What is Patna best known for?
Patna, formerly known as Pataliputra, is a backdrop to the rich and ancient heritage situated on the southern bank of the Ganges River which boasts of an impressive presence with its splendid historical past. This place is also a gateway to Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist pilgrimage sites. Patna is the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of Sikhism, and is, therefore, an important pilgrimage site for Sikhs. Patna has the distinction of being one of the oldest cities in the world. Patna is also home to a rich heritage of artifacts, monuments, and grand architecture that gives a glimpse of the bygone era.
Best places to visit in Patna
- Golghar: Golghar was built in 1786 by Captain John Garstin to store grain as a warehouse that could be used in times of famines. The Golghar is a stupa-shaped structure with 145 stairs. The structure is 125 meters wide and 3.6 meters thick.
- Nalanda Mahavihara: Nalanda is the first residential university in the world established in the 5th century AD. It is declared as the UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Mahavir Mandir: It is one of the largest temples in Patna, dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Here you will find serenity amidst a bustling crowd.
- Takht Sri Patna Sahib: Takht Sri Patna Sahib was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh to commemorate the birth of the 10th Sikh guru, Guru Gobind Singh ji. This place is one of the 5 immediate or holy seats of authority of the Sikhs.
- Chhoti Dargah: It was built by a Sufi saint named Makhdoom Shah Daulat who was buried here in 1616. There is also a large tank in front of this dargah.
- Ruins of Pataliputra: Pataliputra was a city that preceded the city of Patna. It was ruled by three great kings, Ajatshatru, Chandragupta and Ashoka. At the Ruins of Pataliputra, you can look upon what remains of a great city like Pataliputra. There are wooden platforms, sandstone pillars and bricks.
- Khuda Baksh Oriental Public Library: This library houses a giant collection of novels, books and accounts in several niches like military, Persian poetry, Sufism, etc.
- Jain Temple of Pawapuri: Pawapuri has a great reverence in Jainism as Mahavir Jain acquired the state of Nirwana. The pilgrims believed that visiting this temple would absolve all the sins ever committed by them.
Airport in Patna
Patna Airport is also known as Jai Prakash Narayan International Airport is the main airport of Patna, located 8 km away from the city
- Airport address: Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport, Shaheed Pir Ali Khan Marg, Bhatpura Village, Sheikhpura, Patna, Bihar
- IATA code: PAT