Things to Do in Patna
Activities to Do in Patna
Visit Golghar, Seek Blessings at Gurudwara Patna Sahib, Watch Laser Show at Mangal Talab, Marvel at Patna Museum, Explore the Ruins of Pataliputra and many more.
The plethora of fascinating things to do in Patna do not only let you enjoy an exhilarating action-packed holiday in the Bihari land, but also take you closer to the 3,000 years old history of the capital city as well as the entire state. The various activities available in the city of Patna range from heritage walks and spiritual tours to street shopping and food touring.
You can take an amazing walk through history and explore an extensive collection of age-old artefacts at the Patna Museum and the privately owned Jalan Museum. Climbing to the top of Golghar and the Vulture’s Peak will let you soak in breathtaking panoramic views of the stunning cityscape. Take a break from the chaotic and bustling city and visit the Buddha Smriti Park and the Sanjay Gandhi National Park to bask in the lush green environs and the calm atmosphere.
Constructed in the style of Mughal and Rajput architecture, Patna museum has numerous galleries that contains masterpieces from the past. The most highlighted attractions of the place are the Holy Relic Casket, with the sacred ashes of Lord Buddha and the lovely statue, Yakshani.
The museum displays archeological artifacts such as coins, architectural pieces, drawings, tools, textiles, graces, bronze sculptures, and terracotta images by various Hindu and Buddhist artists. Another prized possession of the museum is a remarkable collection of British-period paintings depicting the everyday life of the Indians of the age, along with a beautiful collection linked to the first President of India.
Location: Budh Marg, Lodipur, Patna, Bihar 800001.
Historical Facts:
-The construction of this museum was a result of the separation of Bihar and Bengal.
-It aimed at preserving the historical artefacts found around Patna and its construction was started by the Britishers in 1917.
-The museum completed its construction in 1982 and now consists of various historical artefacts including coins, paintings, instruments, bronze images, terra cotta items, sculptures, art objects and thangkas
Best time to visit: October to April.
One of the holiest pilgrimages for the Sikhs is Harmandir Takht Shri Patna Sahib, popularly known as Patna Sahib Gurudwara. Located on the banks of the Holy Ganga, this Patna Gurudwara, Bihar draws thousands of visitors from all over the country, irrespective of their religious traditions, political ideologies, and regions.
The place's serene and peaceful ambiance readily brings you close to the Almighty and leaves you relaxed and spiritually inspired. The Gurudwara's white glitter marble structure weaves the grandiose of Sikh architecture and is known in Eastern India as the epicenter of Sikhism. Also, it is one of the best places to visit in Patna.
Historical Fact: The temple was established to commemorate the birth of the tenth guru of the Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh
Location: Takhat Sri Harimandir ji, Patna Sahib, Patna, Bihar 800008.
Best time to visit: April, July and November.
Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park is one of India's 16 largest biological parks which was established in 1973 as a small garden. This park is also famous as the Sanjay Gandhi Botanical and Zoological Garden or Patna Zoo and is one of the top tourist attractions in Patna. Spread over an area of 618966.69 sq ft. This zoo contains 800 animals of approximately 110 species. As per their nature, the animals are further kept in various rooms, like Saap Ghar (snake house), Machhali Ghar (fish aquarium).
The visitors get to see more tigers, leopards, jackals, blackbucks, elephants, Himalayan black bears, zebras, and giraffes. Sanjay Gandhi Jaivik Udyan also has Indian rhinoceros, pythons, emus, hippopotamus, white peacocks, and crocodiles.
Area Covered: Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park covers an area of 153 acres and is now a home to different species of animals and birds.
Wildlife Covered: The animals which find their home in the Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park include Rhinoceros, clouded leopard, Leopard cats, Tiger, Lion, Deers and Antelopes.
What special it has: Adding more fun to your visit, the park also offers train rides and boat rides.
Location: Raj Bhavan, Bailey Rd, Rajbansi Nagar, Patna, Bihar 800001.
Best time to visit: October to March.
Also known as the Buddha Memorial Park, this urban Park has been established in order to honor Lord Buddha. The park was inaugurated by the Dalai Lama on the 2554th birth anniversary of the Buddha. Spread over an area of 22 acres, the park was built with a budget of INR 125 crores.
