Tourism in Patna

Patna is one of the oldest inhabited places in the world with history of 3000 years. The rich culture and heritage of Bihar is evident from the innumerable ancient monuments that are dotted all over the region. Patna is home of many tourist attractions. Bihar is visited by scores of tourists from all over the World all the year round. Around total 2,500,000 (2.5 million) tourist visits Patna every year. [http://www.tourism.gov.in/survey/BIHAR%20TOURISM%20ANNUAL%20STATISTICS%20%20REPORT%20Final.pdf Statics Tourism in Bihar on Indian Government's [http://www.tourism.gov.in tourism website] ] .

History of Tourism

The documented history of tourism in Patna region dating back to 300s BC.Greek geographer Megasthenes (??????????, ca. 350 BC - 290 BC) visited the region in reign of Chandragupta Maurya. [ [http://websfor.org/alexander/arrian/book5a.asp v,6] ] His observations were recorded in "Indika" [http://www.mssu.edu/projectsouthasia/history/primarydocs/Foreign_Views/GreekRoman/Megasthenes-Indika.htm Surviving text of "Indika" - book by Megasthenes] . Dionysius was son of Megasthenes, who visited Patliputra in reign of Ashoka the Great. [ [http://perseus.mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de/cgi-bin/ptext?lookup=Plin.+Nat.+6.21 Pliny the Elder, "The Natural History", Chap. 21] ] .

Fa-Hsien, (ca. 337 - ca. 422) was a Chinese tourist who traveled to to acquire Buddhist scriptures and take back to China between 399 and 412 [http://etext.library.adelaide.edu.au/f/fa-hien/f15l/ A Record of Buddhistic Kingdoms: Being an account by the Chinese Monk Fa-Hien of his travels in India and Ceylon (A.D. 399-414) in search of the Buddhist Books of Discipline] ". Oxford, Clarendon Press. Reprint: New York, Paragon Book Reprint Corp. 1965. ISBN 0-486-21344-7] .
Hieun-Tsang visited the sacred Buddhist sites in Magadha and spent much time studying at the great Nalanda University between 629 - 645. [Wriggins, Sally Hovey. "Xuanzang: A Buddhist Pilgrim on the Silk Road". Westview Press, 1996. Revised and updated as "The Silk Road Journey With Xuanzang". Westview Press, 2003. ISBN 0-8133-6599-6.]

Types of Tourists and Tourism

In the earliest day tourism in region was purely based educational tourism. [http://etext.library.adelaide.edu.au/f/fa-hien/f15l/ A Record of Buddhistic Kingdoms: Being an account by the Chinese Monk Fa-Hien of his travels in India and Ceylon (A.D. 399-414) in search of the Buddhist Books of Discipline] ". Oxford, Clarendon Press. Reprint: New York, Paragon Book Reprint Corp. 1965. ISBN 0-486-21344-7] .As Patna is one of the most scared city of religions like Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism & Islam, Many tourist travel to Patna as per their Religious tourism.
**International Tourists - Patna attracts tourist from all over the globe where as most of International Tourists are Buddhist and belongs to Japana & China.
**Domestic tourists - Domestic tourists visits their to see their respective pilgrimage.

Today, Type tourism in Patna is mainly Religious tourism and moderated educational tourism. Bihar government is promoting advanture tourism. [http://bstdc.bih.nic.in/New/News1.htm Ganga River Banks as Tourism destination in Patna] .

Attractions

Archaeological Sites

The history and tradition of Patna starts from earliest dawn of civilization. The original name of Patna was Patliputra.Its documented history makes a start from 600 B.C. [http://patna.bih.nic.in/html/History.htm] .Patna has 2600 year old history and seen number of empires and there are numerous archaeological sites are in Patna.

