Patna, or Pataliputra, one of the world’s oldest cities, is located in Bihar, Northeast of India on the River Ganga’s southern bank. Founded by the king of the Magadha empire in 490 CE, it became the empire’s capital throughout four dynasties – the Nanda, Gupta, Shunga, and Mauryan. It’s also the center of learning and fine arts and home to astronomers and scholars. It owns one of the world’s longest bridges standing on the River Ganga, the Mahatma Gandhi Setu. Patna is a sacred place for it hosts Buddhist remains and several of the Sikh’s community gurus were born here. Visit the Patna and Bihar museums which display the rare artifacts of their glorious past. Explore the city’s rich culture and history when you come over to visit. Read our list below of the best things to do in Patna, Bihar and include them in your travel plans.
Good to know:
- According to Bihar Tourism's website, the best time to visit the state is post-monsoon, from October to April. However, it's advisable to keep in mind that this is when most tourists visit the state and plan accordingly.
- Whether you're wondering about the best way to move around within Patna or visit nearby cities, Bihar Tourism's website has a guide to all the available transport methods that visitors can use.
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1. Be amazed by the modern Buddhist museum, Buddha Smriti Park
Buddha Smriti Park or Buddha Memorial Park is an important religious center near Patna Junction on Frazer Road. The Bihar Government developed the park in time for the celebration of Buddha’s 2554th birthday. The 14th Dalai Lama inaugurated the park in 2010 with Bihar’s Chief Minister in attendance. The massive structure was built in 1917 in Indo-Saracenic architectural style by British rulers. The standout sandblasted charcoal Vasali stupa sits on a huge 22-acre (9-hectare) park surrounded by a well-manicured landscape. This modern Buddhist museum contains precious heritage collections like Bodhi tree saplings from Anuradhapura and Bodh Gaya of Sri Lanka and its one-of-a-kind bulletproof relic chamber containing the preserved mortal remains of Buddha. It also features a meditation center and a library with an entrance fee.
Buddha Smriti Park
Address: Fraser Road, Near Patna Railway Station Patna Junction, Bihar 800001, India
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 7pm (closed on Mon)
2. Take a stroll through the ancient ruins at Kumhrar Park
Strolling through Kumhrar Park is like taking a walk through Patna’s glorious past. An excavation done from 1912 to 1915 led to the discovery of ancient relics from four different dynasties. The 1890s excavations revealed 80 pillars from the former Assembly Hall and ancient structures like Durakhi Devi Temple, remnants of Anand Vihar (a Buddhist monastery), and Arogya Vihar. The ruins are confined inside a park that exhibits the former glory of Magadha, the ancient capital. It is located on the east side of the ancient city, 6 kilometers (3.73 miles) to the south of Patna’s train station, and accessible by auto rickshaw.
Kumhrar Park
Address: Kumhrar, Patna, Bihar 800026, India
Opening hours: Vary
Price: Free
3. Enjoy the top view at Gol Ghar
One of the famous attractions of Patna is a dome-shaped structure that used to be a granary located west of Gandi Maidan and near the Ganga River. What is unusual about the granary is that the entryways will only open inwards and there are two stairways wrapped around the structure. The massive bee-hive shaped structure built by a British Army Captain in 1786 measures 105 feet (32 meters) tall and 11.81 feet (3.6 meters) wide. It was built in preparation for the severe famine that started in 1770. Today, the monument stands as a recreational space within a garden. Entry is not allowed within the dome but you can climb the stairs to the top for free. Enjoy a spectacular city view beside the Ganga River at the apex.
Gol Ghar
Address: Opp.-Govt. Girls High school, Ashok Rajpath Rd, Patna, Bihar 800001, India
Website: Gol Ghar
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Sun)
4. Learn about Patna's past and present at Patna Museum
Also called Jadu Ghar, Patna Museum is a well-preserved structure that houses large exhibits of artifacts from four different eras. These rare collections help connect Patna’s history with modern times. The 25,000 exhibits feature stone art and sculptures, terracotta images, paintings, bronze statutes by popular Indian artists, textiles, ancient coins, and more. The Holy Relic Casket contains Lord Buddha’s sacred ashes.
