Patna travel guide
Patna Tourism | Patna Guide
You're Going to Love Patna
Famous for its exquisite rice, Bihar's capital city buzzes with energy. Long a center of the Magadha Kingdom, Patna boasts historic places, great food, and day trips to entertain anyone who visits.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Patna
1. Ancient Historic Sites
In ancient times, Patna was known as Pataliputra, and it was one of the world's largest cities. Nowadays, you can tour the city's ruins and see artifacts from its palaces in the excellent Patna Museum.
2. Engaging Museums and Artistic Attractions
There are plenty of other museums to visit too, not least the Bihar Museum, which has a superb sculpture collection, and the Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Library with its ancient Persian manuscripts.
3. Sample Some Delicious Specialties from Bihar
Try Bihari delicacies like kadhi bari dumplings in hot sauce, khichdi vegetable curries, or distinctive mutton kebabs.
4. Shop for Artistic Souvenirs and Fabrics
Places like Ajanta are treasure troves of traditional Madhubani art, while you'll also find colorful Sujini quilts and delicately lacquered boxes.
5. There Are Some Superb Day Trips from Patna
When you stay in Patna you can easily reach Bodh Gaya - the famous spot where Buddha achieved enlightenment, as well as the gardens of Rajgir, and the Nepali border isn't far away either.
What to do in Patna
1. Discover Ancient Pataliputra
Located approximately 5 kilometers from Patna, Kumrahar provides a deep and detailed insight into the lively history of India and bears witness to the rich culture of ancient Pataliputra. Currently, this site is filled with the Mauryan palace archaeological remains. The Mauryan pillared hall was brought to light in an early excavation that took place between 1912-1915. View ancient utensils, copper coins, stone and terracotta beads, ornaments and more.
2. Encounter Unique Art
Located right in the heart of the city center, the Patna Museum is filled with 45,000 unique and historic artifacts. It was built in the year 1917 and is recognized as the city's oldest museum. The museum's construction features notable styles of architecture in a design by renowned architects Mughal and Rajput. All the thousands of artifacts cannot be displayed due to space constraints. The museum's floors are divided into various galleries, including the stone sculpture, natural history, and Indian stone art galleries. Let your mind wander into the past with the magnificent displays, sculptures, and paintings within the Patna Museum.
3. Climb Atop Unmatched Beauty
Featuring a close resemblance to the Stupa style of architecture, Golghar is indeed a one-of-a-kind structure. It was built by a skilled architect by the name of Captain John Garstin to act as a granary. It is 125 meters wide, 29 meters high and the wall at the base is a stupendous 3.6 meters thick due to the pillar-less construction. Golghar held the title of the tallest building in its day. To get to the top of the granary, you have to ascend the 'endless' flight of steps. The view from the top of the town and the majestic Ganges is delightful.
4. Travel Back In Time
Situated strategically next to the banks of the River Ganges, the Jalan Museum was built in 1919. Established by the businessman and art collector Diwan Bahadur Radha Krishna Jalan, it was constructed in an English and Dutch style of architecture. Before embarking on its construction, Jalan acquired a section of the Quila Fort to house his collection. Today that collection includes furniture, sculptures, stone idols, glass, terracotta, porcelain and ivory artifacts. As the Jalan Museum is privately owned, it is necessary to make a booking prior to your visit.
5. Mingle With Nature
Otherwise known as Patna Zoo, the Sanjay Gandhi Botanical Garden covers a total of 153 acres, making it one of the country's biggest zoos. It was founded in 1969 and serves as home to over 110 wild animal species, a total of approximately 800 animals in all, including tigers, lions, bears, rhinos, peacocks and many more. There are also over 300 species of trees, herbs, and other plants. This is a family-friendly attraction complete with a miniature railway and boating for the children.
1. Discover Ancient Pataliputra
Located approximately 5 kilometers from Patna, Kumrahar provides a deep and detailed insight into the lively history of India and bears witness to the rich culture of ancient Pataliputra. Currently, this site is filled with the Mauryan palace archaeological remains. The Mauryan pillared hall was brought to light in an early excavation that took place between 1912-1915. View ancient utensils, copper coins, stone and terracotta beads, ornaments and more.
2. Encounter Unique Art
Located right in the heart of the city center, the Patna Museum is filled with 45,000 unique and historic artifacts. It was built in the year 1917 and is recognized as the city's oldest museum. The museum's construction features notable styles of architecture in a design by renowned architects Mughal and Rajput. All the thousands of artifacts cannot be displayed due to space constraints. The museum's floors are divided into various galleries, including the stone sculpture, natural history, and Indian stone art galleries. Let your mind wander into the past with the magnificent displays, sculptures, and paintings within the Patna Museum.
