PATNA

BEST SEASON: October to March
LANGUAGE SPOKEN: Hindi, Bhojpuri, English
CLOTHING: Summer- Cotton & Winter- warm clothes
STD CODE: 0612

INTRODUCTION

Located on the southern bank of the Ganges (also Ganga), Patna is the capital of the northern state of Bihar. It is an old city steeped in history. The present-day Patna is, however, crowded and polluted. The Mahatma Gandhi Setu, one of the longest bridges in the world at 7.5 km, crosses the Ganges 5 km west of the city center.

PLACES TO VISIT

GolGhar
This huge and impressive beehive-shaped structure was constructed in July 1786 by Captain John Garstin following a terrible famine in 1770, to serve as a state granary. A flight of steps winds round this 29m high building to the top from where one gets a fine view of the river Ganga and Patna city.

Museum
It contains metal and stone sculptures of the Maurya and Gupta Periods, terracota figurines and archaeological finds from different sites in Bihar. Among its prized exhibit are Ashes of the Buddha, image of Yakshi (3rd century B. C.), and a 16 metre long fossilized tree.

Har Mandirji
This shrine consecrates the birthplace of the tenth religious preceptor of the Sikh faith, Guru Gobind Singh. Originally built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, a ruler of Punjab, Harmandirji is one of the holiest Sikh shrines. Standing in the Chowk area of Old Patna, this dome-dhaped structure contains Sikh scriptures and the personal belongings of the guru.

Khuda Baksh Oriental Library
Set up at the turn of the century, the library has a distinguished collection of rare Arabic and Persian manuscripts, Rajput and Mughal paintings and oddities like an inch wide Quran. It also contains the only books rescued from the plunder of the University of Cordoba in Spain. It is one of the national libraries of India.

Kumhrar
Kumrahar, site of the ancient city of Pataliputra, lies 5 km. from Patna Railway Station on the Kankarbagh Road. Excavations here have revealed relics of four continuous periods from 600 BC to 600 AD. The fifth period begins from 1600 AD. An important find is the 80-pillared huge hall of the Mauryan dynasty.

Martyrs Memorial
Life-size statues in front of the old secretariat compound have been put up in memory of seven brave young men who faced bullets for the freedom of the country and sacrificed their lives in August 1942 in the historic struggle for India's independence during "Quit India" movement.

Jalan Museum
Constructed at the site of Sher Shad's fort, it preserves a rich private collection of jade, Chinese paintings and silver filigree work of the Mughal period. The museum can be visited only with prior permission, since it is a private collection.

Pathar Ki Masjid
Situated on the bank of river Ganga, this mosque is known variously as Saif Khan's mosque, Chimni Ghat mosque or Sangi Masjid. It was built by Parwaz Shah, son of the Mughal emperor Jahangir, during his tenure as governor of Bihar.

Agam Kuan
Agam Kuan (Unfathomable well) is one of the most important early historic archaeological remains in Patna. It is situated just close to the Gulzarbagh Railway Station, which is proposed to be associated with the Mauryan Emperor Ashok.

EXCURSION

NALANDA - Located 95 km from Patna lies the ruins of one of the most centres of learning in the ancient world. Nalanda University, built in the 5th century BC. Patronised by royalty and eminent religious leaders like Buddha and Mahavira, it enjoyed an excellent repurtation world over.

MANER - 30 km. Sacred to the memory of the 13th century Sufi Saint Maneri. Bari dargah, his cenotaph and the tomb of his disciple Shah Daulat are visited by streams of Muslim pilgrims. Area around the shrine is a picnic spot.

BODHGAYA - 135 km.The site of Buddha's attainment of enlightenment. One of the holiest place for Buddhist devotees.

RAJGIR - 110 Km. Situated amongst lush green hills. The ancient capital of the Magadha emperors it became an important venue for pilgrims from not only Buddhist and Jain faiths but also for Hindus and Muslims.

HOW TO REACH

By Air - Indian Airlines flights connect Patna with Bombay, Calcutta, Delhi, Lucknow, Ranchi and many other major cities.

By Rail - Patna is connected by rail to Bombay, Calcutta, Guwahati, Ranchi, Varanasi.

By Road - All - weather motorable roads connect Patna with the rest of Bihar. There are also regular inter - state bus services

DISTANCES

Nalanda-95 km
Rajgir-110 km
Pawapuri-90 km
Gaya-120 km
Bodhgaya-135 km
Ranchi-335 km
Muzzafarpur-78 km
Sasaram- 152 km
Vaishali-56 km