Patna (Hindi: पटना Patnā, pronounced PUHT-nah), the capital of Bihar, is a bustling city in the Indian Plains with a glorious past. It is a gateway to the Buddhist and Jain pilgrimage centres of Vaishali, Rajgir, Nalanda, Bodh Gaya, Kesariya and Pawapuri.
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 city centre. 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, theatres, 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. This article covers two other towns across the river Ganges: Hajipur in Mithila and Sonepur in Bhojpur.
Shared 'tempos' as they are called are the easiest and cheapest 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 locals and it would mean being charged exorbitant rates. The Patna Metro is under construction, consisting of Blue 2 and Red 1 lines. As of 10 October 2025, only three stations of the Blue Line are operational: ISBT, Zero Mile and Bhootnath. Though public transport is non-existent there are a few buses plying on the main routes.
1 Golghar. Captain John Garstin built a Golghar for the storage of food for the British army with storing capacity of 140,000 tons in 1786. (updated Oct 2023) 2 Mahatma Gandhi Setu. The bridge over the river Ganges connecting Patna and Hajipur. 3 Agam Kuan. (updated Jun 2026) 4 Kumhrar. Explore the ancient ruins of Pataliputra. Of the 80 pillars (Fa Hien, in 5th century CE, found the pillars shining as bright as glass) excavated at the site; only one remains. (updated Jun 2026) 5 Bihar Museum, Bailey Rd. Tuesday-Sunday 10:00–19:00. Opened in 2015, the museum shows you the history of Bihar.
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. 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. Take a boat-ride in the Ganges., near Gandhi ghat 1 Sonepur Cattle Fair (Sonepur Mela). Largest cattle and animal fair in Asia. It is held in November in Sonepur which across the Ganges from Patna. (updated Jun 2026) 2 Buddha Smriti Park (Buddha Memorial Park), Frazer Rd (near Patna Junction ECR ). Closed M.
When in Patna, try food typical to the region such as pua-pittha, tilkut, chiwra, makhana, the famed sattu or the farmer's staple, litti chokha, and the famous paan. 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, the special thing about 'Patna Chaat' is its authentic tamarind flavor, as opposed to the sweet and salty Delhi Chaat.
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, Revolving Floor, Biscomaun Bhawan, Gandhi Maidan (Opposite Gandi Maidan). Pind Balluchi is a well-known chain of restaurants with franchises in various cities, now including Patna. The Purple Lounge, SP Verma Road The Velocity, near Dak Bunglow Crossing
There have been reports that British citizens are being discriminated against in Patna. Hotel staff may claim to have no vacancy whenever they see a guest with British passport, and direct you to the most expensive hotels in the city instead. Patna has one of the highest rates of murder and abduction in India. While incidents typically involve local residents rather than travellers, it's still wise to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary conflicts or confrontations.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
Top-rated tours and tickets from €16 — book ahead for the popular ones.
Tours and tickets provided by Viator (a Tripadvisor company). Some links earn Stayonomy a commission.
In Sep, Patna typically sees ~33°C daytime highs and 21 rainy days.
Cheapest destinations travellers searched recently — refreshed daily.
Flight prices are real fares travellers found in the last 48 hours, refreshed daily — the booking site confirms the final price. Train, bus and ferry fares are shown on the operators' booking sites. Weather data by Open-Meteo; exchange rates: ECB reference. Data updated 2026-09-11. Some links earn Stayonomy a commission at no cost to you.
stayonomy