Avoid
Nalanda in May
Bihar, India
May at Nalanda is archaeological self-harm. The exposed brick ruins absorb and radiate heat like a kiln. Standing on 5th-century floors that are literally cooking is not the educational experience you want.
The May story
The university survived fire. You might not survive May.
Why May scores 1/5
Weather
Extreme heat on open ruins
Roads & Access
self drive: Sedan fine.. road condition: State highway from Rajgir smooth.. public transport: Shared autos from Rajgir. Trains to Rajgir.. from nearest city: Rajgir 12km (20min). Patna 90km (2.5hrs). Best combined with Rajgir circuit.. last km difficulty: easy
Safety & Emergency
Safety: 4/5. rescue: District administration Nalanda. helpline: Bihar Tourism: 0612-2225295. ambulance: 108. police station: Nalanda (3km). nearest hospital: Rajgir Hospital (12km)
Network
VI: No, JIO: Yes, BSNL: Yes, NOTE: Yes, AIRTEL: Yes. Decent 4G in town. Patchy at ruins site.
Kids
Kid-friendly (4/5) — World's first university — incredible teaching moment, Open ruins feel like an adventure playground, Museum has coins, sculptures kids find interesting, UNESCO site brings textbooks alive
Elevation
72m — Low altitude, no issues
Who should go
- ✓First-time travelers
- ✓Senior citizens
- ✓none
Who should think twice
- ✗everyone
All 12 Months
| Month | Score | Note |
|---|---|---|
| January | 5/5 | Peak — cool weather perfect for exploring open ruins |
| February | 5/5 | Excellent — comfortable and uncrowded |
| March | 4/5 | Good — warming but manageable |
| April | 2/5 | Hot — open ruins offer no shade |
| Mayviewing | 1/5 | Extreme heat on open ruins |
| June | 1/5 | Pre-monsoon heat and humidity |
| July | 2/5 | Monsoon — ruins slippery, visibility low |
| August | 2/5 | Peak monsoon |
| September | 3/5 | Late monsoon — drying out |
| October | 4/5 | Good — comfortable weather returns |
| November | 5/5 | Peak — perfect conditions for ruin exploration |
| December | 5/5 | Peak — cool, clear, perfect visibility |
Practical Details
How to reach
Rajgir 12km (20min). Patna 90km (2.5hrs). Best combined with Rajgir circuit.. Roads: State highway from Rajgir smooth.. Self-drive: Sedan fine.. Public transport: Shared autos from Rajgir. Trains to Rajgir.. Last stretch: easy
Elevation
72m
Difficulty
easy
Budget tier
budget
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