Don't forget to witness the beautiful laser and sound show and also, check out the meditation center situated here. The greenery and beautifully laid gardens will help you to experience peace and calmness.
Facts about Buddha Smriti Park:
-The park was developed to commemorate the 2554th birth anniversary of Gautama Buddha.
-The park was inaugurated by his holiness Dalai Lama on the eve of Buddha Purnima
-The park consists of a tree whose sapling was planted by the Dalai Lama on the occasion.
Location: Fraser Road, Near Patna Railway Station Patna Junction, Bihar 800001.
Best time to visit: August to March.
The Srikrishna Science Centre is a top science museum in Patna. It is named after the first Chief Minister of Bihar, Sri Krishna Singh and was inaugurated in the year of 14th April, 1978. The Minister of Education, Shri Thakur Prasad Singh came for the inauguration for the science centre.
It is one of the top science museums in Patna. This museum is located in the southwestern corner of the Gandhi Maidan. Visitors can enjoy their time checking out the various science installations.
Location: West Gandhi Maidan, Raja Ji Salai, Dujra Diara, Patna, Bihar 800001.
Price: INR 30.
Best time to visit: Winters, October to March.
Built in a budget of around INR 15 crores, the Patna Planetarium is quite a popular tourist attraction when you are in the city. The Planetarium holds various exhibitions and movie shows related to astronomy, the universe etc.
Apart from it, they also organise seminars for the budding astronomers. It is a good place to watch the eclipse and meteor shower. The planetarium is a perfect place for those who are interested in Science and Cosmos and want to know and explore more about it.
Architecture:
-The planetarium is dotted with everything modern, ranging from a chic auditorium to the art projection system.
-The total capacity of the main hall is 276 people at once.
-Within the planetarium lies a huge dome shaped screen which showcases movies (for which people have to look up on the roof).
-The planetarium also offers a separate place to hold large events, conferences, seminars and workshops.
Location: New Dak Bunglow Road, Near Income Tax Office, Adalatganj, Kidwaipuri, Patna, Bihar 800001.
Best time to visit: November to March
The church, which stands now, was reconstructed and redesigned by Tirreto in 1772. He arrived here from Kolkata for the task and the church's foundation stone was originally 70 feet in length and 40 feet in width. Local people consider this church to be really auspicious and during Christmas, the charge hosts several events in the locality.
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Patan Devi locally also known as the Maa Patneshwari Mandir, this is the oldest and one of the most well-known temples in Patna. This temple is believed to be one of the 51 Siddha Shakti Pithas in India. Puran history and legend says that the right thigh of the Devi Sati fell here.
The temple is known for worshiping goddess Durga and was known as Sarvanand Kari Patneshwari. You can certainly give a quick visit to this very sacred temple and offer your prayers. If possible then visit here early morning because it gets really crowded at peak hours of the day.
Historical Facts:
-Considering the Puranic legends, locals believe that the “right thigh” of the corpse of Devi Sati fell here when it was cut by Lord Vishnu with his Sudarshan Chakra.
-The temple is also known as “Maa Sarvanand Kari Patneshwari” and is believed to be the abode of goddess Durga.
Festivals and celebrations:
-Around the temple a mela is held on the occasion of Vijayadashami.
-Around the time of Durga Puja, the temple receives a daily footfall of around 600 devotees.
-People during festivals bring various sweets, garlands and fruits to offer to the deities.
-The whole proceeding during the festival consists of priests taking some quantity of prasad followed by marking their forehead with rori(red powder).
Location: Badi patan devi mandir, Sadikpur, Patna, Bihar 800007.
Best time to visit: Around Hindu Festivals(dates may vary).
Location: Chapra-Patna Highway, Muhammadpur, Patna, Bihar 800007.
Best time to visit: September to March.
The Funtasia Water Park is an exciting amusement water park that offers a wide range of activities that one can indulge in. It is also the first water park in the state of Bihar. The park attracts hundreds of people every week for the numerous Water slides, Wave pool, Swimming pools, Kids water slides, Two Kids wave pool and the Multi cuisine restaurants.
If you are in Patna and want to enjoy the whole day, splashing in water, then it is a must visit. There are several cafes situated in different parts of the water park which allows you to satisfy your hunger pangs during the day. It is a fun place to enjoy with your family and friends when you are in Patna.
Location: Parsa Bazar - Sampatchak Main Rd, Sampatchak, Bihar 804453.
