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Patna is considered as one of the most ancient and historical City in India and continues being the capital city of Bihar. Patna is conveniently located on the banks of the river Ganga. It is considered to be the world’s oldest capital city. It is said that the story of Patna as the seat of power and governance of the region started millenniums ago.
This fact can be attested by the archeological excavations in Patna that reveal its historical and colorful past, so many hundred of years ago. Considered an archeological find of paramount importance, the excavation continued in earnest until the full history of Patna going back in time to the 6th century BC was laid bare to the present world.
History of Patna
As told by the recovered information from the archeological sites, it was Ajatsharu, the Magadha king, who built a small fort in Pataligram on the banks of the Ganga in the 6th century BC. This fort became the focal point of political and military might that influenced the whole of the north Indian region. The influence diminished, Pataligram later became just another ordinary Indian place devoid of any significance in the ancient civilization of India. In the 16th century, Sher Shah Suri put Patna back to its glory days. The British also found Patna suitable to house their regional offices in northern India.
Attractions of Patna
- Golghar: This gigantic granary was built by the British in 1786, after a devastating famine hit the region in 1770.The hugeness and height of this structure provides the traveler with a panoramic view of the whole of Patna including the river Ganga.
- Patna Museum: The museum has many interesting things that you can see including ancient and preserved findings from the archeological excavation. You can also find stone and metal carvings during the Mauryan and Gupta periods.
- Indira Gandhi Science Complex: One of the must-see places. This is one of the new planetariums in India.
Best Time to visit Patna and Clothing to Wear
Best time to visit Patna is between the months of October to March. Comfortable cotton clothing is recommended.
How to Reach Patna
Being the capital city of the state of Bihar, Patna has a whole range of travel options. Patna has its own airport and there are regular flights to cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, Guwahati and New Delhi. Airlines servicing Patna are Indian Airlines, Sahara Airlines, and Jet Airways. Patna is also well-connected by rail to Bombay, Dew Delhi, Guwahati, Calcutta, Kanchi and Varahasi. The roadways leading to Pune are also well-built and managed. One can drive down or take a bus from the rest of Bihar.
Other Attractions near Patna
- Sonepor Mela: One of the most surprising cattle fairs in this part of Asia in terms of color and extravagance. This takes place just 22 kilometres away from Patna.
- Nalanda: 95 kilometres from Patna, this is the ancient archeological site of the oldest university in the world.
Tourism Information Office
Bihar State Tourism Development Corp.
Beer Chand Patel Path, Patna
Phone 91-0612-2225411, 2210219, 2210249
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