Patna is the capital city of the state of Bihar. The River Ganges passes through the city, and the city lies on its southern bank. Patna has ancient roots as it was once the capital city of the kingdom of Magadh. The Gupta and the Mauryan kings held the city in high esteem, it was then called Pataliputra.
Over the years, the city has been influenced by all indigenous religions of India – Jainism, Buddhism and Hinduism. In the olden days, the city was a major centre for learning for scholars all over the world.
Things to do in Patna
You can check out the sculptures and artefacts in the Patna Museum if you are a history enthusiast. The city has multiple parks like the Buddha Smriti Park and Nehru Park that are ideal for an evening or morning walk. One of the best things to do in Patna is to take a boat ride on the Ganges during dusk and watch the sunset.
Tourist attractions in Patna
Popular tourist attractions in Patna include Padri Ki Haveli, St. Mary’s Church, Golghar, Gandhi Ghat, Indira Gandhi Planetarium, Kesaria Stupa, East Champaran, Khuda Baksh Oriental Library and Patna Museum.
Places to shop in Patna
If you are an art lover then you can visit Ajanta, a popular boutique that sells handicrafts and paintings. You can find Madhubani styled paintings at the Maurya Lok Emporium. It also has wall-hangings and local handicrafts.
You can also check out other markets such as the Patna Market and Khaitan Market.
Best time to visit Patna
The ideal time to explore Patna is during the winter months because summers are very hot and humid.
Modes of transport
Tempos or auto-rickshaws are the most common mode of transport in Patna. Paddle rickshaws are another cheap widely available mode of transport for commuting short distances in the city. The state tourism corporation runs special buses for tourists.
Weather in Patna
Patna experiences summers from March to June. At this time, the weather is extremely hot and humid. The monsoon season arrives at the end of June and lasts till September. The winter season in Patna is the most pleasant of all the seasons with sunny days and chilly nights.
Airport in Patna
Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport (IATA: PAT) is located 8 km away from the city. IndiGo operates several daily flights from Patna. For more flight related information, visit IndiGo’s official website.