A granary filled with history

Drones are generally a good way of getting a bird's-eye view of a city. But if you are in Patna, Bihar, and don't have a drone, the Gol Ghar in Patna may arguably provide a better view of the city.

This massive stone structure, built in the late 18th century as a granary to protect the British army and the general public against famine, stands as one of the most iconic landmarks in the capital city of Bihar. Though its original purpose was functional rather than aesthetic, the Gol Ghar's striking circular design and towering presence have made it a celebrated destination for tourists and locals alike.

Climb to the top of this hollow dome, and you'll be rewarded with a panoramic view overlooking Patna. This view provides a unique vantage point and a glimpse into the city's evolving landscape.

From its origins as a famine relief measure ordered by Governor-General Warren Hastings to its current status as a must-see attraction, the Gol Ghar continues to captivate all who see its impressive form.

Origins in a famine

More than an iconic landmark, Gol Ghar is like a window into the past. Built in 1786 on the orders of the first Governor-General of India, Warren Hastings, the Gol Ghar was initially intended to be a massive granary as a response to the famine of 1770 that had claimed millions of lives across Bihar and Bengal. The British engineer Captain John Garstin designed this towering, dome-shaped structure to hold up to 140,000 tons of grain.

Yet, despite its impressive scale and lofty intentions, the Gol Ghar also had a few shortcomings in its design. The inward-opening door made grain unloading a tricky task, and therefore, the granary was never filled to its full capacity.

An architectural marvel

As soon as you see the Gol Ghar, you are struck by its sheer scale and unique design.

It's shaped like a massive Buddhist stupa, rising at an impressive height of 29 metres, with a diameter spanning 32-35 metres. Remarkably, the Gol Ghar was constructed entirely out of brick and lime mortar, without the support of any interior pillars or beams.

Its most striking feature is its spiral staircase, which winds up 145 steps to the top of the dome. From this point, you are rewarded with stunning city views. Along the way, the staircase passes by small windows cut into the sides of the structure, which were used to load and unload the grains that the Gol Ghar was designed to store.

A circular opening ventilates the storage space below at the very top of the dome. This innovative architectural detail, along with the Gol Ghar's impressive size and stupa-inspired silhouette, makes it a one-of-a-kind monument.

Timings

Opening time - 09:30 AM

Closing time - 06:00 PM

Of tranquil gardens and exciting shows

While Gol Ghar is undoubtedly a site of great historical significance, it also offers an array of engaging experiences. Every evening, this place comes alive with a spectacular light and sound show. Through colourful lighting, music, and narration, this 30-minute performance brings the history and significance of Gol Ghar to life in an entertaining and informative way.

But there's more than the show to look forward to. The Gol Ghar's lush, manicured gardens offer the perfect setting for picnicking, relaxing, and taking in the tranquillity of nature. Children can have fun in the play area, while a central fountain and a statue of Captain John Garstin add delightful visual accents to the verdant surroundings.

Take your exploration ahead

Beyond the allure of the Gol Ghar, the capital city of Bihar has other unique attractions waiting for you. Just a short distance away, the Patna Museum boasts an extensive collection of artefacts and relics that open a window to the region's storied past, while the next stop, Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya, offers you an insight into the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi. With so many complementary sites of historical and cultural significance surrounding the Gol Ghar, you get a multifaceted experience beyond the monument, offering a comprehensive exploration of Patna's rich heritage.

The unique design of Gol Ghar stands as a testament to the ingenuity of British colonial architecture. It invites you to discover its historical significance and take in the mesmerising bird's-eye view of the city.