Patna

Patna is the capital of Bihar, and the second largest metropolis in eastern India and fifth largest in North India.

File:003 Torana, 8c Udayagiri (9221507404) - The Patna museum

Patna Halal Explorer

The ancient name of Patna was 'Pataliputra' and it was the former capital of the Maurya and Gupta empires. Located at the site where Patna is today and the ancient city of Patliputra, with a glorious period of history spanning a thousand years (500BC-400AD), saw the rise and fall of India's first major kingdoms.

Patna is on three sacred rivers and the Ganges and the Sone and the Poonpun. The city has a glorious past and is now a bustling up-and-coming metropolis. Legend has it that a sanctified Ganga had watched with reverence as a hallowed Buddha blessed this place to be a realm of great Kings and their Empires. Belonging to the blue family of cities with a royal legacy, it is the land where the greatest emperors of India walked, and where the greatest saints chose to preach. Guru Gobind Singh and the 10th Sikh Guru was born here. For anyone with a taste for history and religion, this place flies high.

Ajastshatru, second of the Magadh Kings, built a fort at Pataligram on the banks of the Ganges river. This later became the famous Mauryan metropolis of Pataliputra and was ruled by Chandragupta Maurya, his son Bindusara and his grandson Asoka, acclaimed for the spread of Buddhism across India. Following the fall of the Maurya Empire and the next powerful empire to have its capital in Pataliputra was the Gupta Empire, which reach its zenith under the rule of Chandra Gupta I (not to be confused with Chandragupta Maurya), his son Samudra Gupta and his grandson Chandra Gupta II. Other emperors who ruled from Pataliputra were the Pala Kings, Shershah Suri (16th Century) and Azimush-Shan (18th Century) and the grandson of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, who renamed it Azeemabad. Vestiges of this ancient city can be seen at Kumhrar, Bhikhnapahari, Agamkuan, Bulandi Bag etc.

Today, it is apparent that Bihar and Patna have seen better days. Bihar is one of the poorest states of India, and for the first-time foreigner visitor Patna will look a chaotic, noisy city with many signs of poverty even near the downtown. This may change soon, since it has become one of the fastest growing cities of India. With real estate booming at a dizzying pace, shopping malls and theaters, new businesses, food joints it carries the seed for a lively city life, and a tourist haven-to-be. It is an important business and education centre of eastern India. More significantly, it is a gateway to the Buddhist and Jain pilgrim centres of Vaishali, Rajgir, Nalanda, Bodhgaya, Keshariya and Pawapuri. The growing city of Patna is a great place to visit and a great place to live in.

Lying along the banks of the Ganges River, Patna is surrounded by important religious centers for the Buddhists, Sikhs and Jains. This urban center has been home to two great religions, Buddhism and Jainism, and myriad dynasties from ancient to modern times.

Travel to Patna

By Plane

Jay Prakash Narayan Airport - Patna Airport or Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Airport, IATA Flight Code: PAT 25.593611, 85.091944 - Jay Prakash Narayan Airport is a domestic airport. Directly connected to Delhi, Lucknow, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bangalore,Hyderabad,Chennai,Ahmadabad, Indore and Ranchi and there are daily Flights to and from Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. AirIndia, Jet-Airways, Jet Lite, Indigo and goAir operate here.

By Rail

Patna is on the New Delhi - Howrah (Kolkata) railway main line (Patna Junction Code: PNBE; for more information, see Indian Rail site]).

Trains from Nepal border area (Gorakhpur and Raxual) as well as some from northeast, Delhi and Varanasi arrive at Hajipur Junction station, located on the other side of the River Ganga. Although the distance from Patna Junction station is mere 11km, including 6km on the world's longest river bridge, one should be prepared for 40 minutes to up to 2 hour ride in the bad traffic. There are prepaid and shared taxis/rickshaws available throughout the day between two stations. In Patna, shared rickshaws (₹30) leave from south side of the station.

