
How to Avoid Tourist Traps in Patna, India
1. Golghar
An enormous structure built by the Bengal ruler, Rajendra Shah in 1786. Avoid tourist traps by visiting early or late in the day.
- Timing: Avoid peak hours to minimize crowds and prices.
- Local Guides: Use authentic local guides for insights and to avoid overpriced shops nearby.
- Avoiding Food Stalls: Bring snacks or find affordable food options outside the immediate tourist area.
2. Patna Museum
Houses a rich collection of Mauryan artifacts and archaeological findings. Visit during working hours to avoid touts and overpricing.
- Timing: Avoid weekends or public holidays for a less crowded experience.
- Guided Tours: Join official guided tours to get accurate information and avoid scams.
- Bargaining Skills: Develop your bargaining skills for purchasing souvenirs inside the museum.
3. Sanjay Gandhi Jaivik Udyan
A vast zoo and botanical garden featuring native and exotic wildlife. Avoid the food stalls inside and pack your own snacks.
- Food Options: Bring your own food to save costs and avoid potential food poisoning.
- Authentic Guides: Seek out knowledgeable, local guides for animal facts and conservation efforts.
- Safety Measures: Follow safety guidelines to ensure a pleasant and safe experience.
4. Takht Sri Harmandir Sahib
A beautiful Sikh temple attracting many visitors. Respect the dress code to avoid unwanted attention.
- Dress Code: Wear appropriate clothing covering arms, legs, and head.
- Offerings: Respect tradition by offering a donation but avoid being pressured to give more than you wish.
- Etiquette: Follow local customs and be respectful during your visit.
5. Patna Planetarium
A modern planetarium offering an immersive experience of the cosmos. Avoid extra costs by purchasing tickets online.
- Online Tickets: Purchase tickets online to secure your spot and avoid unnecessary queues.
- Guided Tours: Join guided tours for a comprehensive understanding of the cosmos.
- Avoid Street Vendors: Stick to café areas inside or outside the planetarium for refreshments.
6. Mahavir Mandir
A serene Jain temple with beautiful carvings. Avoid touts by maintaining a respectful demeanor.
- Respectful Behavior: Follow local customs and maintain silence during your visit.
- Touts: Avoid engaging with touts offering tours or overpriced items.
- Timing: Visit during working hours for a peaceful experience.
7. Buddha Smriti Park
A beautiful park dedicated to Lord Buddha's life and teachings. Avoid food vendors inside and bring your own refreshments.
- Food Options: Pack a picnic or find nearby eateries outside the park.
- Guided Tours: Join guided tours for a deeper understanding of Buddhism.
- Respectful Behavior: Follow local customs and maintain silence during your visit.
8. Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Library
One of the oldest libraries in Asia with a vast collection of ancient manuscripts. Avoid tourist traps by researching beforehand.
- Research: Plan your visit based on what you wish to see.
- Guided Tours: Join guided tours for a better understanding of the library's history and collection.
- Avoid Street Vendors: Stick to café areas inside or outside the library for refreshments.
9. Raja Mandir Cinema
A classic movie theater showcasing Bollywood films. Avoid unnecessary costs by purchasing tickets at the box office.
- Tickets: Purchase tickets directly from the box office to avoid any additional fees.
- Timing: Check showtimes online before visiting.
- Local Food: Try local street food outside the cinema for an authentic experience.
10. Bihar Museum
A museum showcasing the rich history and culture of Bihar. Avoid tourist traps by visiting during working hours.
- Timing: Visit during working hours to avoid crowds.
- Guided Tours: Join guided tours for a comprehensive understanding of the exhibits.
- Avoid Street Vendors: Stick to café areas inside or outside the museum for refreshments.
11. Gandhi Maidan
A large park and popular gathering place in Patna. Avoid tourist traps by exploring the surrounding areas.
- Exploration: Explore the nearby landmarks and enjoy local cuisine.
- Avoid Street Vendors: Stick to café areas inside or outside Gandhi Maidan for refreshments.
- Respectful Behavior: Follow local customs and maintain silence during your visit.
12. Patna Planetarium IMAX
An innovative planetarium offering an immersive experience with IMAX technology. Avoid tourist traps by planning your visit.
- Planning: Plan your visit based on showtimes and availability.
- Guided Tours: Join guided tours for a better understanding of the planetarium's offerings.
- Avoid Street Vendors: Stick to café areas inside or outside the planetarium for refreshments.
13. Patna Handloom Industry
A well-known hub for traditional silk and cotton textiles. Avoid tourist traps by researching beforehand.
- Research: Research shops and prices to get a fair deal.
- Bargaining Skills: Develop your bargaining skills for purchasing textiles at a reasonable price.
- Avoid Street Vendors: Visit authentic local shops or authorized dealers for quality purchases.
14. Agam Kuan
An ancient well believed to be used during the Mauryan Empire. Avoid tourist traps by visiting during working hours.
- Timing: Visit during working hours to avoid crowds.
- Research: Learn about the historical significance of Agam Kuan before your visit.
- Avoid Street Vendors: Stick to café areas inside or outside the site for refreshments.
15. Patna Junction Railway Station
One of India's busiest railway stations. Avoid tourist traps by being aware of your belongings and using trusted taxi services.
- Belongings: Keep a close eye on your belongings to avoid any losses.
- Transportation: Use trusted taxi services or public transportation when leaving the station.
- Avoid Street Vendors: Stick to café areas inside or outside the station for refreshments.