Photo: Rishi Raj / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
📍 Begusarai, North Bihar, Bihar
A revered Ganga pilgrimage ghat near Barauni in Begusarai, believed to be the tapobhumi of King Janaka of Mithila. Every year it hosts a month-long Kalpvas Mela on the riverbank, drawing thousands of devotees for ritual bathing and austerity. It is also the birthplace of the great Hindi poet Ramdhari Singh 'Dinkar', adding literary pride to its spiritual fame.
Simaria Dham is a sacred stretch of the Ganga riverbank near Barauni in Begusarai district, long revered as a place of pilgrimage and penance. Tradition holds it to be the tapobhumi (place of austerity) of King Janaka of Mithila, and legend traces the origins of its famous fair to the era of the Videha kings.
The ghat is best known for its month-long Kalpvas Mela, when devotees camp on the riverbank through the holy month, bathe daily in the Ganga and observe strict spiritual discipline; an Ardh Kumbh has also been held here. The nearby village of Simaria is the birthplace of the celebrated national poet Ramdhari Singh 'Dinkar' (born 1908), and a memorial in his honour draws literary visitors.
October to March, especially during the Kalpvas Mela (Kartik month) and on Ganga-related festivals like Kartik Purnima.
Wildlife & Sanctuaries Asia's largest freshwater oxbow lake and Bihar's first Ramsar site, a shimmering wetland near Manjhaul in Begusarai. In winter it hosts tens of thousands of migratory waterbirds along the Central Asian Flyway, with over 200 bird species recorded. A paradise for birdwatchers and photographers, best explored by boat at dawn.
A large wildlife sanctuary in the hills of southern Munger district, famous for its cluster of natural hot springs — among the hottest in Bihar at 52–65 °C. Dense forest shelters leopards, deer, wild boar and rich birdlife. The remote, unspoilt setting makes it a rewarding destination for wildlife and nature enthusiasts.
Forts & Palaces A historic riverside fort on the south bank of the Ganga, built across a rocky projection and once a stronghold of medieval rulers. It served as a base for Mir Qasim, the Nawab of Bengal, in the 18th century. Within its walls lie old gateways, palaces, tombs and colonialera buildings alongside fine views of the river.
A revered natural hot spring near Munger, linked in legend to Sita's fire ordeal (agni pariksha) from the Ramayana. The main warm spring is surrounded by cooler pools named Ram, Lakshman, Bharat and Shatrughna Kund. Its geothermal waters are believed to have healing properties, drawing pilgrims and visitors alike.