3. Climb Atop Unmatched Beauty
Featuring a close resemblance to the Stupa style of architecture, Golghar is indeed a one-of-a-kind structure. It was built by a skilled architect by the name of Captain John Garstin to act as a granary. It is 125 meters wide, 29 meters high and the wall at the base is a stupendous 3.6 meters thick due to the pillar-less construction. Golghar held the title of the tallest building in its day. To get to the top of the granary, you have to ascend the 'endless' flight of steps. The view from the top of the town and the majestic Ganges is delightful.
4. Travel Back In Time
Situated strategically next to the banks of the River Ganges, the Jalan Museum was built in 1919. Established by the businessman and art collector Diwan Bahadur Radha Krishna Jalan, it was constructed in an English and Dutch style of architecture. Before embarking on its construction, Jalan acquired a section of the Quila Fort to house his collection. Today that collection includes furniture, sculptures, stone idols, glass, terracotta, porcelain and ivory artifacts. As the Jalan Museum is privately owned, it is necessary to make a booking prior to your visit.
5. Mingle With Nature
Otherwise known as Patna Zoo, the Sanjay Gandhi Botanical Garden covers a total of 153 acres, making it one of the country's biggest zoos. It was founded in 1969 and serves as home to over 110 wild animal species, a total of approximately 800 animals in all, including tigers, lions, bears, rhinos, peacocks and many more. There are also over 300 species of trees, herbs, and other plants. This is a family-friendly attraction complete with a miniature railway and boating for the children.
1. Discover Ancient Pataliputra
Located approximately 5 kilometers from Patna, Kumrahar provides a deep and detailed insight into the lively history of India and bears witness to the rich culture of ancient Pataliputra. Currently, this site is filled with the Mauryan palace archaeological remains. The Mauryan pillared hall was brought to light in an early excavation that took place between 1912-1915. View ancient utensils, copper coins, stone and terracotta beads, ornaments and more.
2. Encounter Unique Art
Located right in the heart of the city center, the Patna Museum is filled with 45,000 unique and historic artifacts. It was built in the year 1917 and is recognized as the city's oldest museum. The museum's construction features notable styles of architecture in a design by renowned architects Mughal and Rajput. All the thousands of artifacts cannot be displayed due to space constraints. The museum's floors are divided into various galleries, including the stone sculpture, natural history, and Indian stone art galleries. Let your mind wander into the past with the magnificent displays, sculptures, and paintings within the Patna Museum.
Where to Eat in Patna
If you want to try authentic bihari kebabs or curries, try Pind Balluchi, Takshila, or Baba Hotel. And don't miss the sambar (vegetable curry) at Bansi Vihar either. Expect cheap, high-quality food, with meals costing around ₹150-200.
When to visit Patna
Generally, the best time to visit is between October and February, when the weather isn't too hot, and you won't be drenched by the monsoon.
How to Get to Patna
Plane
Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Airport (PAT) has links to major international hubs like Delhi and Mumbai. A pre-booked taxi into town will cost around ₹400.
Train
Patna Junction is connected to all major northern Indian cities (though it's a 17-hour journey from New Delhi).
Car
From Delhi, take the Expressway as far as Lucknow, take highway 30 to Raebareli, then highway 31 all the way to Patna.
Bus
Seven different companies run bus services from Delhi to Patna, so take your pick (but it's advisable to choose an air-conditioned option).
Airlines serving Patna
Where to stay in Patna
Maurya Lok - just north of the city center, Maurya Lok is the place to head to find craft souvenirs (and much more besides).
Popular Neighborhoods in Patna
Fraser Road Area - another central neighborhood, Fraser Road is home to the Buddha Smriti Museum, as well as some great eateries like Moti Mahal Delux.
Mali Tola - for some open space and fresh air, head to Mali Tola, which is home to the excellent Patna Golf Club and the Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park.
Where to stay in popular areas of Patna
How to Get Around Patna
Public Transportation
BSTDC runs buses across Patna, including to Bodh Gaya. Fares start at ₹60.
Taxi
Taxi rates vary depending on vehicle type, but the cheapest official rate is around ₹15 per mile.
Car
Car rental options in Patna include Car4Hires and Akbar Travels, and you can find deals for ₹400 per day (or book a driver for ₹950).
The Cost of Living in Patna
Shopping Streets
Central Patna is the place to shop for gifts, and most of the stores are clustered around Maurya Lok, but there are malls as well, like P&M Mall.
Groceries and Other
Supermarkets include 9 to 9 and Daily Needs, where 12 eggs will cost you approximately ₹60.