Patna

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Considered as one of the oldest surviving cities, the history of Patna goes back to thousands years back. Situated on the banks of the river Ganga Patna (ancient Pataliputra), is the place where Lord Buddha came when he had to cross the mighty river and the small town that stood on its banks, Pataligram. Patna is the main entry point for pilgrims willing to travel in the footprints of the Buddha. City is well connected by air, rail and road to Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Varanasi.

Megasthenes and Fa –Hien has highly ranked and praised this city in their travelogues. The images described in these ancient travellers' travelogues expose Patna's architectural splendor and opulence. The city was more grown architecturally by King Ashoka, a great supporter of Buddhism, during 260-239BC. The city is also connected with the great Afghan leader Sher Shah Suri, who ruled over the area during the 16th century and contributed significantly to City-architecture for the city to recuperate its lost majesty.

Bihar, whose state capital is Patna has its name which is derived from the word Vihara meaning monasteries. Likewise, the place has seen a brilliantly rich past, both in terms of culture and civilization. Pataliputra has witnessed its golden days during the time in power of Mauryan and Gupta dynasties. Later on, with the preaching of Lord Buddha, the effect of Buddhism started to grow and became prominent during the reign of Magadha dynasty.

Keeping idea about the Patna is quite significant in understanding the history of ancient India. Bihar has been the key point of political activities in early times. There are many tourist destinations in and around Patna. All the important excursions which are known as ‘Buddhist Circuit’ such as -Vaishali, Rajgir, Nalanda, Bodhgaya, and Pawapuri are very close. The major tourist attractions which you can visit during your travel to Patna are such as- Takht Shri Harmandir Saheb, Hanuman Temple near Patna Junction, Kumhrar (the place was the seat of Chandrgupta Maurya, the ruler of Magadh), Patna Museum, Golghar and Patna Planetarium ( the largest Planetarium in Asia).