Patna in ancient times was called Pataliputra. The city, presently, is the capital city of Bihar. The city was developed in the year 49 BCE by the then empire of Magadha. The city was a centre of learning that attracted scholars from across the world.
At present, the city is one of the largest cities in Eastern India. It ranks 19th in the list of largest cities in India. The British decided to make Patna the capital of Bihar in the year 1912.
The Patna high court is based in Patna. The World Bank in 2009 concluded that Patna is the 2nd best city in India when it comes to ease of starting a business.
Things to do in Patna
If you are a fan of history, head over to the Patna museum to look at the Mauryan and Gupta artefacts and sculptures. The Buddha Smriti Park is the ideal place to take a stroll in the morning and the evening. Enjoy the local cuisine of ‘litti chokha’ at the local eateries or at the street side vendors. You can also take a boat ride on the River Ganges.
Tourist attractions in Patna
Patna has numerous tourist attractions. Popular tourist spots are Patna Zoo, Har Mandir Saheb, Pathar ki Masjid, Padri Ki haveli, Mahavir Mandir, Patna Museum, Golghar, Kumhrar, Gandhi Maidan and Khuda Baksh Oriental Library.
Places to shop in Patna
The emporium at Maurya Lok is famous for Madhubani paintings. If you want to shop for clothes, then head to Hathwa Market, Sabzibagh Lane or Khetan Market. Patna is home to the following shopping malls – P&M Mall, Maurya Lok Complex and Vishal Mega Mart.
Best time to visit Patna
The cold winter months form the ideal time to be in Patna and explore what the city has to offer.
Modes of transport
The road and rail connectivity in Patna is excellent. The Bihar State Transport Corporation runs special tourist buses. You can use auto-rickshaws for short commutes as they are cheap and convenient.
Weather in Patna
Between March and June, Patna experiences Summer. This period is extremely hot and humid. Monsoon begins at the end of June and lasts till September. October to February is the winter season in Patna.
Airport in Patna
IndiGo operates several domestic flights from Patna Airport (IATA: PAT) to several other cities. If you check flight timings, visit IndiGo’s official website or download the IndiGo app.