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India » Patna
 City Guide
 
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Turning over the pages of early Indian history one comes across the name of the pre-eminent city of Patliputra. This city saw the rise and fall of India s first major kingdoms. Its period of glory spanned a thousand years, from 6th century BC to 6th century AD. Ajatshatru, second in the line of Magadh kings, built a small fort at Patligram at the confluence of the rivers Ganga and Sone. This later become the famous Mauryan metropolis of Patliputra and was ruled by Chandragupta Maurya (a contemporary of Alexander), and his grandson Ashok, acclaimed for the spread of Buddhism. Other emperors who ruled from Patna were the Gupta and Pala kings, Sher Shah Suri (16th century) and Azimush-Shan (18th century), grandson of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb who renamed it Azeemabad.
Modern-day Patna competes with any other Indian city as far as infrastructure and amenities for its residents are concerned. An important business centre of eastern India, more significantly it is the gateway to the Buddhist and Jain pilgrim centres of Vaishali, Rajgir, Nalanda, Bodhgaya and Pawapuri.
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Air:
All the major airlines have air services to and from Patna. Indian Airlines, Sahara and Alliance Air have daily flights between Patna/ Delhi/ Kolkata and Ranchi. Airport: Patna has got an airport of its own, 6 km from the main city.
Rail:
There are trains connecting Patna to almost all the major metros like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai. Several trains like Shramjivi Express, Magadh-Assam, Rajdhani, Delhi-Howrah Express, Brahmaputra Mail have daily services from Delhi and Kolkata respectively. Railway Stations: Patna has one main station, Patna Junction and several other small stations like Gulzarbagh, Patna Sahib, Danapur and Phoolwaari within the city.
Road:
Being the take-off point for the Buddhist circuit, Patna is connected with Kathmandu, Gaya, Bodhgaya (125 km), Rajgir (102 km) and Nalanda (90 km) via road. Bus services are available for places within the state as well as to other states. Government buses going to many places within the state use the Gandhi Maidan Bus Stand. Private buses and taxis are available. Charges vary according to the destination. Bus Stand: The main bus terminal is at Harding Park, west of Patna Junction Railway Station.
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Climate:
Patna is hot and humid in summer and cold in winter. Temperature varies from 21°C to 43°C in the summers and from 5°C to 20°C in the winters. Days can be very humid in the summer months.
When to Go:
Between October and March, preferably the festive occasion of Chaath (a week after Diwali) or during the cattle fair at Sonepur
STD Code:
0612 |
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Golghar
This huge and impressive beehive-shaped structure is situated in the centre of the city. It was built by Captain John Garstin in 1786 to serve as a granary for the British army following the 1770 famine. A flight of steps winds round this 29 metre high building , leading to the top from where one gets a fine view of the River Ganga and Patna city.
Patna Museum
About 2 km from the railway station and 12 km from the airport, the museum has a World War I cannon, metal and stone sculptures of the Mauryan and Gupta periods, Buddhist sculptures, terracotta figurines and archaeological finds from sites in Bihar. It also has perhaps the best collection of Thangkha paintings outside Tibet. Special attractions include the famous Didargani Yakshi of the 3rd century BC. Among its prized exhibits is a 16-m long fossilised tree.
Jalan Museum (Qila House)
Constructed at the old site of Sher Shah Suri Fort. It has a collection of jade, Chinese paintings and Mughal glass and silver filigree carvings. Among the antiques showcased here is porcelain that once belonged to Marie Antoinette and Napoleon s four-poster bed.
Note: Being a private collection, prior permission is required to visit this place.
Khuda Baksh Oriental Library
Set up at the turn of the century, the library has a distinguished collection of rare Arabian and Persian manuscripts, and Rajput and Mughal paintings. It also has books rescued from the University of Cordoba, Spain and oddities like an inch-wide Quran. It is one of the national libraries of India. At the moment the library has some 16,000 books in its collection.
