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The Darbhanga Fort or Ram Bagh Fort is a must-visit historical site that is located in the state of Bihar, India. Darbhanga Fort was built in the 17th century by the Khandwala dynasty, which prevailed in the region’s Mughal period. The fort acted as a residence for the dynasty, and hence was erected with the aim of both aesthetics and utility. Its wall paintings exhibit a mix of cultures like that of the Mughals and the Rajputs with their rich ornamental designs and extensive courtyards add to the beauty of the Darbhanga Fort and provide a window into the life of the Darbhanga royal family.
Location
Photo: RANJEET KUMAR / Wikimedia Commons
Darbhanga Fort, or Ram Bagh Fort, is situated in the city of Darbhanga in the state of Bihar, India. Constructed during the 18th century by Maharaja Lakshmeshwar Singh of the Khandwala dynasty, the fort encompasses an area of around 85 acres constituting fortified enclosures of architecturally rich walls. The fort’s importance in history is furthered through its function as a centre of attraction during many events and festivals held to promote the culture embedded in the fort.
How To Reach Darbhanga Fort
Photo: ElvishRoy99 / Wikimedia Commons
There are multiple ways to get to Darbhanga fort, which is located in Darbhanga city in Bihar.
- By Air: The closest Airport is Patna Airport, which is about 130 Km away. Patna also allows one to take a taxi or a bus to reach Darbhanga which would take about 3–4 hours.
- By Train: Darbhanga Junction is the closest railway station and it is well-connected to other key cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Patna and many others. After reaching the station, one can take a taxi or the local transport to the Fort, which is about 3 Km from the station.
- By Road: There are roads from different cities in Bihar to Darbhanga. One can also self-drive or take a taxi from the nearby towns. Darbhanga is also well-connected to other places by local buses, which renders easy access to the fort.
- Local Transport: When you reach Darbhanga, there are auto-rickshaws or cycle rickshaws to take you around for short distances, including the fort.
Places To Visit Around Darbhanga Fort
Darbhanga Fort is surrounded by several other attractions, further enhancing the enjoyment of the tourists.
1. Shyama Mai Temple
Photo: Mumbaipsytrance / Wikimedia Commons
Shyama Mai Temple or Rameshwari Shyama Mai Temple is an important place of worship situated in Darbhanga, Bihar. The shrine has a beautiful and gigantic idol of Maa Kali with Mahakal and Ganapati on either side of her. The temple is said to have a lot of energy and vivacity all year round but most especially during the festival of Navratri. And this is the case with this temple where newly married couples can go to ask for a blessing, and even have a wedding ceremony, which is something odd because normally pairs do not step on a cremation ground for a year after getting married.
Location: Approximately 2 km from Darbhanga Railway Station
Best Time To Visit: Early morning or evening
Entry Fee: Free
2. Chandradhari Museum
Photo: ElvishRoy99 / Wikimedia Commons
Chandradhari Museum, founded in the year 1957 and situated in the city of Darbhanga in Bihar state, is a rich storehouse for historical and cultural artifacts. The museum is named after Babu Chandradhari Singh, a famous zamindar whose collection is the major part of the exhibits in the museum. The museum has eleven gallery halls and rooms displaying a variety of objects, impressive Mithila paintings, old currency, and artistic stones. In particular, there are exotic brass figures in the Indian, Nepalese, and Tibetan styles, and highly artistic mini pictures on the themes of Ramayana and Krishna Leela.
Location: Near Mansarovar Lake, Darbhanga, Bihar
Timings: 10 AM to 4 PM; closed on Mondays
Entry Fee: Free
3. Kusheshwar Asthan Bird Sanctuary
Photo: Charles J. Sharp / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Kusheshwar Asthan Bird Sanctuary, situated approximately 30 km away from Darbhanga in the state of Bihar, is embraced by nature lovers and also by bird-watching enthusiasts. Encompassing an area of nearly 7,019 acres, the sanctuary also features areas of wetlands that are inhabited by numerous migratory and native bird species. Above all, the sanctuary is renowned for the presence of the endangered Sarus crane along with other species like ducks, waders, and birds of prey. The unique climatic conditions prevailing within this area enable the presence of a variety of plant and animal species. Visitors can enjoy strolls beside the water bodies, indulging in bird watching at the same time.
Location: Kusheshwar Asthan block, approximately 30 km from Darbhanga
Timings: Open year-round
Entry Fee: Free
4. Ahilya Sthan
Photo: AbhiRiksh / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Ahilya Sthan is a temple situated in Ahiyari village of Darbhanga district, roughly 12 km away from the heart of Darbhanga town. This place is also believed to hold great mythical significance as a pilgrimage centre. It is regarded as the bond of the sage Gautama Maharishi’s wife, whom Lord Rama rescues after turning her into a rock due to the sage’s curse. This Ahalya temple in the picture was built in 1635 AD, during the time of Chhatra Singh king of Darbhanga Raj. The location is calm and quiet with a wonderful temple complex where statues of Ahilya, Maharshi Gautama and Lord Rama are present.
