The Great Stupa at Nalanda, a historical monument of great significance, is best visited during the cooler months of October to March. During this period, the climate in Bihar is pleasantly mild, offering comfortable conditions for exploring the vast expanse of this ancient Buddhist site. Temperatures range from a cool 10°C to a pleasant 28°C, allowing visitors to spend more time amid the ruins without the discomfort of extreme heat. Furthermore, these months coincide with the retreating monsoon, ensuring the stupa and adjacent excavation site are less likely to be affected by the seasonal rains, which can occasionally cause disruptions or make certain areas less accessible.
In addition to favorable weather, visiting the Great Stupa during this time has cultural benefits too. Tourists can partake in regional festivities such as Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath Puja, celebrated with zeal across Bihar. However, it's worth noting that December and January can sometimes bring about a dense fog, particularly in the mornings, which may slightly hinder visibility. Despite this, the post-dawn hours often reveal the Great Stupa in all its awe-inspiring grandeur, bathed in the soft light of the rising sun—a sight not to be missed for those interested in history, architecture, and spiritual heritage.