**Kumhrar - The archaeological remains of the Mauryan period (322–185 BCE), has been discovered here, this include the ruins of a hypostyle 80-pillared hall [http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/441620683.cms Devise plan to save Kumhrar site:HC] The Times of India, Feb 1, 2002.] [http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/NEWS/Cities/Patna/Experts_meet_to_preserve_Kumhrar_on_Dec_29/articleshow/927151.cms Experts' meet to preserve Kumhrar] The Times of India, Dec 26, 2006] The excavation finding here dates back to 600 B.C , and marks the ancient capital of Ajatshatru, Chandragupta and Ashoka, and collectively the relics range from four continuous periods from 600 BC to 600 AD. [http://patna.bih.nic.in/html/kumhrar.htm Ancient city of Pataliputra] Patna Official website.] .
**Didarganj Yakshi - is a fine example of Mauryan art. The sculpture is currently housed in Patna Museum, Patna, India [ [http://gov.bih.nic.in/depts/YouthArtCulture/Museum.htm Yakshni] Museums in Bihar, Govt of Bihar, official website.] , and is India's most famous piece of art [http://pay.hindu.com/ebook%20-%20ebfl20070907part2.pdf] .
**Agam Kuan - Agam Kuan, which means "unfathomable well", is said to date back to the period of Maurya emperor, Ashoka. The well is located east of Patna, Bihar state, India. [ [http://www.buddhist-tourism.com/countries/india/buddhist-sites/patna-bihar.html Patna] www.buddhist-tourism.com.] [ [http://bstdc.bih.nic.in/Patna.htm Patna] Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation.]
**Chausagarh - Chausa or Chausagarh] , of Buxar, very well known in the annals of Indian history as the place where in 1539 A.D. Sher Shah defeated the Mughal emperor Humayun, is also a place of great antiquity. [ http://www.brandbihar.com/english/districts/buxar/chausagarh_buxar.html Chausagarh]
**Bulandibag
**Bhikhnapahari

Ganga River Banks

Tourism Department focus on Ganga Ghats in Patna as a major tourist attraction. Motor boats are available on rent at moderated price, is fitted with Yamaha 25 HP Air-cooled two strokes engine. Lucky tourist can could spot Ganges dolphins. [http://bstdc.bih.nic.in/New/News1.htm Ganga Ghats as Tourism destination in Patna] . There are number of forts ( like Raja Ghat, at Rani Ghat, collectarate Ghat ) and Pilgrimages ( like Kali Mandir at Kali Ghat, Gurdwara Pahila Bara at Gai Ghat, Gurdwara Gobind Ghat at Gaobind Ghat ) are situated on the bank of Ganga in Patna.Tourist can visit Mahatma Gandhi Setu which is one of the longest bridge in the world. and situated at Gaighat.

Religious Complex

Patna is a popular tourist destination for the tourists who are on pilgrimage .

= Hindu Pilgrimages=

** Mahavir Mandir - Mahavir Mandir is one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Hanuman, located in Patna. Million of pilgrims visit the temple every year and is second most visited religious shrine in of North India.The Mahavir Mandir Trusts have the second highest budget in North India after the famous Vaishno Devi shrine [http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Patna/Mandir_trust_submits_Rs_35-cr_budget/articleshow/3017191.cms Budget of Mahavir Mandir] .
** Patan Devi - The sacred temple is held to be one of the 51 Siddha Shakti Pithas in India. According to Puranic legends, ' right thigh ' of the corpse of Sati had fell here when it was chopped off by Lord Vishnu with His 'Sudarshan Chakra'.The ancient temple, originally called as "Maa Sarvanand Kari Patneshwari", is believed to be abode of Goddess Durga. [http://discoverbihar.bih.nic.in/pages/patna_place.htm Patan Devi temple]
** Kali Mandir
** Birla Mandir

=Sikh Pilgrimages=

Patna is one of the holiest city in Sikhism, as The tenth Guru of the Sikhs Guru Gobind Singh was born here in 1666 and spent his early years before moving to Anandpur. [cite book | last = Johar | first = Surinder Singh | title = Guru Gobind Singh: A Study | publisher = Marwah Publications | date = 1979 | pages = 23 ] Patna was also honoured by visits from Guru Nanak in 1509 as well as Guru Tegh Bahadur in 1666.

