Patna City Guide

General Information / Guide

Patna, the capital of Bihar, India, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world. Rich in historical and religious significance, it offers a blend of ancient monuments and modern urban development.

Climate / Weather / When to Go

Patna experiences a hot-summer humid subtropical climate, with hot summers, a monsoon season, and mild winters. The best times to visit are from October to March when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for exploring.

How to Get There

Patna is well-connected by air with the Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport, by train with several railway stations, and by road with extensive national and state highways linking it to major cities across India.

Food / Restaurants / What to Eat and Drink

The city's cuisine includes a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes reflecting the rich cultural diversity of Bihar. Local specialties like Litti Chokha, Sattu Paratha, and Makhana Kheer are must-try delicacies. Patna is also known for its sweets, such as Khaja and Anarsa. Traditional Bihari meals are served in many local eateries, offering an authentic taste of the region’s culinary heritage. For a modern dining experience, Patna's bustling Fraser Road and Boring Road offer a variety of restaurants and cafes serving both Indian and international cuisines.

Important Places / Places to Visit

• Golghar: An iconic granary built in the 18th century, offering panoramic views of Patna and the Ganges River from its spiral staircase.
• Patna Museum: Known as the Patna Qila, it houses a rare collection of Indian artifacts, including a casket believed to contain the relics of Buddha.
• Takht Sri Patna Sahib: A sacred Gurdwara commemorating the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Guru of Sikhs, steeped in history and spirituality.
• Mahavir Mandir: One of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Hanuman, visited by millions of devotees annually for its spiritual ambiance.
• Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park: A large zoo and botanical garden offering a pleasant day out among wildlife and greenery, ideal for families.
• Agam Kuan: Considered to be an ancient well with historical and archaeological significance, linked to the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka and various legends.

What to Do

Patna, a city with a deep historical background, offers a blend of ancient and modern attractions. Visit the Golghar for panoramic views of the city and the Ganges river. The Patna Museum houses a collection of Indian artifacts and a casket believed to contain the ashes of Buddha. Take a leisurely boat ride on the Ganges, especially enchanting at sunset. Explore the ruins of Pataliputra, ancient capital of Magadha, to connect with India's historic roots. Try local delicacies like Litti Chokha and Sattu Sharbat to savor the flavors of Bihar. Patna is a gateway to exploring the rich cultural tapestry and gastronomy of eastern India.

Nightlife / Bars / Entertainment

Patna's nightlife might be more subdued compared to India's mega-cities, but it offers its own set of joys and entertainment. The city's growing number of cafes and restaurants serve as the main hubs for nighttime leisure, offering live music and a cozy atmosphere. Some of the newer malls feature game zones and cinemas, providing entertainment options for families and young people. While bars are not as prevalent, some upscale hotels in Patna offer lounge areas where guests can enjoy a quiet drink. Cultural programs and theatrical performances, often held at Patna Museum or Rabindra Bhawan, add a distinct flavor to the city's nightlife, showcasing Bihar's rich cultural heritage.

Shopping / What to Buy

In Patna, shopping is a delightful mix of traditional and modern. The city is known for its Madhubani paintings, a traditional Indian art form, which can be purchased directly from artists or at local markets. Patna Market and Hathua Market are bustling with vendors selling a variety of goods, including fabrics, handicrafts, and local sweets. For a more contemporary shopping experience, the Maurya Lok Complex offers a range of shops selling branded clothing, electronics, and more. Don't leave without trying the famous Patna saheb gur, a local delicacy that makes for a sweet souvenir.

Festivals/ Events

January: Kite Flying Festival 
February- March: Patliputra Natya Mahotsav 
March: Bihar Entrepreneurship Summit 
October-November: Chhath Puja
November: Sonepur Mela

Holidays / Festivals / Important Days

26 January: Republic Day
14 February: Saraswati Puja (Basant Pancahmi)
26 February: Shab-e-Barat
8 March: Mahashivratri
22 March: Bihar Diwas
26 & 27 March: Holi
11 April: Eid ul-Fitr (varies)
14 April: Dr. Ambedkar Jayanti
17 April: Ram Navami
1 May: May Day
22 March: Good Friday (varies)
15 August: Independence Day
2 October: Gandhi Jayanti

Things to Pay Attention to / Important Information

Hindi is the dominant language, with Maithili and Bhojpuri also spoken. English is understood in many places.

Be prepared for busy traffic; consider using public transport during off-peak hours.

Respect the cultural and historical significance of sites; photography may be restricted in some places.

Street food is a must-try, but choose vendors that maintain good hygiene standards.

Transportation

Patna offers travel options, including buses operated by BSTDC running from 5:20 to 20:30 with fares between INR 125 to 400 for longer routes, and INR 5 to 20 for local trips. Tourist tours are available daily. Auto rickshaws, common and affordable, require fare negotiation as they don't use meters. Taxis or cabs are safe and reliable but pricier, starting at INR 40 with a rate of INR 15 per km, available at bus and railway stations, including radio cabs.