Things to Do in Patna for a Fulfilling Stay

Situated in the city of Patna, Golghar is a simple yet charming architecture which is an amalgam of history and natural beauty. In addition to being a magnanimous granary, the top of Golghar presents a wonderful panoramic view of the city and the Ganges. Owing to its peaceful location and sublime natural setting, Golghar is one of the many spots in the city which citizens visit to get a respite from the din of the city. It is one of the top tourist destination and you must definitely include it in your bucket list of things to do in Patna.

The River Ganga flows through Patna and one cannot leave here without experiencing a boat ride near Gandhi Ghat. A boat ride in the Ganges in the months of October-March could be mesmerizing with its serene and captivating surroundings. The Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation has also made available motorboats on weekends and recreation arrangements. It serves as an ideal place for picnic with friends and family. Enjoying a boat ride here is one of the prime things to do in Patna.

The second longest river bridge in India only next to the Bhupen Hazarika Setu (a.k.a. Dhola-Sadiya Bridge) in Assam, the Mahatma Gandhi Setu in Bihar extends over the Ganges for 5.7 kilometres. Named after the father of the nation, the bridge connects the capital city of Patna in the south to Hajipur in the north. Hosting four lanes of roadways and pedestrian pathways on each side, the bridge is an indispensable part of the daily vehicular transport. Earlier, there used to be toll gates, but the Government has revoked that. It provides some spectacular views of the sacred Ganga flowing underneath.

This Gurudwara was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in remembrance of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Patna being his birthplace. He was the 10th and the last Guru of Sikhs. Many scriptures of the Sikhs can be viewed here. It is also among one of the 5 takhtas or holy seats of authority of the Sikhs. This place originally had the havelis of Salis Rai Jouri, who turned it into a Dharamshala as he was an ardent devotee of Guru Nanak Devji.

Built in 1978, Srikrishna Science Centre showcases a collection of wonderful exhibits to demonstrate various principles of science. It is very popular especially among the kids and offers a good educational tour. Besides being really informative for the kids, the place also has interesting science models to also keep the adults occupied.

Located in the city of Patna, Indira Gandhi Planetarium or Patna planetarium is one of the oldest and largest planetariums of Asia. It is also popularly known as Taramandal, meaning a circle of stars and is one of the most well-maintained planetariums. Famed as one of the largest planetariums of the country, it attracts thousands of both domestic and foreign visitors. A wide range of film shows on subjects related to astronomy is showcased here. Apart from that, exhibitions are also held on various related topics for the visitors.

Buddha Smriti Udyan also known as Buddha Memorial Park is a large and beautifully maintained park. It also houses a stupa and has separate grounds for meditation. This is also a place where the ashes of Buddha are kept. It lies in close proximity to the railway station.

Japanese Peace Pagoda is a beautiful stupa, established by the Nipponzan Myohoji sect of Japan. Also known as the Vishwa Shanti Stupa, this stupa also comprises of a part of Buddha's relics found in Vaishali.

Located near Agamkuan, Jalan Museum, Popularly known as Quila House is a private museum and you will need to call them on (+91-612-246-1121) to take the permission to visit this museum. The museum has a great collection from the Mughal period and also houses some unique artifacts like the wooden bed of Napoleon III.

Also known as Maa Patneshwari, this is one of the most sacred and the oldest temple in Patna. It is believed that Patna derived its name from Patan Devi. This temple is highly revered by the Hindus as it is one of the 51 shakti peethas according to the Hindu mythology. It is believed that the right thigh of Devi Sati fell here when the whole body was cut in to 51 pieces by Vishnu's Sudarshan Chakra.

Located on the Fraser road, Ajanta is a good stopover if you are interested in buying genuine Madhubani paintings. It is closed on Sundays, so make sure you plan your visit accordingly. The shop has a beautiful collection of Madhubani paintings done on both silk and handmade paper. The paintings are usually mounted on Bronze. Unmounted paintings will cost you about INR 350 for a handmade paper painting, and INR 950 for a painting on a silk base.

Chhoti Dargah is a 3-storied mausoleum located in Maner, just 30 km outside of Patna on NH 30. Also known as Maner Sharif, the place is an architectural marvel. The Muslim saint Makhdum Shah was buried here in 1616 and is now a popular dargah for the Muslims in Patna and surrounding areas. There is also a large tank just in front of the mausoleum. A mosque was also built later in this compound by Ibrahim Khan in 1619.

Patna is primarily known for its Madhubani paintings, wall hangings, bead jewelry and leather items. The city is also full of pilgrimage sites and temples that offer a wide variety of statues and pictures of Gods and Goddesses, Prashad, religious books, etc. It is famous among the female tourists for its applique work on silk and cotton fabrics. The shopping scene in Patna is contained in its markets, art and handicraft emporiums, local bazaars and modern malls. Shopping in Patna is one of the prime things to do in Patna; especially if you love bargaining as large purchases can be made by striking value deals.

Situated in the city of Patna, Bihar, the Patna Museum, locally known as the Jadu Ghar is a very popular museum, storing more than 50,000 rare art objects, including Indian artefacts from the ancient, middle ages and the British colonial era. It was built in 1917 and was started on 3 April of the same year during the British rule to house the historical artefacts founded in Patna. This place is a must-visit for those who wish to experience the historical culture. The rich collection of the museum will take you back to the past to reminisce Indian history and glory.

Shaheed Smarak or Martyr's Memorial in Patna is a bronze statue commemorating seven brave young men, who sacrificed their lives in a protest, trying to unfurl the Indian national flag during the Quit India Movement of 1942 outside a British administrative building which is now the Secretariat of Patna. The monument is a remarkable reminder of the cost of feedom, even if their names are not widely known.

