While Bihar is often associated with Litti Chokha and the lively beats of Bhojpuri music, many people miss out on its rich cultural heritage. With a tapestry of languages and traditions and a colorful history, Bihar has played a vital role in shaping India for centuries. Patna, the capital of Bihar, is not just a growing city; it’s also becoming a go-to ‘chill zone’ for both young people and families alike. The new metro line is attracting a lot of investors to the capital, making it an even more appealing destination for students. With fresh spots popping up nearly every week, here’s a rundown of the 10 must-visit places in Patna:
1. Hanuman Mandir: This famous temple is conveniently located right outside the Patna Railway Station, making it easy for you to pay your respects as soon as you arrive in the city. Patna’s Hanuman Mandir features two idols of Lord Hanuman, which is quite unusual. Plus, it offers an endless supply of the renowned Navedyam, a type of Laddoo that everyone raves about.
Location: You’ll find Hanuman Mandir just outside the Patna Railway Station.
2. Marine Drive: Once called JP Ganga Path, this impressive 20.5-kilometer state highway stretches alongside the Ganga River, attracting plenty of visitors since it opened. It’s a perfect spot to hang out with friends and family on the weekend, where you’ll find a long line of food carts serving up tasty treats, all while you enjoy the cool breeze from the Ganges.
Location: Marine Drive runs from Digha to Didarganj, right next to Patna.
3. Maurya Lok: People call Maurya Lok the Chandni Chowk of Patna because it has food carts and tasty dishes from many states. Sumitra Devi, Bihar’s first woman cabinet minister, set it up. It’s the top pick for folks who want to eat and relax outdoors.
Location: They’ve moved Maurya Lok from the New Planetarium to the area behind the Old Patna Museum.
4. Bihar Museum: This museum grabbed young people’s attention when photos of its bright hallways spread like wildfire online. The Bihar Museum showcases a huge array of relics from ancient and medieval periods, giving visitors a peek into the area’s deep-rooted history. Apart from its historical displays, the museum doubles as a space for meetings, talks, and book events. It also has a special lab to protect and fix up its prized items. Plus, there’s a hands-on exhibit with life-sized models of Bihar’s local animals, making for an interesting visit.
Location: Bihar Museum sits on Bailey Road close to Patna High Court.
5. Gol Ghar: This historic building is 95 feet tall and shaped like a half-sphere. Captain John Garstin built it in 1786. He was an architect and engineer with the East India Company. The building, known as Golghar, was made to store grain to stop food shortages after the severe famine of 1770. Golghar is unique because it doesn’t have pillars. Its walls are extremely thick, about 3.6 meters at the base, showing impressive engineering for its time.
Location: You can find Golghar to the west of Gandhi Maidan.
6. Buddha Smriti Park: Buddha Smriti Park, also called Buddha Memorial Park, spans 22 acres in Patna, Bihar. It was created to celebrate the birth anniversary of Lord Buddha. The park is home to sacred Bodhi trees, a large statue of Buddha, and a museum, making it an important place for both spiritual and cultural reflection. Inside the park is a tall stupa and a museum that displays items found from archaeological excavations. A special Bodhi tree brought from Bodh Gaya is also planted there. Additionally, there are two Bodhi trees planted by the Dalai Lama and a magnificent statue of Lord Buddha, all within a peaceful environment.
Location: You can find Buddha Smriti Park on Frazer Road, close to Patna Junction.
7. Takhat Shri Harimandir Ji Patna Sahib: one of the historical gurdwaras of Patna, Bihar, named Takht Sri Patna Sahib (also called Harmandir Sahib) The importance of this place from historical and spiritual point of view can not be overstated: Guru Gobind Singh (the 10th Sikh Guru) was born here. One of the five sacred Takhats of Sikhism, Takht Sri Patna Sahib was constructed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the 1950s. The Gurdwara is adorned with a fusion of Mughal and Rajput architecture and holds important relics and artifacts reflecting parts of Sikh history.
Location: You can find this Gurudwara in Harimindir Gali, which is in Patna Sahib. It is close to Jhauganj and Hajiganj.
8. Boring Road: Boring Road has always been one of the liveliest and most dynamic spots in Patna, acting as a favorite hangout for the city’s youth. With a variety of PG accommodations, hostels, and well-known coaching centers, this area has turned into a hotspot for students and young professionals alike. The steady stream of newcomers has led to a rapid rise in new cafés and restaurants. Each week, fresh dining and hangout spots pop up, enhancing the vibrant atmosphere and making Boring Road a must-visit for food enthusiasts and social gatherings. Whether you’re in the mood for a delicious meal at a restaurant or just want to explore the latest cafés, Boring Road has got you covered.
9. Regent Theatre: This cinema hall is the oldest in Patna. Regent is also approaching 100 years, having been founded back in 1929, making its birthday very soon. Regent Theatre has managed to retain its old-world appeal even as several modern multiplexes have emerged in Patna. Now the largest single-screen in the city, it entertains the public with its nostalgia and a 700-seat capacity. Theatre: Regent Cinema presents this short film Tickets ₹ 500
Location: Regent Cinema, opposite Gate Number 7, Gandi Maidaan
10 Khuda Baksh Oriental Library: This library holds a vast collection of rare Arabic and Persian manuscripts and paintings, showcasing the rich history of the Islamic world. Inside, you will find a wide range of carefully preserved texts covering topics like medicine, astronomy, literature, and philosophy. The library also features stunning examples of calligraphy, illumination, and miniature painting. The peaceful setting and scholarly vibe make it a perfect place for researchers, historians, and anyone who deeply appreciates the written word and artistic creations.
