Established in 1917, the Patna Museum is widely recognized as the cultural pride of Bihar. The building was constructed in 1928 in the Indo-Saracenic style. The Museum’s collection runs into thousands and has the largest finds of copper hoards and stone sculptures. Rare exhibits include a large fossilized tree and the holy relic casket of Lord Buddha believed to contain his ashes.
This is the oldest archaeological site at Patna, also considered the most important. The 32 metre deep well with a diameter of 15 feet is encased with brick halfway and wooden rings line the lower level. Legends surround the ‘unfathomable well’ of Agam Kuan, such as Asoka used it as a hell pit of fire to torture people. You can also visit the Shitala Devi Temple nearby with the pindas of Saptamatrikas, famous for curing pox.
Also known as Gandhi Memorial Institution, this Museum was established in 1967 as Patna Sangrahalaya, one of eleven Gandhi Sangrahalayas in India. It became autonomous in 1971.The institution allows a quiet retreat for every visitor. The visual biography and other sections showcase the life of Gandhiji with specific highlights on his involvement in Bihar during the freedom Struggle.
Built as a granary by British Captain John Garstin in 1786, the Gol Ghar, literally meaning Round House resembles the Stupa architecture. You can climb up 45 steps of a spiral stairway to the top to get a panoramic view of the City and the Ganges river, a special experience for visitors to Patna.
This is the oldest archaeological site at Patna, also considered the most important. The 32 metre deep well with a diameter of 15 feet is encased with brick halfway and wooden rings line the lower level. Legends surround the ‘unfathomable well’ of Agam Kuan, such as Asoka used it as a hell pit of fire to torture people. You can also visit the Shitala Devi Temple nearby with the pindas of Saptamatrikas, famous for curing pox.
The Sanjay Gandhi Jaivik Udyan is popularly known as Patna Zoo and the park is a highly visited picnic spot. Over the years, the preserve has expanded to a 153 acre- biological park, combining a botanical garden and a zoo. The zoo has 800 animals from 110 species and an aquarium. You can ride the toy train through the main portions of the park.,/p>
Designed by notable sculptor Devi Prasad Roy Chowdhury, the Shaheed Smarak is a bronze sculpture of seven life size figures. The statue was made to honour the brave young students who sacrificed their lives to hoist the flag in the Quit India Movement of 1942. The foundation was laid in 1947 and subsequently, the casting was done in Italy.
The library is the remarkable vision of Khan Bahadur Khuda Baksh, who established it in 1891 with 4000 manuscripts. The collection today is over 21000 Oriental manuscripts and 2.5 lakh books. There are Mughal and Rajput paintings and a rare collection of Persian and Arabic manuscripts including the Timur Nama. Designated a centre of national importance, the library gets a worldwide attendance.
Established in 1978, the Srikrishna Science Centre is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. The wonders of science can be explored through 50 hands-on exhibits. Designed to thrill and excite the visitor, the Centre’s attractions include Mirror and Images, Evolution, Oceans, Science Park, Jurassic Park and Indian Scientists.
The Buddha Smriti Udyaan or Buddha Memorial Park is an oasis in the midst of Patna’s bustle. The air-conditioned library offers a quiet research space. The stupa is said to contain the ashes of Buddha from Vaishali. It is closed on Monday. Entrance fees are Rs.50 to see the stupa.
Built in the shape of planet Saturn, this is amongst the finest of Asia’s planetariums and attracts a vast domestic and international tourist crowd. Exhibitions and film shows on astronomy and related topics are held here regularly. The space has convenient access for differently abled.
