Commonly associated with its delectable juicy varieties of oranges, Nagpur is also the winter capital of Maharashtra. With temples, lush green gardens, lakes and connectivity with main cities along with the rich cultural heritage enchant its visitors.
Located at the geographical centre of India, Nagpur has plateaus, flat tablelands with rivers and streams flowing through it.
Nagpur, also known as the ‘Orange city’ of India because of the juiciest varieties of oranges found here. Deekshabhoomi – the largest hollow Buddhist stupa in the world, Ambazari Lake, Futala Lake, Ramtek fort temple, Bohra Masjid and orange orchards are a must-visit in Nagpur.
Places to Visit
Dhamma Chakra Stupa
Also known as Deeksha Bhumi, the stupa is a marvelous architectural body and can accommodate more than 5,000 people. It is built out of Dholpur sandstone, marbles & granites and is 120 feet in height.
Followers of Ambedkar & Buddhism gather here on Ashoka Vijaya Dashmi, marked to celebrate the amalgamation of many dalits to Buddhism by Doctor Ambedkar, to offer their tributes. The place is of great religious importance to them.
Ramtek Fort Temple
Away from the city crowd, situated inside a fort on a hilltop, this temple is a source of rich mythological history. It is believed that Lord Rama took rest in this temple before leaving to conquer Lanka therefore making Lord Rama the main deity to be worshipped here.
Lata Mangeshkar Musical Garden
An amphitheater accommodating 2,500 people in its sprawling and enormous spread-out, the place is true to its name. This place is filled with musical fountains, soothing tunes and music all played out by the musicians. This garden soothes the soul of every visitor.
Ambazari Lake
Located on the southwest border of Nagpur in Maharashtra in India, the Ambazari Lake is one of the eleven lakes and largest one that the city of Nagpur houses. Boating facilities in rowboats, as well as self-driven paddle boats, are also available to the visitors, which add to the fun and excitement of visiting the lake and help them to explore the surrounding scenic beauty.
The Ambazari Lake is situated just 6 kilometres away from the western outskirts of Nagpur and is looked after and maintained by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC). It was initially built in the year 1870, under Bhonsle rule, for supplying water to the city. Just beside the Ambazari Lake, one can find the Ambazari Garden, which is particularly popular amongst the children and doubles up as an amusement park for them. The garden also has pavements walking, a fountain, electric rides and various amusement games for the kid. In fact, the lake derives its name Ambazari, because of this very fact that it is surrounded by mango trees. (The word Amba means mango in Marathi.) The Nag River also originates from here, and the site is indeed a marvel to look at!
Amba Khori
Remember that scene from your favorite movie, where the hero and heroine dance to a romantic song by a waterfall? Well, a visit to Amba Khori, at about 80 kilometer from Nagpur, will make this scene come to life. Situated close to the banks of River Pench, this location is nothing short of an exotic foreign location. Sitting in the lap of Mother Nature, Amba Khori has more than just a waterfall to attract. The mesmerizing Totladoh Lake Dam, which is said to resemble the teary eyes of Kalidasa’s renowned heroine, Shakuntala is a sight to behold.
Waki Woods
Situated at a distance of about 30 kms from Nagpur, Waki Woods is a sight to behold. The luscious greens provide you with a plethora of activities, other than a scintillating natural landscape for a picnic day out. Life in these ‘woods’ is a perfect mix of modernity and nature, as you will find fully furnished tents with facilities like electricity and phones. What’s more? Indulge in the pleasure of boating, archery, go on a trekking adventure, or unleash the inner wildlife photographer in you-thanks to the bird sanctuaries at Waki. Pay a visit to the While in the woods, do not forget to treat your taste buds with lip-smacking delicacies at the Waki Woods Dhaba.
Akshardham Temple
Swaminarayan Temple or Akshardham Temple is located on the Ring Road in Nagpur. The newly constructed temple is facilitated with a huge kitchen, parking, a restaurant and a kids play area. It is advised to visit the temple after 4 in the evening owing to its impressive lighting and decor. The temple is spread over two floors and boasts of a striking architecture..
Maharaja Bagh & Zoo
Built by the Bhonsle kings, the enticing park was later renovated into a botanical garden and zoo which houses rare species of flora and fauna. Nature enthusiasts will most definitely love this place.
Khindsi Lake, Ramtek
40 km away from the main city, this beautiful lake is a very popular tourist destination given its natural beauty and water sports it hosts. There are a few accommodation options here too.
Raman Science Centre
The Raman Science Centre is an interactive science centre located in Nagpur that is affiliated with Mumbai’s Nehru Science Centre and was developed with the objective of promoting a scientific attitude amongst the masses. The centre was established on 7 March in 1992, following which the planetarium was made functional on 5 January 1997. Various science exhibitions are carried out in the centre which show the growth of science and technology and the application of this science in human welfare and industries. The centre got its name from the famous winner of the Nobel Prize, the Indian physicist Mr Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman. The centre thereby supports a scientific bent of mind and attitude.
Even though the unique purpose of the science centre plays a vital role in helping it to get attention and visitors throughout the year, the facilities offered by it are what keeps that attention going and make it stay. Some services provided at the Raman Science Centre include a gallery showcasing Information & Technology, inventions and innovations by people from all over, an exhibition called fun science giving a practical insight into the scientific principles and a beautiful and large science park which is spread over 6 acres of land.
A prehistoric animal park, 3D shows, planetarium, science demonstration lectures as well as sky observation programs are some of the other exciting and intriguing activities which are undertaken by Raman Science Centre. This range of unusual and engaging activities and attractions ensure that the place is loved by adults and children alike and that a visit to the centre is on the top of the list of things to do while in Nagpur.
Must Try Food in Nagpur
1. Gayatri Bhojnalaya
2. Veeraswami Restaurant
3. Uttar Dakshin by Naivedhyam
4. Haldiram’s Sweet & Planet Food
5. Nanking Chinese Restaurant
6. Ashoka Restaurant
7. The Breakfast Story
8. New Paratha Shop Restaurant
9. Barbecue
10. Zuree Urban Kitchen
How To Get Here
Nagpur, like major cities in Maharashtra, is well connected to the rest of India by rail, road, and air. Regular rail and bus services ply to and fro Nagpur. Baba Sahab Ambedkar International Airport is the nearest airport that serves the city of Nagpur. Regular flights, operated by domestic carriers like Air India, Spicejet etc., operate on a regular basis from Nagpur. Also known as the ‘Zero Milestone’, Nagpur is in the central part of India and is relatively not so far from any place in India.
By Air
Regular flight services ply to and fro Nagpur. 8.8 km. away from the main city is the nearest airport, Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, which serves regular domestic flights to her customers.
Nearest Airport: Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport (NAG)
By Road
Regular bus services ply to and fro Nagpur. Buses, in a range from affordable to slightly expensive rates, are available from places like Mumbai, Pune, Panjim, as the list goes on. You can also take a shared taxi or cab for the same route.
By Train
Regular rail services ply to and fro Nagpur. Nagpur Junction railway station is the principal station that connects Indore to the rest of India via railways.