The museum was built in 1917 in Rajput and Mughal motif by the British settlers with the purpose of housing artifacts found in the city. Today, it is an amazing museum surrounded by a beautiful outdoor garden. Beautiful paintings created in the early 19th-century by Thomas and William Daniells also attract visitors across the globe.
Patna Museum
Address: Madiri kat pur musuam k bagl m, Patna, Bihar 800001, India
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10:30am - 4:30pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 0.2 USD
Patna Tour Guide
Ashish Kumar
My name is Ashish Kumar, and I am working as a tour guide in the Buddhist field in India. I am from Bodhgaya Bihar where Lord Buddha got enlightenment under a Bodhi tree. Guiding is an interesting and meaningful job. Bodhgaya is one of the most Buddhist spiritual destinations, attracting thousands of tourists and devotees from all over the world. I am an IITTF and Bihar Gov. approved tour guide... Read more
5. Visit Padri-Ki-Haveli, their oldest Catholic Church
Padri-Ki-Haveli the oldest church of Bihar, Standing since 1713, also known as St Mary's Church. When Roman Catholics...
Posted by Bihar Foundation on Thursday, 13 December 2018
The Padri-Ki-Haveli, Bihar’s oldest Catholic Church built in 1713, is also called Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Rebuilt in 1772 by Tirreto, a Venetian architect, its current structure stands 50 feet (15.2 meters) high, 40 feet (12.2 meters) wide, and 70 feet (21.3 meters) long. It has survived several important events in India’s history like calamities, the 1857 Revolt, attacks, burning, and looting. The church preserved crucial documents and records for a long time before they were burned to ashes. It is here that Mother Theresa received her training as a nurse. The beautiful structure of this church which can be seen from afar is admired by both non-Christians and Christians. It’s American Colonial design is decorated with a magnificent bell with intricate inscriptions on it. The church receives a huge amount of visitors every Christmas eve.
Padri-Ki-Haveli
Address: Fino Payments Bank, Ashok Rajpath Rd, Sadikpur, Patna, Bihar 800008, India
Website: Padri-Ki-Haveli
Visited this place?
6. Join a Sufi pilgrimage from Phulwari Khankaye Mujeebia
Phulwari Khankaye Mujeebia,Patna
Posted by Bihar Heritage Walk on Monday, 4 March 2013
The Khankaye Mujeebia is a non-profit organization situated in Phulwari Sharif, a town in Patna. The organization is popular for its contribution to the education of the poor - an offering they call “Madrassa”. The region, which is 7 kilometers (4.34 miles) southwest of Patna Railway Station, is important for its huge legacy to the Sufi pilgrimage. Several Sufi saints like the popular Hazrat Pir Muzibullah Quadri preached from Phulwari Sharif. One of its major landmarks was built by Mughal Emperor Humayun – an intricately decorated mosque called Sangi Masjid.
Phulwari Khankaye Mujeebia
Address: Phulwari Sharif, Patna, Bihar 801505, India
Website: Phulwari Khankaye Mujeebia
7. See the tallest Gandhi statue at Gandhi Maidan
Gandhi Maidan is a 60-acre (24.2 hectares) park on the Ganga River banks formerly known as Patna Lawns. It’s a famous historical destination for freedom fighters where they hold religious ceremonies, political rallies, campaigns, and parades. Independence Day ceremonies and Republic Day flag-raising happens here as well. It also features the world’s tallest bronze Mahatma Gandhi statue – a sculpture over 70 feet (21.3 meters) tall. A lot of outdoor activities are held here. Picnics, cricket games, joggers, fitness aficionados, fair, and exhibits are commonly seen in the park.
