About Golghar
Golghar is a large beehive-shaped granary located near Gandhi Maidan in Patna, Bihar. Built in 1786 by Captain John Garstin under orders of Warren Hastings after the 1770 Bengal famine, it was intended to store grain for the British Army. The 29-metre-high structure with 3.6-metre-thick walls and a 145-step spiral staircase offers panoramic views of Patna and the Ganges River and remains a prominent colonial-era landmark.
Visitors guide
Visitors can see a massive beehive-shaped brick granary with twin spiral staircases winding to the top. The exterior is plain and monumental, surrounded by a landscaped garden and park. Climbing the 145 steps leads to a viewing platform at the top offering panoramic views of Patna city, Gandhi Maidan and the Ganges River. Inside, the large hollow chamber demonstrates the historic storage design and notable echo effect.
Key highlights
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Beehive-shaped colonial granary 29 metres high with 3.6-metre thick walls
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Twin 145-step spiral staircases designed for workers to carry grain up and down separately
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Panoramic view of Patna, Gandhi Maidan and the Ganges River from the top
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Remarkable echo effect inside the vast hollow interior
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Surrounding landscaped garden and park developed for visitors
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Example of British colonial famine-prevention architecture from 1786
History of Golghar
Built in 1786 by Captain John Garstin, an engineer with the Bengal Army, on the orders of Governor-General Warren Hastings following the devastating Bengal famine of 1770. Intended as a granary to store grain for up to 137,000 tons to prevent future famines for the British Army, it was never filled to capacity. The foundation and design reflect late 18th-century British colonial engineering.
Culture & Context
Golghar is an iconic landmark and symbol of Patna, representing colonial-era famine relief efforts and British architectural heritage in Bihar. It is a major tourist attraction and a recognizable feature of the city's skyline, often associated with Patna's history and identity.
Route
| By air |
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