Photo: Akashshot01 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
📍 Patna, South Bihar, Bihar
A revered Sufi pilgrimage centre west of Patna, home to two famous shrines — the Bari Dargah of the 13th–14th century saint Makhdoom Yahya Maneri, and the elegant Chhoti Dargah of Makhdum Shah Daulat. The Chhoti Dargah, completed in 1616, is a fine Mughal-era mausoleum set beside a large tank, drawing devotees of all faiths.
Maner Sharif is a historic town about 25–30 km west of Patna that in medieval times was a leading centre of Islamic learning and Sufism. It is best known for its two dargahs:
The shrines are visited by pilgrims across communities, especially during the annual Urs.
October to March. The annual Urs of the saints draws large crowds.
Museums Bihar's flagship stateoftheart museum, spread across a sprawling lowrise campus designed by Japanese and Indian architects. Its galleries trace the region's history from prehistory through the Mauryan and Gupta ages, and its star exhibit is the exquisite Didarganj Yakshi, one of the finest examples of Mauryan polished sandstone sculpture.
Museums One of India's oldest museums, established in 1917, and affectionately called 'Jadu Ghar' (House of Magic) by locals. Built in a graceful IndoSaracenic style, it holds tens of thousands of artefacts spanning Bihar's ancient, medieval and modern past, including a Buddha relic casket and rare stone and bronze sculptures.
Buddhist Circuit A serene urban park built to mark 2,554 years since the Buddha's birth, located right beside Patna Junction. Its centrepiece is the tall Karuna Stupa (Stupa of Compassion), which enshrines sacred Buddha relics, surrounded by landscaped gardens, a meditation centre and a museum — an oasis of calm in the busy city.
Hindu Temples One of the most visited Hanuman temples in North India, standing right beside Patna Junction. It is among the busiest and richest temples in Bihar, famous for its Naivedyam (Tirupatistyle laddoo prasad). The temple trust funds hospitals and social causes, and set an example by appointing a Dalit priest alongside the traditional one.
