Town or village · 75 m
Rajbiraj
The headquarters of Saptari district, a planned Terai town laid out on a grid around the Rajdevi temple.
Chitwan & Teraiकंकालिनी मन्दिर
Kankalini Temple
A popular goddess temple near Bhardaha in eastern Saptari, crowded with pilgrims during Dashain.
- Altitude
- 75 m*
- Best months
- Oct-Mar
- Type
- Temple, monastery or heritage site
- District
- Saptari, Madhesh
- Permit
- None needed
Higher seasonal exposure: flooding (Jun-Sep).
Why go
Kankalini Temple is a shrine to the goddess Kankalini, a form of Durga, near Bhardaha in the east of Saptari district, not far from the Koshi river and the Indian border. It is one of the most visited temples of the eastern Terai, drawing worshippers from across Saptari, Sunsari, Siraha and neighbouring Bihar.
The temple stands in a compound with smaller shrines, bells and stalls selling offerings. On ordinary days the atmosphere is relaxed, with families stopping to pray and to make offerings for health and good fortune. During Dashain, and particularly on the eighth and ninth days, the crowds become very large and the roads leading to the temple are lined with fair stalls.
A visit to Kankalini combines naturally with the Koshi Barrage nearby, and with Rajbiraj and Chhinnamasta Bhagawati elsewhere in the district. It can also be reached from Biratnagar or Itahari across the Koshi.
History and culture
Local tradition holds that the image of the goddess was found in the ground by villagers, after which the temple was established and grew into a regional pilgrimage site. The details of the story and the date of the discovery vary between accounts.
Goddess worship is central to religious life in the Mithila and eastern Terai region, and Kankalini is regarded as a powerful protective deity. Offerings of flowers, coconuts, red cloth and, by tradition, animals are made at the temple.
The temple's growth into a major pilgrimage destination reflects the improvement of roads in eastern Saptari and the importance of the nearby Koshi crossing.
Things to do in Kankalini Temple
Temple visit
Visit in the morning to see local worship before the heat builds.
Dashain fair
Come on the eighth or ninth day of Dashain for the festival crowds.
Koshi Barrage
Continue to the barrage across the Koshi river nearby.
Weather and the best time to visit Kankalini Temple
Weather in Kankalini Temple
Forecast for 75 m. Conditions change fast in the mountains.
Weather data: MET Norway, licensed CC BY 4.0. A forecast, not a guarantee.
Best time to visit
Oct-Mar
- Good month: Jan
- Good month: Feb
- Good month: Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Good month: Oct
- Good month: Nov
- Good month: Dec
- Autumn (Sep-Nov)
- October brings Dashain and the biggest crowds; November is calmer and pleasant.
- Winter (Dec-Feb)
- December to February is cool with dense fog in the mornings.
- Spring (Mar-May)
- March includes Chaite Dashain; April and May are very hot.
- Monsoon (Jun-Aug)
- June to September is wet, and the Koshi area is prone to flooding.
Where to stay
HotelsGuesthouses
Simple lodging may be available nearby; Rajbiraj, Itahari and Biratnagar have more choice.
No partner stays are listed here yet. List a property.
Getting there
Kankalini Temple is reached by road from the East-West Highway near the Koshi crossing, or from Rajbiraj.
Nearest hub: Biratnagar
- roadFrom the East-West Highway near the Koshi, local roads lead south towards Bhardaha and the temple.
- roadFrom Rajbiraj by jeep, taxi or local bus.
- flightKathmandu to Biratnagar by scheduled flight, then by road west across the Koshi.
Permits and fees
None needed
No permit is needed to visit the temple.
Verify before travel: permit rules and fees change. Checked 2026-10-08 against Saptari District, Wikipedia.
Risks and conditions
Seasonal risks around Kankalini Temple
What this place is typically exposed to, and when. These are seasonal patterns, not a report on conditions now.
Floodinghigh in a typical yearJun-Sep
The Koshi and its tributaries flood large areas of eastern Saptari in heavy monsoon rain between June and September.
Heatmoderate in a typical yearApr-Jun
April to June is the hot season in the Terai, with daytime temperatures that make midday sightseeing tiring; travel early or late in the day.
Coldlow in a typical yearDec-Jan
In December and January dense fog and cold spells are common in the eastern Terai.
Check current conditions before you travel
Roads, trails, passes and flights change with the weather and with roadworks, and nothing on this page describes conditions today. Before you set off, check the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology for weather and flood warnings, the Nepal Disaster Risk Reduction Portal for incidents, and the local authority, police or your licensed operator for road, trail and flight status.
Practical tips
- Dress modestly and remove shoes in the shrine.
- During Dashain, expect very heavy crowds and keep valuables secure.
- Ask before photographing rituals.
Questions about Kankalini Temple
Where is Kankalini Temple?
Near Bhardaha in eastern Saptari district, close to the Koshi river.
When is the temple busiest?
During Dashain, especially the eighth and ninth days, and Chaite Dashain.
Do I need a permit?
No permit is needed.
Nearby
National park or conservation area
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
A wetland reserve on the Sapta Koshi floodplain, home to Nepal's last wild water buffalo and known for its birdlife.
Temple, monastery or heritage site · 70 m
Chhinnamasta Bhagawati Temple
An important goddess temple in southern Saptari, dedicated to Chhinnamasta and known locally as Sakhada Bhagawati.
Town or village · 310 m
Dharan
A lively foothill city where the plains meet the Mahabharat hills, with hilltop temples, Gurkha heritage and the road up to Bhedetar.
Editorial draft: facts are being checked against the sources below. Last checked 2026-10-08. Sources: Saptari District, Wikipedia, Kosi Barrage, Wikipedia