Long-distance trains arrive from many other major cities including Lucknow, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Vadodara, Surat, Nagpur, Pune, Raipur, Jaipur, Bhubaneswar, Puri, Allahabad, Varanasi, Ranchi, Chennai, Bangalore, Mysore, Hyderabad, Goa, Mangalore, Kozhikode and Kochi. Some of the important trains are:

From New Delhi

Patna Rajdhani Exp (12309/12310) via Kanpur, Allahabad
Samproon Kranti Exp(12393/12394) via Kanpur, Allahabad
Sharmajeevi Exp(12391/12392) via Lucknow, Varanasi
Magadh Exp. via Allahabad,Kanpur
Vikramshila Exp(12367/12368) via Kanpur, Allahabad
Garib Rath Exp(12353/12354) via Kanpur, Allahabad
Kolkata Rajdhani(12305/12306) via Kanpur, Allahabad. Ends at Kolkata.
Udyan Abha Toofan Exp(13007/13008) From Shri Ganganagar via Kanpur, Allahabad, Mugal Sarai, Patna, Durgapur. Ends at Kolkata.
Lal Quila Exp(13111/13112) via Kanpur, Allahabad, Mugal Sarai. Ends at Kolkata.

From Kolkata

Jan Shatabdi Exp(2023/2024)
Danapur Exp(2351/2352)
Garib Rath (All AC)(2359/2360)

From Bangalore

Sanghmitra Exp(12295-12296).

From Mumbai

Mumbai CST-RajendraNagar Patna Express(12141/12142)
Mumbai LTT-Patna RajendraNagar Express(13201/13202)

From Varanasi

Vihbhuti Exp(2333/2334)
Mathura Patna Exp (13237/13238) via Kanpur, Ayodhya, Varanasi, Mugal sarai. Ends in Patna.

From Ranchi

Patna Hatia Exp(8623/8624) via a, Bokaro
Patna Ranchi Jan Shatabdi Exp(2365/2366) via a, Bokaro

Railway Enquiry: 139, 138

By car

Patna is connected by road with all major cities of the nation via (National Highway 30, 31 & 19). Here is the list of destinations by distance from Patna: BodhGaya (130km) ,Muzaffarpur (80km) Rajgir (103km), Vaishali (40 kilometers), Kolkata (535km), Varanasi (300km), Delhi (988km), Ranchi (350km), Jamshedpur (470km) , Kathmandu (373km), Siliguri (380km), Darjeeling (430km), Nalanda (90km).

BSTDC (Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation) offers deluxe bus/car rental services for the following destinations: Bodhgaya, Ranchi, Rajgir , Pawapuri, Nalanda & Vaishali,

On the other hand and the Inter-State Bus Terminus at Bankipore (Near Gandhi Maidan) and Mithapur, Luxury buses are available to the Nepal border (Raxaul/Birganj), a, Siliguri, Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Purnia etc.

Get Around

GPS 25.61|85.141388888889 There are a few automobile rental services available in Patna. But foreign travellers who have not driven in India may find driving the roads in Patna and Bihar a bit stressful due to the bad road conditions and the constant heavy traffic, although the road conditions have improved recently.

By auto rickshaw

Shared 'Tempo' as they are called are the easiest and affordableest way to get around in Patna. Fare is normally in the range of ₹5-₹15 and drivers rarely try to charge more. However in case you are trying to reserve an auto, it would be better to know the distance well in advance because that is not the preferred means of transportation for the local residents and it would mean being charged exorbitant rates.

Travel on a Bus in Patna

Though public transport is non existent there are a few buses plying on the main routes. Prices are generally 20-30% lesser than Tempos. However and they are less comfortable.

What to See

Buddha Smriti Udyaan (Buddha Memorial Park) | Near Railway Station 25.60622, 85.13594 ₹10, ₹50 for stupa A large park recently constructed in former jail ground is an oasis from noise and bustle of the city. Quiet meditative place and air-conditioned libraries are the real relief even for a waiting time for the train. The large stupa is where ashes of Buddha originally from Vaishali are kept. Closed on Monday.

