Kusumpura became Pushpapura, Patliputra, Azeemabad and
now Patna. Pataliputra was the capital of Magadha, a kingdom,
which dominated and influenced the politics of India for
a long time. Located on the banks where rivers Sone and
Ganga merge, this city has witnessed the rules of Chanakya,
Chandragupta, Ashoka and the Nanda rulers.
Prime Attractions
Sadakat Ashram
Situated on the banks of river Ganga, Sadakat Ashram is
a memorial, dedicated to our first President, Dr. Rajendra
Prasad. He had spent few years here, after vacating the
presidential post. In the memorial, are kept many things,
which Rajendra Babu used or were gifted to him. This is
also the headquarters of Bihar Vidyapeeth, which was the
organisation that started the Independence movement in Bihar.
Takth Harmandir
The tenth and last Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Govind Singh
was born at Patna Sahib. Maharaja Ranjit Singh built a beautiful
Gurudwara, which is also known as Patna Sahib. It is one
of the main pilgrim places for the Sikhs.
Gol Ghar
A very peculiar and interesting structure in the centre
of the city. It is said that the structure was built some
200 years ago by the Britishers to store grains. The 150
ft high building appears like one half of a coconut and
has got stairs to reach the top. From the top one can get
a good view of Patna.
The Sanjay Gandhi Botanical Garden
Situated on the famous Baily road, the botanical garden
has numerous Birds and animals to be seen. This Zoo attracts
children a lot. It has also got an artificial lake where
boating can be enjoyed. A wooden house built on a tree attracts
visitors too.
Patna Museum
Established in 1917, it is the oldest museum in Bihar.
The museum houses about 57,000 items of archeological importance.
It also has a collection of 22,000 old coins. The museum
unfolds a long history of the region. The museum is located
in Dedarganj. The sculpture of a Yakshni is a special attraction
for visitors.
The Planetarium
One of the largest planetariums in Asia, the Patna Planetarium
attracts a large number of domestic as well as foreign tourists.
The planetarium has regular film shows on subjects related
to astronomy. It also holds exhibitions, which attracts
lots of visitors.
Khuda Baksh Library
Known as the 'world of manuscripts' in India, the library
treasures thousands of Arabic, Persian, Mughal and Rajputana
style paintings and manuscripts.
Stone Mosque
This mosque was built in 1621 by Parvezshah, son Emperor
Jahangir. Also known as 'Sanji Masjid', the structure is
a marvel of architecture.
Agam Kuan
It is said that this well was made by Ashoka. Once many
motors were put to empty the well but even after days, the
well could not be dried so it was presumed that the well
has endless source of water.
Kumharar
Six kms from the railway station, it was at this place
that the remains of Pataliputra were found during excavation.
The place is very scenic and is surrounded by greenery.
Shopping In Patna
As such Patna does not have any special item to offer
but the markets are good for shopping. Shops offer local
handicrafts from all over Bihar. One can buy decorative
pieces made out of stone and 'lac'. Jewellery made of beads
is quite popular. One can also buy 'Tilcoot'- a sweet.
How to Get There
Air:
Patna has got an Airport of its own with all the major Airlines
having air services to and fro from the place.
Rail:
Patna is well connected by trains from all over the country.
Superfast and mail trains are available from Patna to other
cities in India.
Road:
This place is also well connected by roads. Bus services
are available for places within the state as well as to
other states.