Location: Ahiyari village, about 12 km from Darbhanga Fort
Best Time To Visit: Early morning or evening
Entry Fee: Free
5. Deku Dhaam
Photo: Ministry of Railways / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Deku Dhaam, with its location in Darbhanga, Bihar, is one of the worship places that offer a peaceful ambiance and impressive building designs. This temple complex is famous among tourists and is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and many devotees visit it in search of peace. The place is also noted for its calm atmosphere, which makes it a perfect place for contemplation. The temple has many sculptures and carvings that depict the various cultures of the region. Most tourists take part in activities like performing the rites as well as prayers that are especially intensively performed during the festivals, which adds to the spirituality of the place.
Location: Approximately 10 km from Darbhanga city centre
Timings: 5 AM to 12 PM and 4 PM to 8 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Where To Eat
Photo: Mukul9621 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Near the Darbhanga Fort, tourists can experience the taste of a wide range of local dishes that are rich in the culinary traditions of the region. The street and local restaurants serve Litti Chokha and Kheer Makhana, almost always with Sattu ka Sharbat or the rather well-known cream and nuts lassi, Dhamaka. Bihar Restaurant and Mithila Restaurant are welcoming places for anyone searching for Bihari authentic food, including Mughlai kebabs and nihari dishes. For a cheaper and more relaxed option, food stalls near Tower Chowk serve local comfort food snacks like Chura-Dahi and fish bites.
Where To Stay
Photo: Chad Davis / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
While exploring the wonders of Darbhanga Fort, there are several lodging choices available within proximity that can accommodate different preferences and budgets. One of the options is Hotel Deep Jyoti, which is a perfect stay for families and solo travellers with its cosy rooms and other modern facilities. Likewise, Mithila Residency is equally attractive with friendly service as well as its location near most of the places of interest in the area, thus making it ideal for tourist visits. On the other hand, in case one wants to stay with as few expenses as possible, Hotel Shree Ram offers no-frills rooms with the very basic of services.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: RANJEET KUMAR / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The ideal time for travellers to visit Darbhanga Fort is from October to March. This is because, in these months, the weather in Darbhanga is quite chilly and enjoyable, thus perfect for sightseeing as well as for examining the various historical and architectural aspects of the fort. One can even appreciate the beauty of the fort structure during the winter months without the extra discomfort of being highly active, unlike in the summer where heat and humidity levels are quite high. Moreover, this season is also favourable for visiting other destinations, attending events, and partaking in various activities offered in and outside Darbhanga.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Pravinjha (talk | contribs) / Wikimedia Commons
Here are some factors to consider while you plan your trip to Darbhanga Fort.
Average Cost Of Trip: The average expenditure incurred to go to Darbhanga Fort is dependent on many elements such as transport, lodging facilities, food, and recreational activities. Here is how it works:
Transportation
- Train: The two-way train ticket from different cities like Patna to Darbhanga costs approximately between ₹200 to ₹600 depending on the class of travel, which is especially true for major cities.
- Bus: Bus tickets from Delhi city to Darbhanga for example commence at about ₹999 to luxurious ones priced up to ₹4,0991.
- Local Transport: Auto-rickshaws or taxi rides from the railway station to the fort should range around ₹100-₹300.
Accommodation: Prices for hotels in the vicinity of the fort fall between ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 per night depending on the facilities offered and also the location.
Meals: A typical local meal is generally within the prices of ₹200 to meals worth ₹500 per person.
In case of a day trip or stay overnight, expect to incur a cost of around ₹2000-₹7000 per individual. This amount is however subject to change depending on personal preferences and travel choices.
Tips For Travellers
- Dress Comfortably: Don’t forget to bring along comfortable attire that you can easily move around in as you explore the vast sections of the fort.
- Stay Hydrated: Bring along water bottles, more so when it is summer.
- Respect Local Customs: Take into consideration the customs in place, especially in temples and when dealing with the locals.
- Photography: Take photos to preserve some nice memories but remember to ask people first if you want to take a picture of them.
Darbhanga Fort is one of the historical places in Bihar that shows the historical significance along with the architectural finesse of the state. There are other attractions located in the vicinity, therefore a trip to Darbhanga Fort will surely be worth the time and effort. It is fair to say that history lovers, as well as those who simply wish to spend their time in beautiful places, will find Darbhanga Fort is worth a visit in their travel plans when touring Bihar with TripXL.
Cover Photo: sweta04 / Wikimedia Commons