Best time to visit: March to September.
Eco Park
Attractions in the park:
Location: Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, Rajbansi Nagar, Patna, Bihar 800015.
Agam Kuan is an archeological well which is situated in Patna that dates back to the time of Emperor Ashoka. The well, just like other wells, is circular in shape and is lined with bricks on the upper 13 metres and has wooden rings in the rest part. It is believed that this temple had secret chambers.
This chamber was used by Ashoka as torture chambers before worshiping Buddhism. Also, people believe a fire would burn throughout the day inside the well and that criminals or prisoners of war would be thrown into the well as a punishment. This place has an interesting history and you should really visit it if you want to know more about it.
Historical Facts:
- Agam Kuan was built by Ashoka and is also known as Laurence Waddell.
- The place is believed to be the “Hell Chamber” of Ashoka where he used to torture his prisoners. The place was named as a “Fiery well” or “hell on earth” in Ashoka’s Edict no. VII.
-These facts are also mentioned by chinese travelers of 5th and 7th AD in their manuscripts.
Architecture:
-The Agam Kuan is 105 ft deep and is circular in shape with a diameter of 15 ft.
-The upper half of this place is brick-encased and the lower half is secured by the wooden rings.
-The place has eight arched windows.
Location: Ranipur, Near Gulzarbagh Railway Station, Patna.
Best time to visit: October to March
Thus, it's considered as the tallest Gandhi statue on the earth and a very scenic tourist place in Patna. Ten crores were spent on the construction of this bronze statue where two children are flanking at the Father of the Nation.
River Ganga passes besides the Gandhi Ghat, therefore making it one of the most scenic tourist places in Patna. This ghat is one of the main Ghats of this city and lets you overlook some of the most scenic abodes of the gushing stream. The most famous attraction of this ghat is the Evening Ganga Aarti which attracts hundreds of people every day, and you should not miss it as well.
The aarti takes place at around 6-6:30 pm daily, but the timings might vary. It is a beautiful sight. For those who want to experience something different and auspicious, this is your bet. Don't miss out on this place to visit in Patna.
Historical Facts:
-The Ghat is famous for the evening aarti session along the stream of Ganga in which a total of 51 lamps are lit.
-The ghat is also known to be the spot where ashes are immersed into the holy waters of Ganga.
Location: Patna, Bihar 800005.
Best time to visit: Any month, excluding June and July
-All the ruins here are related to the Mauryan Period and come with various stories related to them. The famous one is that the 80 pillar hall where the third Buddhist Council was
held in 250 BCE, under the reign of Mauryan Emperor Ashoka.
People who are looking for a bit of calmness and tranquility in between the daily busy life in an urban city, SK Puri park in the heart of Patna is one of the best places they can visit. One of the sections of S K Puri Park is a children's park where you can take your children for a fun ride and exciting experience. However, make sure you visit within the timings provided to stay safe and secure. The park also contains a serene trail onto which you can jog and enjoy a run.
Location: Kidwaipuri, Patna, Bihar.
Best time to visit: December to March
Moreover, due to its prime location, it also has several eye-catching places nearby that you would certainly want to visit.
More Patna Activities
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What are the best things to do in Patna?
1. Visit Golghar: One of the best things to do in Patna with your friends is to pay a visit to the famous Golghar that lies alongside the Ganges and dates back to 1786. Climb to the topmost part of this age-old dome-like structure through the spiral staircase. Once you reach the observation area, breath in the fresh cool air and soak in the mesmerizing panoramic views of the lush gardens, shimmerizing river Ganga, and the exuberant cityscape.
Location:Opp.-Govt. Girls High school, Ashok Rajpath, Patna, Bihar 800001
Timings:10 AM to 5 PM, Closed on Monday
2. Seek Blessings at Gurudwara Patna Sahib: If you are seeking some family-friendly things to do in Patna, visit the magnificent Gurudwara Patna Sahib that is dedicated to the tenth Guru of Sikhism, Guru Govind Singh. While you are at the shrine, pay homage to the Guru and marvel at the breathtaking traditional Sikh architecture of this Gurudwara. You can also visit the museum inside the Gurudwara Patna Sahib and witness the "Hukamnamas" of Guru Tegh Bahadur and Guru Gobind Singh. You can also see a pair of ivory sandals and a holy sword of Guru Govind Singh.
