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Places to Visit in Patna

Steeped in ancient history and rich heritage, Patna – Bihar’s capital offers a unique blend of spirituality, culture, and learning. Discover sacred Takhts, historic monuments, world-class museums, and architectural marvels among the top places to visit in Patna.

A wide shot of the majestic white Takht Sri Patna Sahib Gurudwara, a key place to visit in Patna.

Takht Sri Patna Sahib

Takht Sri Patna Sahib is one of the five sacred seats of authority for Sikhs, marking the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The gurudwara is a magnificent structure that radiates peace and spirituality, attracting devotees from across the globe. 

Its serene atmosphere is enhanced by the continuous recitation of Gurbani and the communal kitchen (langar) that serves all visitors. The preservation of many relics associated with the Guru makes it a deeply significant historical site. A visit here offers a profound insight into Sikh history and culture.

The large, beehive-shaped structure of Golghar set against a blue sky, a historic place to visit in Patna.

Golghar

A massive granary offering panoramic views of the city and the Ganga River.
The grand colonial facade of Patna Museum, a prominent place to visit in Patna for history lovers.

Patna Museum

Houses a rich collection of Mauryan and Gupta period sculptures and artifacts.

The ancient, circular brick enclosure of the mysterious Agam Kuan, a place to visit in Patna.

Agam Kuan

An ancient and mysterious deep well with archaeological significance.

 

Archaeological excavations and ruins at the historic Kumhrar site, a place to visit in Patna.

Kumhrar

The archaeological site of ancient Pataliputra with Mauryan period remains.

Visitors exploring the lush green pathways of Sanjay Gandhi Jaivik Udyan, a place to visit in Patna.

Sanjay Gandhi Jaivik Udyan

Sanjay Gandhi Jaivik Udyan is Patna’s premier biological park, functioning as both a zoo and a botanical garden. It is home to a diverse range of fauna, including tigers, leopards, and various species of deer and birds. 

The park is designed to provide naturalistic habitats for its inhabitants, making it an engaging experience for wildlife enthusiasts. It serves as a popular recreational spot for families and children, offering a welcome escape into nature. The park also plays a crucial role in conservation and education efforts within the state.

The vast, open grounds of Gandhi Maidan surrounded by city buildings, a place to visit in Patna.

Gandhi Maidan

A historic ground that has witnessed many national movements and events.

The peaceful Stupa and well-maintained gardens of Buddha Smriti Park, a place to visit in Patna.

Buddha Smriti Park

A peace park built to commemorate the 2554th birth anniversary of Buddha.

The modern, striking architecture of the Martyr's Memorial, a significant place to visit in Patna.

Martyr's Memorial

A modern monument dedicated to the brave soldiers of Bihar.

The pristine white exterior and detailed architecture of Padri Ki Haveli church, a place to visit in Patna.

Padri Ki Haveli

One of the oldest churches in Bihar, known for its impressive colonial architecture.

A collection of rare Chinese artifacts on display inside the Jalan Museum, a place to visit in Patna.

Jalan Museum

The Jalan Museum, also known as Quila House, is a unique private museum built upon the foundations of Sher Shah Suri’s fort. It boasts an eclectic and priceless collection of artifacts, including Chinese porcelain, jade, and silver collections, and European paintings. The museum’s distinct character comes from its setting within a historic home, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of collectors.

Its most famous exhibit is a supposed wine glass that belonged to the legendary Mughal emperor, Nur Jahan. A visit here feels like stepping into a fascinating cabinet of curiosities.

The contemporary and spacious main hall of the world-class Bihar Museum, a place to visit in Patna.

Bihar Museum

The Bihar Museum is a world-class, state-of-the-art institution dedicated to showcasing the extensive history and cultural heritage of Bihar. Its vast galleries are home to exquisite ancient sculptures, including the famous Didarganj Yakshi, and artifacts from the Mauryan and Gupta periods.

The museum’s modern architecture and engaging, interactive displays make history accessible and captivating for all ages. It serves not just as a repository of artifacts, but as a vibrant cultural center for exhibitions and events. It is an essential visit for anyone wanting to understand Bihar’s glorious past.

The red brick ruins of ancient Nalanda University, a famous place to visit near Patna.