- Gandhi Maidan GPS 25.61745,85.14471. Gandhi Maidan is the heart of this city today }}

Gandhi Setu in Patna, India - Mahatma Gandhi Setu - Gandhi Museum GPS 25.62074,85.14237. This museum is near Gandhi Maidan }} - Golghar GPS 25.62028,85.13892. Captain John Garstin built a Golghar for the storage of food for the British army with storing capacity of 140000 tons in 1786.

Har Mandir Saheb The Birth place of the 10th Sikh Guru, Shri Guru Gobind Singh Jee.

- Indira Gandhi Planetarium GPS 25.61030,85.13196. Among the largest and best planetariums in Asia, it attracts a large number of both domestic and foreign tourists. The planetarium has regular film shows on subjects related to astronomy and also holds exhibitions. Patna Planetarium is located on Bailey Road near Income Tax Golambar in Patna within a distance of 8 kilometers from Patna Airport, 1 1/2 kilometers from Patna Train station, 2 kilometers from Government Bus stand, and 10 kilometers from Private Bus stand.

Khuda Baksh Oriental Library Ashok Rajpath.

Kumhrar 25.59277, 85.18681 - Explore the ancient ruins of Pataliputra. Of the 80 pillars (Fa Hien, in 5th century AD, found the pillars shining as bright as glass) excavated at the site, only one remains unfortunately.

Giraffe at patna zoo - |Giraffe at the Patna Zoo

Mahatma Gandhi Setu 25.62312, 85.20771 - The bridge over the river Ganges connecting Patna and Hajipur.

Mahavir Mandir 25.63561, 85.09276 near Patna Junction

Padri Ki Haveli - Mansion of Padre, commonly called Street Mary's Church | 25.58001, 85.07184 - It is the oldest church in Bihar. When Roman Catholics first arrived in Bihar and they built a small church in 1713 at a place now known as "Padri-ki-Haveli".

Pathar ki Masjid 25.61487, 85.18565 - Built by Pervez and the elder brother of Shah Jahan and the first Mughal prince who made Bihar his residence.

- Patna Museum GPS 25.61267,85.13376. It has more than 50,000 rare art objects, with many related to India in the ancient, middle ages and the British colonial era. Don't forget to see the Holy Relic Casket with the sacred ashes of Lord Buddha, and the beautiful statue Yakshani Price Entry for Foreigners ₹250 Indians ₹10 additional ₹250 to see Holy Relic Casket.

Patna Zoo Sanjay Gandhi Botanical and Zoological Garden, Patna 25.59735, 85.10030
Sonepur Mela | Sonepur - This is the largest cattle and animal fair in Asia. It is held in November in Sonepur which across the Ganges from Patna.

Vaishali Stupa | Buddhist site with one of the oldest stupa. This is also the site of world's oldest republic.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Patna

Meditate in Buddha Smriti Udyaan (Buddha Memorial Park). Long/short term courses and hourly rental of meditation cell are available.

Kali Temple - Darbhanga house - at Patna University Campus on the Bank of the Ganges - One of the oldest temple of Goddess Kali.

Patna golf club - 25.60080, 85.09544 - With some very tough holes, this well-maintained course situated downtown will prove interesting to amateur and pros alike. The Patna Golf Club is set in beautiful surroundings.

Maner-Sufi Saint Shrine 30km west of Patna You can buy famous Maner Ka Ladoo(Sweets). Maner Sweets is one of the popular shops that specializes in these. However, avoid going there in the late evening or night.

P&M Mall Patliputra Kurji Road, Patliputra You can visit this mall.

