Patna Travel Guide — Best Time, Things to Do & Where to Stay

Why Patna

Patna, the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Bihar, is a major urban center situated along the southern bank of the Ganges River. Extending approximately 35 kilometers in length and 16 to 18 kilometers in width, the city covers an area of 250 square kilometers. Beyond its administrative role as the seat of the Patna High Court, it is recognized as a key hub for regional travel, offering proximity to prominent Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain pilgrimage destinations such as Bodh Gaya, Nalanda, Rajgir, Vaishali, and Pawapuri.

Geographically, Patna sits on a flat alluvial expanse at an average elevation of 53 meters, devoid of natural hills or forests. Its landscape is defined by its position near the confluence of four major rivers: the Ganges, Son, Gandak, and Punpun. The surrounding terrain features highly fertile, cultivated agricultural land interspersed with mango orchards, bamboo groves, date palms, and native trees like jackfruit and red cotton trees.

With a history spanning over two millennia, Patna is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited sites. Founded in 490 BCE as Pataliputra by King Ajatashatru of Magadha, it served as the capital for powerful ruling houses including the Mauryan and Gupta dynasties. The ancient city flourished as a renowned seat of learning and culture, linked to historic scholars such as Chanakya, Aryabhata, and Vatsyayana, and was documented by historic travelers like the Greek ambassador Megasthenes and the Chinese monk Faxian. Following later declines, the town was revived in the 16th century under Sher Shah Suri and eventually grew into a major trading hub for silk, saltpetre, paper, and rice under Mughal and British rule.

The city contains notable historic and religious sites representing various traditions. Patna is especially sacred to Sikhs as the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh, celebrated at Takht Sri Patna Sahib. Hindu traditions connect the city's name to the goddess Patan Devi, honored at the Patan Devi Mandir shrines. Visitors can also see the Afghan-style Sher Shah Suri mosque and the historic open grounds of Gandhi Maidan in the central city.