Purnea, in the north-eastern part of Bihar, is a city with a rich blend of history, spirituality, and the beauty of rural Bihar. The city is a centre of agriculture and trade. Known as an agricultural hub for maize production, it is surrounded by fertile plains, lush fields and rivers. In addition to its economic significance, Purnea is a culturally warm, spiritually rich and beautiful place. Whether visiting old temples, wildlife, or trying traditional Bihari dishes, Purnea offers a well-rounded touring experience that is rich in value. You can book your flights to Purnea and reach the main city quickly

How to reach Purnea?

• By air: Purnea has a domestic airport, Purnea Airport (PXN), and the closest international airport is Bagdogra International Airport (IXB) in West Bengal, approximately 170 km away. The Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport (PAT), 300 km away in Patna, also links to the major cities in India.
• By train: Purnea Junction Railway Station (PRNA) is connected to the city by regular trains to Patna, Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati. The other nearby station is Katihar Junction, approximately 30 km away, which has more frequent and long-distance trains.
• By road: Purnea is well-connected to the East-West Corridor (NH 27), making it easily reachable from Patna, Siliguri, and Guwahati. There are frequent state-run buses, private operator buses and taxis to and from Purnea.
• Getting around/local transport in Purnea: Auto-rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, shared tempos, and local buses are common modes of transportation here. To the tourists, it is more convenient to take a taxi or a private car to visit the attractions around.

Shopping in Purnea is an exciting mix of traditional bazaars, wholesale hubs, and modern retail stores. It does not have many malls like the metros, but its busy markets are a reflection of the local lifestyle and culture. Every market has something different to sell, whether it is textiles, electronics, handicrafts, or local snacks.

• Line Bazaar: Line Bazaar is the commercial hub of Purnea and the shopping centre of the city. From clothing and electronics to shoes and home necessities, you can find everything here. This area also has a few cafes and tea shops, and it is ideal to take a walk in the evening.
• Khuskibagh Market: Khuskibagh Market is known to be the best place to buy fresh produce, fruits and spices. There is also a range of local Bihari snacks and sweets available in the market, which makes shopping here a mini food tour, as well. The market is most alive in the early mornings.
• Gulabbagh Market: The Gulabbagh Market is regarded as one of the largest wholesale grain markets in the area. The rice, wheat, and pulses are sold to traders of the surrounding towns. Although it is not a common tourist shopping destination, it provides a real-life experience of the economy of Purnea and the way people trade there.
• Rambagh Market: Rambagh Market is popular among children for its versatile offerings. Here, you can find cheap clothes, accessories, shoes, and gadgets. During the evenings, it is vibrant as vendors and colourful stalls cover the streets. All this makes it an excellent spot to buy casual clothes or cheap souvenirs.
• Hat/Weekly Markets: There are weekly village markets (locally referred to as haats) in Purnea besides permanent bazaars. These makeshift stalls are a delight to travellers who want to do some real country shopping, selling earthen pots and farm implements, bangles and home-made juttis.

In addition to its historic sites and busy markets, Purnea has numerous hidden beauties that are worth visiting. It is not just a transit city but a destination that offers unique experiences, leisure travel, and glimpses into the real Bihar.

• Taste of Authentic Bihari Cuisine: From litti-chokha to sattu paratha, crispy kachoris to melt-in-the-mouth khaja, the local food scene in Purnea is a feast. Small restaurants and roadside stands here provide foods that you will not encounter in the fancy restaurants in the city. Purnea is an undiscovered treasure for food travellers.
• Natural Surroundings: Purnea is blessed with natural beauty when the river Kosi passes by the city, and the fields are green. The country life is a refreshing change to the city traffic of metros, with foggy mornings, blue skies, and harvest fields. These landscapes are a source of constant inspiration to nature lovers and photographers.
• Cultural Blend: Purnea is a location where diverse communities blend, and all of them live and contribute to the city's culture. This is evident in its festivals, food, language, and everyday life, which provide a traveller with a rich cultural experience.
• Local Hospitality: The people of Purnea take pride in their hospitality. Locals are usually helpful and eager to share their culture, so they tend to go out of their way to assist a visitor. You can experience warm Bihari hospitality during your stay in Purnea.
• Peaceful atmosphere: Purnea is secluded, unlike Patna, Bodh Gaya, or Gaya. This makes it tranquil and natural. Purnea will suit tourists who seek alternative destinations where they can fit in with the locals.
• Handloom & Crafts: Purnea and its environs are also renowned for their handloom fabrics and local crafts, although these are not widely marketed. Another good souvenir is picking up a handwoven saree or home decoration item in one of the local markets or a fair.