** Takht Shri Harmandir Saheb - is , one of the Five Takhts of the Sikhism. The Gurdwara at Patna Sahib is in remembrance of the birth place of Guru Gobind Singh, The tenth Guru of the Sikhs. [cite book | last = Johar | first = Surinder Singh | title = Guru Gobind Singh: A Study | publisher = Marwah Publications | date = 1979 | pages = 23 ]
** Gurdwara Pahila Bara - commonly known as Gurdwara Ghai Ghat, is dedicated to Guru Nanak Dev, who during his visit in to Patna stayed here in 1509 A.D. and later by Guru Tegh Bahadur along with his family visited this place in 1666 A. D. [http://www.gurbaani.com/gurd/gurdawaras6.htm Gurdwara Pahila Bara]
** Gurdwara Gobind Ghat - is where the child Guru Gobind Singh used to play with his playmates on the bank of the Ganges. It is situated on the bank of river Ganga and hardly 200 yards from Takht Shri Harmandir Saheb. It s also known as Gurdwara Kangan Ghat. [http://www.takhatpatnasahib.com/Gurdwara-Kangan-Ghat.aspx Gurdwara Gobind Ghat]
** Gurdwara Guru ka Bagh -This Gurdwara is situated 2 miles far from the Takht Shri Harmandir Saheb|birth place of Guru Gobind Singh. [http://www.takhatpatnasahib.com/Gurdwara-Guru-Ka-Bagh.aspx Gurdwara Guru ka Bagh]
** Gurdwara Bal Leela - This place is just few meters away from Takhat Patna Sahib. Guru ji were playing with other children during his childhood.Gurdwara Bal Leela is also known as Maini Sangat. [http://www.takhatpatnasahib.com/Gurdwara-Bal-Leela.aspx Gurdwara Bal Leela]
** Gurdwara Handi Sahib - This Gurdwara was built in the memory of Guru Teg Bahadur. As Guru Teg Bahadur with Mata Gujri and Bala Preetam stayed here in 1728 [http://www.takhatpatnasahib.com/Gurdwara-Haandi-Saheb.aspx Gurdwara Handi Sahib]

= Islamic Pilgrimages=

** Pathar ki Masjid - The Pathar Ki Masjid stands on the bank of river Ganga near to Takht Shri Harmandir Saheb.Parvez Shah, son of Jahangir established Pathar Ki Masjid in 1621. [1] The structure is built of stones and so it got its name as Pathar Ki Masjid [http://www.tsiindia.com/east-india/pathar-ki-masjid-bihar.html Pathar ki Masjid]
** Sher Shah Suri Masjid - Sher Shah Suri Masjid, mosque, Patna,also known as Shershahi, is an example of the Afghan style of architecture. [http://www.splendidindia.com/destinations/bihar/traveling-to-shershahsurimasjidpatna.html Sher Shah Suri Masjid] Sher Shah Suri built this mosque in 1540-1545 to commemorate his reign.It is sited in the south-west corner of Purab Darwaza near Dhawalpura. [http://patna.bih.nic.in/html/sssmasjid.htm Sher Shah Suri Masjid]
** Maner Sharif - Maner Sharif is the place where Makhdum Daulat in 1608 breathed his last. It was then in 1616 that Ibrahim Khan, Governor of Bihar who was also his disciple finished the construction of his mausoleum. [http://discoverbihar.bih.nic.in/pages/sufi_circuit.htm]
** Bihar Sharif - The city was an active centre of Muslim learning and art. Today it is a small town with a rich cultural past and is a major Muslim pilgrimage centre. [http://www.holidayiq.com/destinations/Bihar-Sharif-Overview.html Bihar Sharif] [http://discoverbihar.bih.nic.in/pages/sufi_circuit.htm Sufi cicuit]
** Phulwari Sharif - Some Important Places in Phulwari Sharif: Khanqah Mujeebia, Sheesh Mahal, Shahi Sangi Masjid, Imarat-E-Shariya.
** Begu Hajjam's Mosque - built in 1489 by the Bengal ruler Alauddin Hussani Shah.

