Patna

Patna, a beautiful city on the banks of holy river Ganges, is famed as the capital of the state Bihar. This city in the north-east region of India has been continuing as a vibrant trade centre for many agricultural products including rice, sugarcane, sesame, wheat and oilseeds. In ancient period, it was a serene and beautiful small hamlet a small hamlet fortified by the king Ajatashatru, a hero of ancient Indian history. Historically known as Pataliputra, Patna had praise worthy history, tradition and culture. It was ruled by many famous kings from well known dynasties including Maurya Dynasty. This ancient hamlet has many names under the rule of many dynasties. Patna was known as Kusum Dhvaja, Pataligrama, Azimabad, Padmavati and Pushpapura during ancient times. Under the rule of Maurya Kings, this beautiful town was in the pinnacle of its period. During this golden period many renowned personalities including famous astrologists and scholars Ashvaghosha, Vatsyayana, Chanakya, Aryabhatta, Sthalabhadra and Panini lived here. Patna is a modern city with many infrastructure facilities for trade, industry and tourism. It is the political centre of state as well as neighboring states like Jharkhand. Patna is known for the educational facilities as well. Patna University, established in 1917 is a good example of high end educational facilities. Deepavali is celebrated here with pomp and show. Chhath festival, the main religious festival and ceremony, is celebrated for six days after Diwali. Patna is a famous tourist and pilgrimage destination. There are many eye catching attractions in and around Patna. These include Har Mandir Takht-a Sikh shrine, Pathar Ki Masjid, Shwetambar Temple, Martyr's Memorial, Sher Shah Suri Masjid, beehive shaped Golghar and many museums displaying cultural and traditional artifacts. Khuda Baksh Oriental Library with many valuable books, rich collections of rare Persian and Arabic manuscripts and paintings is a worthy place to visit in Patna.

When To Go
Patna offers humid subtropical climate with hot summers. Summer (March to June) has very hot and humid weather with temperature reaching up to a maximum of 46C. Monsoon (July to September) is accompanied by heavy rainfall. During this season humidity level becomes very high and the precipitation level in the air increases rapidly which makes a little uncomfortable to adjust. Winter (November to February) offers cool and pleasant atmosphere. The temperature falls down to a minimum of 6C.

Best time to visit Patna is from the month of October to March.

Travel within city

The city of Patna has the following options for travel that tourists can opt for in order to get around the city and its suburbsthrough buses, through auto rickshaws and through cabs or taxis.

Bus
Buses are the most preferred mode of travel in Patna, as regular buses are available to all parts of the city. While travelling around Patna, you can opt for buses in case you know the layout of the city and in case you are familiar with the region. The network provided by public bus transport in Patna is comprehensive and covers all regions of the city. Bus charges are minimal and the fares range around Rs 5 to 20, depending on the duration of the travel and the distance covered.

Auto Rickshaw
You can also opt for auto rickshaws in order to conveniently travel around the city of Patna. Auto rickshaws in Patna do not run on meter and drivers may charge exorbitant amounts. It is thus necessary to fix up a particular fare before boarding an auto rickshaw, in order to make sure that you do not spend too much money during the commute. There are no separate night fares.

Taxi
Cabs are available in Patna, and these can be an effective and safe mode of transport for tourists and visitors. Cab charges may range around Rs 15 per kilometer with a minimum charge of around Rs 40. Cabs, auto rickshaws and buses

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charges may range around Rs 15 per kilometer with a minimum charge of around Rs 40. Cabs, auto rickshaws and buses will be available from the railways station and bus stand. Amba Travels- ph: (+91) 9835608877
Attractions

Patna Museum

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Located near the city, this state museum is one of the major tourist spots in Patna. Built in Mughal-Sarsenic style of architecture by British Government in 1917, the museum is known locally as the Jadu Ghar. The museum houses metal and stone sculptures belonging to Maurya Empire and Gupta era, terra cotta figures and images by Hindu and Buddha artists. Besides, the museum also showcases the longest fossilized tree of the world which is 16 m height and 200 million years old. One can also get a glimpse of a fine collection of Chinese paintings and thangkas at this museum. Timings: 10.30 am to 4.30 pm (Tuesday to Sunday) Charges: Rs 10

Begu Hajjam's Mosque Bihar Police Museum Folk Art Museum Gandhi Maidan
Located in the heart of the city, this historic ground near the banks of Ganges was earlier known as Patna Lawns. The ground has its own historical significance. During freedom struggle of India, many movements and rallies were launched from this ground. The well-known Quit India Movement was launched from Gandhi Maidan. Besides, many famous leaders of Indian Independence movements such as Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel, Nehru, Maulana Azad and Rajendra Prasad also addressed their rallies from here. Today, the ground is the venue for Independence Day and Republic Day celebrations in Bihar. Besides, the ground is also used for conducting many events such as mass prayers, trade fairs and other similar development activities. Timings: 24 hours Charges: Free

Gandhi Sangrahalaya Golghar Har Mandir Takht

This Sikh shrine located near Patna city is one of the important places of tourist interest of the region drawing a lot of visitors. It is one of the only five Takhts or Holy Seats of Authority of Sikhism. The birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th and the last Guru of Sikh, Har Mandir Takht has a very high place in Sikh religion and many people visit here to pay homage to the last Guru. Besides, the site also holds the honour of the visits of the great Guru Nanak and Guru Tegh Bahadur. Built with white marbles with fine graving, this holy shrine is a worth visiting place. It also houses a museum which displays historical and beautiful artifacts. Located close to Har Mandir Takht are many other Gurudwaras. Dont miss this place during your visit to Patna. Contact: Free guide available - Ph - 00-91-612-2642000

Jalan Museum Karpoori Thakur Museum

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Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Library

Situated close to the bank of Ganga River in Patna is the Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Library. Established in 1900, it is one of the oldest libraries in India housing a unique collection of around 21000 oriental manuscripts & 2.5 lakh printed books. Opened to public in 1891, the library has more than 4000 manuscripts from Khuda Bakshs personal collection. In 1969, the library was declared as an institute of national importance and is now looked after by an administration board headed by the governor of Bihar. The library has also a wide collection of Arabic and Persian manuscripts and rare paintings that belongs to Mughal and Rajput era. Aside from this, one can also see a wide collection of letters from eminent personalities which are preserved in this library. It is a worth visiting place while in Patna. Contact: 0612 2300209 Timings: 9.30 am-5 pm Sat-Thu Charges: Free

Kumhrar Mahatma Gandhi Setu Mangal Talab Martyr's Memorial Meetan Ghat Old Opium Warehouse Patthar-Ki-Masjid Phulwari Sharif Planetarium Quila House
Located on the banks of River Ganga, this private museum is an interesting place to visit in Patna. The museum houses a wide range of antiques which includes Mughal period silverware, weaponry and even the wooden bed of Napoleon III. Visiting this museum is sure to give a taste and enriching experience of those glorious days. Prior appointment as well as a photocopy of passport and visa pages is required to visit Quila House. Contact: 0612 2641121 Timings: 9.00 to 11.00 am (Monday to Saturday), 10am to 4pm (Sunday), entry by appointment only Charges: Free

Rajendra Smriti Sangrahalaya Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park Shaheed Suraj Narain Singh Museum Srikrishna Science Centre St Luke's Church St Stephen's Church
Distances

Lucknow 511 km 9h, 10m Kolkata 538 km 9h, 10m Kanpur 557 km 7h

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