Golghar Patna – Facts, History, Timings

Golghar in Patna, Bihar is an enormous granary (a huge storage space for storing grains). It was built by Captain John Garstin for British army in the year 1786. Spiral stair ways constructed around this monument brings out a wonderful view to the monument and one can see the beauty of river Ganga flowing nearby. The view of Patna City from the top of Golghar is insanely amazing and soothing to the eyes. 

Golghar Patna Construction And Architecture

The Golghar is a pillar less monument which is built with a wall of thickness 3.6 m . It is a dome shaped structure which reaches up to a height of 29 m and reflects the Stupa style of architecture. One can reach to the top of Golghar by going through those 145  steps of spiral staircases which is constructed on both side of the Golghar . This enormous granary has a capacity to store 140000 tons of grains. 

Why is the Staircase of Golghar Made in Spiral Shape?

The stairs of Golghar was made in a spiral shape to ease movement of workers who used to load the grains in the store house. The workers had to carry the grain bags through the stairs,  deliver the load into the storehouse through a hole on the top and then descend from the other side of the Stairs. 

It is believed that because of a flaw in Engineering Construction the door has been made in such a way that it opens from inside and because of this reason it cannot be filled to its full capacity otherwise the doors can’t be opened when fully filled. 

Golghar : Reasons to visit

The stupa-shaped building at Golghar rises out of a luscious landscape and is a beautiful sight to behold. A flight of 145 stairs encircles it and leads to the top, where you can get a bird’s-eye view of the entire city. Additionally, you can plan a picnic in the garden where this attraction is located.

Golghar is one of the oldest and important monument construction present in Patna, Bihar. It has a great historical importance as well as it gives amazing view of the whole city along with the river Ganga flowing nearby. At such amazing Heights you can feel the beauty of the city and also the cool Breeze flowing from and across the river. This bee-hive look a like structure or monument is situated near the Gandhi Maidan and reflects an example of Stupa Architecture. Golghar is a perfect place to see a combination of human architecture as well as Natural beauty at one place.

It is peaceful to feel the soft wind flowing over the zenith as you take in the view of the ancient city that is in front of you. Additionally, one can plan a picnic in the garden where this monument is located. A light and sound exhibition has also been launched in Golghar in an effort to boost the number of visitors.

Golghar : History

There is a contemporary inscription at the base of Golghar which says that the Golghar in Patna was intended to be the first of a series of grain stores to be built around the provinces. However after Golghar in Patna no such granaries were built and this is what it makes the Golghar unique place to visit. This enormous  granary was built to cope up with the Famine in the provinces.

After the disastrous famine of 1770 That caused 10 million lives in the provinces of Bihar,  Bengal and present-day Bangladesh, Warren Hasting, the governor general of India at that time ordered to build the granaries for the purpose of storing grains for the British army . With the storage capacity of 140000 tons, Gol Ghar was built by Captain John Garstin, who was an engineer with East India Company. The Golghar was completed in 1786 and since then continuous efforts has been made by the Bihar government to maintain the same. 

Golghar : Interior

Beehive like structure of Golghar reflecting the stupid style of architecture Stands at a height of 29m with a 3.6m  thick wall at the base.  The complete structure is standing without any pillars.  The construction is very simple in nature and it looks like a dome without any establishment on its surface. Stepping through the 145 steps of the stairs you will reach to the top of the Golghar where you can see a hole from where the bags of grain where dropped into the Storage house.

Laser and Light Show at Golghar

To attract more tourist and in order to familiarize the visitors or the tourist with the history of Patna and Golghar there is light and laser show organized at Golghar . This attraction features a beautiful display that may be seen on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday between 6:15 PM and 7:15 PM using a variety of vibrant laser lights, sounds, and pictures. The show’s tickets go on sale 30 minutes before to the start of the performance and cost INR 30 per person.

Interesting facts about Golghar Bihar

1. This enormous structure is standing at a height of 29m and is constructed without any pillars
2.  It has a huge capacity to store 140000 tons of grains making Golghar as one of the largest food storage structure in this modern history.
3. Golghar has spiral staircases with 145 Steps on each side.
4. From top of the Golghar one can see panoramic views of Patna city and the Ganga river

How to reach Golghar

Golghar is easy to reach from Patna via Rail, Road & Airways. It is located at a distance of 3 kms from Patna Junction, approximately 11 kms from Phulwari Sharif Railway Station and 8 kms away from Patna Airport i.e Jayprakash Narayan International Airport. 

Modes of Reaching Golghar, Patna, Bihar

Bus –  The nearest bus stand to Golghar is Police Line Bus Stand which is 3 minutes away from Golghar. 

Train – Golghar is located 10 minutes away from Patna junction. You can reach there by taking auto rickshaw.

From Airport –  If you are coming to Patna by air,  then Golghar is located at a distance of about 15 to 20 minutes from Patna Airport. You can easily get an auto or a cab to reach Golghar from Patna Airport. 

Famous Places To Visit Nearby Golghar

• Shaheed Pir Ali Park
• Gandhi Sangrahalaya
• Srikrishna Science Center
• Revolving Restaurant
• Gandhi Maidan
• Patna Museum
• Maurya Lok
• Patna Planetarium

What are the entry charges, opening and closing time of Golghar?

Entry fee and timings information of the Golghar: Golghar opens from 09:30 am to 06:00 pm all days in week, There is INR 10 entry fee.

Timings

Golghar open at 09:30 AM to 06:00 PM

Entry Fees

INR 10/-

Conclusion

Golghar is a very popular tourist attraction in Patna Because of its stunning natural Surroundings and peaceful atmosphere. Golghar is also historically significant because it was constructed in response to the severe famines that struck Bengal and Bihar in 1770. This action was done to stop such catastrophes, where the death toll nearly reached 10 million.

Frequently asked questions

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References :
Golghar Wikipedia
Golghar – Bihar Tourism