Nalanda University Ruins

The ruins of ancient Nalanda University represent one of the world’s first great residential universities and a renowned center of learning. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features the extensive remains of red-brick monasteries, temples, and lecture halls spread across a vast area.

It attracted scholars and students from as far as Tibet, China, Greece, and Persia to study various subjects. Walking through the serene complex evokes a sense of awe for the intellectual and architectural marvel it once was. It stands as a powerful testament to India’s ancient legacy of knowledge and education.

The extensive red brick ruins of the ancient Nalanda University, a renowned center of learning.

Nalanda

The town of Nalanda is intrinsically linked to the legendary university ruins that share its name, serving as the gateway to this ancient seat of learning. Beyond the famous archaeological site, the town is home to the modern Nalanda University and the informative Nalanda Archaeological Museum. 

The museum houses a superb collection of artifacts, sculptures, and manuscripts excavated from the ruins, providing deeper historical context. The area remains a significant pilgrimage and tourist destination for those interested in Buddhism and history. It offers a unique blend of ancient grandeur and a vibrant present.

Tourists riding a cable car towards the Vishwa Shanti Stupa in the hills of Rajgir.

Rajgir

An important religious site with hot springs, Jain and Buddhist temples, and ruins.

The stunning white marble structure of Jalmandir reflected in a tranquil lake in Pawapuri.

Pawapuri

A holy Jain pilgrimage site where Lord Mahavira attained Nirvana (salvation).

The ancient Ashokan Pillar with a lion capital standing at the historical site of Vaishali.

Vaishali

 An ancient city significant for Buddhists and Jains, and site of the first republic.

The magnificent Mahabodhi Temple complex under the Bodhi Tree, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Bodh Gaya

The place where Buddha attained enlightenment and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The world's tallest ancient Buddhist stupa, Kesaria Stupa, towering against the sky.

Kesaria

Kesaria is home to the world’s tallest Buddhist stupa, a colossal and ancient structure that dwarfs even the famous Borobudur in Indonesia. This awe-inspiring monument, rising to a height of 104 feet, is believed to mark the spot where Lord Buddha spent a period and donated his alms bowl. 

The stupa’s immense size and historical significance make it a site of great archaeological and religious importance. Though partially excavated, its grandeur is palpable, offering a quieter, more contemplative alternative to other Buddhist sites. It is a hidden gem for history enthusiasts and pilgrims alike.

The excavated archaeological remains of the Vikramshila Mahavihara university monastery.

Vikramshila

The ruins of another ancient Mahavihara (Buddhist university) near Bhagalpur.

The ornate dome and intricate Islamic architecture of the Bari Dargah mausoleum.

Maner Sharif

A popular Islamic pilgrimage site known for its beautiful ancient mausoleums.

The entrance to the oldest rock-cut caves in India, featuring polished granite walls.

Barabar Caves

The oldest rock-cut caves in India, dating back to the Mauryan Empire.

Pilgrims performing rituals on the stepped banks of the Falgu River in the sacred city.

Gaya

A major Hindu pilgrimage city for performing Pind Daan rituals for ancestors.

A close-up view of the beautiful white marble Jain temple in Pawapuri.

Jalmandir

A beautiful marble temple located in the middle of a tranquil tank.

A wide-angle view of the massive crowds and cattle at the Sonepur Mela fairgrounds.

Sonepur Mela

Hosts the world’s largest cattle fair on Kartik Purnima, north of Patna.

 
The grand, multi-level mausoleum of Sher Shah Suri reflected in its own artificial lake.

Sasaram

Sasaram is a historic city renowned as the hometown of the formidable Afghan ruler, Sher Shah Suri. Its crown jewel is the magnificent Sher Shah Suri Tomb, a massive and majestic mausoleum built in the middle of an artificial lake. This architectural marvel, often considered a precursor to the Mughal style, showcases a perfect blend of Hindu and Islamic design elements. 

The city is also home to the tomb of his father, Hasan Khan Suri, and the ancient Ashokan rock edicts at Chandan Shaheed. Sasaram offers a profound journey into the legacy of the Suri Empire, which once briefly eclipsed the Mughals.

Explore Bihar

A view of the Chhoti Dargah, a historic Islamic shrine and mausoleum in Patna.

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