Agam Kuan is an archaeological site related to numerous myths and legends over the years. The most popular association is with Mauryan king Ashoka. The well is mentioned as the ¥hell on earth' in many accounts, which was probably once a part of Ashoka's infamous Hell chambers used for torture before embracing Buddhism. People now treat the well with veneration and throw in flowers and coins to get their prayers and wishes heard.

The Gandhi Maidan Park, located in the capital city of Patna on the banks of the river Ganges, is a famous historical venue spanning an area of about 60 acres. This park was frequented by several influential leaders of the Indian Independence Movement for launching political campaigns, freedom rallies, parades and holding religious ceremonies. Formerly known as Patna Lawns, the grounds house the tallest statue of Mahatma Gandhi in the world, a bronze figurine that rises to over 70 feet. Its popularity has affirmed its status as a prominent landmark and place of the attraction of the city.

Established in 1891, this place has a very wide collection of Mughal and Islamic scriptures including a 25 mm wide version of Quran. It also has the Nadir Shah's sword which he raised at the Sunehri Mosque in Delhi, to order the massacre of residents of the city. This library contains close to 250,000 books and is located on the Ashok Raj Path.

Gandhi Sangrahalaya in Patna is among the eleven such public museums across India. The institution displays a visual biography of Gandhi's life with the help of pictures of important milestones since childhood to death, documents, quotes, models and other memorabilia. There are books and audio-visual materials about his life, principles and struggle for feedom as well.

Bihar Museum is a state-of-the-art museum that houses the thousands of years old historical and cultural evolution of Bihar, as well as artefacts and religious findings. From the ages of Indus valley, the Guptas and Mauryas, to folk culture to displays of wildlife creatures _ the museum has something to offer for every field.

A revolving restaurant, the biggest in the country is present here atop the tallest tower in Patna, on the 18th floor of Biskoman Bhawan. As set, the restaurant takes one revolution in 45, 60 or 90 minutes with the support of the German techniques.

Located in the West Champaran district, Valmiki National Park is situated on the India- Nepal border on the banks of river Gandak. Sprawling over a humongous area, the park is divided into two sections- the wildlife sanctuary declared in the year 1978 covers and area of 545 sq km and the national park which was established in 1990 covering an area of around 335 sq km. Flaunting of a flourishing wildlife with extensive varieties of flora, fauna and avifauna, the highlight of the region is Bengal tigers (22 in the region as of 2013).

Constructed by Takshila Seas & Resorts Pvt. Ltd., Funtasia Water Park is known to be the first water park in Patna. Spread across 5 acres of land, the park is popular among both the kids and adults owing to its varied slides and water rides.

Sitamarhi, a town and the district headquarters of the Sitamarhi District in Bihar is the birthplace of the wife of Lord Ram, Sita. It is a town of great historical importance and has a large number of modern tourist attractions. Rivers like Baghmati, Aghwara, Lakhandei and Manusmara flow through the Sitamarhi District and the northern part of Sitamarhi District is located in the foothills of the Himalaya. You can take a 2 day tour to this religious hotspot as the journey from Patna will take around 5-5 hours one way as the roads are in a bad condition.

An ancient city of Patliputra, it has undergone multiple excavation operations to unearth ruins like the Assembly Hall, Anand Bihar, Arogya Vihar and the Durakhi Devi Temple. This place is just 5 km from the Patna railway station and has ruins dating as back as 600 BCE. It has various ruins marking the capital of Ajatshatru, Chandragupta and Ashoka between the 600 BCE and 600 CE periods.

Known For : Nalanda University Hiuen Tsang Memorial Hall The Great Stupa

The most popular Mahavihara of the ancient times, a significant Buddhist seat of academic excellence and a modest pilgrim center, all wrapped in a wisp of spirituality, Nalanda continues to be an equally enriching location in the present. Although in ruins, the entire complex presents a pretty picture and is flocked by tourists day in and day out. It has “viharas” or monasteries to the east and “chaiyas” or temples to the west. In addition to this, the complex houses a charming little museum, which has a collection of several of original Buddhist stupas, Hindu and Buddhist bronzes, coins, terracotta jars, a sample of burnt rice etc.

Best Time: October to March

8 Nalanda Attractions

Mahavir Mandir is the second largest religious shrine in North India. It is one of the leading temples dedicated to the worship of Lord Hanuman. Thousands of devotees from different parts of the country flock in here daily to offer prayer to and seek the blessings of Bajrang Bali. It is believed that Sankat Mochan Hanuman listens to the prayers of his faithful devotees hence if worshipped with a pure heart no wishes of yours would be left unfulfilled. Therefore,  it is also known as "Manokamna Temple." 

Known For : Mahabodhi Temple Great Buddha Statue Tibetan Refugee Market

One of the most important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists, Bodhgaya is a village in the state of Bihar. It was here under the Bodhi tree that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment. The place is bustling with pilgrims all through the year who come to pay their homage in the monasteries, shrines and temples. It also attracts tourists from India and abroad owing to its magnificent Buddha statue, the Mahabodhi Temple and the Bodhi tree.

Best Time: October to March

26 Bodh Gaya Attractions

Patna is a land of delectable cuisines most of which are predominantly vegetarian. Litti Chokha is the introduction to the staple diet of the town. It is a savoury wheat and sattu ball dipped in ghee. The ball full of spices and a mix of several flavors, is served with cooked and mashed vegetables. The regular food consist of seasonal vegetables and pulses, cost of which keep varying depending on their availability. Everyday food regulates around roti, daal, bhaat and sabzi. Local fast food snacks include Chana Ghugni, Samosa, Jhaal Mudi, Choora, Thekua etc. Kalakand is another delicious preparation from condensed milk, which is a must try other than Anarsa. Sattu Pani and Lassi are popular beverages.