Patna

Introduction and history: The city of Patna is the capital of Bihar state, is one of the ancient cities in India. Its history and tradition traces back to the earliest dawn of civilization of more than 4000 years. The name of Patna was derived from ‘Pataliputra’, which has undergone many changes. Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of Maurya empire declared it as his capital during 4th century A.D. Followed by Chandragupta, his grandson Ashoka, transformed the capital into a stone construction around 273 BC. Much later, multiple Chinese travelers came to India in pursuit of knowledge and recorded their observation about Pataliputra in their travelogues. In the years that followed, the city saw many dynasties ruling the India, but it was unable to have the glory that it had under the Mauryas.

What to see and when to go: As an ancient city, Patna offers multiple tourist attractions. Starting with one of the oldest temples Hanuman Mandir other attractions include Kumhrar, Takht Shri Harmandir Saheb, Golghar, Patna Museum, State Secretariat Building, Patna Planetarium, Qila House, Mahatma Gandhi Setu, Sadaqat Ashram and Nagholkothi. The best time to visit Patna is between October to March.

Accommodation: Being the capital city of Bihar, Patna offers a wide variety of accommodation. Multiple star hotels are available with price as high as 3000 rupees per day. Multiple budget hotels are available that provide basic accommodation facilities.

Mode of Transport: The Patna has its own Airport, which is connected with all major destinations in India. It is one of the most important railway junctions in Bihar, connecting it with multiple destinations in India. It is also connected by Road to nearby cities.

Related links:

• Patna official website: http://www.patna.nic.in/

See also (nearby places): Gaya, Nalanda, Gaya, Vaishali, Pawapuri, Rajgir, Maner, Vikramshila and Muzaffarpur are nearby attractions.

Holy City Of Varanasi

Introduction And History : Varanasi, also known as Benares or Kashi, is situated on the western bank of Ganges. The name Varanasi has derived from two streams; The Varuna on the north side of the city and the Assi, a small trickled on the south. This city has been a symbol of Hindu renaissance, Knowledge, philosophy, culture, devotion to Gods, Indian arts and crafts. The history of Varanasi is very old but it however lives in the form of old manuscripts and the folk traditions; however most importantly through its people.

What to see and when to go: Varanasi has 7 km long sweep of about 100 bathing ghats along the western bank of Ganges. Most tourist attractions are Ramnagar , Chunar Fort , Ram Nagar Fort and Palace , ABC Art Gallery , Banaras Hindu University (B.H.U) , Asoka Pillar , Vishwanath temple (Golden Temple) , Durga Temple , Kedareshvara Temple , Sankat Mochan Temple , Shoal Temple and Chausath Yogini Temple . The best time to visit this holy city is from October to March.

Things to do: With a rich and cultural heritage, Varanasi rewards its visitors will a glittering array of festivals, with plenty of things to do, and fun events to get involved with. One of the biggest of all the annual events staged in Varanasi is without question the cities ever-popular Ganga Festival (Ganga Mahotsav), which takes place over a period of five days each October or November.

Accommodation: Varanasi finds its place with delight in every heart. The hotels and rest houses are available as per your pocket. It ranges from a lodge near bank of Ganges to five start hotels.

Mode of transport: It is very well connected through rail, road and air routes across the India. Cycle rickshaws and auto rickshaws are the most widely available public transport within Varanasi. If the pocket permits, taxi and cabs are also available.

Related links:
• Tourist information: http://www.varanasicity.com/

See also (nearby places): Jaunpur, Kaimur Sanctuary, The Mukha waterfall, Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary, Chunar Fort at Chunargarh, Vindhyavasini, Asthbhuja and Kalikhoh temples at Vindhyachal, Tanda Fall, Wyndham Fall, Kaushambi, Shrines at Allahabad, the Lucknow city.

Sarnath And The Stupa

Introduction and history: Sarnath, about 10 kilometers in the north-east of the holy city of Varanasi, is the blessed locale where more than 2,500 years ago Buddha chose to deliver his first sermon, after attaining Nirvana. Dhamek Stupa marks the place where Lord Buddha gave away his first sermon after he got enlightened in Bodh Gaya. Dhamek Stupa is arguably the most remarkable structure at Sarnath. Typical of Stupas of that period, Dhamek is cylindrical in shape with a base that is more than 28 meters in diameter. The Stupa stands 31.3 meters above the pedestal whereas the entrance measures 43.6 meters on its feet.

What to see and when to go: The architectural pattern of Dhamek Stupa is unique in its own way. The decorative patterns on the trunk of Stupa are mesmerizing. Panels that are carved with geometric and floral designs mark the trunk of Dhamek Stupa. The design also consists of a broad band of Swastika (fylfot). These Swastikas have been carved in different geometrical patterns with a finely chiseled lotus wreath, running over and below it. It has been explored that the structure was expanded and enlarged as many as 12 times in the course of history. One can visit Sarnath any time of the year, however it is recommended to visiting during the months from October to March.

Things to do: Sarnath is a much-frequented pilgrim centre not only for the Buddhists but for the Jains and Hindus as well. Apart from Dhamek Stupa, you can visit Dharmarajika Stupa, Ashok’s column, Mulagandhakuti Vihara Temple and Deer Park.

Accommodation: There is tourist bungalow at Sarnath for staying there. However, since its proximity to the holy city of Varanasi, visitors often tend to stay at Varanasi.

Mode of transport: Closest airport and railway station is Varanasi. The place is very well connected through road as well. For local travel multiple options are available in form of cab, auto or rickshaw.

Related links:

• Tourist information: www.varanasicity.com

See also (nearby places): Ghats at Varanasi, Royal Museum at Ramnagar and Chunnar fort.