A Slice of History
In the 5th century BC, Ajatasatru usurped the throne from his father Bibimra whom he sent to jail and later allegedly murdered.
He moved the capital of his Magadha kingdom from Rajgir, an ancient city surrounded by hills to Pataliputra, the location of modern-day Patna.
Ajatasatru believed he was fulfilling the Buddha’s prophecy that a great would arise from this site. The descendants of his line would also come to call it home, including notable emperors, Chandragupta Maurya and his grandson Ashoka.
Flexible Itinerary
Hardly any trace is left of these bygone empires but there’s plenty to keep visitors occupied in this big and bustling metropolis.
A detailed and easy-to-follow itinerary is key to ensuring that tourists get the most out of time spent in Panta. La Vacanza Travel offers a variety of holiday packages to this riverside destination.
You may be passing by Patna or staying overnight. Or you might have made plans to be in Bihar for a few weeks. Whatever the case, you’re sure to get the most out of your stay on one of these holiday packages.
The Sites
Museums
History buffs and archaeology enthusiasts can visit a handful of museums in the area. The Patna Museum, known locally as Jadu Ghar, is Bihar’s state museum.
It has a fine collection of bronze statues and terracotta images by Hindu and Buddhist artists. It also has a rare collection of British-period paintings depicting day-to-day life in the former colony as well as some items from the private collection of India’s First President, Rajendra Prasad.
Meanwhile, young tourists will enjoy a visit to the Children’s Gallery inside the Bihar Museum.
Mahatma Gandhi admirers will want to visit the museum named after him. Gandhi Museum has some of the freedom leader’s belongings on display. Look for the glass-boxed statues of Gandhi and Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore in conversation on your way in.
Temples and Shrines
Sheltered from the noise and mayhem of the city’s Chowk area is the Har Mandir Takht. A grand gate leads the way into this Sikh shrine with miniature marble domes, sweeping staircases, and fine latticework.
The Har Mandir Takht has a huge significance because this is where Guru Gobind Singh, the last of the 10 Sikh gurus, was born in the year 1666.
Patan Devi is another sacred spot in Patna. It is one of the oldest Hindu temples in the city and regarded as one of the 51 Siddha Shakti Pithas in India. The city’s current name is said to be derived from this temple.
Finally, check those holiday packages and choose one that includes a visit to Golghar. This massive granary was built by the British army in 1786. After undergoing renovation in 2016, it’s the place to go if you want a bird’s eye view of the entire city.