Christian Pilgrimages

**Padari ki haveli - "Mansion of Padre" ,also known as St Mary's Church, it is the oldest church in Bihar. When Roman Catholics were arrived in Bihar, They built a small church in 1713 at a place now known as "Padri-ki-Haveli'. [http://www.bihareebabu.com/christian.htm Padri-Ki-Haveli]
**Old Churh of Patna

Budhism Pilgrimages

Other Pilgrimages

** Kamaldah Jain Temple

Infotainment Complex

** Patna Planetarium - is one of the largest planetariums in Asia. [http://patna.bih.nic.in/html/planetarium.htm Patna Planetarium] The Patna Planetarium was dedicated to the Nation and opened for the public from April 1, 1993 [http://dst.bih.nic.in/Planetarium.htm Patna Planetarium] .
** Patna Museum - is the state museum of Bihar. It was built by the British during the British Raj in the year 1917 to house the historical artefacts found in the vicinity of Patna [ [http://www.thebharat.com/tourism/museum/patna.html The State Museum - [Patna Museum] ] .
** Sanjay Gandhi Jaivik Udyan - is classified as one of the 16 large zoos in the country and is also known as Sanjay Gandhi Botanical and Zoological Garden, Patna or Patna Zoo.This is situated near Bailey Road in [Patna] . [http://forest.bih.nic.in/SGBPark.htm Patna Sanjay Gandhi Jaivik Udyan]
** Srikrishna Science Centre-This institution forms an unit of the National Council of Science Museums, an autonoums body under the ministry of Culture. It is located at south-western corner of the Gandhi Maidan. [ [http://ncsm.gov.in/exibits_5.aspx Exhibits / Facilities at Srikrishna Science Centre ]
** Khuda Baksh Oriental Library - One of the national libraries of India, it has a rare collection of Persian and Arabic manuscript. It also host paintings during Rajput and Mughal rule in India. [http://kblibrary.bih.nic.in/ Khuda Baksh Oriental Library]
** Sinha Library

Buildings & Structures

** Golghar - The Golghar or Gol Ghar (?????), ("Round house"), located to the west of the Gandhi Maidan in Patna, capital of Bihar state, India is a granary built by Captain John Garstin, in 1786 [ [http://images.vam.ac.uk/indexplus/result.html?_IXFIRST_=39&_IXSS_=_IXFIRST_%3d1%26_IXINITSR_%3dy%26%2524%253dIXID%3d%26_IXACTION_%3dquery%26%2524%253dIXOBJECT%3d%26_IXMAXHITS_%3d15%26%252asform%3dvanda%26%2524%253dIXNAME%3d%26_IXSESSION_%3dkqOBQ7B2FSq%26%2524%253dIXPLACE%3d%26_IXadv_%3d0%26search%3dsearch%26%2524%253dIXMATERIAL%3d%26%2524%253ds%3dpatna%26%2524%253dop%3dAND%26_IXFPFX_%3dtemplates%252ft%26%2524%253dsi%3dtext%26%2524%253dIXFROM%3d%26%2524%253dIXTO%3d&_IXACTION_=query&_IXMAXHITS_=1&_IXSR_=7fdauD0_pkE&_IXSPFX_=templates%2ft&_IXFPFX_=templates%2ft Golghar, 1888] Victoria & Albert Museum.] .

