Posted 10 July 2024 in Culture and Heritage

Top 10 things to do while in Patna

Patna is the capital of the Indian state of Bihar. Earlier known as Patliputra, Patna is situated on the southern bank of the River Ganges. The city has marked its name in Indian history as the fertile land that was ruled by many mighty kingdoms in different eras. Different cultures have shaped the history of Patna.

Once the capital of the Mauryan and Gupta Empires, Patna is a blend of several empires and religions. Additionally, Patna is renowned for its prestigious learning centres like Nalanda. Bihar's very own Madhubani painting is making the state proud all over the world. At present, the city is emerging as one of the fastest-growing cities in the country.

1. Visit the Golghar landmark

Golghar is one of the most iconic and popular structures in Patna. This striking beehive-shaped structure was built by the British army in 1786. Captain John Garstin built Golghar as a granary to avoid the recurrence of the 1770 famine.The structure, located in Ashok Rajpath, is in the shape of a dome with a staircase. The altitude of this structure is 29 metres and it is 125 metres in diameter.

An interesting thing about Golghar is that there is no pillar supporting the structure. Golghar was built as a precautionary measure against regular famines in Patna, and the structure was supposed to be the first in a series of similar structures. However, none of the other such structures was built, giving the country a one-of-a-kind building in Patna.

2. Explore the Patna Museum

Built in 1917, near Kotwali Thana, Patna Museum was founded by Sir Edward Gait who was the Lieutenant Governor of Bihar at that time. The museum explains all the empires and cultures that the region was home to. Patna Museum has housed an outstanding collection of stone sculptures, Tibetan cloth paintings, Buddhist statues, and more from the Mauryan and Gupta rule.

At present, this grand building demonstrates over 20,000 exhibits. The main highlights of the museum are the Buddha Relic Casket, which is a soap-rock-built casket that contains the ashes of Mahatma Buddha; a fossil of a 200-million-year-old tree known as a Dadoxylon; an ancient sculpture; 2300-year-old Didarganj Yakshi; and the Natural History Gallery.

3. Roam around the National Gandhi Museum

The museum is in the vicinity of Patna Museum. It is an informative museum containing a pictorial history of Gandhi's life and some of his belongings. The museum demonstrates the principles and life of Mahatma Gandhi. The National Gandhi Museum is one of the eleven Gandhi Museums in India.

4. Visit Khuda Baksh Oriental Library and Museum

Khuda Baksh Oriental Library and Museum is one of the famous historical structures to visit in Patna. Located in Ashok Rajpath, it was founded in 1900. This significant library is home to a superb collection of Arabic, and Persian manuscripts and paintings. Also, the museum has the sword of Nadir Shah.

If you are a bookworm or want any book on historical events or literature, then this library is the venue for you. From the book on military accounts of Maharaja Ranjit Singh to literature on Persian poetry and ancient medical texts, you can get everything here.

It is one of the best libraries in the country and is home to many rare books, hand-illustrated manuscripts, and beautiful paintings from the Mughal and Rajput eras.

5. Enjoy the Buddha Smriti Park

Buddha Smriti Park is a place tourists should go if they want some time in solitude. This huge green space was inaugurated by His Highness, the Dalai Lama, in 2010. The Buddha Smriti Park was established by the Bihar Government to mark the 2,554th birthday of Lord Buddha.Located near Patna Railway Station, the park is one of the most beautiful and must-visit places in Patna.

The main highlight is the 200-foot-high stupa located in the centre of the park. The stupa is known as Patliputra Karuna Stupa. Sprawled over an area of 22 acres, the Buddha Smriti Park houses the holy ashes of Lord Buddha inside the Patliputra Karuna Stupa.

6. Admire the Padri ki Haveli or the St Mary’s Church

The church was built in the 1700s and holds the title of being the oldest church in Bihar. The church is also called Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Locals consider this church to be holy and auspicious. During Christmas, the church hosts many events.

7. Pay homage at the Takht Sri Patna Sahib

Located in the Mithapur area of Patna, the Takht Sri Patna Sahib Gurudwara was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab to mark the birth of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The 10th Sikh Guru was born in Patna and this Gurudwara houses his belongings, among other holy texts.

This holy shrine is visited by devotees from all over the world. Visitors can see Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s four iron arrows, a pair of his sandals, weapons, and a cradle with gold-plated stands.

8. Explore the historic Kumhrar

As Patna was home to several mighty kingdoms, one can see impressive ruins sprinkled in and around the city. Kumhrar is also one such site. The ruins of Pataliputra are located just a few kilometres away from Patna. Patna was ruled by legendary kings like Chandragupta, Ajatshatru, and Ashoka. Also, one can find the ruins of Buddhist monasteries there, attracting tourists from all over the world.

9. Savour delicious Bihari cuisine

Other than being a historical city and housing popular monuments, Patna is also famous for its cuisine. While litti chokha is the national dish of Bihar and its pride. Some of the other popular dishes are chana ghughni, kadhi badi, dal pitha, malpua, and aloo-baingan, among others.

Fish dishes are common in Bihar and are available in different recipes. Champaran meat is a popular non-vegetarian dish.

Some of the desserts that you should try in Patna are thekua, khaja, parwal ki mithai, kheer makhana, tilkut, and balushahi.

10. Go for shopping in Patna

If you are in Patna, buy the Madhubani style of work on handicrafts, lamps, sarees, and wall hangings. Other than Madhubani paintings, one can buy bead jewellery and leather items in Patna.

How to reach Patna?

By air: Jai Prakash Narayan International Airport serves the city of Patna. It is located at a distance of 8 km from the city centre. The airport is connected to various major cities of the country via regular IndiGo flights.
By train: Patna Junction is the main railway station that serves the city of Patna. The railway station is conveniently connected to most of the parts of the country via regular and several prominent trains.
By road: There are government and private buses that run in the city. You can opt for buses to visit the tourist attractions in Patna. Buses connect Patna to major cities of the state and neighbouring states.

Climate in Patna

Patna enjoys a mild and dry winter, subtropical monsoon, and hot summer. The temperature in the summer season remains between 24°C and 42°C, whereas the temperature during the winter season is between 8°C and 10°C.

Best time to visit Patna

Here's a breakdown of the seasons in Patna and why winter is considered the optimal time for visiting:

Winter: During winter, temperatures in Patna are pleasant. The weather is dry and comfortable, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. This period experiences little to no rainfall, ensuring clear skies and good visibility.
Summer: Summers in Patna are hot and humid. April and May are typically the hottest months. Summer is generally avoided by tourists due to the intense heat and humidity. If visiting during this time, take precautions against heatstroke and dehydration.
Monsoon: Monsoon season in Patna brings cooler temperatures. It receives moderate to heavy rainfall during the monsoon months, which can lead to occasional flooding and disrupted travel plans. While the monsoon brings relief from the heat and lush green landscapes, travel can be challenging due to rainfall and waterlogged streets.

Conclusion

Patna is a culturally rich city with a glorious past. Ruled by many kingdoms, they have left a heritage and legacy worth visiting. So if you're planning to book flights to Patna, make sure to make the most of it by visiting places mentioned above.