Patna has magnificently combined the rich heritage and culture of the past with modernity and has emerged as an important center for tourism in the entire Eastern region. Apart from that, Patna is also known for its rich past since it was the center for learning and spiritual enlightenment in ancient India. Patna occupies a significant place for the tourists on pilgrimage belonging to different castes such as Jainism, Buddhism and Sikhism. There are many things about Patna that make it stand apart from the rest of the tourist destinations in the eastern region. There are magnificent tourist attractions in Patna strewn all over the town. Touristplacesinindia.com offers valuable inputs about Patna that would be of great help to those who are planning for a tour to Patna.

Fast Facts

Area	:	107.08 sq. km
Altitude	:	53 metres above the sea level
Languages	:	Hindi and English
Best time to visit	:	October to March
STD code	:	0612

History

Patna was original known as Pataliputra or Patalipattan and its recorded history dates back to the 600 B.C. It was the capital of Chandragupta Maurya, the first recorded emperor of India, but gradually it lost its importance after the decline of the Mauryan Empire. During the medieval era, it rose to prominence again under Shershah Suri who ruled at the beginning of the 16th century A.D. People have the belief that Patna was founded by Ajatashatru and he adopted several measures to protect the town from the incessant foreign invasions. The great Mauryan emperor Ashoka also ruled from here. The later Guptas, including Chandragupta Vikramaditya and Samudragupta, made Pataliputra their capital.

The famous Chinese travelers Fa-Hien and Hiuen-Tsang visited this town in the 3rd and 7th century respectively. Patna was a repository of knowledge and wisdom in the historic times. Scholars like Kautilya created their remarkable works by staying here. The grandson of Aurangzeb, Azim-us-Shan came to Patna in the year 1703 as its governor. Due to his efforts he transformed Patna into a gorgeous town gave it the name �Azimabad�. The city came under the control of the British after the decline of the Mughals. They had started a factory here in 1620 for the trade of calico and silk. In the year 2000, a separate state called Jharkhand was separated from Bihar.

Best Season, Climate, and Clothing

Patna experiences hot and humid climate during the summers and has a pleasant climate during the winters. The temperature often rises to 43�C in summers and falls to around 5�C or even below during the winters. Patna receives average to heavy rainfall during the monsoon. Cotton clothing is advised during the summers while woolens would be required during the winter season. However, the best period to visit would be from October to March.

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