** Mahatma Gandhi Setu - with length is 5450 meters. [ [http://www.hindu.com/2006/08/24/stories/2006082403760300.htm The Hindu : Karnataka / Bijapur News : Korthi-Kolhar bridge inaugurated ] ] and it was one of the longest bridge in the world.. The approach to the bridge from the south is a 50 km (?) long flyover. There are 40 piers to this bridge.
** Kargil Chowk - Kargil Chowk is a War memorial.It established in year 200, near by Gandhi Maidan,Patna. It is dedicated to the soldiers from Bihar & Jharkhand who had sacrificed their lives in Pakistani infiltration in 1999. [http://patna.bih.nic.in/html/kargil.htm Kargil Chowk. ]
** Patna High Court - was established on February 3, 1916 and later afiliatd under the "Government of India Act, 1915". The court is headquartered in Patna, the administrative capital of the state. [http://patnahighcourt.bih.nic.in/about.htm Patna High Court]
** Naghol kothi - is a palace (Kothi) located in Patna City, India. This building was built in the British Raj, by a mughal architect and is splendid example of Mughal architecture [ [http://www.mapsofindia.com/patna/places-of-interest/nagholkothi.html Nagholkothi. ] ] . This building is surrounded by a beautiful garden.
** Saheed Smarak - is famous landmark, situated near Bihar Vidhan Sabha.It is a memorial of seven extra ordinary students who attempted to hoist the Indian flag on the top of Bihar Vidhan Sabha in 1942 during English rule [http://www.mapsofindia.com/patna/places-of-interest/shaheed-smarak.html Saheed Smarak]
** Darbhanga House - also called Nav Lakha building. This was built by Maharaja Sir Kameshwar Singh of Darbhanga. This beautiful building on the banks of Ganges. It houses the Kali Mandir, which is a place of worship of the goddess Durga. [http://www.mapsofindia.com/patna/places-of-interest/darbhanga-house.html Darbhanga House]
** Shri Krishna Memorial Hall
** Secretariat Building
** Qila House - also known as Jalan House

Parks

** Gandhi Maidan - previously known as the Patna Lawns, is a historic ground at Patna near the banks of Ganges. [cite web | url=http://www.kamat.com/kalranga/freedom/congress/c127.htm | title=Great freedom Fighters |author=Kamat| publisher=Kamat's archive| accessdate=2006-02-25]
** Patna Zoo - is classified as one of the 16 large zoos in the country and is also known as Sanjay Gandhi Botanical and Zoological Garden, Patna or Patna Zoo.This is situated near Bailey Road in Patna. [http://forest.bih.nic.in/SGBPark.htm Sanjay Gandhi Jaivik Udyan]
** Congress Maidan - A historic ground that symbolises the Indian independence movement in Bihar. It was used to hold meetings by great luminaries like Rajendra Prasad, Nehru, Anugrah Narayan Sinha, Sri Dr. Krishna Sinha, Jayaprakash Narayan and others.

ports Complex

** Moin-ul-Haq Stadium - is second largest in India, next only to "Eden Gardens". [http://www.mapsofindia.com/patna/places-of-interest/moin-ul-haque-stadium.html] . The stadium features a swimming pool and a cricket academy.
** Patna Golf Club - situated west of the Government House to the South Bihar Gymkhana Club. It is 165 acres Golf Field . [http://patnagolfclub.com/ Patna Golf Club] and includes some very tough holes, this well-maintained course will prove interesting to amateur and pros alike. [http://www.golftoday.co.uk/clubhouse/coursedir/world/india/eastindia/patna.html Patna Golf Club ]
** Patna Indoor Stadium - also known as Rainbow Field and will be renamed after Abhinav Bindra [http://living.oneindia.in/celebrity/sports/2008/abhinav-bindra-biography-180908.html Patna Indoor Stadium] .

