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PATNA: Exploring the eclectic charms of the city in 7 places to visit

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The capital of Bihar – ‘Patna’ is a historic city with a glorious past that has few parallels. Founded back in the 5th century by the Magadha monarch, the city was called Pataliputra, and it emerged as a center of learning and Buddhism. Once the abode of the eminent scholars like Aryabhata and Chanaynka, this city has undergone many upheavals, over the centuries. The present Patna will seem an eclectic amalgamation of the bygone past and modern civilization to your eyes. You will become awestruck exploring the historic ruins nearby while the booming real estate and infrastructure developments will not escape your eyes either.

Listed below are seven places to visit in Patna that you should not miss out while visiting this historic city:

#1 – Golghar

Golghar is among the prime architectural landmarks in Patna, and you cannot afford to miss it – even if you are on a short trip. Set up in 1786 by Captain John Garstin, it used to be a granary for the East India Company. The architecture will remind you of Buddhist stupas, and there is no pillar in it. The spiral staircase leading to the top will offer you an amazing panoramic view of the city. Located close to the Ganges, the area has a serene and sublime ambiance. When you are wary of the bustle of the city – head to the Golghar, and you will rediscover peace and tranquility. If you are in the mood for a picnic in the vicinity, that can be arranged too.

  • Distance – 1 Km from city centre
  • Visiting hours – 9.30 AM-6 PM
  • Specific time to explore – 1-2 hours
  • Entry Fee – No

#2 – Mahavir Mandir

If you are the kind of person who does not miss visiting the religious shrines and destinations while visiting a new city, include the Mahavir Mandir in your Patna trip itinerary. Located just outside the Patna railway junction, the temple is also called Hanuman Mandir. The existing structure was made in 1987. You may not be awestruck by the architecture, but the temple draws a huge number of devotees all through the year. When visiting the temple, ensure you taste the Prasad offered by the temple, called Naivedyam.

  • Distance – 2 Km from city centre
  • Visiting hours – 5 AM-10 PM
  • Specific time to explore – 1-2 hours
  • Entry Fee – No

#3 – Revolving restaurant

When you are done with sightseeing in Patna and feel like gorging on some yummy delicacies – head to the Revolving restaurant. This is among the newer attractions of the city. This restaurant, located on Biscomaun Bhawan’s eighteenth floor gives you a great panoramic view of the city. The restaurant, named Pind Balluchi, takes a revolution at 45, 60 or 90 minutes and the technique is German.

  • Distance – 1 Km from city centre
  • Visiting hours – anytime
  • Specific time to explore – 2-3 hours
  • Entry Fee – No, just pay for dinning

#4 – Patna Museum

The Patna Museum is a major tourist place in Patna that you cannot miss while visiting the city. Set up in 1917, the museum has a blend of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles. It is home to over 20000 precious historical artifacts. Do not miss the Didarganj Yakshi statue dating back to 300 BCE – which is said to be a great example of Mauryan art. There are several galleries in the museum, and they serve as magnets for the history buffs. You should also check out the Holy Relic Casket – which reportedly contains the sacred ashes of Gautama Buddha. The museum remains closed on Monday.Patna - museum

  • Distance– 1 Km from city centre
  • Visiting hours – 10.30 AM- 4.30 PM
  • Specific time to explore – 1-2 hours
  • Entry Fee – INR 15 for Indians, INR 250 for foreigners

#5 – Takht Sri Patna Sahib

Another religious destination in Patna you cannot miss out is the famous Gurdwara- Takht Sri Patna Sahib. Built on the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh, it was set up by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The 18th-century palace is situated on the Ganges river banks, and you will have to navigate through the congested traffic of the city and its narrow streets to reach it. Spend a few hours in serenity, and you may also spend the night in the adjacent housing complex.Patna - hanuman mandir

  • Distance– 9 Km from city centre
  • Visiting hours- Anytime
  • Specific time to explore – Approximately 1 hour
  • Entry Fee– No

#6 – Gandhi Ghat

Gandhi Ghat is a place in Patna you should visit at least once. The spot offers a fantastic view of the Ganges and has a soothing atmosphere. The evening Aarti is a major crowd puller here. Around 51 lamps are lit and saffron robe clad priests perform the ritual. However, you may also opt for a trip on-board river cruise ship – the MV Ganga Vihar, operated by BSTDC.patna - ghat

  • Distance– 7 Km from city centre
  • Visiting hours – Anytime, for aarti visit evening time specially 6PM- 7PM Saturdays and Sundays
  • Specific time to explore – 1 hour
  • Entry Fee – No

#7 – Sanjay Gandhi Jaivik Udyan

After coping with the crowd and bustle of the city, you may seek solace in a patch of greenery. Your destination is the Sanjay Gandhi Botanical Garden. Referred by the locals as Patna zoo, this was established in 1969 as a botanical garden and over the years, got expanded.  Spanning over an area of 153 acres, the zoo contains about 100 species of animals including Himalayan bears, hippos, lions and white tigers. In case you love birds, you will have a gala time here. The variety of trees, shrubs and herbs is also enticing. Do not skip visiting the indoor orchid houses too. On average, you can keep 3 hours to explore the area. If you are travelling in a group – there is provision for a picnic too.

  • Distance– 3 Km from city centre
  • Visiting hours – 5 AM-6PM (March-Oct), 6AM-5PM (Nov-Feb), Monday closed
  • Specific time to explore – 3-4 hours
  • Entry Fee – INR 30 for adults, INR 10 for Children, INR 5 for students

 

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StreetTrotter is a Travel, Culture & Lifestyle blog, inspiring people everyday with real stories to look good and travel even better. Founded in 2012 by Shraddha Gupta, Founder & COO, this space is all about experiencing new things in life, be it a daring mountain trek, a frugal backpacking trip, a runway look made local, or simply anything that scares you enough to live a little more deeper.

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