Patna is the Capital of the Bihar State, it is one of the oldest cities in the world. It was situated 15 km along from the confluence of the Ganges. Earlier than that Sher Shah had removed his capital from Biharsharif to Patna. It was prince Azim-us-Shan who tried to turn Patna into a beautiful city and it was he who gave it the name 'Azimabad'. The common people however went on calling it 'Patna'. The city is also a major educational and medical centre. The walled old area, called Patna City by the locals, is a major trading centre.

Patna may be a short form of Patliputra, one of the most ancient names of this city. The city has been known by various names during its more than two millennia long existence - Pataligram, Patliputra, Kusumpur, Pushpapura, Azimabad and the now a days Patna. The main railway station, airline offices and the airport are all at the western side of the city, while the traditional and older part of Patna are to the east side. Gandhi Maidan ist he 'hub' of the new Patna. The popular market area is Ashok Raj Path which was starts from Gandhi Maidan.

The various and popular tourist destinations to visit in Patna are AGAMKUAN, BOTANICAL & ZOOLOGICAL GARDEN, GANDHI SANGRAHALAYA, GOLGHAR, JALAN MUSEUM, KUMHRAR, MAHAVIR TEMPLE, MARTYR'S MEMORIAL, PATNA MUSEUM, PADRI KI HAVELI, PATHER KI MASJID, PLANETARIUM, SADAKAT ASHRAM, SRIKRISHNA SCIENCE CENTRE, SHER SHAH SURI MASJID, TAKHT HARMANDIR. Patna is also known for the sweet delicacies of central Bihar including Khaja, Motichoor ka Ladoo, Kala Jamun, Kesaria Peda, Parwal ki Mithai, Khubi ka Lai and Chena Murki.