Location:Takhat Sri Harimandir ji, Patna Sahib, Patna, Bihar 800008
Timings:2.30 AM to 8 PM
3. Watch Laser Show at Mangal Talab: Head to the picturesque Mangal Talab and enjoy watching the enchanting laser show. As you enjoy this mesmerizing light and show sitting by the side of the lake, you can feel the cool breeze kiss your face and run through your hair. You can soak in the awe-inspiring views of the colourful waters of the fountain dancing to melodious tunes.
Location:Mangal Talab Rd, Ranipur Khidki, Patna 800008, Bihar
Timings:6 PM to 7 PM
4. Marvel at Patna Museum: One of the most recommended things to do in Patna for all history buffs is to take a walk through the very popular Patna Museum. During your visit to this museum, you can check out the huge array of well-preserved relics, artefacts, sculptures, instruments, and paintings. You can also spot the 53 feet high fossilized tree of 1972 and the casket containing the ashes of Gautama Buddha.
Location:Near Kotwali Thana,Buddha Marg Patna, Bihar 800001,India
Price:INR 20 per head for Indians, INR 250 per head for foreigners
Timings:10.30 AM to 4.30 PM
5. Explore the Ruins of Pataliputra: Enjoy an exploration tour to the small town of Kumhrar, where you can discover the Ruins of Pataliputra. As you walk through the remnants of the ancient Patna, you can get an insight of the glorious past of this place, when it was under the rule of renowned kings like Ajatshatru, Chandragupta Maurya, and Ashoka. You can witness the remnants of the 80-pillared hall of Ashoka and Panini’s Arogyashala. You can also visit the small museum on this site and check out the archaeologically excavated things stored here.
Location:Kankarbagh Rd, Kumrahar, Bihar
Price:9 AM to 5 PM
Timings:INR 15 per head for Indians, INR 200 per head for foreigners
6. Go to Buddha Smriti Park: If you are seeking some peace away from the hustle and bustle of the city, spending some time at the beautiful Buddha Smriti Park can be one of the best things to do in Patna for you. While you take a leisure stroll through this huge park, you can spot the stunning sandblasted charcoal Patliputra Karuna Stupa. You can also check out the small well-stocked library and the intriguing Buddhist Museum. You can even take some time to meditate in peace at the meditation hall.
Location:Fraser Road, Near Patna Railway Station Patna Junction, Bihar 800001
Price:INR 20 per head
Timings:9 AM to 7 PM, Closed on Monday
7. Boat ride on the Ganga River: Take a break from all the busy sightseeing and shopping you are doing in the bustling city of Patna and enjoy a calm and serene boat ride with your loved one, across the shimmering waters of the picturesque Ganges. As you ride on the traditional boat, you can soak in the postcard-perfect views of the flamboyant cityscape. You can also see the sun slowly go down the horizon and marvel at the reddish orange rays that beautifully cover the blue waters of the river.
8. Enjoy a Show at Patna Planetarium: One of the most kids-friendly things to do in Patna with your little ones is to take them for an exciting sky show at the renowned Indira Gandhi Planetarium, which is better known as the Patna Planetarium. While you are here, at one of Asia’s oldest planetariums, you can watch an educational science film on astronomy and take home a bag of space knowledge. After the show, you can also take some time to walk through the interesting and innovative exhibitions hosted in this planetarium for the visitors.
Location:Indira Gandhi Science Complex, Buddha Road, Adalatganj, Veer Chand Patel Area, Patna- 800001, Bihar
Price:INR 50 per head
Timings:11 AM to 5.30 PM, Closed on Monday
9. Visit Jalan Museum: Take a walk through the rich history preserved beautifully at the privately owned Jalan Museum. You can witness interesting collections of artefacts from the Mughal era. You can also spot over 10,000 artefacts from the modern period. One of the most important attractions that you should not miss out on at Jalan Museum is the age-old wooden bed of Napoleon III.
