Patna rests on the southern bank of the Ganges. The Mahatma Gandhi Seti, one of the longest bridges in the world at 7.5km, crosses the Ganges, 5 km to the west of the city. It is the capital city of Bihar, an important business centre in eastern India and more significantly, is the gateway to the Budhist and Jain pilgrim centres of Bodhgaya, Nalanda, Vaishali, Rajgir and Pawapuri.

Patna is airlinked with Calcutta, New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Lucknow. It is linked by rail with New Delhi, Mumbai, Varanasi, Calcutta and many other major cities. All-weather motorable roads connect Patna with the rest of Bihar. There are also regular inter-state bus services.

Golghar, this amazing beehive shaped building was built in 1786 by Captain John Garstin at the instigation of the British administrator Warren Hastings. Standing at about 25 metres, with steps winding around the outside to the top, from where one gets a good view of the city and the Ganges.

Gaya is one of the most important pilgrimage places for the Hindus in Bihar. It is believed that a Hindu will reach heaven if his last rites are offered under the celebrated 'Akshayabat' or immortal banyan tree, standing in the yard of Vishnupad temple. Believed to be built on the footsteps of Vishnu, the grand temple was renovated by Ahalyabai, queen of Indore.

Sasaram is situated on the grand Trunk Road, the famous Indian highway built by Sher Shah in the 16th centuary. The impressive mausoleum of Sher Shash who died in 1545 is the main attraction in Sasaram. Built with red sandstone in the middle of an artificial pond, the mausoleum stands 46m tall and has a dome of 22m span that is 4m wider than the Taj Mahal.

Nalanda was one of the world's great universities and an important Buddhist centre. When renowned chinese scholar and traveller Hieun Tsang visited Nalanda between 685BC and 762BC, 10,000 monks and students resided here. Nalanda was frequently visited by Lord mahavira and lord Buddha in the 6th century BC. Patna, 90 km away is the nearest airport. Nalanda can be reached by rail and road from other major towns of Bihar.