Patna, the lively capital of Bihar, is an ancient city prospering along the bank of the River Ganga. It has a dominant presence in history and is one of the oldest cities in the world. In addition, Patna holds significant religious and spiritual importance. And Patna Tourist places are a mix of holy shrines, archaeological sites and natural spots.
Set in the backdrop of a glorious past, Patna is where ancient meets modern in fascinating ways. It has seen empires rise and fall, witnessed Buddha's footsteps, and served as the intellectual heart of India for centuries.
With multiple heritage sites in the region, the cultural tourism industry is flourishing in this part of Bihar. Patna offers an unforgettable journey through time, making it one of the most intriguing tourist destinations in the state. Tourism in Patna is also a gateway to pilgrimage sites of various religions. The River Ganga defines the city in both practical and spiritual ways.
Patna, however, is more than ancient stones and sacred rituals. It rewards curious travellers who look beyond the obvious. Patna Tour packages include everything from accommodations and transportation to guided heritage tours and spiritual experiences. We have also partnered with top car rental companies in Patna. Please fill out the Contact Us form to get in touch.
History of Patna
Patna, earlier called Pataliputra, is among the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world. As Pataliputra, it was the power centre of ancient India. It became more significant under the Mauryan empire, as Chandragupta Maurya made it his capital. Under his grandson Ashoka, Patna became one of the most important cities in the Buddhist world.
Chinese travellers like Fa-Hien and Xuanzang wrote in awe about Pataliputra's magnificence, its universities, and its cultural vibrancy. And much of this heritage has led to diverse experiences of Patna Tourism today. The region has also been part of the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire, and it has seen rule by the Nawabs of Bengal, the East India Company, and the British Raj.
During British rule, Patna became the region's administrative headquarters. The city played a role in India's freedom struggle, too, giving the nation leaders like Jayaprakash Narayan. Bihar tourism in Patna offers a journey through its layered past.
Places to Visit in Patna
Tourist places in Patna, Bihar, are a compelling blend of ancient heritage and modern-day rhythms. This tourist destination asks for attention and exploration. Patna is an intersection of history, culture and spirituality. From echoes of powerful empires to the everyday pulse of a bustling city, it carries age-old stories stretching across centuries.
Golghar is one of the must-visit tourist places in Patna city. It’s a large granary, and the climb up 145 steps is worth the effort. It offers sweeping views of the city and the River Ganga from the top. Nearby, Gandhi Maidan is a central landmark for different public gatherings and cultural events. It’s a historic ground where Mahatma Gandhi once addressed rallies.
For history enthusiasts, a visit to Kumhrar is also recommended. It has many scattered remains of the ancient city of Pataliputra, such as an 80-pillared hall with a wooden platform and a monastery-cum-hospital. It’s among the most prominent spots in the Patna tourist places list.
The Patna Museum also has treasures that deserve attention. It houses an impressive collection of artefacts from the Mauryan and Gupta periods. Jalan Museum, Gandhi Sangrahalaya and Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Library are other Patna tourist places offering rich historical insights. Agam Kuan, an ancient well steeped in legends from the Mauryan period, is also worth a visit.
Then, Takht Sri Patna Sahib is among the most popular tourist places in Patna. The white marble complex marks where Guru Gobind Singh was born, thus attracting Sikhs from around the world. Other religious sites worth visiting include Mahavir Mandir and Patan Devi Temple. A new ISKCON Temple has also been built in Patna for devotees of Lord Krishna.
For nature lovers, the monsoon season brings lush greenery to the region. The Ganges in full flow during this time presents a magnificent sight. The riverside expressways, like Patna Marine Drive, and the riverfronts, like Gandhi Ghat, are considered among the best tourist places in Patna, Bihar. The floating river cruise restaurant nearby also attracts a lot of crowds. And while you’re here, the iconic Mahatma Gandhi Setu is worth seeing as well. It’s one of the longest river bridges in India.
The city also provides plenty of green spaces for relaxation and rejuvenation. Buddha Smriti Udyan (or Buddha Memorial Park) is a large and beautifully maintained park. Then, Eco Park is a beautiful place with natural decorations, jogging pathways, and a boating facility. Sanjay Gandhi Botanical Garden (colloquially called Patna Zoo) also offers a green retreat amidst wildlife.
And if you’re interested in astronomy, visit the Indira Gandhi Planetarium. It features a wide range of fascinating astronomy-related shows and exhibitions. Apart from that, Srikrishna Science Centre, with its scientific exhibits, is one of the famous tourist places in Patna.
Other Activities and Experiences
Beyond Patna's tourist attractions, the city offers various memorable experiences. These activities allow you to go deeper into the culture and traditions of this place. They let you experience Patna, not just as a tourist destination, but as a living, breathing city.
From boat rides on the Ganges to exploring bustling local markets, Patna caters to varied interests. For families, Funtasia Island and Hungama World offer exciting water park experiences. The Revolving Restaurant offers a unique dining experience with city views. Evening walks along the riverfront also make your visit to Patna absolutely fulfilling.
That being said, if you’re in for the Chhath puja, you must explore the riverside ghats. This ancient festival dedicated to the Sun God brings millions of devotees to the ghats of the Ganga. For four days, as families head to the ghats, the city essentially shuts down. Devotees fast, stand in the river for hours, and offer prayers to the setting and rising sun.
Trips to some of the best tourist places in Bihar near Patna are also available with suitable Patna Tour packages. Vaishali (50 km) is a popular Jain and Buddhist pilgrimage site. Nalanda (90 km) was the world's first residential university. Then, Rajgir (100 km) and Bodh Gaya (120 km) are must-visit destinations for spiritual seekers. Kesariya (110 km) in East Champaran and Lauriya-Nandangarh (150 km) in West Champaran are also reminders of the region's Buddhist heritage.
Make sure to explore local markets, in addition to visiting tourist places around Patna. Khadi textile products, Bihar's distinctive Madhubani paintings, and other local crafts such as clay figurines are worth buying. Market areas like Maurya Lok Complex also provide an opportunity to explore regional cuisine. Litti chokha and sattu paratha are especially famous.
How to Reach Patna
You have the following ways to reach Patna and explore its tourist places –
By Air: Patna airport connects the city to major destinations across the country. Several operators have regular flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and other major Indian cities. From the airport, you can get a taxi from the top car rental companies in Patna for your onward trip.
By Train: Patna Junction, one of the busiest railway stations in India, handles trains from across the country. It connects Patna to Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and other cities. Other important railway stations here include Rajendranagar Terminal, Danapur, Patliputra Junction and Patna Sahib. To travel within Patna, you can use rental cabs, taxis and auto/e-rickshaws.
By Road: Patna is well-connected to other regions of India via national highways. Both state buses and private coaches have regular services with AC and non-AC options. You can also enjoy a cab/taxi or self-drive across the Gangetic plains to reach Patna. Ranchi is 320 km, Lucknow is 510 km, and Kolkata is 580 km away from the capital of Bihar.
Patna brings together the legacy of an ancient capital, the depth of a spiritual centre, and the vibrancy of a cultural city. And Patna Tour packages are designed to offer flexible experiences, suited to your varied interests. We craft customised tour itineraries to help you explore the famous Patna tourist places as well as the lesser-known corners. Fill out the Contact Us form to get in touch with our travel experts.
