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Patna Travel Resources

Patna Travel Resources

Bihar India Travel Guide

Digital Resources

Useful Apps for Patna

  • Google Maps:

    Essential for navigation, finding attractions, and understanding public transport routes. Download offline maps.

  • Ola / Uber:

    Ride-sharing apps for convenient and clear car bookings within Patna.

  • WhatsApp:

    Widely used for messaging and calls, common for communicating with local tour companies and hotel staff.

  • MakeMyTrip / Goibibo:

    Popular Indian travel platforms for booking flights, hotels, and buses within India.

  • Google Translate:

    Invaluable for language barriers. Download Hindi for offline use. Consider Babbel for learning phrases.

Online Planning & Content

  • Indian Railways:

    Official website (Irctc.co.in) for booking train tickets across India. Book well in advance.

  • Bihar Tourism:

    Official website (Bihartourism.gov.in) with information on attractions and events.

  • Social Media:

    Follow official Bihar Tourism accounts for details about events, festivals, and new attractions.

  • Podcasts/Documentaries:

    Search for content on Indian history or the Buddhist Circuit for historical and cultural insights.

  • VPN Service:

    Secure your internet connection on public Wi-Fi. NordVPN for online security.

Print Resources

Recommended Guidebooks

Lp India or A Popular series of travel guidebooks India often include parts on Bihar and Patna, providing an overview of attractions and history. Look for the latest editions.

Books on Bihar

"The Bihar Diaries" by Amit Lodha offers a contemporary perspective on life in Bihar. Books covering the Magadha kingdom and Maurya/Gupta empires deepen historical context.

Local Publications

Pick up local Speaking english and Hindi newspapers for current events, cultural happenings, and local perspectives during your stay.

Emergency & Medical Information

Contacts & Facilities

  • Police: 100
  • Ambulance: 102
  • Fire: 101
  • National Emergency Number: 112 (integrates services)

Healthcare & Safety Protocols

  • Major Hospitals in Patna: IGIMS, Paras HMRI, Ruban Memorial, Ford Hospital.
  • Lost documents: Report immediately to police (FIR), then reach out to your embassy/consulate.
  • Natural Disasters: During monsoon, follow local news and advisories.
  • Indian Tourist Infoline: 1363 (toll-free helpline for tourist assistance).

Further Reading & Exploration

Visual & Audio Content

  • Documentaries on ancient Indian history, Buddhism, or Jainism.
  • Explore Bihari folk music or Bhojpuri music for local sounds.
  • Research Madhubani painting (Mithila painting) for art appreciation.
  • Online streaming platforms may offer relevant regional content.

Online Communities

  • The Travel forums on tripadvisor for specific questions and recent traveler reviews.
  • Reddit communities like r/India or r/Bihar for current discussions.
  • Connect with other travelers who have explored Bihar.
  • Gain local perspectives and practical advice from frequent visitors.

Language Learning

  • Apps like Babbel, Duolingo or Memrise offer basic Hindi lessons.
  • Carry a small Hindi phrasebook for quick reference to common words.
  • Learning phrases shows honoring local traditions.
  • Easy greetings go a long way in local interactions.

Urgent Information for Travelers

Critical Safety Advisory

Health Precautions

  • Don't drink tap water; only drink sealed bottled or filtered water.
  • Maintain hand hygiene, especially before meals.
  • Consult a doctor before travel for recommended vaccinations.
  • Guard against mosquito-vector-borne illnesses by using repellent.

Personal Security

  • Secure your belongings, notably in crowded spots.
  • Be aware of your surroundings, specifically at night.
  • Avoid displaying large amounts of cash or valuables openly.
  • Use trusted transportation choices such as Ola/Uber or pre-paid taxis.

Cultural Sensitivities

  • Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.
  • Always remove shoes before entering temples or homes.
  • Use your right hand for all transactions and interactions.
  • Respect local customs and traditions to avoid offense.

Staying Healthy

Food & Drink Safety

  • Drink only bottled, filtered, or boiled water.
  • Avoid ice in drinks unless sure of water source.
  • Eat hot, food that is freshly cooked from reputable vendors.

