Things To Do
in Patna
Patna, the capital city of Bihar, India, is steeped in rich history and cultural heritage, being one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited places. It sprawls along the south bank of the Ganges River, serving as an important economic and educational hub in the region.
The city is also notable for its historical landmarks, including the ancient Patliputra ruins and the revered Sikh shrine, Takht Sri Patna Sahib.
- "kiddan" - How are you?
- "shukriya" - Thank you
- "tuhada naa ki hai" - What is your name?
- "ki haal chaal" - How are things?
- "chalo" - Let's go
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $10 - $30
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $2 - $10
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.20 - $0.50
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $15 - $35
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $10 - $25
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Golghar, a monumental granary that offers panoramic views of the city. Enjoy a breakfast at a nearby café afterwards.
Visit the Bihar Museum, where you can delve into the rich history and culture of the region. Afterward, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant serving authentic Bihari cuisine.
Take a serene walk along the Ganges River. As the sun sets, settle down for dinner at a riverside eatery.
Begin your day at the sprawling Indira Gandhi Planetarium, where you can learn about the stars and cosmic phenomena. A quick breakfast at a local eatery will energize you for the day ahead.
Head to Sanjay Gandhi Jaivik Udyan (zoological park) to see various wildlife and enjoy the lush greenery. Grab lunch at a nearby café while enjoying the fresh air.
Wrap up your day at Buddha Smriti Park, which has a peaceful ambiance perfect for relaxation. After sunset, you may opt for dinner at home-style dining options nearby.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and history, including ancient landmarks and temples.
- Affordable cost of living compared to major Indian cities.
- Growing educational institutions and universities.
- Delicious local cuisine, including famous dishes like Litti Chokha.
- Good connectivity through rail and road networks.
- Traffic congestion and poor road conditions in certain areas.
- Limited job opportunities in comparison to larger metropolitan cities.
- Issues with pollution and waste management.
- Insufficient public infrastructure and amenities in some parts.
- Occasional flooding during the monsoon season.
Best Activities in Patna
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the zoo, botanical garden, and aquarium in a natural setting.
Enjoy a leisurely walk, participate in sports, or attend events at this historic public park.
Experience nature trails, boating, and picnic spots in a serene environment.
Tours
Uncover the best of Patna with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Patna
Visit one of these nice places.
Gandhi Ghat offers a picturesque view of the Ganges River and the city skyline, making it an ideal spot for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
Buddha Smriti Park provides a serene atmosphere and beautiful views, with its well-maintained gardens and the impressive stupa, offering great photo opportunities.
Sanjay Gandhi Jaivik Udyan, also known as the Patna Zoo, offers a blend of natural beauty and wildlife, providing excellent photo opportunities for animal and nature lovers.
Food in Patna
Patna Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional Bihari dish consisting of wheat and sattu (roasted gram flour) dumplings, served with mashed vegetables such as roasted eggplant, tomato, and potato. Must-try at stalls in areas like Boring Road and Kankarbagh.
Must-Try!
A popular breakfast option made with a filling of roasted gram flour (sattu) mixed with spices, stuffed in a wheat flour dough and then roasted. Widely available at local dhabas and tea stalls.
A well-loved Bihari dessert made of layered, flaky pastry that is deep-fried and dipped in sugar syrup. Available at sweet shops and local sweet stalls in areas like Dak Bungalow Road and Fraser Road.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Patna better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This bustling riverside area is renowned for its vibrant street food scene, offering delectable snacks such as litti chokha, chaat, and jalebi. A perfect place to savor the local flavors by the Ganges River.
A lively market where one can relish a variety of authentic Bihari snacks like litti chokha, thela ki chaat, and traditional mithai (sweets). Known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse street food vendors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Patna, it is respectful to greet people with a 'Namaste', placing your palms together and slightly bowing your head.
Patna is a city rich in religious diversity, so it is important to be respectful of different customs and practices. This includes removing shoes before entering a place of worship and dressing modestly.
There are social hierarchies and customs that are important to be aware of in Patna. It is important to show respect to elders and those in positions of authority.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Patna with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Patna
Ensure a smooth experience
In Patna, tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated in restaurants, hotels, and for other services. Generally, a tip of 5-10% of the total bill is considered standard.
Cash is the primary mode of payment in Patna, although credit and debit cards are becoming more widely accepted, especially in larger establishments. It's advisable to carry sufficient cash for transactions in smaller shops or local markets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and dry weather, with temperatures ranging from 30°C to 45°C. It is advisable to carry light and airy clothing, sunscreen, and stay hydrated.
Heavy rainfall and high humidity. It is important to be prepared for wet conditions and carry umbrellas or raincoats.
Mild and pleasant weather, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. This is considered a good time to visit due to the comfortable weather.
Cool and dry weather, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 25°C. It is recommended to carry warm clothing, especially during the evenings and early mornings.
Patna at Night
Hiking in Patna
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Located in Patna, Gautama Buddha Park offers scenic walking trails and paths for light hiking amidst beautiful landscapes and greenery.
Situated about 100 km from Patna, Rajgir is known for its hills and offers various trekking trails including the popular Gridhakuta Hill, where one can enjoy panoramic views.
Approximately 80 km from Patna, Bihar Sharif offers several historical sites and a few trekking routes, making it a great spot for day hikes.
About 150 km from Patna, Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary features rugged terrain, rich biodiversity, and offers numerous trekking paths for adventure enthusiasts.
Home to the ancient Nalanda University, about 100 km from Patna, Nalanda offers trails that allow exploration of historical ruins amidst a natural backdrop.
Aiports
How to reach Patna by plane.
Located in Guwahati, Assam, this is the largest airport in the northeastern region of India and serves as a major hub for domestic and international flights.
Situated in Kolkata, West Bengal, this is one of the busiest airports in India and serves as an important gateway for international travel in eastern India.
Located in Mumbai, Maharashtra, this is one of the largest and busiest international airports in India, serving a wide range of domestic and international flights.
Situated in New Delhi, this airport is the largest in India and serves as a major hub for international air travel.
Located in Hyderabad, Telangana, this airport serves as a major international and domestic hub in southern India.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority religious group in Patna, comprising approximately 80% of the population.
The second-largest religious group in Patna, making up about 15% of the population.
Includes various smaller communities and religious groups such as Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains, collectively accounting for around 5% of the population.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cricket is the most popular sport in Patna, with a large following among people of all ages. Local tournaments and matches frequently attract significant crowds.
Football has a strong presence in Patna, with many schools and colleges having their teams. The sport enjoys popularity among the youth, especially during local and national leagues.
Kabaddi, a traditional Indian sport, is quite popular in Patna, with local tournaments being held frequently. The sport has seen a rise in popularity with the advent of professional leagues.
Badminton is increasingly becoming popular in Patna, with various clubs and coaching academies promoting the sport. Players participate in state and national level competitions.
Athletics has a significant following in Patna, with many schools and colleges encouraging students to participate in various track and field events.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Patna.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
In Patna, there are numerous eateries, particularly dhabas and traditional Bihari restaurants, that offer a wide array of vegetarian and vegan dishes. These include sattu-based preparations, mixed vegetable curries, and locally sourced dairy products.
While Bihari cuisine prominently features wheat-based dishes, there are restaurants and street food vendors in Patna that provide gluten-free alternatives. Dishes such as sattu paratha made with gluten-free flour or rice-based crepes (chawal ka cheela) are available in select establishments.