Club

Patna houses some prominent club like Bankipore Club, Golf Club, New Patna Club, Lions Club, Rotary Club [http://patna.bih.nic.in/html/Recreation.htm#clubs Clubs in Patna] .Bankipore Club - The Bankipore Club came into existence in 1913 [http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/225804757.cms Bankipore Club] . It is affiliated by various organization. [http://www.goldenswan.com/country/html/affiliates.html Affiliation of Bankipore Club by Golden Swan Country Club] [http://www.lamicale.net/oaffiliation.asp Affiliation of Bankipore Club by "L'AMICALE"]

Neighborhood

* Bodh Gaya
* Gaya
* Vaishali
* Pawapuri
* Nalanda
* Rajgir
* Maner
* Vikramshila
* Muzaffarpur

Transport

Patna was among pioneer selected towns of India having horse-drawn trams as urban transport. [http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/First-ever_book_on_Patna_soon/articleshow/3515588.cms "Trams in Patna" by TOI] Now days, Public transport in Patna is provided by buses, auto rickshaws and a Local trains.Auto rickshaws are the most popular means of public transportation in Patna, as they charge a lower . Most run on diesel and are Yellow and Black in colour.Buses are also one of the popular means of public transportation in Patna.
Railways also served as means of public transportation in Patna. However Patna is a major junction in the rail map of India. The five main railway stations are Patna Junction, Rajendranagar Terminal , Gulzarbag Station, Danapur Junction and Patna Shahib Station.Among them Patna Shahib Station is oldest one.

hopping

Shivpuri, Rai Complex, High tech cyber cafe in Patna & All type of high tech electronics goods are available hear. Shopping is one of the favourite recreational activities of Patnaites. Numerous shopping complexes exist in Patna, including: N.P.Centre, Maharaja Kameshwar Complex, Verma Centre, Kulharia complex and Khaitan market. Maurya lok is one of the oldest and largest shopping areas of Patna. Patna market and Hathwa market are also famous shopping points of the city. A number of shopping malls have also been opened in the city, including :Vishal Mega Mart at Frazer Road, Patliputra Shoppers' Plaza, Aditya's 9 to 9 Supermarket, Daily Needs Supermarket, Madhav SuperMart,Sudha Supermarket and Low Price Super Store at old Jakkanpur.

Connectivity & Access

Patna is also an important transit point of Bihar for the tourists dropping in from the other states of India. Patna is well-connected by air, rail and road transport.
* By Air
Patna has its own airport known as Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Airport or Airport Patna. It is an national airport and it is connected to all major city of India via daily flights.
Gaya Airport is the only international airport in Bihar and Jharkhand which 96 KM from Patna. It is an international airport which is connected to Colombo, Sri Lanka through two airline operators- Bangkok, Thailand, Singapore, and Bhutan.

* By Rail
Patna is strategically located in the main line of the East Central Railway and therefore connected with important cities of India and most cities within Bihar.

* By Road
Patna is well served by a network of well maintained roads. Patna] is also connected through National Highway No. 19 [http://www.mapsofindia.com/driving-directions-maps/nh30-driving-directions-map.html National Highway No. 19] , 30 [http://www.mapsofindia.com/driving-directions-maps/nh30-driving-directions-map.html National Highway No. 30] -31 [http://www.mapsofindia.com/driving-directions-maps/nh31-driving-directions-map.html National Highway No. 31] & 83 [http://www.mapsofindia.com/driving-directions-maps/nh83-driving-directions-map.html National Highway No. 83] . National Highway No.31 passes Danapur.

Road distance from other major City. [http://www.mapsofindia.com/distances/patna.html Distance chart of patna]
* From Delhi - 1,015 km North-East (by road).
* From Mumbai - 1,802 km North-East (by road).
* From Kolkata - 556 km North-West (by road).

See also

* Tourism in Bihar
* Tourism in India

Footnotes

External Links

* [http://bstdc.bih.nic.in/ Official website Of Bihar Tourism]
* [http://discoverbihar.bih.nic.in/ Official website Of Discover Bihar]

]