Har Mandir
Also known as Patna Sahib, this shrine consecrates the birthplace of the tenth religious preceptor of the Sikh faith, Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Guru, born in 1660. Originally built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, a ruler of Punjab, Harmandirji is one of the holiest Sikh shrines. Standing in the Chowk area of Old Patna, this dome-shaped structure contains Sikh scriptures and personal belongings of the Guru. Free accommodation is available to pilgrims at Bhai Joga Singh Niwas in the gurudwara compound. Maximum stay allowed here is three days.
Pathar ki Masjid
Situated on the banks of the River Ganga, this mosque is known as Saif Khan s Mosque, Chimni Ghat Mosque or Sangi Masjid. It was built by Parwez Shah, son of the Mughal Emperor Jehangir, during his tenure as governor of Bihar.
Agam Kuan
Described as the abysmal well, it is one of the most important historic archaeological remains in Patna. It is said that King Ashok killed his 99 brothers and threw them in this deep well. After he became the messiah of peace, he constructed a temple at the site of the well. Situated close to the Gulzarbagh Railway Station, at the end of Kankerbagh Road, 5 km from Patna Junction.
Kumrahar
Site of the ancient city of Patliputra, it lies 5 km from Patna Junction on the Kankerbagh Road. Excavations here have revealed relics of four continuous periods from 600 BC to 600 AD. The fifth period begins from 1600 AD. An important find is the 80-pillared huge hall of the Mauryan Dynasty. This has brought to light an Arogya Vihar or dispensary dating back to the Gupta period. A museum containing relics of the period is located within the compound.
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Nalanda
About 90 km from Patna, lie the ruins of one of the most famous centres of learning in the ancient world, Nalanda University built in the 5th century BC. Patronised by royalty and eminent religious leaders like Buddha and Mahavira, it enjoyed an excellent reputation the world over. A credit to the curators, the site is peaceful, clean, well maintained and perfumed with the scent of roses and shrubs. The remains that are extensively brick built , include the Great Stupa, with steps, terraces and a few intact pillars and the monk s cells.
Rajgir
Situated 102 km from Patna, Rajgir nestles in the rocky hills that witnessed the meditation and teachings of both Gautam Buddha and Mahavira. The ancient capital of the Magadh emperors, its picturesque and quiet environs are a big draw for international pilgrims. Also popular as a health resort because of the local hot springs. The pools are always open, but can get unpleasantly crowded.
Bodhgaya
The site of Buddha s enlightenment. One of the holiest places for Buddhist devotees, who flock here from all over the world to learn about Buddhism. Situated 125 km from Patna, it is a quiet and peaceful place. The focal point of Bodhgaya is a 50 metre high Mahabodhi Temple, inside which is a large gilded image of the Buddha. The Bo tree growing here is believed to be the direct descendant of the original tree, under which the Buddha sat, meditated and attained cognisance. You can visit Bodhgaya in a day, or even plan a long study leave, depending on your inclination.
Vaishali
Located 55 km from Patna city, Vaishali is significant to both Buddhists and Jains. Lord Buddha preached his first sermon, and announced his impending Nirvana here. To commemorate the importance of the site, Emperor Ashok erected one of his famous pillars. Vaishali is also the birthplace of Lord Mahavira. Credited with being the world s first republic, it is now well connected with Patna by a bridge over the Ganga.
Maner
The imposing red sandstone mausoleum of the Sufi saint Yahia Maneri overlooks a lake 29-km west of Patna. The shrine itself stands atop a hillock. Every year, a three-day urs, held in the honour of the saint, attracts pilgrims from far and wide. The town is famous for its sweets, especially ladoos made of lentils.
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Patna does not have any special article to offer as such but the markets are good for shopping. Shops offer local handicrafts from all over Bihar. One can buy decorative pieces made out of stone and lac. Jewellery made of beads is quite popular.
The main shopping centres are located at
· Maurya Lok Complex
· Hathua Market
· Patna Market
· Khadi Gramudyog
· Bihar Handloom & Handicrafts Emporium
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