Holding the rich history of India, Patna was founded in the 5th century BC and was named Patiliputra back then. Adorned by the marvellous ruins, this modern city is more than just a city. With monasteries, temples and museums, the city gives a thousand reasons to visit and explore every corner. Evoked by the recent wave of development and industrialization, the city reflects a beautiful amalgamation of modern and past glory. To witness this amazing blend, here is a list of some of the best places to visit in Patna which must definitely be added to the list.
21 Best Places To Visit In Patna
While a walking tour of the Patna is a tempting choice to explore all the attractions that this city has to offer, there’s much more to explore beyond the historic landmarks and museums. Here is a list of the best places to visit in Patna which one must definitely visit and have a great time learning about the history of the city.
1. Srikrishna Science Centre
Considered as one of the important places to visit in Patna, this magnificent and well-equipped science centre was built in 1978. This place is known for showcasing a vast collection of amazing exhibits of well-demonstrated principles of science. Whether you’re a kid or an adult, this place has a vast option of things to experience and take an innovative educational tour. This is among the famous places in Patna.
Location: West Gandhi Maidan, Raja Ji Salai, Dujra Diara, Patna, Bihar 800001
Timings: 9:30 AM-6:30 PM
Ideal Duration: 2-3 hours
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2. Bihar Museum
For history buffs, the Bihar Museum is one of the best places to visit in Patna. This place gives an insight into the history and also the ancient culture of the state. Inside the museum, there are artefacts which date back from the century-old Patna Museum. Alongside that, there are installed artefacts and information about human history. Spread across an area of 5.6 hectares of land, the museum has a dispersed-scheme of buildings which includes galleries, educational and administrative areas.
Location: Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, Bailey Rd, Patna, Bihar 800001
Timings: 10:30 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: Children: INR 50, Adults: INR 100, Foreigners: INR 500
3. Patna Planetarium
Image Credit: Patel95 for Wikipedia
Situated at the city of Patna, the Patna Planetarium is considered one of the oldest and also the largest planetariums of Asia. Reflecting the modern state of the art projection system, and also a well-designed complex with a chic auditorium. Inside the auditorium, there is a wide range of film shows displayed which are relevant to the astronomy. This is one of the most famous places in Patna.
Location: New Dak Bungalow Rd, Near Income Tax Office, Adalatganj, Kidwaipuri, Patna, Bihar 800001
Timings: 11AM – 5:30PM
Entry Fee: INR 50 (Kids above 3 years)
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4. Patna Museum
Locally called the Jadu Ghar, the Patna Museum is one of the top places to visit in Bihar. This place is known for holding around 50,000 rare art objects which are worth admiring. Alongside that, there are Indian artefacts dated from the middle ages, British Colonial Era and also the ancient period. Built-in 1917, this place has a rich collection which reflects the Indian history and glory of the state. The building showcases the Mughal and Rajput architecture and has many galleries inside its premises. This is amongst the most famous places in Patna.
Location: Near Madiri kat pur museum, Patna, Bihar 800001
Timings: 10:30 AM-4:30 PM (Monday closed)
Entry Fee: Indian: INR 15, Foreign Tourists: INR 250
5. Japanese Peace Pagoda
Excavated in 1969, the Japanese Peace Pagoda is a 125ft tall statue which was built by the Buddh Vihar society. This white beautiful stupa is surrounded by the greenery and decorated by a pond along with spending time enjoying boating. Around the Stupa, there is a museum at the north bank which includes the artefacts which are found during excavation. This is one of the most popular tourist places in Patna.
Location: Vaishali, Patna
Timings: 10 AM-5 PM
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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6. Chhoti Dargah
Holding its history intact, Chhoti Dargah is a 3-storied mausoleum which is situated at Maner. Located at a distance of 30 kms away from the Patna on the NH-30, this is considered as the architectural marvel. This is the place where the Makhdum Shah was buried in the year 1616 and in the present day, it is a popular dargah for Muslims. Alongside that, there is also a large tank which is located just in front of the mausoleum. You can include this spot in the list of places to visit in Patna with friends in one day.
Location: Karbigahiya Rd, Maruti Nagar, Khasmahal, Mithapur, Patna, Bihar 800001
Timings: NA
Entry Fee: No entry fee
7. Sanjay Gandhi Botanical Garden
Locally called Sanjay Gandhi Jaivik Udyan, this botanical garden was founded in 1969. This is one of the romantic places to visit in Patna for couples which is home to a vast variety of flora and fauna. The botanical garden is also called the Patna Zoo and people can come here with kids to enjoy some exciting things like elephant ride and toy train.
