should not be removed from the country. Bargaining may be customary in some informal markets, but it should remain courteous and proportionate.

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Province No. 2 essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the Nepalese rupee (NPR), used throughout Madhesh Province as in the rest of Nepal. Cards and mobile payments are more likely to work in established hotels, larger restaurants, travel offices and urban businesses in Janakpurdham and Birgunj, but cash remains important for local transport, temples, small shops, rural food stalls and admission points. Carry smaller Nepalese notes, as change can be limited outside major commercial centres. Indian rupees may be encountered near the border, but their acceptance, denominations and exchange arrangements should not be assumed; Nepalese rupees are the dependable everyday currency.
Safety
Visitors should take normal urban precautions with phones, wallets and luggage in crowded markets, transport hubs and religious gatherings. The Terai heat can cause dehydration and exhaustion, while monsoon rain may affect roads and create local flooding. Road traffic is a more consistent practical hazard than remote wilderness, so use seat belts where available and take care around motorcycles, buses and crossings. In forests and protected areas, stay with guides, keep to authorised routes and do not approach wildlife. Border towns can be busy and security procedures may change; carry identification and follow instructions from officials.
Emergency Situations
Nepal’s national emergency arrangements apply in Madhesh Province: police can be contacted on 100, the fire service on 101 and ambulance services on 102. Network coverage and response times can be less predictable in rural areas, so accommodation staff or a local guide may be able to assist with directions and communication. For a wildlife incident, contact park authorities through the relevant protected-area office, and for a road emergency notify the police and transport provider. Keep a written record of your accommodation, passport details, travel insurance and any essential medication.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress modestly when visiting temples, shrines and rural communities, and remove shoes where requested. Ask before photographing worshippers, ceremonies, homes or artworks, and do not climb on archaeological remains or touch sacred objects. In crowded pilgrimage settings, follow queues and local instructions rather than pushing towards a shrine. Use the right hand, or both hands, when giving or receiving food and religious offerings. Tipping is not governed by one province-wide rule, but a modest amount for helpful service is appreciated; clarify prices for private transport before departure and avoid turning poverty, ritual or religious devotion into a photo opportunity.
Local Tips
Janakpurdham is most rewarding when explored early in the day, before heat and traffic intensify, with time set aside for its ponds, secondary shrines and Mithila art rather than only the Janaki Mandir. Birgunj is primarily a commercial city and makes a practical base for Parsa National Park, but park logistics should be arranged in advance. Food and language change across the province: Maithili is especially prominent around Janakpur and the eastern plains, while Bhojpuri is widely heard in the west and central districts. Festival dates follow religious calendars and can alter transport, crowd levels and accommodation availability.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
Helloनमस्ते[Namaste]
Goodbyeअलविदा[Alvida]
Yesहो[Ho]
Noहोइन[Hoin]
Please/You're welcomeकृपया / स्वागत छ[Kripaya / Swagat cha]
Thank youधन्यवाद[Dhanyabad]
Excuse me/Sorryमाफ गर्नुहोस्[Maaf garnuhos]
How are you?तिमीलाई कस्तो छ?[Timilai kasto cha?]
Fine. And you?म ठीक छु। र तिमी?[Ma thik chu. Ra timi?]
Do you speak English?तिमीलाई अंग्रेजी बोल्न आउँछ?[Timilai angrezi bolna aauchha?]
I don't understandम बुझ्दिन[Ma bujhdina]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseम मेनु देख्न चाहन्छु, कृपया[Ma menu dekhna chahanchu, kripaya]
I don't eat meatम मासु खाँदैन[Ma maasu khandaina]
Cheers!सुरु गरौं![Surugaraun!]
I would like to pay, pleaseम तिर्न चाहन्छु, कृपया[Ma tirna chahanchu, kripaya]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!म मद्दत गर्नुहोस्![Ma maddat garnuhos!]
Go away!फिर्ता जानुहोस्![Phirta jaanuhos!]
Call the Police!पुलिसलाई बोलाउनुहोस्![Pulislai bolaunuhos!]
Call a doctor!डाक्टरलाई बोलाउनुहोस्![Daktar lai bolaunuhos!]
I'm lostम हराइरहेको छु[Ma harairaheko chu]
I'm illम बिरामी छु[Ma birami chu]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...म किन्न चाहन्छु...[Ma kinna chahanchu...]
I'm just lookingम केवल हेरिरहेको छु[Ma keval heriraheko chu]
How much is it?यो कति हो?[Yo kati ho?]
That's too expensiveयो धेरै महँगो छ[Yo dherai mahango cha]
Can you lower the price?के तपाईं मूल्य घटाउन सक्नुहुन्छ?[Ke tapaai moolya ghatauna saknuhunchha?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?कति बजेको छ?[Kati bajeko cha?]
It's one o'clockयो एक बजेको छ[Yo ek bajeko cha]
Half past (10)साढे (10)[SaaDhe (10)]
Morningबिहान[Bihan]
Afternoonदिउँसो[Diunso]
Eveningसाँझ[Sanjh]
Yesterdayहिजो[Hijo]
Todayआज[Aaj]
Tomorrowभोली[Bholi]
1१[1]
2२[2]
3३[3]
4४[4]
5५[5]
6६[6]
7७[7]
8८[8]
9९[9]
10१०[10]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?कहाँ छ ...?[Kahaan cha ...?]
What's the address?ठेगाना के हो?[Thegana ke ho?]
Can you show me (on the map)?के तपाईं मलाई देखाउन सक्नुहुन्छ (नक्सामा)?[Ke tapaai malai dekhauna saknuhunchha (naksama)?]
When's the next (bus)?अर्को (बस) कहिले छ?[Arko (bus) kahile cha?]
A ticket (to ....)एक टिकट (....तर्फ)[Ek ticket (...tarfa)]

History of Province No. 2

Mithila’s Ancient Cultural Landscape

The eastern and central plains of today’s Madhesh have long formed part of the wider Mithila cultural region, whose historical heartlands extend across southern Nepal and northern India. In Hindu tradition, the area is associated with Videha, the kingdom of King Janaka and Sita, making Janakpurdham a major pilgrimage centre. These traditions are preserved through temples, ponds, annual festivals, oral narratives and Maithili artistic practice. Although epic accounts belong to religious and literary history rather than straightforward archaeology, they remain central to how many visitors and residents understand the region’s identity.

