Spread across the fertile land along the banks of river Ganges, Patna is the capital city of Bihar. The history and heritage of this city is splendid. As early as in the 6th century, Ajatshatru, the Magadha king, first built a small fort in Pataligram on the bank of the Ganga. Since then, the place recorded continuous history. So much so, that today, it is counted amongst those few old capital city in the world that have an unbroken history. Also, during the history, Patna came to be known by different names - Kusumpura, Pushpapura, Patliputra, Azeemabad.

For tourists interested in Buddhism, Patna makes for a good base to start of a trip. Moreover, the city was also visited by the Buddha who knew it as Patiligama. On a number of occasion, He also passed through this city. This included His last sojourn to Kusinara where He gave a talk 'that went far into the night'. Later, Ashoka, who had a great contribution in spreading Buddhism, made Patna the venue for the third Buddhist Council. The city has quiet a few attractions today that interest Buddhist tourists immensely.


Buddhist Attractions

• Patna Museum : Located on the Buddha Marg, the Patna Museum is a must visit for a Buddhist tourist. The museum displays a rich collection of Buddhist art that date back mostly to Pala period, from 8th to 12th century. Of special notice are two exceptionally beautiful statues of Avalokitesvara and Maitreya in the main gallery. The statues have their heads tilted to one side and their face conveying a gentle smile. The statues very effectively portray the ideal that the two statues stand for – compassion. On the upper gallery, you can see the bronze statues from Kurkihar. Also to be seen in the museum is a collection of Tibetan thangkas (not in a very good state) that were donated by the renowned Indian monk, Rahula Sankrityayana. The museum is open between 10.30 am to 4.30 pm everyday except Monday.
  
  
  
• Kumrahar : Located 5 km from the Patna Railway Station, Kumrahar is the site for ancient city of Patliputra. Today, very little remain of the old capital city barring remains of a King Ashoka’s Palace, or atleast the Mauryan period palace. The hall stands on 80 sandstone pillars. Kumrahar can be visited between 9 am to 5.30 pm everyday except Monday.
  
  

Other Attractions

• Golghar : A granary, Golghar was constructed by John Garstin in 1786 after the famine of 1770. The granary was meant to store grains for the British army. The structure rises to a height of 29 m. At its base, the walls are 3.6 m wide. The winding stairways lead to the top of the monument and provide a wonderful vie of the city and the holy Ganges flowing by.
  
  
• Martyr's Memorial : The memorial is dedicated to seven freedom fighters who lost their lives in an attempt to hoist the national flag during the famous Quit India movement of 1942. The memorial has sculpture of all the seven and faces the Secretariat.
  
  
• Har Mandir Takht : Apart from the Buddhist and the Hindus, Patna also holds special significance for the Sikh community. The tenth Guru of the Sikh, Guru Gobind Singh was born here in 1660. At the spot of his birth stands the Har Mandir Takht, one of the four sacred sites of the Sikhs. The temple houses the belongings of the Guru along with sacred texts.
  
  
• Pathar ki Masjid : This mosque was constructed by Parwez Shah, son of Jahangir, while he was working as the governor of Bihar. The mosque stands on the banks of the Ganges and is quiet closeby Har Mandir Sahib. The mosque is also known as Saif Khan's mosque, Chimmi Ghat mosque and Sangi Masjid.
  
  
• Sher Shah Suri Masjid : Constructed in 1545 by Sher Shah Suri, this mosque is one of the most important attractions of Patna. The mosque is built in Afghan architectural style and is extremely beautiful.
  
  
• Khuda Baksh Oriental Library : The library was founded in 1900 and is one of the national libraries of India. The possessions of the library include collection of rare Arabic and Persian manuscripts as well as Rajput and Mughal paintings. There is also a the Koran inscribed in a book only 25mm wide along with an assortment of old and new books from the University of Cordoba, Spain. The library is also the proud owner of books that have survived the destructions caused by the Moors.
  
  
• Sadaqat Ashram : the headquarters of a national university, Bihar Vidyapeeth, Sadaqat Ashram was also home to India's first president, Dr. Rajendra Prasad post his retirement. A small museum here displays his personal belongings.
  
  
• Agam Kuan : Agam Kuan or the Unfathomable well is amongst the early historic archeological remains of Patna. It is located nearby the Gulzarbagh railway Station which itself is supposedly connected to Mauryan Emperor Ashok.
  
  
• Gandhi Setu : A bridge over river Ganges, Gandhi Setu is considered the longest roadway bridge in Asia.
  
  
• Padri Ki Haveli : At this place the noble peace prize winner and a symbol of love and compassion, Mother Teresa, received her training.
  
  
• Biological Park : Also known as Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park, this park is popular with adilts and kids alike. Elephant and mini train rides along with boating are major attractions for the visitors apart from animals and birds.
  
  
• Modern Planetarium : A recent construction, Indira Gandhi Science Complex, is one of the most popular places in Patna. It is one of the few Taramandals of the country.
  
  

Quick Getaways

• Vaishali : At a distance of 55km from Patna, Vaishali is regarded as the world's first republic. It was also associated with Lord Buddha and Lord Mahavira.
  
  
• Nalanda : Nalanda is located ata distance of 95 km from Patna and preserves the ruins of one of the most centres of learning in the ancient world. Nalanda University. The University existed during the 5th century and was supported by the Buddha.
  
  
• Bodhgaya : 135 kms away from Patna, Bodhgaya is one of the four extremely sacred places for the Buddhists. It was in Bodhgaya that Lord Buddha attained the divine knowledge under the Bodhi tree. A number of pilgrims make a beeline to offer their prayers to this great leader at Bodhgaya.
  
  
• Gaya : Gaya is just 12 km from Bodhgaya and is the base from where you can undertake a trip to very famous Barabar caves.
  
  
• Rajgir : Rajgir is located 110 Km from Patna and is surrounded by verdant green hills. It was the ancient capital of the Magadha emperors and became an important place for many important events in the life of the Buddha.