Muzaffarpur is a sub-metropolitan city located in Muzaffarpur district in the Tirhut region of Bihar. It is situated on the banks of the perennial Burhi Gandak River, which flows from the Someshwar Hills of Himalayas. It also serves as the headquarters of Tirhut division, Muzaffarpur district and the Muzaffarpur Railway District. It is the fourth most populous city in Bihar.
In 1972 both Sitamarhi and Vaishali districts were split off from Muzaffarpur.
The significance of Muzaffarpur in Indian civilisation arises out of its position on the frontier line between prominent spiritual influences, and it is a meeting place of Hindu and Islamic culture and thoughts. Muzaffarpur fostered political leaders and statesmen alike, among whom were Rajendra Prasad, George Fernandes and J. B. Kripalani. The vernacular language of the region is Bajjika, as per the linguist George Grierson; some people call it Vajjika, derived from the language of the Vajji confederation.
Muzaffarpur is famous for Shahi lychees and is known as the Lychee Kingdom. The lychee crop, which is available from May to June, is mainly cultivated in the districts of Muzaffarpur and surrounding districts. Cultivation of litchi covers approximately an area of about 25,800 hectares producing about 300,000 tonnes every year. Litchi are exported to big cities of India like Bombay, Kolkata, and even to other countries. India's share in the world litchi market amounts to less than 1%. The names of the litchi produced in Muzaffarpur are Shahi and China. The fruits are known for excellent aroma and quality.
Connectivity
Muzaffarpur Junction railway station is a main railway junction, with two suburban stations, Ram Dayalu Nagar and Narayanpur Anant (Sherpur). It is well connected to major cities of Bihar like Patna, Bhagalpur, Gaya, and Darbhanga.
Jayaprakash Narayan International airport in Patna is the closest airport to Muzaffarpur. It is 76kms away.