Patna, Bihar City Guide: Where To Go, Stay, Eat, And shop in India’s best city. [Updated-2025]

Patna, Bihar City Guide: Where To Go, Stay, Eat, And shop in India’s best city.

About Patna, Bihar – The Ancient City on the Ganges

Patna, the capital of Bihar, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Known as Pataliputra in ancient times, it was the center of power for the Maurya and Gupta empires. Today, it is a thriving modern city with a blend of history, culture, spirituality, and development.

Located on the banks of the Ganges River, Patna is famous for its Buddhist, Hindu, and Sikh heritage sites, vibrant street food, and educational institutions like Nalanda University and Patna University.

📍 Key Highlights of Patna

• 🏛️ Rich History – Ancient capital of the Maurya & Gupta dynasties.
• 🌊 Riverfront Beauty – Ganga River views and Gandhi Ghat.
• 🕌 Religious Diversity – Important sites for Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, and Jains.
• 🏗️ Growing Urban Hub – Smart city development, malls, and IT parks.

🏰 Top Attractions & Best Places to Visit in Patna

1️⃣ Golghar – The Iconic Granary ⛲

📍 Location: Ashok Rajpath
⏳ Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
💞 Why Visit?
✅ A historic granary built by the British in 1786.
✅ Climb 145 steps for a breathtaking panoramic view of Patna & the Ganges.

2️⃣ Takht Sri Patna Sahib – Holy Sikh Shrine 🏯

📍 Location: Patna City
⏳ Timings: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM
💞 Why Visit?
✅ One of the five most sacred gurdwaras in Sikhism.
✅ Birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the 10th Sikh Guru.

3️⃣ Patna Museum – Bihar’s Cultural Treasure 🏺

📍 Location: Budh Marg
⏳ Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🎟️ Entry Fee: ₹15 (Indians), ₹250 (Foreigners)
💞 Why Visit?
✅ Houses ancient Mauryan & Gupta artifacts, including Emperor Ashoka’s relics.
✅ A blend of Mughal & Rajput architectural styles.

4️⃣ Bihar Museum – Modern & Interactive History 🏛️

📍 Location: Bailey Road
⏳ Timings: 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
🎟️ Entry Fee: ₹100 (Indians), ₹500 (Foreigners)
💞 Why Visit?
✅ A modern, interactive museum showcasing Bihar’s rich history.
✅ Must-see for history lovers and families.

5️⃣ Gandhi Ghat – Peaceful Ganga Aarti 🌊

📍 Location: Near NIT Patna
⏳ Timings: Evening (Aarti around 6:00 PM)
💞 Why Visit?
✅ Experience the Ganga Aarti, similar to Varanasi’s ritual.
✅ Enjoy boat rides and sunset views over the river.

6️⃣ Agam Kuan – The Mysterious Well of Ashoka 🕳️

📍 Location: Kankarbagh
⏳ Timings: Open all day
💞 Why Visit?
✅ Ancient well believed to be from Emperor Ashoka’s reign.
✅ Local legends say it was once a place of punishments.

7️⃣ Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park (Patna Zoo) 🦁

📍 Location: Bailey Road
⏳ Timings: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🎟️ Entry Fee: ₹30 (Adults), ₹10 (Kids)
💞 Why Visit?
✅ One of India’s best zoos, with tigers, leopards, and crocodiles.
✅ Boating & toy train rides for kids and couples.

8️⃣ Nalanda University – Ancient Seat of Learning 📚

📍 Location: 95 km from Patna
⏳ Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
💞 Why Visit?
✅ A UNESCO World Heritage Site, once Asia’s greatest learning center.
✅ Explore the ruins of the great Buddhist university.

9️⃣ Rajgir – The Scenic Buddhist & Jain Retreat ⛰️

📍 Location: 100 km from Patna
💞 Why Visit?
✅ Beautiful hills, hot springs, and Buddhist monasteries.
✅ Visit Vishwa Shanti Stupa & Griddhakuta Hill.

🔟 Funtasia Water Park – Family Fun & Adventure 💦

📍 Location: Parsa, 12 km from Patna
💞 Why Visit?
✅ The first water park in Bihar, great for families & couples.
✅ Water slides, wave pools, & fun rides.

🍽️ Food & Drink in Patna

Patna’s street food and local dishes are a must-try for food lovers!

Must-Try Dishes:

🍛 Litti Chokha – The most famous Bihari dish.
🥮 Khaja – A sweet crispy dessert.
🥟 Samosa-Chaat – The best evening snack.
🍲 Dal Pitha – A Bihari-style dumpling.
🥤 Sattu Drink – A refreshing protein-packed beverage.

Best Places to Eat:

• Pind Balluchi – Great for North Indian food.
• Bansi Vihar – Famous for South Indian dishes.
• Biryani Mahal – Best for Biryani lovers.
• Roti Restaurant – A popular fine dining option.

🛍️ Shopping in Patna

Best Markets & Malls:

🛍️ Patna Market – Best for local handicrafts & fabrics.
👜 Hathwa Market – Budget shopping for clothes & jewelry.
🏬 P&M Mall – The best mall for branded shopping & entertainment.

🎭 Fairs & Festivals in Patna

• 🎆 Chhath Puja (October-November) – The biggest festival in Bihar, celebrated with grand river rituals.
• 🎭 Sonepur Cattle Fair (November-December) – One of Asia’s largest cattle fairs.
• 🏛️ Buddha Mahotsav (April-May) – Celebrated at Bodh Gaya & Rajgir.

🌙 Nightlife in Patna

Patna has a growing nightlife scene with lounges and rooftop cafes.

🍸 Hangout Café & Lounge – Good music & drinks.
🎶 10th Gear Café – A biker-themed rooftop café.
🌃 Pind Balluchi Sky Lounge – Romantic city views.

🚗 How to Reach Patna?

• ✈️ By Air: Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport (PAT).
• 🚆 By Train: Patna Junction (One of India’s busiest railway stations).
• 🚗 By Road: Well-connected highways (NH 31, NH 30).