Personal Care

  • Carry hand sanitizer for use on the go.
  • Use sunscreen and wear a hat to protect from the sun.
  • Use insect repellent, especially during dawn and dusk.

Connectivity & Communication

Staying Connected

  • Consider purchasing a local SIM card upon arrival for better rates.
  • Hotel Wi-Fi could be different in speed and reliability.
  • Mobile data coverage is generally good in urban areas.

Digital Security

  • Use strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts.
  • Avoid public computers for delicate transactions.
  • Watch out for phishing attempts or suspicious links.

Cultural Immersion

Respectful Engagement

  1. Engage with locals politely and with a friendly attitude.
  2. Be open to trying the local food and traditions.
  3. Observe, rather than interrupt, religious ceremonies.
  4. Dress in culturally appropriate attire.
  5. Learn a few basic Hindi phrases.

Local Experiences

  1. Check out a local market to experience daily life and commerce.
  2. Discover different shrines and historical sites.
  3. Attend a local festival if your travel dates align.
  4. Take a stroll along the Ganga Ghats during sunrise or sunset.
  5. Sample street food from trusted vendors.

Patna's Historical & Spiritual Pillars

Ancient Legacy

Explore remnants of Pataliputra, once a global power center.

Religious Significance

A city pivotal to Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism.

Culture

Witness a blend of ancient traditions and modern life.

Important Advisory

Always maintain a copy a copy of your passport and entry permit, both physical and digital, in a different place from the originals. This assists with lost document procedures.

Exploring Bihar's Depths

Cultural Insights

Social Norms

  • Respect for Elders:

    Politeness and deference to elders are highly regarded.

  • "Indian Stretchable Time":

    Be flexible with schedules; things might not always run exactly on time.

  • Curious Stares:

    Stares, especially towards foreigners, are usually out of curiosity and harmless. A smile helps.

Dining & Interactions

  • Right Hand Rule:

    Always use your right hand for eating, giving, and receiving items. The left hand is traditionally considered unclean.

  • Remove Shoes:

    Take off your shoes before entering houses and religious places.

  • Modest Dressing:

    Opt for modest dress, especially for ladies, to show respect and avoid unwanted attention.

Patna Experiences

Spiritual Journeys

Visit Takht Sri Harmandir Ji, the origin of Guru Gobind Singh, and ancient Buddhist sites like Agam Kuan.

Historical Discoveries

Explore the rich past at Bihar Museum and Patna Museum, housing artifacts from ancient empires.

Markets

Experience the local hustle and bustle in markets for textiles, handicrafts, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

Day Trips from Patna

Buddhist Circuit

  • Bodh Gaya: The site of Buddha's enlightenment.
  • Rajgir: Historical town connected to Buddha and Mahavira.
  • Nalanda: Ruins of an ancient learning center.
  • Pawapuri: A sacred Jain pilgrimage site.

Historical Exploration

  • Vaishali: Significant Buddhist and Jain site, ancient republic.
  • Kesaria Stupa: One of the tallest and largest Buddhist stupas.
  • Barabar Caves: Ancient rock-cut caves.
  • Explore rural landscapes and villages around Patna.

Nature & Wildlife

Urban Green Spaces

  • Buddha Smriti Park: Offers peace and spiritual ambiance.
  • Eco Park: Popular for walks and recreation.
  • Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park (Patna Zoo): A large zoo and botanical garden.
  • Gandhi Maidan: Expansive urban park for leisure.

Regional Wilderness

  • Valmiki National Park: Bihar's only Tiger Reserve, for wildlife enthusiasts.
  • Kanak Taal: Wetland area known for migratory birds.
  • Gautam Buddha A Designated protected zone for wildlife: Varied plants and animals.
  • Explore the scenic banks of the Ganga River.

Planning Tip

For day trips outside Patna, hiring a private car with a driver offers the most comfortable and efficient way to explore, permitting you to cover multiple sites.