Places To Visit In And Around Patna

Patna or the ancient Pataliputra has been a cultural hub for ages. Currently, it is the capital of the state of Bihar, which derives its name from Vihara – a Buddhist monastery. The history of Bihar takes us back to the glorious Maurya dynasty that ruled from here, the tales of Amrapali at Vaishali, and international universities like Nalanda, Vikramshila, and Odantpuri. It has imprints of Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and Sikh history and heritage. Let us explore Places to Visit In and Around Patna, Bihar.

As Bihar tourism picks up, let us look at the day trips you can do from Patna, with the city as your base.

Check out the latest Delhi to Patna Flight Fare.

Places to Visit In and Around Patna – Best Day Trips

Nalanda

70 Km from the state capital city.

This UNESCO world heritage site in brick red color reminds us of our rich past in education. Nalanda University in its heydays attracted students from around the world. Famous Chinese traveler Xuan Xang came here in search of knowledge and took back a lot of scriptures. His chronicles of traveling around India are still referenced to know about India during the 7^th CE. You would find a memorial dedicated to him at Nalanda.

You can easily spend half a day in Nalanda. Do hire a good guide or pick up a guide available close to the ticket counter to make your experience richer.

Rajgir – Places to Visit In and Around Patna

100 km from Patna, 30 Km from Nalanda

Rajgir or Rajgriha is best known for being the venue for Buddhist conferences. It was also a place where Mahavir and I spent many Chaumasas. It has an old ropeway that takes you to the Shanti Stupa located on top of a hill. The lesser-known places in Rajgir include Son Bhandar caves and Maniyari Math. Lakshmi Narayan temple complex has a series of hot springs that are believed to have curative powers.

You must take a Tam Tam ride when in Rajgir. Colorful Tam Tams or Tongas or horse-drawn carriages are beautiful here. Visit the Silao village close by to taste the famous sweet Khaja.

Gaya, Bodhgaya and Barabar Caves

120 Km from the state capital city

Gaya is the ancient pilgrimage place on the banks of the Falgu River. It is famous for the Vishnupad temple and Mangala Gauri Shaktipeeth temple. You must try the famous Tilkut at Gaya.

Bodh Gaya is located a little ahead of Gaya when traveling from Patna, and it is famous for Mahabodhi Temple. This is the place where Buddha attained enlightenment under a Banyan tree, making it the most important pilgrimage for Buddhists. No wonder then, we find temples built by all the countries that follow Buddhism. You see pilgrims from around the world here paying their respect to the memories of Buddha.

You get almost every international food in the streets of Bodh Gaya. ASI Museum has a wealth of Buddhist Art here.

If you take a small detour, you can visit the ancient Barabar Caves – the oldest known excavated caves in India.

Darbhanga

140 Km from the state capital city.

The royal city of Bihar has one of India’s oldest private airports which was built by the Maharaja in 1950. It has recently become operational again under the Udan scheme. I am yet to visit the city but I am keen to see its popular fort and its Shyama temple which is quite unique in its design. Darbhanga Fort and Chandradhari are other attractions to visit.

If time permits, one can take a detour to Madhubani to be surrounded by the beautiful walls all around you, starting right from its railway station. The region has not just popularized its art form by taking it from walls to paper but also given us legendary artists like Ganga Devi.

Vaishali – Places to Visit In and Around Patna

70 Km from the state capital city.

Vaishali has many claims to its fame. It is the venue for a Buddhist monastery that still boasts an in-situ Ashoka pillar. It is the place where Nagavadhu Vaishali invited Buddha for a meal and left everything to join his Sangha. Vaishali was also one of the eight places where the original relics of Buddha were placed. The stupa no longer exists but you can see its remains. Mahavir ji, the 24^th Jain Tirthankar was also born in Vaishali. For Hindus, it is home to many ancient temples like the Baavan Pokhar temple and the recently discovered ancient Chaturlinga.

Patna City

The city itself has many things to see like the ancient ruins of the Magadh empire. There is Gol Ghar – a unique round granary that is the signature monument of the city. Bihar Museum was always rich in its collection, with Didarganj Yakshini as their star attraction. Now they have a new home that is being admired not just for its collection but also for the way it is being presented.

There are ancient sites like Kumrahar and medieval sites like Patna Sahib Gurudwara.

When in the city you must try the Litti Chokha in the streets and visit the sacred Ganga that flows through the city.

The city is well connected with Delhi and other major cities in India and the flight fares are reasonable.

Do let us know if you know of any more destinations that can be covered on day trips like the Places to Visit In and Around Patna.