Patnā is the capital of the Indian state of Bihar and the second largest city in eastern India after Kolkata.Patna is the 5th-fastest growing city in India and 21st fastest growing city in world.Patna is also one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world.Ancient Patna, known as Pataliputra, was the capital of the Magadha Empire under the Haryanka, Nanda, Mauryan, Sunga, Gupta, Pala and Suri dynasties. Pataliputra was also a famous seat of learning and fine arts. Its population during the Maurya period was about 400,000.The walled old area, called Patna City by the locals, is a major trading centre.

The modern city of Patna is situated on the southern bank of the Ganga. The city also straddles the rivers Sone, Gandak and Punpun. The city is approximately 25 km long and 9 km to 10 km wide.

In June 2009,The World Bank ranked Patna as the second-best city in India to start a business, after Delhi.The economy of Patna is based on the local service industry. Patna has the highest per capita gross district domestic product in Bihar: Rs 31,441 and has almost equivalent per capita when compared to other metropolitan areas in India List of most populous metropolitan areas in India.

The Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain pilgrim centres of Vaishali, Rajgir, Nalanda, Bodhgaya, and Pawapuri are nearby and Patna is also a sacred city for Sikhs. The Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh.

Patna is hot and humid in summer and cold in winters. Temperature varies from a maximum of 43°C in summer to a minimum of around 5°C in the winters. Relative humidity can go up to 100% during summer. It receives medium to heavy rainfall in the monsoon.

Patna was once the epicenter of Indian politics, culture and religion. In fact, the political history of ancient India revolved around Patna (Pataliputra) for a long time. Patna is a part of the Buddhist Circuit that connects all the important places connected with the life of Gautam Buddha. 

By Road 

Patna is well connected with all the major cities of Bihar and the rest of India. An excellent road network links Patna to major cities and tourist destinations within Bihar. Intra-city road transportation is also good in Patna. 

By Air 

Patna has regular flights from different cities of India. Cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata are linked with Patna with regular flights. Several Airlines including Air India and Jet Airways serve the city with regular flights. 

By Rail 

Patna is a major junction of Indian railway and is linked with all the major and minor cities of India via railway network. Patna has many regular trains from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Guwahati, Bangalore and Chennai.