Location: Raj Bhavan, Bailey Rd, Rajbansi Nagar, Patna, Bihar 800001
Timings: 8 AM-5:30 PM
Entry Fee: Adults – INR 30, Kids – INR 10
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8. Lauriya Nandangarh
Particularly famous for the beautifully architectured Ashokan Pillar, this surreal town is located at a distance of 28 km northwest of Bettiah. The name “Lauriya” was derived from the pillar (Laur) of Mauryan emperor Ashoka. This site also has around 20 archaeological banks which are lined up in three rows. At this place, around 40 pillars were built by Emperor Ashoka originally but in the present day, only one pillar exists which is worth visiting. This is among the most popular tourist places in Patna.
Location: Patna, Bihar
Entry Fee: No Entry Fee
Timings: Anytime
9. Gandhi Ghat
Image Credit: Wikirapra for Wikimedia
Gandhi Ghat, a popular religious site located on the banks of the river Ganga is among the prominent tourist spot in Patna as the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi were immersed at this place. The main attraction of this beautiful site is the Ganga Aarti in which a group of priests dressed in saffron robes offer prayers with 51 lamps. A tour of this place is one of the best things to do in Patna.
Location: Patna, Bihar
Timings: Throughout the day
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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10. Golghar
Image Credit: Venkygrams for Wikimedia
Golghar, established in the heart of Patna city was constructed in the year 1786 by Captain John Garstin as a storehouse. This enormous structure, located amid the scenic beauty of Patna offers stunning views of the entire city from the top of the granary. It is surely a best place to visit in Patna for peace seekers.
Location: Opp.-Govt. Girls High school, Ashok Rajpath, Patna, Bihar 800001
Timings: 10am–5pm
Entry Fee: No entry fee
11. Patan Devi Mandir
Image Credit: Ayepee for Wikimedia
Patan Devi Temple in Patna is a prominent religious site and is locally known as Maa Patneshwari. Being the oldest temple in Patna, it is quite popular among tourists also for its exclusive experiences. The temple is one of the Shakti Peethas and welcomes pilgrims throughout the year. This is among the most popular tourist places in Patna.
Location: Badi patan devi mandir, Sadikpur, Patna, Bihar 800007
Timings: NA
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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12. Kumhrar
Image Credit: Ivecos for Wikimedia
Explore the remnants of the ancient city of Pataliputra which has undergone numerous excavation operations. The main attractions of this ancient city are Arogya Vihar, Assembly Hall, Durakhi Devi Temple, and Anand Bihar. The site is truly a paradise for history lovers and those who love to unveil the facts of the past era.
Location: 5 km east of Patna Railway Station
Timings: 9am – 5pm
Entry Fee: INR 15
13. Ajanta
Image Credit: Santosh Singh for Wikimedia
Bihar is home to beautiful Madhubani paintings and Patna being the capital city has numerous prominent centres that displays fine collections of this art. So if you have love for Madhubani paintings and would love to buy some genuine master pieces then you can stop at Ajanta, located on the Fraser Road to checkout the collections. The place remains closed on Sundays.
Location: Patna, Bihar
Timings: NA
Entry Fee: NA
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14. Gandhi Sanghrahalaya
Gandhi Sanghrahalaya is another interesting museum and among the places to visit in Patna with friends, who are history enthusiasts as you. This museum is quite popular among tourists as it showcases the visual biography of Mahatma Gandhi’s life with pictures that purveys his journey of life. There are also numerous books and an audio library offering exclusive information of that era.
Location: Ashok Raj Path, North, West Gandhi Maidan, Patna, Bihar 800001
Timings: 9.30 AM to 5.30 PM
Entry Fee: NA
15. Mahavir Mandir
Image Credit: Ivecos for Wikimedia
Also known as Manokamna Temple, Mahavir Mandir is home to the second-largest religious shrine in North India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and welcomes thousands of pilgrims throughout the year. As Hanuman is called Sankat Mochan, it is believed that he listens to the prayers of his devotees due the which the temple is called as Manokamna Mandir by locals.
Location: Railway junction near Patna
Timings: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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16. Sitamarhi
Image Credit: Mala Chaubey for Wikimedia
Sitamarhi is a serene town and a prominent religious site for Hindus. It is believed to be the birthplace of Goddess Sita, the wife of Lord Ram. Its proximity to Patna city makes it a popular religious site for tourists as one can easily reach here through the road. The town is home to many significant temples and will remind you of numerous instances of Valmiki Ramayana. Include this religious spot in your list of places to visit in Patna in summer.
