Spring:

After a long winter, the primulas, tulips, daffodils and ranunculi bring back a riot of colour to the garden. The apricot tress drop delicate blossoms on the grass and the air is fragrant with the scent of the pendulous purple inflorescence of the climbing wisteria. This is one of the best seasons to visit Mussoorie before the summer crowds begin. While the plains start to heat up, the weather in the mountains is still cool and the views remain clear. The flowering rhododendrons amidst the oak forests are a special feature of Mussoorie at this time.

Summer:

While Mussoorie is crowded and bustling with tourists escaping the heat of the plains, the gardens at Padmini Nivas in summer offer a tranquil escape. This is when the flowers are at their peak and cascades of climbing roses in pink, yellow and white greet visitors. The formal rose garden is also in its full glory bordered by banks of iris, poppy and larkspur. The magnificent and fragrant blooms of the 200 year old magnolia tree are matched by the flowering horse chestnut trees at this time of the year.

Monsoon:

One of the most romantic seasons in Mussoorie, as the clouds and mist envelop the mountains and valleys, providing an ever changing vista. The rains bring with them a blanket of greenery with ferns, mosses and other monsoon flora covering walls, tress and pathways. This is the season of begonias and colourful hanging baskets of these flowers add to the ambience. Hot pakodas and chai while sitting on the front porch with the rain beating down on the roof, is not to be missed experience.

Autumn:

As the monsoon clouds clear and the sun comes out again, the trees start shedding their leaves and fruits such as apples and pears appear. Roasted chestnuts are a specialty at this time of the year. The garden is a blaze of orange, yellow and crimson with marigolds and salvia beds in full bloom. This is a good time for long walks and drives through the hills as the views are clear after the rains and the weather is just right for outdoor activities.

Winter:

To the surprise of many visitors, winter days in Mussoorie are often warmer and more pleasant than the damp, foggy plains below. The skies are a deep shade of blue and the snow views are at their best. The most outstanding feature of winters at Padmini Nivas is the spectacular view of the winter line, a phenomenon seen in very few parts of the world. Despite the cold, and even under a blanket of snow, the garden still remains alive with arum lilies, winter jasmine and snowdrops.