Revolving Restaurant Patna can now boast of a revolving restaurant and the biggest of its kind in the nation, situated atop the tallest tower in the city on the 18th floor of Biscomaun Bhawan near Gandhi Maidan. Based on the German technique and the 5HP motor that revolves the restaurant can be fixed to take one revolution in 45, 60 or 90 minutes.
Take a boat-ride in the Ganges., near Gandhi ghat

Vaishali-Ashokan Pillar 26.01400, 85.10901 48km north of Patna - You can visit this site.

You can go on excursions to the various religious and historical places in and around Patna. Do not miss a boat ride on the mighty Ganges river. When in Patna, try food typical to the region such as pua-pittha, tilkut, chiwra, makhana and the famed sattu or the farmer's staple, litti chokha, and the famous paan.

Shopping

Madhubani Paintings can be purchased from emporiums at Mauyra Lok, a shopping center located on "Dak- Bunglow" road. You can visit many malls around Frazer road/Dak Bunglow Crossing such as Vishal Mega Mart, Maurya Lok Complex and Patna Market on Ashok Rajpath, Hathwa Market, Bari Path & Alankar Palace and other shopping arcades near Boring Road Crossing

Relatively new malls include Patna Central Mall and P&M Mall Patliputra Kurji Road, Patliputra.

Bandhan Boutique | G-9, Pushpanjali Complex, Opp. S.K. Puri Check Post, Boring Road ☎ +91 8102306282

Halal Restaurants in Patna

Bihari Style Pudina Chicken Pulao with Raita and Sabudana Cutlet - Pudina Chicken pulao or Chicken Rice with curd, Patna style

What

Anarsa is one of the finest sweet delicacies of Bihar. It has Rice flour shell with khoya filling, with white til in the upper shell.
Chaat - Though chaat is a very popular snack item throughout India and the special thing about 'Patna Chaat' is its authentic tamarind flavor, as opposed to the sweet and salty Delhi Chaat. Take the opportunity to relish "samosa chaat" or "tikki chaat".
Dahi Chura Chini, which is a mixture of curd, beaten Rice and sugar, is the favourite food in North Bihar, especially in the Mithila region!
Litti chokha is a local specialty. Litti is a primarily ball-shaped stuffed preparation, and the shape of the ball varies depending on the preparation. With a shell made of wheat flour and the taste of litti very much depends on the filling, which includes gram flour and a combination of condiments and spices. Chokha a preparation of smoked eggplant/brinjal or tomato, accompanies litti. The smoked tomato or eggplant is mashed and dressed with coriander leaves, shredded green chilies and mustard oil, which gives a distinct flavor to the chokha.
Makhana is soft fruit grown in water. It is light fried and with little salt it serves the purpose of light Snacks.
Sweets, especially Peda and Kalakand, which are preparations of condensed milk from Sudha Dairy Parlours. The sweets must be consumed within 7 days.
Tilkut, Khaja are other delicacies of Bihar

Thekua and Pudukia -

Where

Restaurants

Mainland China, Patna Central Mall, Frazer Road
Mcdonald's, East Gandhi Maidan
Bansi Vihar, Near Dak Bunglow Crossing
China Garden, Frazer Road
Cloud 9, Boring Road

There are three affordable and good Indian restaurants just as you come out of the north train station overpass. The one in the middle has English menus.

Sweets Parlours

Cake Palace, New Dak Bunglow Road
Cozy Confectioners, Keshav Palace, Bailey Road
Kwality Sweets, Boring Road
Lucknow Sweets, Dak Bunglow Crossing
Maner Sweets, Maurya Lok Complex, New Dak Bungalow Road
Sweet Home, Alankar Palace, Boring Road
Sweet Garden, Keshav Palace, Bailey Road

Sattu-pani is among the popular drinks, Lassi made of curd, dry fruits & sugar.

