Nagpur is the third largest city in Maharashtra state. It is the winter capital of the state and is an important political, industrial and commercial centre of the Vidarbha region. This burgeoning metropolis is also called as the Orange city. Nasik is home to some of the best quality oranges in the world. Nagpur is also important educational hub and is renowned for its esteemed universities like Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, Laxminarayan Institute of Technology (LIT), Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj Nagpur University etc.
The foundation of this city was laid by Gond prince of Deogarh-Nagpur kingdom Bakht Buland Shah in the year 1702. The city gets its name from the river Nag that flows through the city in a serpentine trail. Nagpur literally means abode of the serpent God Nag. The city which is considered as the second greenest city in the country is home to rich forest covers which are rich in teak wood. The city is home to many historical monuments, landscaped gardens and several Tiger Reserves.
There are a number of tourist attractions in and around this well organised city.
Deeksha Bhoomi
Deeksha Bhoomi is a very important religious place for the Buddhists. This is the place where on 14th October 1956 Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar along with his thousands of followers converted to Buddhism. On ‘Ashok Vijaya Dashmi’ i.e. 14th October thousands of devotees come here to pay their tribute. This grand monument is also known for its architectural magnificence.
Poddareshwar Ram Mandir
Sri Poddareshwar Ram Mandir is a beautiful temple made of marble and sandstone carvings and is dedicated to Lord Ram, Lakshman and Devi Sita. This temple was built in 1923 by Shri Jamnadhar Poddar. Ram Navami and Hanuman Jayanti are celebrated with great fervour here.
Balaji and Sri Karitikeya Temple
This is one of the most famous temples in Nagpur. Located in the scenic Seminary hills the temple enshrines the idols of Lord Balaji and Lord Kartikeya. The temple complex structure is a beautiful blend of North and South Indian architectural style.
Bohra Masjid
Bohra Masjid known for its architectural beauty is located in Shantinagar locality of Itwari in Nagpur. Bohra Masjid is a mosque for the Dawoodi Bohra community in Nagpur. This popular mosque attracts large number of devotees especially on Fridays.
The Dragon Palace Temple
Dragon Palace Temple is a Buddhist temple dedicated to Lord Buddha. It is situated in Kamptee about 20kms from Nagpur city. The temple known for its magnificent architecture and picturesque landscape is one of the most popular attractions in the city. The temple surrounded by lush greenery is also called as the ‘Lotus Temple of Nagpur’.
Sitabuldi Fort
Sitabuldi Fort is situated in the heart of the city and is a magnificent structure built by a British officer in the year 1857. The fort lies between the twin hills of Sitabuldi. The fort has got its name from these hills. There is a memorial inside this magnificent edifice which has been built to commemorate the dedication of the soldiers who lost their lives during the Anglo-Maratha war.
Ramtek
Ramtek located about 49 kilometres away from the Nagpur city is famous for an ancient temple dedicated to lord Ram. It is believed that Lord Ram had rested in this place during his period of exile. It is also said that the Sanskrit poet Kalidasa composed his epic"Meghdoot" in this place. Ram temple, here is more than 600 years old. The other attraction here is a beautiful Jain temple.
Markanda
Markanda is a small tow located on the left bank of Vainganga River. The town is named after the famous sage Markandeya who is believed to have performed penance here. Markanda is famous for its cluster of 24 temples which resembles in architectural style to that of Khajuraho Temples. The temple complex also houses the Shiva Linga which Markandeya is believed to have worshipped.
Ambazari Lake
Ambazari Lake situated on the western outskirts of the city is one of the biggest lakes in the city. Spread over an extensive area of 15.4 square kilometres this lake is popular hang out spot among the locals as well as tourists. Boat ride, mini train, musical fountains etc. are some of the attractions in this lake.
Telankadi Lake
Telankadi Lake of Nagpur is another famous picnic spot in the city. Lord Hanuman and Lord Shiva temples here add to the attraction of this lake. The sandy bank of the Telankadi Lake is an ideal place to watch the setting sun.
Shukrawari Lake
Shukrawari Lake is another renowned picnic spots in Nagpur. This 275-year old water body was also known as Gandhi Sagar Lake. An ancient temple of Lord Ganesh and boating facilities are other attractions here.
