Muzaffarpur, a city in Bihar, is well known for its litchis, especially the Shahi variety which will join the other unique products from the place that include its special variant mango (jardalu), rice (katarni) and paan (magahi). Situated on the banks of the Burhi Gandak River, a perennial river that flows from the Himalayas, Muzaffarpur is of relevance because of its position as the melting pot between two cultures, Hinduism and Islamic. The place has given political stalwarts such as Rajendra Prasad, India’s first President, George Fernandes, the fiery labour leader and Kripalani, the philosopher. There are several places to visit in Muzaffarpur and these will now be discussed.

Muzaffarpur is among the leaders in the production of litchis and its popular litchi gardens. A combined 3 lakh tonnes of litchi are produced by the district annually. A visit to one of these litchi gardens in May and June will give you the taste of some of the best litchis you would have tasted in your life. Some of the more popular gardens include Bochaha, Jhapaha and Mushahari. The cultivation of this excellent fruit is spread over more than 25,000 hectares which produces approximately 300,000 tonnes annually. However, India’s share in the world market for litchis is only 1%.

Ambara Chowk in Muzaffarpur District is located in its Saraiya Block. The chowk is said to be the home of one of the most talked about courtesans of all times, Amrapali who was the courtesan of Vaishali nearby. The chowk is located some 40 km from Muzaffarpur and you may need to seek the help of the local people to find the exact location. However, the area is quite nice and the walk is pleasant. It is a good idea to walk about in this area and feel the local pulse. 

The Durgaasthan Mandir is located in proper Muzaffarpur town. It has a great presence and you will find enough space to park your vehicle near the temple. There is also adequate space for visitors to stay in the area. Visitors who come to this temple during the Durga Puja period state that the celebration of the puja is carried out in a grand style. It is a good temple to visit while in Muzaffarpur. The best option is of course to visit the place during festive season. 

Ramna’s Tripur Sundari temple is one temple that attracts devotees by the thousands. This is mainly owing to the aesthetic beauty of this grand temple which was built by Sri Umashankar Prasad, a wealthy man who had this temple constructed on 28 June 1941. The temple is also known as Devi Temple and here you will find the idol mesmerizing. Visitors comment that the environment around the temple is peaceful and pious. The temple is said to radiate piety and goodwill.

The Jubba Sahni Park is a park meant for children which is situated in Muzaffarpur’s Mithanpura area. The park, named after India’s great freedom fighter, Jubba Sahni, is one of the favourite parks among tourists and locals alike. What makes the park likeable is the way it has been maintained. It is clean and spotless. When you are tired and wish to rest, this is a good place to put your feet up and relax. The park is also easy to access and locate even if you are new to the area. 

Rajkhand is located around 5 km from Aurai Block Headquarters in the district of Muzaffarpur. Popular for its temple known as Bhairav Nath and its annual cattle fair, tourists can take the opportunity to visit other attractions located nearby. Some of these are Radha Krishna temple and Ramna Gurudwara besides Hathilwa Math and Badi Masjid. The cattle fair is held during Mahashivratri festival and it is a good idea if one could time one’s visit during this occasion.

Baba Garibnath Temple, which is located in the heart of Muzaffarpur is surely a famous one among the thousands of temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is said that a Shiva Lingam was found located within a huge banyan tree within the premises of the temple. This lingam was discovered while the tree was being cut in order to clean the general area of the temple. According to local folklore, one Baba Garibnath appeared in the dreams of the landlord and asked the landlord to initiate regular worship of the lingam.

History buffs will love the Ram Chandra Shahi Museum. Constructed in 1979 very near to the Jubba Sahni Park this museum showcases exhibits that relate to diverse subjects. Some of these are ancient utensils, ornate statues of Ashtadikpal and Manasa Nag besides artefacts. Visitors are overawed with these and many other exhibits. The museum is also well known for its excellent philatelic collection of some very rare postage stamps. Though the museum is not very large, it is still worthy of a visit.

The Chaturbhuj Sthan Temple of Muzaffarpur is well known for its faith and spirituality. The temple had its beginning when a large idol of Lord Chaturbhuj was discovered in Turki village. However, the idol truly gained prominence when a Shiva Lingam was brought to a location under a tree in Muzaffarpur from Turki and worshipped along with Lord Chaturbhuj. This happened because of a saint, a Shiva worshipper who had a dream wherein he was asked by Lord Chaturbhuj to place the lingam near his idol. The temple is magnificent and beautiful.

Constructed in 1932 by the Maharaja of Darbhanga, Kamlesh Singh, this impressive Kali Mata Temple has been a beacon of faith and worship and firm belief in Ma. The temple worships a woman, for whose darshan devotees come in large numbers from far and wide. According to local folklore an old lady who lived inside a hut located nearby, meditated for long periods and ultimately took her Samadhi on the seventeenth day of Navratra at this spot. The location has now acquired the name of Simri Mai and is treated as a Lokpeeth.