Where is Mithila Art Centre, Janakpur?

Mithila Art Centre, Janakpur is in Dhanusha district, Madhesh Province, in the Terai belt of Nepal.

How much does it cost to visit Mithila Art Centre, Janakpur?

Mithila Art Centre, Janakpur is in or right next to Janakpur, so it is an easy day visit. Budget for a taxi there and back (about NPR 600–1,500, US$5–11) and meals (NPR 1,000–2,500, US$8–19 per person). If you stay in Janakpur, rooms cost about NPR 1,500 / US$11–NPR 4,500 / US$33 a night.

How many days do I need for Mithila Art Centre, Janakpur?

Half a day to a full day is enough; it is a short ride from central Janakpur.

Do I need a permit or ticket for Mithila Art Centre, Janakpur?

No special permit or ticket is normally needed.

When is the best time to visit Mithila Art Centre, Janakpur?

October–March; after Tihar for painted walls

How do I get to Mithila Art Centre, Janakpur?

Short rickshaw ride south of central Janakpur. It is about 3 km (straight line) from Janakpur.

Mithila Art Centre, Janakpur

Name: Mithila Art Centre, Janakpur
Address: Dhanusha, Madhesh Province, NP

Village & culture TeraiHidden gem1 min readUpdated: October 2026

In Nepali: मिथिला कला केन्द्र, जनकपुर · Also known as: Janakpur Women's Development Centre · Madhubani painting · मिथिला चित्रकला

Mithila Art Centre, Janakpur, Dhanusha — Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Watch women artists paint the bright, line-filled Mithila style that once decorated only village walls.

Mithila painting is a tradition of the women of the Maithili-speaking plains. Painted on house walls for weddings and festivals, its bold outlines, patterns and figures of gods, fish, birds and village life are now also made on paper, cloth and pottery.

The Janakpur Women's Development Centre at Kupatole, just south of the city, trains and employs local women artists. Visitors can watch them at work and buy directly from them. In villages around Janakpur you may still see freshly painted walls, especially after Tihar and weddings.

What to see and do

Watch artists at work on paintings, papier-mâché, ceramics and textiles; each piece uses traditional motifs — fish for fertility, peacocks, elephants, the sun and moon, and scenes of daily life and festivals. The centre's shop sells directly, so income goes to the artists.

In villages around Janakpur, especially after Tihar and during weddings, walls and courtyards are freshly painted in bold colours; ask permission before photographing homes.

Good to know

Prices are fixed and fair. Paintings roll up easily for travel. Morning visits are best to see work in progress.

Quick answers

Where is Mithila Art Centre, Janakpur?: Mithila Art Centre, Janakpur is in Dhanusha district, Madhesh Province, in the Terai belt of Nepal.
How much does it cost to visit Mithila Art Centre, Janakpur?: Mithila Art Centre, Janakpur is in or right next to Janakpur, so it is an easy day visit. Budget for a taxi there and back (about NPR 600–1,500, US$5–11) and meals (NPR 1,000–2,500, US$8–19 per person). If you stay in Janakpur, rooms cost about NPR 1,500 / US$11–NPR 4,500 / US$33 a night.
How many days do I need for Mithila Art Centre, Janakpur?: Half a day to a full day is enough; it is a short ride from central Janakpur.
Do I need a permit or ticket for Mithila Art Centre, Janakpur?: No special permit or ticket is normally needed.
When is the best time to visit Mithila Art Centre, Janakpur?: October–March; after Tihar for painted walls
How do I get to Mithila Art Centre, Janakpur?: Short rickshaw ride south of central Janakpur. It is about 3 km (straight line) from Janakpur.
What is Mithila Art Centre, Janakpur called in Nepali?: मिथिला कला केन्द्र, जनकपुर