Lake Garden Sakkardara
The Lake Garden Sakkardara, also known as the ‘Sakkardara Garden’ is one of the popular weekend destinations in the city. This conservatory on the banks of the Sakkardara Lake is situated amidst immense scenic beauty and the vast expanse of playing field attracts many tourists.
Raman Science Centre
Raman Science Centre is situated in centre of the Nagpur city and is named after the winner of Nobel Prize and the famous Indian physicist, Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman. Raman Science Centre which was established with an objective of spreading knowledge regarding science and technology amongst the general public. There are about 45 different interactive galleries here which include planetarium, prehistoric Animal Park, fun science and so on. This centre also holds several exhibitions related to science and technology.
Musical Garden
The musical garden was built under the direction of Shri Jaiprakash Gupta, the NIT trustee. This garden is called the Lata Mangeshkar Musical Garden. The theme of this beautifully landscaped garden is music. The garden has many attractive musical fountains, with themes of notes of music, ragas and raginis operated by the musicians. Even some architectural structures here are based on ragas and notes of Indian Classical music. The garden also has an open air theatre which can accommodate about 2500 people.
Pench National Park
Pench National Park is located at a distance of 95 kms from the city of Nagpur at the border of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh states. It is built around the Pench Irrigation project and is spread over an extensive area of 758 square kilometres. This tiger reserve is home to a variety of animals like tigers, leopards, sambars, langur, macaque, bears, deer, wild dogs, wild boar, civets, gaur and also a number of bird species like blue kingfishers, barbets, minivets orioles, bulbul, wagtails, mynas, munias etc.
Adasa
Adasa is at the distance of about 45 kilometres from the Nagpur city. This is a small village in the Nagpur district which is known for its ancient magnificent temples. The Ganapati temple here houses a statue of the deity chiselled out of a single stone. A temple dedicated to Lord Shiva situated on a hill is famous for the three lingams of Lord Shiva which is said to have self-originated.
Khekranala
Khekranala is situated at a distance of 55 km from Nagpur. The place is famous for its water reservoir which is situated amidst splendid natural beauty. Situated in the Khapra range forest the dam is surrounded by dense green foliage and is a paradise for nature lovers.
Dhapewada
Dhapewada is 60 kilometres from Nagpur and lies on the banks of the Chandrabhaga River. A temple dedicated to Lord Vithoba which was constructed under the benediction of Umaji Aba the Diwan in the court of Raja Bajirao Bhonsle is a major attraction here. Dhapewada is termed as the Pandharpur of Vidarbha. The beautiful Khindsey Lake situated amidst sprawling green stretch is another attraction here. Boating facilities are also offered.
Nagardhan
Nagardhan is about 34 kilometres from Nagpur. There is a fort here supposed to be built by Raja Raghuji Bhonsle of the Bhonsle dynasty. The walls of the fort are in condition even today. But the palace built inside the fort is almost in ruins and there is a well next to the palace which has two levels underground with proper rooms and an idol of goddess Durga.
Sevagram
Sevagram is located about 75 kilometres away from Nagpur. Sevagram Ashram was founded by Mahatma Gandhi in 1933. Vinoba Bhave’s ‘Param Dham Ashram’ which is situated on the banks of the river ‘Dhaam’ is also present here.
Maharajbaug Zoo
Maharajbaug Zoo was established by erstwhile Bhonsle rulers. This botanical garden houses many rare species of flora and fauna. This picturesque garden also encloses a zoo which houses many animals and birds.
Tadoba National Park
Tadoba National Park is located in Chandrapur in the north-eastern part of Maharashtra at a distance of 100 km from Nagpur. This park covering an area of around 120 sq. km is the oldest National Park of Maharashtra. This Tiger Reserve is home to wide variety of wild animals and birds.
How to reach Nagpur
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport is the nearest airport which is about 6kms from the city centre. Nagpur is well connected with rail network and is an important rail junction on the Central and South-eastern lines. Nagpur is well connected by a good network of state and national highways. Maharashtra State government public transport buses as well as private buses ply between Nagpur and other major town and cities of the state and neighbouring states.
Accommodation
Nagpur offers several accommodation options to the tourists that range from luxury and midrange to budget establishments and lodges.