Gandhi Maidan
Address: East Golghar Falls beside the Bank of Ganga River, Patna 800001, India
8. Stop by a holy shrine at Takht Sri Harmandir Sahib Ji
The Takht Sri Harmandir Sahib Ji is a sacred place because it marks the birthplace of the 10th Sikh Guru named Guru Gobind Singh. It is located in Harmardir Gali, formerly named Kucha Farrukh Khan, one of Patna’s old quarters. The shrine is esteemed as the holiest among the five Takhts or thrones (seats of authority). It houses several of the Guru’s personal belongings which include his pangura or cradle where he slept as a child, the Guru’s sacred sword, his slippers, and four iron arrows. Both called a Harmandir and Sagat, the shrine is held in high esteem among the Sikh and is a site for pilgrimage that welcomes people from all kinds of faith.
Takht Sri Harmandir Sahib Ji
Address: Takhat Sri Harmandir ji, Patna Sahib, Patna, Bihar 800008, India
Website: Takht Sri Harmandir Sahib Ji
9. See the flora and fauna at Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park
Patna Zoo or Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park is among the 16 largest zoos in India built-in 1972. The former Botanical Garden was once part of the Governor’s campus which he donated to the forest department. The park is 153 acres (62 hectares) big and houses various exotic and rare animal and plant species. The zoo not only protects the animals but also controls its breeding and restoration of its species while in captivity. Currently, the zoo keeps 800 animals in 110 different species separated in houses according to their kind. Children and tourists get to see these rare animals and over 300 species of flora. It also features a nursery, a glasshouse, a fern house, a rose garden, and an orchid house.
Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park
Address: Raj Bhavan, Bailey Rd, Rajbansi Nagar, Patna, Bihar 800001, India
Website: Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 5am - 6pm (closed on Mon)
10. View the private collections at Jalan Museum
Jalan Museum is not a public museum but the private residence of the Jalan Family. The grand mansion, which was formerly called the Quila House, was purchased in 1919 by Dewan Bahadur Radha Krishna Jalan. The house was designed in Dutch and English styles and is located near the shores of the Ganga River. The new owner filled it up with his personal collection of 10,000 antiques and objets d’art. The residence and its valuables were passed on to five generations of the Jalan Family. You will have to book an appointment to see their private collection which they are more than happy to oblige.
Jalan Museum
Address: Quila Rd, Hajiganj, Patna, Bihar 800008, India
Website: Jalan Museum
Opening hours: Sun: 9am – 1pm, 3pm – 6pm; Mon – Sat: 9am – 11:30am
11. Learn about astronomy at Patna Planetarium
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Patna Planetarium is one of the most visited tourist spots in Patna’s Indira Gandhi Science Complex in Bihar. It is also known as Indira Gandhi Planetarium and was inaugurated by the former chief minister of Patna, Lalu Prasad Yadav, in 1993.
After undergoing renovations in 2021, visitors to the planetarium can now enjoy better soundscape and an optical telescope. Guests will also learn more fascinating details about astronomy and planets from its state-of-the-art projection screen.
Patna Planetarium
Address: J46J+4Q4, Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, Adalatganj, Kidwaipuri, Patna, Bihar 800001
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 10am - 3pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 0.60 USD (50 INR)
12. Explore the halls of 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
13. Peek back in time at the Ruins of Pataliputra
Ruins of Pataliputra ___________________- http://www.biharekvirasat.com/ http://www.grameensnehfoundation.org/ ______________________________________
Posted by Sachin Mishra on Wednesday, 7 September 2016
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.
14. Embrace spirituality at Hanuman Mandir (Mahavir Mandir)
Hanuman Mandir ( Patna): Aerial View....
Posted by Patna, I Love you on Friday, 23 September 2016
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
15. Explore the 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
Visited this place?
16. Take a boat ride at Gandhi Ghat
FB-NTFU-7 We are imprisoned in the realm of LÍFÊ Like a sailor on his TINY BOAT, On an Infinite OCEAN. Location- Gandhi ghat, Patna #anandkumarphotography 📷
Posted by Ananð Kumar on Thursday, 13 August 2015
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
Fascinating Patna
There is so much to do and so many places to see in this old historic town. These culture-rich places speak so much about the fascinating history of the city. Visit their museums and parks to feel their former glory. Their shrines and monuments speak of their deep religious ties. Include our recommendations above on your next visit to Patna!
History
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