Places to Visit in Patna

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

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).

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.

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

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

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

The Jalan Museum or the Quila House is a private museum located in the capital city of Bihar. With more than 10,000 artifacts and souvenirs up for display in this museum, it is a perfect place if you love to explore historical artifacts. Inside the museum you will find various different artefacts ranging from a dinner service set which belonged to George III, Napoleon’s Four Poster Bed, Marie Antoinette’s Servers Porcelain and various Mughal Silver Filigree Artworks. It was established by Diwan Bahadur and his family members and is seriously massive in size. 

This is a private museum and you will need permission 48 hours before the day of the visit. The Jalan Family still continues to live in one part of this palatial building. That is why you will need special permission from the authorities before visiting this one of the best places to visit in Patna.

Location: Quila Rd, Hajiganj, Patna, Bihar 800008.

Best time to visit: August to October and March to April.

A well-known landmark in the city of Patna, the Shaheed Smarak Patna is a must visit when you are here. The monument was established in order to celebrate the deeds and honor those who gave their lives during the Quit India Movement. The place is devoted to the martyrs of the freedom movement and located in the middle of the road well decorated by the greenery.

The monument lies along the bank of Gomti, therefore has both cultural as well as historical significance. The foundation stone for the monument was laid on 15 August 1947, by the then Governor of Bihar, Mr. Jairam Das Daulatra. Shaheed Smarak was designed by Deviprasad Roychoudhury.

Location: Rajbansi Nagar, Patna, Bihar 800015.

Best time to visit: January and August.

Lying 30 kilometers away from the Patna city center, the three-storey Chhoti Dargah is the tomb of the renowned Muslim saint Makhdum Shah Daulat, who was buried here back in 1616. This architecturally stunning mausoleum was constructed in 1619 by Ibrahim Khan. 

The top of the dargah has a huge dome, whose ceiling features many carved texts taken from the Islamic sacred book of the Quran. There is also a huge tank, in front of the Chhoti Dargah. At present, there are many cloth-covered tombs near the dargah.

Historical Facts: 
-The place has been said to be a regional center of learning where the sanskrit grammarian panini was studied
-The Dargah was built by Ibrahim Khan in 1619 this is the place where the Muslim saint Makhdum Shah was buried in 1616.
-The Dargah was also known as Maner Sharif.

Architecture:
-This one is a 3 storied mausoleum building with a large tank in its front
-The inside of the walls are dotted with intricate designs and the ceiling has passages inscribe from Quran

Location: Chhoti Dargah Maner Sharif, Makhdoom Shah Daulat, Maner, Bihar

Best time to visit: Throughout the year