Patna (Hindi: पटना Patnā) is the capital of Bihar and the second largest metropolis in eastern India. The city has a glorious past and is now a bustling up-and-coming metropolis. It is a gateway to the Buddhist and Jain pilgrim centres of Vaishali, Rajgir, Nalanda, Bodhgaya, Keshariya and Pawapuri.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
The ancient name of Patna was "Pataliputra" and it was the capital of the Maurya and Gupta empires. With a glorious period of history spanning a thousand years (500 BCE–400 CE), Pataliputra is where India's first major kingdoms rose and fell. Patna is on three sacred rivers, the Ganges, the Sone and the Poonpun. 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 heritage, it is the land where the greatest emperors of India walked, and where the greatest saints chose to preach. Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Sikh Guru was born here.
Shared 'Tempo' 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.
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In Jul, Patna typically sees ~33°C daytime highs and 23 rainy days.
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