Patna is not just the capital city of Bihar, it is also one of the largest cities in eastern India. With a population of more than 2 million people, the city lies on the banks of the river Ganges.
Patna’s history dates back to 490 BCE, when it was founded by the rule of Magadha. The city was then referred to as Pataliputra. The city flourished during the reigns of the Gupta and the Mauryas. It became a prominent centre of learning attracting scholars from faraway counties like Egypt and Persia. In fact, famous personalities like Chanakya and Aryabhatta resided in the city.
Patna is currently one of the fastest-growing cities in India. It houses the administrative headquarters of the Bihar Government.
Things to do in Patna
If you want to relax, take a boat ride on the serene waters of the Ganges. If you are a fan of history, check out the ancient sculptures from the Gupta and Mauryan periods at Patna Museum. You can also take a walk at the Buddha Smriti Park and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Tourist attractions in Patna
Tourists visiting Patna will have their hands full with places of interest. The popular ones include Gandhi Ghat, Revolving Restaurant, Vaishali Ashokan Pillar, Khuda Baksh Oriental Library, Patna Golf Club, Maer Sufi Saint Shrine and Patna Planetarium.
Places to shop in Patna
For clothes and accessories, visit the Patna Market where the prices are reasonable. If you are a fan of Madhubani-styled paintings then head over to the Maurya Lok Market. You will also find exquisite wall hangings here. Hathwa Market and P&M Mall are two other popular shopping destinations in Patna.
Best time to visit Patna
Winter is the ideal season to explore what Patna has to offer. The weather is cool and pleasant at this time of the year.
Modes of transport
Patna enjoys excellent road and rail connectivity with the rest of the country. For visiting tourist spots, hop on to the special tourist buses run by Bihar State Transport Corporation. Auto-rickshaws are cheap and widely available for short commutes.
Weather in Patna
Patna has hot and humid summers and pleasant winters. During the
monsoon, Patna experiences moderate to heavy rainfall. In summer,
the temperature can range from 40°C to 43°C.
Airport in Patna
Patna Airport (IATA: PAT) lies at a distance of 5 km from the railway station in Patna. IndiGo operates several flights from Patna to other cities across India. For more information on flight timings, visit IndiGo’s website.