Patna

Patna, once called Patliputra, capital of the state Bihar, is among the world's oldest capital cities, with an unbroken history of many centuries as an imperial metropolis. Ancient Patliputra, discovered through arduous excavations, was situated on the River Son. Founded by Ajatashatru, King of Magadha, in the 5th century B.C., the city dominated the whole of North India in the fourth and third centuries B.C. When the British took over Patna, they created Bankipore, on the outskirts of the old city with its bustling bazaars and narrow streets.

Bankipore today remains the central part of Patna with hotels and shopping centres, built around the Gandhi Maidan, a vast open space where Mahatma Gandhi conducted prayer meetings. Patna is sprawled along the Ganga, the river playing an important role in the city's religious, social and economic life.

(Distance from the Airport 8 Kms, Approx. time 15 Mins.)

Places of Interest

Kumrahar - site of the ancient city of Patliputra, excavations have revealed relics of four continuous periods from 600 B.C to 600 A.D. The area was once known as Pataligram and legend has it the once when the Buddha was passing through, he predicted that a great city would rise in this place, 'but it shall be in danger of fire, flood and internal feud'. There is little to see in Kumrahar - some walls, vestiges of houses and palaces, the stumps of 80 pillars that once upheld a vast hall during the Mauryan period.

Gilghar - This huge beehive like structure was built in 1786, by captain John Garstin to serve as a state granary following the terrible famine in 1770. A flight of steps winds round the outside of the structure and the gallery on top offers a splendid view of the Ganga and the surrounding countryside.

Hanuman Mandir - Next door to the mosque, this temple is the oldest in Patna. Hanuman, the Monkey God, has a special place in the hearts of those who live in Patna, for he is their own particular guardian deity, venerated for his wisdom, appealed to in times of need.

Sadaqat Ashram - Headquarters of the Bihar Vidyapeeth, this ashram saw the birth of the struggle for India's Independence in Bihar. India's first president, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, lived here.


Martyr's Memorial - Not far from the Gilghar, the facing the Old Secretariat buildings, stands this modern sculpture of seven brave young men, who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for independence. Patna Museum - Standing in its own gardens, the

Patna Museum is a charming old red brick and yellow plaster building. At its entrance, stands a cannon of First World War vintage framed, at a little distance, by a Ist century carved doorway. Inside, an extraordinarily rich collection of Mauryan statuary, Buddhist sculptures, terracotta artefacts, enthrall the visitior.

Pathar ki Masjid - Divided by a low wall from the Harminder Sahib is this beautiful small mosque, built by Parwez Shah, son of the Mughal Emperor, Jehangir.

Sher Shah Masjid - Standing at a busy cross road, this mosque is a splendid example of Afghan architecture. Built in 1545 by Sher Shah Suri to commemorate his reign, the heavy dome dominates the city's skyline.

Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park - A beautiful open system zoo with a large collection of animals and a splended botanical park.

Jalan Museum - A stately home built on the site of Sher Shah's fort in the Old city, the Jalan Museum houses a fascinating collection of jade, Chinese paintings, Mughal glass and filigree objects. But as this is a private collection, prior permission must be obtained to enter the house.

Harmandir Sahib - Also known as Patna Sahib, this huge gurudwara consecrates the place where Guru Gobind Singh, tenth guru of the Sikhs, was born. Originally built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, of Punjab, the shrine was later enlarged.

Bankipore Club - This charming colonial structure, offers a magnificent view of the Ganga.

Maner - 29 kms from Patna, sacred to the memory of the Sufi Saint, Maneri who lived here in the 13th century. On important feast days, streams of Muslim pilgrims visit the Bari Dargah, cenotaph of the saint, and also the smaller tomb where his disciple, Shah Daulat is buried.

Sonepur - Situated 22 kms from Patna, to reach Sonepur the visitor can go by surface over the Ganga Bridge. Through the year a tiny, sleepy village, Sonepur comes alive in November when it hosts India's largest animal fair.