1. Patna Museum

This museum is nestled in a majestic colonial-era building. Visiting will give you a glimpse of ancient Indian history, particularly history of two of the biggest Indian empires, which is collected here. Splendid sculptures created in the Mauryan era and Gupta period are stored here, and you will also see the incredible bronze Buddhist statuary. It doesn’t end here. Beautiful paintings created in the early 19th-century by Thomas and William Daniells also attract visitors across the globe.

Patna Museum

Address: Near Kotwali Thana, Buddha Marg, Patna, Bihar 800001

Website: Patna Museum

2. Golghar

This massive structure was built by the British army in 1786. The word Golghar means “a round shape house”. This will give you an idea of what a Golghar looks like; it has a dome-like structure. You need to climb stairs to reach the top of the structure, but once you reach the top, you will see a mesmerizing view of the Patna city. This was not just built to allure tourists; it has a significant purpose behind its existence. It was actually built to avoid a repeat of the terrible 1770 famine. When you look at its wall, you will read an old carved sign that says, ‘For the perpetual prevention of famine in these provinces.’ Fortunately, the Golghar has never come into use and now it has become a famous tourist destination.

Golghar

Address: Golghar Chowrah, Ashok Rajpath, Chajju Bagh, Patna, Bihar 800001

3. Bihar Museum

Time to explore another museum. After all, you are in a place that has its own great history and Bihar Museum is one of the largest in South Asia. This museum will introduce you to the great ethnic groups of Bihar, and displays the finest art of the Patna history. The most significant thing to see in this museum is a famous Mauryan-era Didarganj Yakshi statue, dating from the 3rd-century BC.

Bihar Museum

Address: Jawahar Lal Nehru Marg, Patna, Bihar 800001

Website: Bihar Museum

4. Buddha Smriti Park

This is a newly developed park. His Holiness Dalai Lama inaugurated the park in 2010. It is spread across 9-hectare (22 acres) and is quite famous for its massive sandblasted charcoal stupa. It is the best place to get some peace and refresh your soul. When you step in the stupa, you will see a beautiful, bulletproof relic chamber. Not only this, but the modern Buddhist Museum in the park is something that every tourist loves to visit. Plus, there is a splendid library and a free meditation center as well – what more could you need to make your day wonderful?

Buddha Smriti Park

Address: Fraser Road, Near Patna Railway Station, Patna Junction, Patna, Bihar 800001

Website: Buddha Smriti Park

5. Ruin of Pataliputra

This place will compel you to use your imagination, as it is completely ruined now and you will need it to envision how this great city would have looked in the ancient world, in the time of the great kings like Ajatasatru (491–459 BC), Chandragupta (321–297 BC) and Ashoka (274–237 BC). Though there is not much left to see, you can see the sandstone remains of the massive pillars, that are echoing today the agony they have been through.

6. Hanuman Mandir (Mahavir Mandir)

You can’t visit India without going to a temple. The best thing about this place is it is not far. In fact, it is just opposite to Patna Junction. Taste the religious culture of Patna by visiting this place and take the blessings of Lord Mahavir (Hanuman). Previously, it was just a nondescript little structure, but in 1987, the temple was given the modern touch. However, devotees visit this temple not because of its architectural beauty, but to pay homage to Lord Hanuman.

Hanuman Mandir

Address: Near Patna Junction, Mahavir Nagar, Patna, Bihar 800001

Website: Hanuman Mandir

7. Ruins of Nalanda University

To learn more about the history of Patna, it is imperative to explore Nalanda, which is an ancient university. All that’s left of this great ancient university in modern times is just a ruined structure. This marvelous monument built with red brick was once the greatest university in ancient times. You can also see stupas that lie in the middle of the university. It was established in 450 BC by Buddhist monks and is thought to have accommodated over 10,000 students and 2,000 teachers, and hosted Buddha Siddhartha himself.

Invaders ruined this ancient Indian university and today, the remains are spread across an area which has now become a famous tourist destination.

Ruins of Nalanda University

Website: Ruins of Nalanda University

8. Take a boat ride at Gandhi Ghat

Feel the cool breeze at the splendid Gandhi Ghat. Sit for a while on the bank of the holy river the Ganges and enjoy the panorama, and lose yourself in the peaceful rhythm of the river. There is a ferry terminal nearby, where you can take a boat ride at a cheap price. It is the best place for couples and kids.

Boat ride at Gandhi Ghat

Address: Mahendru Road, Behind National Institute of Technology Patna, Patna University Campus, Mahendru, Patna, Bihar 800005

Website: Boat ride at Gandhi Ghat

9. Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park

You are going to love Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park, and especially if you are traveling with kids, this is the destination you must visit first. It was first established in 1969 as a botanical garden. Now, you can see around 300 species of captivating trees, herbs, and shrubs. This park also contains one of the largest zoos, where you will see 800 animals from some 100 species!

Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park

Address: Bailey Road, Raj Bhavan, Rajbansi Nagar, Patna, Bihar 800001

Website: Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park

All set to explore Patna, India!

Now that you have become familiar with the places you must visit in Patna, you must not postpone your holiday. Take this list along with you, and this way, you will never miss any important destinations. October to March is the best time to explore Patna, India, so start planning today!