Motihari, Bihar City Guide: Where To Go, Stay, Eat, And shop in India’s best city. [Updated-2025]

Motihari, Bihar City Guide: Where To Go, Stay, Eat, And shop in India’s best city. 

Motihari, Bihar

Motihari is a historically significant town and the district headquarters of East Champaran in Bihar. It is best known as the place where Mahatma Gandhi launched the Champaran Satyagraha in 1917, marking the beginning of India’s freedom movement. The town also has a connection with George Orwell, the famous British author of 1984 and Animal Farm, who was born here. Today, Motihari is a growing educational, agricultural, and trade hub in North Bihar.

1. Location & Geography

• Located in northern Bihar, near the India-Nepal border.
• Situated 150 km north of Patna and 85 km east of Bettiah.
• Lies on NH-27, which connects it to major cities like Patna, Muzaffarpur, and Gorakhpur.
• The Gandak River flows nearby, supporting agriculture.

2. Historical Significance

Champaran Satyagraha (1917)

• Mahatma Gandhi started his first civil disobedience movement (Satyagraha) here to protest against British indigo planters who exploited local farmers.
• The Gandhi Memorial (Satyagraha Park and Stambh) commemorates this historic event.

George Orwell’s Birthplace

• Motihari is the birthplace of George Orwell, the famous author of 1984 and Animal Farm.
• His ancestral house is now a heritage site.

3. Economy & Industries

• Agriculture:
  • Major crops: Paddy, wheat, maize, sugarcane, and pulses.
  • Known for litchi and mango orchards.
• Sugar & Jute Industry:
  • Presence of sugar mills and small-scale jute processing units.
• Trade & Commerce:
  • A key business hub for local and cross-border trade with Nepal.
• Tourism:
  • Gandhi-related heritage sites and natural attractions drive tourism.

4. Education & Institutions

• Mahatma Gandhi Central University (MGCU): A central university established in 2016.
• Dr. S. K. Sinha Women’s College & M.S. College: Leading higher education institutions.
• Several government and private schools following CBSE and Bihar Board curricula.

5. Tourist & Cultural Attractions

• Gandhi Memorial (Satyagraha Park & Stambh): Built to honor Gandhi’s Champaran movement.
• George Orwell’s Birthplace Museum: A heritage site dedicated to the famous writer.
• Kesariya Stupa: The largest Buddhist stupa in the world, located about 55 km from Motihari.
• Areraj Someshwar Nath Temple: A sacred Shiva temple attracting pilgrims.
• Lake Town (Motijheel): A beautiful lake area for relaxation and boating.

6. Connectivity & Transport

• By Road:
  • Lies on NH-27, well-connected to Patna, Muzaffarpur, and Gorakhpur.
  • Regular bus and taxi services available.
• By Rail:
  • Motihari Railway Station (Bapudham Motihari – BMKI) is on the Delhi-Guwahati route, with trains to Patna, Kolkata, and Delhi.
• By Air:
  • The nearest airport is Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport, Patna (155 km away).