Darbhanga (Maithili and Hindi: दरभंगा) is a city in the northern part of Bihar, India. A part of Gangetic plains of the north India, Darbhanga is located just around 50km from Nepal. The city is known for its association with Darbhanga Royal family - one of the richest landowners of the country during British Raj. The city and places around are very active culturally and politically but one of the poorest in India based on almost all social indicators.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Darbhanga (duhr-bhung-gah) is a place known for its cultural traditions in music and it is home to the well-known Darbhanga tradition of Dhrupad singing. Some of the important artistes from this tradition include Pt. Ramchatur Mallik, Pt. Siyaram Tiwari, Pt. Vidur Mallik and others. Most of the famous singers of this ancient classical tradition now stay in the bigger Indian cities and there is not much you can do to explore this heritage. Darbhanga is also known for its mangoes, especially Maldah variety. It is said that Mughal emperor Akbar planted around 50,000 mango trees Darbhanga and it started a tradition of mango plantation in this region.
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 not a small city and you have to take any means of transport around and see places of attraction.
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.
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. Fulwari. The orchard of the old Darbhanga dynasty, located in Chatariya village about a kilometer away from Kadirabad at the banks of Adhwara river. An ancient village of rich cultured of Mithila is known as Purushottampur alias Chataria. Later on the nick name Chataria was popularly accepeted by the region.
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.
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 of the places you can do so. Other important drink is sattu mixed with water and sugar or salt.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
In Oct, Darbhanga typically sees ~31°C daytime highs and 9 rainy days.
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