Country Club International, Patliputra Colony
Mamta Anarkali, Near Dak Bunglow Crossing
Mamta Residency, Near Dak Bunglow Crossing
Oasis, Boring Road

Pind Balluchi - pind balluchi restaurant & Bar | Revolving Floor, Biscomaun Bhawan, Gandhi Maidan, Patna Opposit Gandi Maidan - Pind Balluchi is a well-known chain of restaurants with franchises in various cities, including Patna

The Purple Lounge, SP Verma Road
The Velocity, Near Dak Bunglow Crossing

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Patna is a growing business town, and as such hotels tend to be overpriced for the room provided. It also means that many hotels are full most nights, giving little incentive to improve facilities.

Country Club International , Patliputra colony
Heritage Regency, White House, Budh Marg, Near Bhumi Bikash Bank. 0.5 kilometers from Railway Station.
Hotel Adarsh,Near Patna Junction(Railway Station)
Hotel Akash , Frazer Road
Hotel Anand Regency, Near Patna Junction(Railway Station)
Hotel Clark Inn, Jamal Road
Hotel Magadh, Bhatacharya Road-Naya Tola crossing
Hotel Marina , Frazer Road
Hotel Mayur , Frazer Road
Hotel Nand, Bhatacharya Road-Naya Tola crossing

Hotel Nesh Inn - Nandini Apartment, 28- Kidwaipuri, Patna, Bihar Near Income-tax Roundabout ☎ +91 612 2522269 - ₹1900-₹4700
Hotel New Akash , Frazer Road
Hotel President, Frazer Road
Hotel Vijay Shree Deluxe, Exhibition Road NOT a budget hotel very average looking rooms start from ₹2750 a night.
Maharaja Inn, Station Road, Rajendra Path
Mamta Regency , Frazer Road
Marwari Awas Grih, Dakbunglow Crossing

Other good accommodation can be found on the road leading from the train station down towards the Mithapur bus stand. Very basic rooms start at ₹400.

Hotel Kautilya Vihar, R Block
Hotel Samrat International Dak Bunglow Crossing
Hotel Satkar International, Frazer Road
Hotel Rajasthan, Frazer Road
Hotel Republic, Exhibition Road
Hotel Windsor, Exhibition Road Crossing

Lemon Tree Premier | 876, Exhibition Road near Gandhi Maidan ☎ +91 612 2502700

Hotel Panache, South Gandhi Maidan
Hotel Gargee Grand, Exhibition Road (Near Big Bazaar)
Hotel Ashoka, Birchand Patel Path (Near IT Office)
Hotel Chanakya, R Block
Hotel Maurya, South Gandhi Maidan - Landmark of Patna
Hotel Lemon Tree Premier, Exhibition road

News & References

Travel Next

Bodh a and the place where Buddha achieved enlightenment
Buddhist Bodh circuit: Bodhgaya - Nalanda - Rajgir - Patna - Vaishali - Kesaria.
Deo - city of the Sunday Temple.
Deoghar - A town containing a famous Babadham temple. It is 200km from Patna By Railway (drop at Jasidih Junction on Patna Howarh Main Line)in Jharkhand State
Nalanda - location of an ancient university with a nearby museum.
Pawapuri - The Place of Nirvana (Bhagwan Mahabir) - A holy site for the Jains.
Kesariya - Perhaps the oldest Shanti Stupa, it is situated in East Champaran District(Motihari), 170km from Patna.
Munger - A small town on the bank of Ganga famous for Yoga.
Nepal and Raxaul - Buses are available to Raxaul and Jogbani at the Nepali border, where you can hop on a bus to Kathmandu and Pokhra. These buses leave at about 7am from the Mithapur bus stop 3km south of the train station. They don't leave at night during summer (tourist off season). The roads going north out of town are particularly bad - sit as far forward in the bus as you can!
Rajgir and the place Vishwa Shanti Shutpa you can joy on Areial Ropeway, You can enjoy Venuvana (Beautiful Garden)
Ranchi
Vaishali, A town on Bank of Ganga famous for its banana, Buddhist temple and handicrafts