Location:Quila Rd, Hajiganj, Patna, Bihar 800008
Timings:Monday to Saturday - 9 AM to 11.30 AM, Sunday - 9 AM to 1 PM & 3 PM to 6 PM
10. Stroll at Sanjay Gandhi National Park: Pay a visit to the Sanjay Gandhi Jaivik Udhyan and spend time encountering the 800 animal and plant species residing here. You can take an exciting jungle walk here and spot the royal Bengal tiger, the one-horned rhinos, chimpanzees, hippopotamuses, elephants, lions, monkeys, zebras, and umpteen varieties of colourful birds. You can also visit the aquarium lying on a man-made island and witness over 30 rare fish species. You can even check out the beautiful rose garden, the green house, the tree house, the herbal garden, and the snake house.
Location:Raj Bhavan, Bailey Rd, Rajbansi Nagar, Patna, Bihar 800001
Price:INR 30 per head for adults, INR 5 per head for children
Timings:5 AM to 6 PM, Closed on Monday
What are the adventurous things to do in and near Patna?
1. Ganga Kayaking Tour: Ride through the delightful waves of the Ganges as you row your kayal along its blissful waters. Spend your day enjoying this adventurous activity while enjoying the serenity that will be surrounding you.
2. Valmiki Nagar Rafting: Take a raft towards the scenic Gandak River and spend your evening rafting along its various rapids. You will be provided with all basic safety equipment to ensure a perfect activity session.
3. Patna Paramotoring Tour: Glide over some of the most iconic spots in Patna by opting for a session of Paramotoring. Fly upto 500 metres in the sky and catch a picture perfect birds eye view of the beauty surrounding you.
4. Rajgir Trekking Tour: What can be more thrilling than trekking towards the top of a hill from where you can gaze into the panoramic view of the low lying clouds and plains. When in Patna, make sure that you enjoy a trekking tour to the top of Rajgir Hill to enjoy a perfect dose of scenery as well as thrill.
What is Patna famous for?
Patna city is known popularly for its age-old museums with extensive collection of historical artefacts, ancient Buddhist and Hindu temples, beautifully architecture historical monuments, lively and colourful street markets, and amazingly handcrafted Madhubani paintings.
How to reach Patna?
- By Rail: The Patna Junction is the main railway junction in Bihar and one can easily book trains up to here from surrounding cities as well as the neighbouring states.
- By Air: The Jayaprakash Narayan Airport is the main airport of Bihar, which sits in Patna. The airport carries various flights everyday by Air India, Go Air and others and is well connected to places like Delhi, Jaipur, Chennai, Pune and Bangalore.
- By River: Since the stream of Ganga River passes through Patna, one can also visit here by a boat or a cruise. The river remains navigable all year round, making the traversing even more comfortable.
Is Patna worth visiting?
Yes, Patna is absolutely worth visiting for all kinds of travelers, including history buffs, spiritual seekers, and shoppaholics. The historical monuments and museums of the city will offer you a sneak peek into the rich past of the state of Bihar.
With the numerous Hindu, Buddhist, and Islamic shrines present here, you can find yourself closer to spirituality. You can also take a shopping spree in the bustling street markets of the city and shop extravagantly for amazing souvenirs.
What is famous food in Patna?
The most recommended Bihari delicacies you can relish in Patna city include Litti Chokha, Thekua, Nivedyam, Chandrakala, Dal Peda, Kesar Peda, Parwal ki Mithai, Malpua, Kachori, and Patna Chaat.
What is the best time to visit Patna?
The best time to visit Patna is during the winter months of October to March. During this time of the year, the temperature of the city is mild and the weather is salubrious, supporting all kinds of outdoor activities, including sightseeing and street shopping.
What are the best historical experiences in Patna?
1. Pay a Visit to Agam Kuan: Visit Agam Kuan, a 105 feet deep well built by King Ashoka for imprisoning and torturing people. Admire this red structure and pay homage, as Agam Kuan is now considered as a spiritual site.
2. Walk Through the Galleries of the Patna Museum: Take a walk through the various galleries of the Patna Museum, including Stone Sculpture Gallery, Natural History Gallery, Painting Gallery, and Buddha Relic Gallery & explore an array of historic objects.
3. Admire the Ancient Culture at Kumrahar: Pay a visit to the ancient quaint town of Kumrahar and admire the ruins of Pataliputra. Take a tour of the small museum here and witness ancient ornaments, utensils, terracotta beads, toy carts, and copper coins.
4. Take an Educational Tour at Sri Krishna Science Centre: Walk through the Sri Krishna Science Centre and spot the sundial, learn about human evolution, watch the 3D show, and visit the Dinosaur Park.
