Nalanda is well known the world over for its university, one of the first universities the world has known. Nalanda University was founded around the 5th Century BC and it is reported that Buddha visited Nalanda University during his lifetime. When Nalanda University was at its height it had some 2000 teachers and 10,000 students. The University was burnt down around the year 1193 AD by Bakhtiyar Khilji, a Turk; and Nalanda University could never revive thereafter. The weather in Nalanda is typically subtropical. The best time to visit Nalanda is in the winter.

Summers are hot in Nalanda with temperatures soaring from 32 to 40°C. This is not a very good time for tourists to visit Nalanda since the weather outside can be excruciatingly hot and humid as well. Due to this reason Nalanda does not attract too many visitors during this season. This however helps in lowering hotel prices and this could be an advantage. In case you are planning a trip to Nalanda during the summer it is advisable to plan to wear only light cottons.

Monsoons are very wet in and around Nalanda. However, when there are occasional rains, these tend to bring freshness and add to the natural shade that is there in the city. Throughout the monsoon period the maximum temperature ranges around 33°C. Since monsoons tend to be fairly heavy it is not advisable to plan your trip to Nalanda during this season since roads may get flooded thereby preventing mobility.

Winters are absolutely amazing in Nalanda. The mornings are very pleasant and just great for sightseeing. The nights are however fairly chilly and temperatures may range between 25 and 4°C during  the winter. The best time to visit Nalanda is of course between October and March. Visiting the various sites during the winter is not tiring in the least and therefore the trip becomes very enjoyable in the winter. If you are planning to go out during the night time you are advised to wear adequate woollens.