Patna between the Ganges and history

Patna brings together the history of ancient Pataliputra, landmarks commemorating India’s freedom movement, and life on the Ganges. Between museums, religious sites and green spaces, you’ll find a range of inspiration for your trip. Which of these interests you most can also shape your search for a holiday rental in Patna: cultural sites, riverfront areas and parks each offer a different focus.

Discover history and culture

Kumhrar Park is home to the remains of an 80-pillared hall from ancient Pataliputra, including a wooden platform. The park also contains the monastery-hospital known as Arogya Vihar, dating from the 4th to 5th century AD. These two sites offer insight into different aspects of the area’s past. Agam Kuan is described as the site of the ruins of Pataliputra from the time of Ashoka. If you’re interested in historical connections, you can combine these sites with other landmarks in Patna.

Bapu Tower in Gardanibagh is a monumental tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. On the ground floor, a revolving-stage theatre performance depicts Gandhi’s biography. The Gandhi Museum focuses on his life and principles, as well as his role in the freedom struggle in Bihar. Several rallies of the freedom movement were held at Gandhi Maidan, a historic square. Founded by Mahatma Gandhi in 1921, Sadaqat Ashram is another site that brings Patna’s history of the independence movement to life.

Various collections and buildings offer further cultural insights. Patna Museum displays the Didarganj Yakshi, a polished sandstone sculpture from the 3rd century BC. The Bihar Museum is located on Bailey Road. The Khuda Baksh Oriental Library was founded in 1891; its collection includes rare and unique manuscripts and draws researchers from around the world. The Patna Collectorate building combines Dutch and British architectural styles. In 2008, the Government of Bihar designated the Collectorate a historic building. Sabhyata Dwar, a large gateway near the Ganges at Gandhi Maidan, is dedicated to Bihar’s cultural and historical heritage.

Riverfronts, parks and special visits

The Ganges shapes Patna not only as part of its landscape: it is navigable year-round in the district, and a considerable amount of boat traffic is used for freight transport. Gandhi Ghat has boating facilities, including the official cruise ship MV Ganga Vihar. The Government of Bihar holds a Ganga Aarti, a Hindu prayer ritual, there every Saturday and Sunday. If you’re interested in the river and religious traditions, this place offers a different focus from the museums and historic buildings.

Green spaces have their own appeal, too. Buddha Smriti Park covers 22 acres. Two Bodhi trees planted by the Dalai Lama flank a Buddha statue; the park also features the 200-foot-high, circular Pataliputra Karuna Stupa. Sanjay Gandhi Botanical Garden is home to numerous birds and animals. Its flora and fauna include species from different parts of India and other countries. An artificial lake there offers boating. The Bihar Museum includes an artificial wildlife sanctuary that is especially popular with children.

There are also theatrical and scientific experiences to suit different interests: Kalidas Rangalaya is a theatre and cultural performance centre that offers classes in dance, music, painting and photography. Patna Planetarium presents astronomy shows and space-related exhibitions. When planning your trip, you can decide whether to focus on museums and history, nature in the parks, religious sites or performances.

Patna as a base for your trip

Patna Junction is the district’s main railway station and connects major Indian cities through a network of express and fast trains. National Highway No. 31 runs through Danapur, Patna and Patna City. In the district, a strip of slightly higher land about 8 kilometres wide, with very fertile soil, stretches along the southern bank of the Ganges. These geographical features add to the picture of a city whose history, river and surroundings appeal to a range of travel interests. Tailor your holiday rental search to the parts of Patna you’d like to explore.

If you’re considering other destinations, you’ll also find Barh, Vaishali, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Buxar, Purvi Champaran, Gaya and Nalanda here.

For the broader travel overview: Bihar.