Situated
on the banks of the holy river Ganga, Patna, earlier known as Patliputra,
is one of the most ancient cities of India. Capital of Bihar, Patna
is known for its magnificent past and the historical buildings.
Patna began as Pataliputra in the 5th century BC. In the 3rd century
BC it became the capital of the Magadh kingdom and the seat of the
Indian emperor Ashoka.
Patna is the gateway to the Buddhist and Jain pilgrim centers of
Vaishali, Rajgir, Nalanda, Bodhgaya and Pawapuri, all located in
the state of Bihar. After India attained independence, Patna became
the capital of Bihar.
Tourist
Destinations: Gol Ghar, Museum, Harmandirji, Khuda Baksh
Oriental Library, Kumhrar, Martyrs Memorial, Jalan Museum, Pathar
Ki Masjid, and many more the following are...
» Golghar
The
huge, beehive structured building was built to store grains, following
a terrible famine in 1786. The 29 mtr high building offers a scenic
view of river Ganga and Patna city. This granary was never used
for the desired purpose.
» Har
Mandir
A
holy shrine of Sikhs, this is said to be the second-most important
Gurudwara in India. The Gurudwara was built by Guru Gobind Singh,
the 10th guru of the Sikhs. Built in white marbles, with kiosks
on the terraces, it consecrates the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh.
» Khuda
Baksh Oriental Library
One
of the national libraries of India, it has a rare collection of
Persian and Arabic manuscript. It also host paintings during Rajput
and Mughal rule in India. A very unique collection, One-inch wide
Quran is also kept here.
» Museum
The
city museum is a collection of metal and stone sculptures of the
Maurya and Gupta Periods, terracota figurines and archaeological
finds from different sites in Bihar. It has the Ashes of the Buddha,
image of Yakshi (3rd century BC), and a 16 mt long fossilized tree.
» Martyrs
Memorial
The memorial
in front of the old secretariat, shows seven young men facing the
bullets and sacrificing their lives during the '1942 Quit India movement'.
» How
to reach Patna
By
Air : The Loknayak Jaiprakash International Airport, Patna is connected
to all the major Indian cities. The airport is 10 km from the city
center.
By Rail : Patna is well connected to the rest of India via railways
network. Direct trains to major cities of India are available
By Road : Patna is well connected by roads. Bus services are available
for places within the state as well as to other states.
