24 hours in Patna: Things you can’t miss out on in this historical city

Priya SrivastavaPriya Srivastava/Times Travel Editor/TRAVEL TRENDS, PATNA/ Created : Jun 17, 2019, 18:03 IST

24 hours in Patna: Things you can’t miss out on in this historical city

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24 hours in Patna: Things you can’t miss out on in this historical city

Patna is one beautiful historical city which for some or the other reason has never been under tourist radar. Previously known as Patliputra, Patna today has developed beyond imagination and has several interesting places of historic and tourist importance. The capital city of Bihar, Patna over the time has been ruled by myriad kings and has been land of several renowned kingdoms. Located on the banks of the sacred Ganges, the city is beautiful amalgam of the old world and the new which will give you some of the best cultural experiences.

Though there are various interesting things to do and see in Patna, but if you are in the city just for a day, you must not miss out on experiencing the following:

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Gol Ghar

Gol Ghar was actually built as a storehouse to keep grains. This massive granary which was called Gol Ghar resembles a beehive if you at it from a distance. Captain John Garstin was the one who gave the orders to construct this for the British army back in the year 1786. This round structure is 105 ft tall and people visit here in large number just to take in gorgeous views of the city and the River Ganges. To reach up, one needs to climb two stairways with 141 winding steps. The walls of this dome shaped granary is about 3.6 metres thick which gives it a solid look. As of now the granary is shut but the structure is open for visitors.

Mahatma Gandhi Setu

Mahatma Gandhi Setu or bridge in Patna is built over the River Ganges and connects Patna and Hajipur (in the north of Bihar). It almost took 10 years to complete the construction of this 5,750 metres long bridge which is also touted as ‘one of the longest bridges in the country’. One of the major highlights of the bridge is that it was inaugurated by the then Prime Minister of India, Ms Indira Gandhi in the year 1982 . It is also a prominent landmark, and people can be often seen here to enjoying sunset.

Agam Kuan

Agam Kuan is probably one of the most ancient and significant archaeological sites in the city. It is of huge historical importance as this site was constructed during the period of Ashoka, the great Mauryan king. If legends are to be believed, Agam Kuan or well having a depth of 105 feet and width of 20 feet, is the place where Ashoka used to torture people. Also, it is said that he had his all 99 brothers beheaded here so that he could rule the kingdom alone. At present, Agam Kuan is considered quite an auspicious well having unlimited powers.

Patna Museum

Patna Museum is one of the most famous tourist attractions which is set in the heart of the city. You’ll notice a mix of Mughal and Rajput influence in the architectural style of the museum which houses more than 45,000 artefacts. For those interested in history, this place is a treasure trove as there are stone and metal sculptures which date back to Gupta and Mauryan empires. One of the prime attractions of the museum is a 200 million year old fossilised tree, which looks quite mysterious! Besides, there are several Buddhist sculptures and paintings and cannons, among others.

Gandhi Maidan

Gandhi Maidan in Patna is basically an open area or field where all the important events of the city are held, from election campaigns to book fair, everything. But the ground holds some great significant political significance as it has witnessed huge moments from Indian history. Spread over 62 acres of land, ground features one of the tallest statues of Mahatma Gandhi, after whom the ground is named. You’ll see a number of morning and evening joggers here while its borders are buzzing by famous restaurants and shopping complexes.

Patna Saheb

Patna Saheb or Takht Sri Harmandir Sahib Ji is one of the most important religious and tourist attractions in Patna. Dedicated to Guru Gobind Singh ji, who was the 10th Guru of the Sikhs, Patna Saheb was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1837 to 1839). The place is considered extremely pious for Sikhs across the globe as Guru Gobind Singh ji was born in Patna in the year 1666. If you are visiting Patna, you simply cannot miss out on visiting Patna Saheb.