Early States and Archaeological Borderlands

The Terai was connected to major north Indian cultural and trading networks long before the modern Nepal–India border existed. Archaeological remains, fortified mounds and old settlement sites indicate changing patterns of political authority and commerce across the plains. Simraungadh in Bara is associated with the medieval Karnat kingdom of Mithila and preserves visible traces of a once-important fortified centre. The site’s earthworks and scattered remains offer a reminder that the region was not merely a route between the hills and India but a centre of its own political life.

Medieval Mithila and the Karnat Kingdom

From the eleventh to the fourteenth centuries, the Karnat rulers established a powerful kingdom in Mithila, with Simraungadh among its important centres. The dynasty encouraged courtly culture, administration and religious patronage across the plains. The kingdom’s influence extended across areas that now fall on both sides of the Nepal–India frontier, illustrating how modern national boundaries divide an older cultural region. Later political changes and military pressures reduced Simraungadh’s importance, but the kingdom’s legacy remains visible in archaeological sites and in the continuing prominence of Mithila language, ritual and artistic traditions.

Janakpurdham’s Temple and Pilgrimage Development

Janakpurdham developed into a major pilgrimage destination through the growth of temples, religious institutions and networks linking Mithila communities in Nepal and India. The present Janaki Mandir was completed in the early twentieth century under the patronage of Vrisha Bhanu, the queen of Orchha, and became the city’s defining architectural landmark. Pilgrimages associated with Sita, Rama and the traditional wedding narrative draw large gatherings, especially during Vivah Panchami. The city’s ponds, shrines and ceremonial spaces reflect a religious landscape shaped over generations rather than by a single monument.

The Rana State and the Southern Trade Routes

During the Rana period, the southern plains became increasingly important to the administration and economy of the Nepalese state. Timber, agricultural goods and imported products moved through routes linking the Terai with the hill capital and with markets across British India. Birgunj grew in importance as a commercial gateway, while rail and road connections on the Indian side strengthened its role in cross-border trade. These developments helped create the urban and mercantile character that still distinguishes Birgunj from the primarily pilgrimage-oriented identity of Janakpurdham.

Roads, Railways and the Modern Terai Economy

The construction and improvement of Nepal’s east–west road network transformed travel across the plains during the twentieth century. Towns such as Birgunj, Janakpurdham, Lahan, Rajbiraj and Malangwa expanded as transport, agriculture, education and commerce developed. The southern plains became a major supplier of rice, wheat, sugar cane, vegetables and other products, while industrial activity concentrated around transport corridors and border trade. The railway connection from Jayanagar in India to Janakpur, later extended towards Kurtha, restored a historic cross-border travel link and strengthened Janakpur’s regional accessibility.

Madhesh Identity and Federal Nepal

Political movements in Nepal’s southern plains have repeatedly emphasised representation, citizenship, language, inclusion and recognition of the distinctive Madheshi population and its historical links with the wider Terai. Nepal’s federal restructuring created Province No. 2 in 2015, and the province adopted the name Madhesh Province in 2022. This contemporary identity exists alongside strong Maithili, Bhojpuri, Tharu, Urdu and Nepali affiliations. Understanding these layered identities helps visitors see the province as a culturally interconnected borderland rather than simply Nepal’s southern administrative strip.

Province No. 2 in Photos

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Evendo - Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Province No. 2, Nepal

Discover Province No. 2 with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more. Plan your trip effortlessly!

  • Comprehensive guide to attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, and restaurants
  • Detailed descriptions, images, and local tips for each location
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
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Evendo is your all-in-one travel companion for exploring Province No. 2, Nepal. Discover attractions, book tours, and experience the local culture effortlessly with our free app.

  • History and travel essentials for Province No. 2
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near me' feature
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases

Imagine embarking on a journey to the vibrant and culturally rich Province No. 2 in Nepal. With Evendo, your travel experience is elevated to new heights. This app-based travel guide offers a comprehensive look at all the must-see attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities.

Explore iconic landmarks such as the Janaki Mandir, a stunning Hindu temple in Janakpur, and the Chitwan National Park, known for its diverse wildlife. Savor local flavors at renowned eateries like the Mithila Restaurant, offering traditional Nepali cuisine, and the Tharu Community Homestay, which provides an authentic cultural dining experience.

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With features like a history guide, travel essentials, curated local tips, and easy navigation, Evendo ensures you make the most of your trip. The 'Near me' feature allows you to discover nearby attractions no matter where you are, making your journey more spontaneous and exciting. And the best part? Evendo is 100% free to use, with no in-app purchases or hidden costs.

Not only does Evendo cover Province No. 2, but it also provides travel guides for over 7,000 destinations worldwide. So, whether you're exploring Nepal or planning your next global adventure, Evendo has got you covered.

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