Bihar (The capital of Bihar is Patna) has a rich history that spans thousands of years, marked by significant cultural, religious, and political developments. Bihar’s identity as "The Land of Buddha" is not just about its historical significance but also about its ongoing legacy of peace, wisdom, and enlightenment.
The region continues to be a source of inspiration for millions seeking spiritual growth and understanding. Its ancient city of Vaishali was established as a republic in the 6th century BC, before the birth of Gautama Buddha in 563, making it the world's first republic.
The region is significant in religious history, being the birthplace of Buddhism. Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, while Patna (ancient Pataliputra) was a center for early Buddhism and Jainism. Bihar's history is a testament to its resilience and cultural religious, spiritual richness, making it an integral part of India's heritage.
Know more : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bihar
Patna, the capital of Bihar, on the banks of the Ganges River, is one of India’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, tracing back to ancient Pataliputra, the seat of the Maurya and Gupta empires. Today, Patna is a vibrant metropolis where imperial history, religious plurality, contemporary architecture, and urban culture coexist. This City Walk highlights 12 landmark sites, blending heritage, spirituality, modern civic spaces, and commercial vitality.
A modern architectural icon, Bapu Tower is a prominent civic structure symbolising Patna’s urban development and administrative significance. Its design combines functional modernism with monumental civic presence, overlooking adjacent plazas.
A historic urban square, Gandhi Maidan has witnessed political movements from the colonial era to post-independence India. The central Gandhi statue anchors the plaza, representing national ideals, civic engagement, and public assembly, surrounded by landscaped avenues.
An impressive monumental arch, Sabhyata Dwar celebrates Bihar’s cultural and civilisational heritage. Its contemporary design draws on ancient motifs while functioning as a gateway for civic pride, tourism, and cultural events.
The bustling market at the city’s core is a living hub of trade, gastronomy, and crafts. Visitors encounter traditional textiles, ritual artefacts, handicrafts, and regional cuisine, reflecting Patna’s enduring commercial vitality and cultural pluralism.
Built in 1786 by the British as a granary, Golghar features a spiral ramp and a beehive-shaped structure, offering panoramic views of Patna and the Ganges, and standing as a monument to colonial engineering and urban planning.
This Sikh pilgrimage site, birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, exemplifies religious devotion, historic architecture, and interfaith heritage, attracting pilgrims from across India and abroad.
A modern memorial commemorating Buddha’s legacy, featuring the Patliputra Karuna Stupa, landscaped gardens, and an interpretive museum. It combines urban green space, spiritual reflection, and international Buddhist architecture.
Excavated remains of Pataliputra showcase Mauryan-era wooden palisades, urban planning, and imperial architecture, offering tangible insight into ancient governance, civic design, and city life.
A nine-hectare landscaped park blending gardens, water bodies, and leisure spaces, providing an urban retreat for recreation, biodiversity engagement, and cultural activities.
Established in 1917, the museum preserves Mauryan, Gupta, and Pala artefacts, illustrating Bihar’s historical, artistic, and cultural evolution, and providing contextual understanding of Patna’s heritage.
A sacred riverside platform, Gandhi Ghat is central to rituals, commemorative ceremonies, and spiritual gatherings, embodying the city’s connection with the Ganges and civic memory.
Among Asia’s notable planetariums, it offers immersive astronomical education and public science engagement, reflecting Patna’s integration of modern knowledge infrastructures within its urban landscape.
Summary:
This 12-stop City Walk presents Patna as a living palimpsest of imperial history, religious pluralism, modern architecture, and civic culture. From ancient Pataliputra excavations to Bapu Tower, Sabhyata Dwar, and Main Market, visitors experience the continuity of heritage, spirituality, and contemporary urban life.
