Patna, the capital city of the state of Bihar is situated on the banks of the holy river Ganga. The city of Patna is famed for being the site of the longest bridge in the world situated over the river Ganges called the Mahatma Gandhi Setu.
The main river Ganga is joined by four other rivers in Patna namely, Ghaghara, Gandak, Punpun and Sone. Patna, formerly called Pataligrama, was fortified by the Magadha King Ajathashatru in 493 BC. The village was later developed into a town by the king's son Udayi and named Pataliputra. The region has been ruled by several dynasties, the Mauryan empire being the most important since it was under them that region saw the dawn of development.
Pataliputra, which was once a great educational and cultural hub during the Mauryan empire, is said to have become so prominent, largely by the efforts of the great kings Chandragupta Maurya and Asoka. The city was so renowned worldwide that it was visited by many famous foreign travellers like Megasthenes and Fa Hien who have mentioned Pataliputra in many of their writings.
Patna has numerous tourist attractions that include religious places, historical monuments and archaeological sites. Among the major tourist attractions in Patna are Khuda Baksh Oriental Library, Patna Museum, Golgarh, the Patna Cemetery, Padri-Ki-Haveli, Har Mandir, Agam Kuan and a host of others.
Agam Kuan is a much visited ancient well that dates back to the reign of Ashoka. Another popularly visited site is the Patna Museum or the Jadu Ghar that houses many ancient artifacts from the Gupta and Mauryan dynasties. Other museums in the region include the Karpoori Thakur Museum, Jalan Museum, Folk Art Museum, Rajendra Smriti Sangrahalaya and Bihar Police Museum.
Patna is also famous as the birthplace of many Sikh gurus. The Takht Sri Patna Sahib or the Gurudwara Patna Sahib an important religious centre of Patna. Built in the memory of the 10th guru of Sikhism, Guru Gobind Singh, it is one of the most revered places of worship for the Sikh.
Other religious sites include Meetan Ghat, Mangal Talab, Begu Hajjam's Mosque, Phulwari Sharif and Patthar Ki Masjid. Indira Gandhi Planetarium is one of the largest planetariums in Asia and is a popular destination.
Sanjay Gandhi Botanical and Zoological Garden, Gandhi Maidan, Mahatma Gandhi Setu, Golghar, Martyr's Memorial and Old Opium Warehouse are other interesting places to visit. One of the oldest universities of the world, Nalanda is also close by.
Patna is best visited during the months between October and February when the weather is most pleasant.
Well equipped with airport and many major railway stations, Patna is well connected by rail, road and air to all major cities in the country.
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