Location: Sitamarhi Road, Bihar
Timings: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Entry Fee: No entry fee
17. Jalan Museum
If you are a history lover holidaying in Patna then you must surely plan a visit to Japan Museum. The museum is located in Agamkuan and is popularly known as Quila House. It is private property, and you need to take prior permissions to visit the place. The museum showcases exclusive artefacts of the British Raj in India. There are also other rare collections such as the wooden bed of Napolean III, making this one of the popular places to visit near Patna.
Location: Quila Rd, Hajiganj, Patna, Bihar 800008
Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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18. Gandhi Maidan
Nestled near the banks of the Ganges River, just a stone’s throw away from the Golghar falls, Gandhi Maidan is a historic landmark in the city and among the places to visit in Patna with family. Located at a distance of approximately 3 kilometres from the city centre, visitors can enjoy a sight of the tallest Mahatma Gandhi statue in the world as they make their way through the lively bustle and marketplace surrounding this ground’s premise.
Location: North -West Area of, Gandhi Maidan Rd, Patna, Bihar 800001
Timings: Open 24 hours
Entry Fee: No entry fee
19. Eco Park
Also known as Rajdhani Vatika, Eco Park near Strand Road in Patna is the perfect place to spend your weekend or for a spontaneous picnic lunch. As you explore the many attractions in Patna, these grounds offer a calm refuge from the city’s hubbub. Whether you are travelling solo or with family, there are vast stretches of nature to enjoy, and a park adjacent to this space where kids can spend time playing.
Location: Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, Rajbansi Nagar, Patna, Bihar 800015
Timings: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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20. ISKCON Temple
One of the primary religious attractions in Patna, the ISKCON Temple is a vast structure built through the 2010s. The Radha Krishna idol is often the central focus for many on their trip to this establishment but a memorable destination nonetheless for travellers who want to learn about the regional scene.
Location: Golok Dham, Budh Marg, Adalatganj, Veerchand Patel Road Area, Patna, Bihar 800001
Timings: 4:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Entry Fee: No entry fee
21. Kolhua Complex
The magnificent hemispherical dome is a historical stupa that is part of the Kolhua Complex. This architectural masterpiece is complemented by a 2,300-year-old Ashoka pillar surrounded by monastic buildings.
Location: 2475+HJR, Kolhua, Bihar 844128
Timings: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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A vacation is not always about the mountains and beaches which these places to visit in Patna clarifies. These attractions hold the heritage and culture of the city which makes it worth exploring for history buffs. So if you’re planning a holiday in Patna, make sure to not miss out on these splendid places and have a great time exploring the best architecture of the country.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Patna
What should I buy from Patna?
Hand-crafted items, wall hangings, Madhubani paintings, leather items, and bead jewellery are some locally made items that you can buy for gifts and souvenirs.
Which city is better Ranchi or Patna?
Each city has its charm. But if you consider sightseeing, Patna has more tourist attractions than Ranchi.
Which language is used in Bihar?
Hindi is widely spoken in Bihar, however, there are five dialects used in the state. These are Bhojpuri, Maithili, Magahi, Vajjika, and Angika.
How can I spend my day in Patna?
You can spend a fun-filled day in Patna while visiting its major attractions. Some of the best places to visit in and around Patna include Srikrishna Science Centre, Bihar Museum, Patna Planetarium, Patna Museum, Japanese Peace Pagoda, Chhoti Dargah, Sanjay Gandhi Botanical Garden, Lauriya Nandangarh, Gandhi GhatGolghar, Patan Devi Mandir, Kumhrar, Gandhi Sanghrahalaya, Mahavir Mandir, Sitamarhi, Jalan Museum, Gandhi Maidan, Eco Park, ISKCON Temple, and Kolhua Complex.
What is the best food to eat in Patna?
Patna is known for serving multi-cuisine which includes Mughlai food, Thai & Chinese food, and also Murgh Malai and Grilled fish. Takshila, Crown Castle, Kapil Dev’s Eleven and Indian Summer Cafe are some of the best hangout places in Patna for a dine-in.
What is there to do in Patna?
Patna is a city that is blessed with some of the most beautiful historical attractions and there are many hidden places in Patna which reflect the heritage of the place. From the Golghar to the Bihar Museum and monasteries these places give a tour of the old Patliputra.
Which are the historic monuments to visit in Patna?
Some of the historic monuments to explore in Patna are Maa Patneshwari Devi Temple, Agam Kuan, Gandhi Madan, Saif Khan’s Mosque and Kamaldah Jain Temple which cannot be missed.
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A mass-media graduate, Priyanka is a passionate writer and an avid traveler. Whether it’s about capturing the sunsets or hogging up some delicious food from different places, she never leaves a second to decide. Her mantra of keep going is “work, save, travel, repeat” which she lives by heart.
