The old capital of the Bhonsale rulers and of the former Central Provinces, Nagpur presents a fine blend of the old & new. The region around Nagpur traditionally known as Vidarbha, is noted for its antiquity. Nagpur is the second capital of Maharashtra.

Nagpur City has many distinctions. Popularly called the Orange City, it is the second largest city in Maharashtra. It is also the second greenest in India and is located at the very center of the heartland, almost equidistant from Kolkata, Chennai and New Delhi and Mumbai.

Nagpur is a sprawling, seemingly infinite metropolis and is India’s primary transport hub with all the nation’s main highways intersecting there. And at the very centre of this national center is Zero Mile, marked by the stone obelisk that the British placed there, on whose surface is an engraved list of cities (spelt the old-fashioned way) with distances to each of them.

This city of wide, lush gardens and religious sites is culturally alive, and regularly hosts handicrafts exhibitions, tribal dances, and folk-art programmes. Many festivals are celebrated here, including the Kalidas Mahotsav, the Ganesh Utsav and Dhamma Chakra Pravartan Din.

Indeed, there’s no better springboard to the wonders of Vidarbha.

Map Of Nagpur (Click to Enlarge)

Places you can see in Nagpur

Pavnar
The historical village of Pavnar, said to be named after the legendary Rajput King Pavan, is situated on the banks of the Dham river. It is the site of an ashram, which was founded by the great social reformer and activist Acharya Vinoba Bhave for the treatment of leprosy patients – and also the location of the Gandhi Kuti. Recent excavation at the ashram unearthed stone panels dating to the Wakataka Dynasty – all of which are now on display on the premises.
 
Sewagram
Originally Shegaon, the name of this village was changed to Sewagram by Gandhiji after he chose it to be a center for his social service efforts and founded the Gandhi ashram. Aside from the ashram, which houses the great leader’s personal memorabilia, the Gyan Mandir is another place worth visiting here.

Ambazari Lake and Garden
Lying six kilometres west of the city, the Ambazari Lake has a beautiful garden beside it, and is one of the most beautiful spots in Nagpur.
 
Gandhi Baug
Extensive gardens spreading over an area of 2.8 hectares, the garden has been named after the Mahatma, and also includes a swimming pool. 
 
Gorewara Tank
Gorewara Tank is the main source of water supply to the town. 
 
Hegdewar Smriti Temple
A magnificent memorial to the late Dr. Headgevar (one of the important personalities of Nagpur), this monument is situated at the Reshimbaug Maidan.
 
Maharaj Baug and Zoo
The Maharaj Baug is a lush garden that was laid out by a Bhonsle ruler (one of the Maratha chieftains), and it also houses a zoo.
 
Nagarkhana
The remains of the once majestic Bhonsale Fort 
 
Seminary Hills
Six kilometres west of the old city is a low-lying hillock, called the Seminary Hill, commanding a panoramic view of the city. 
 
Sitabuldi Fort
Standing on the twin hills of Sitabuldi, is a fort that now houses the office of the Territorial Army. Open to the public only on 15th August & 26th January
 
Sri Poddareshwar Ram Temple
Dedicated to the Hindu God Rama, the temple contains exquisite statues of Rama, Sita and Laxmana, the three principal characters of the Indian epic, the Ramayana. 

Sukrawar Tank (Gandhi Sagar)
This 225-year-old 'tank of tears' is a striking site, situated right in the heart of the city. 
 
Tajabad Sharif
The Tajabad Sharif is the tomb of Baba Tajul Aulia, popularly known as Tajabad Sharif Baba Tajuddin. Hindus and Muslims held this saint in high esteem alike.
 
Kashibai Temple
A temple built in the Bhosale period
 
Tekdi Ganapati Temple
its name is as Tekdi Ganapati because it is constructed on a hill and in Marathi Language a hill is called as a Tekdi. It is believed to be approximately 250 years old.
 
Laxmi Narayan Institute of Technology
 
Statue of Maharani Laxmibai of Jhansi 

Telahkhedi Udyan
 
Central Museum, Timings: 1000-1700 hrs, Closed on Monday, Entry Fee: Re 1/-

Balapur
Balapur Taluka is located 23 km from Akola, the district headquarters. Here one will encounter an ancient fort, which was commissioned by Aurengzeb in 1690 and became an administrative centre under the Nizam. Surprisingly, the fort is in excellent condition and is worthy of a visit.
 
Adasa
This small village is the site of the ancient Ganesh temple, which houses a statue of the deity, believed to have been self-evolved. It is one of the eight Ashta-Vinayaks in Vidarbha.

Kamptee (16 Km)
Famous for its big industrial complex, en-route to Ramtek.  The Dragon Palace temple is of religious significance to Buddhists, the shrine has a statue of Buddha in meditation. 
 
Khaparkhede (22 Km)
A town with a thermal power station. 
 
Bhadravati 
Today, a large and flourishing township, Bhadravati was known in ancient times as Bhandak. This historical aspect aside, the place holds much significance for the Jain community and boasts a well-maintained marble-floored temple housing many statues.
 
Dhapewada
Dhapewada is situated on the banks of the Chandrabhaga river. A noteworthy feature of the town is the temple of Vithoba, which overlooks the river. It was built by Umaji Aba, Diwan to Raja Bajirao Bhonsle. Not surprisingly, Dhapewada is also known as Vidarbha’s Pandharpur.
 
Kherkranala
The reservoir of Khekranala lies amidst the lush forests of the Khapra Range, in the north-eastern Vidarbha region. Just 55 kms from Nagpur on the Chhindwara Road, near Khapa, this spot is ideal for setting up base camp for an invigorating trek through the rugged, low-lying hills that surround the reservoir.
Indeed, there is much to see and imbibe. There is a wide variety of flora and fauna – including the occasional tiger - that will surely intrigue wildlife enthusiasts and scientists alike. The Shiva temple, located in a natural cave, is also worth a visit.
Yes, Khekranala might be a small spot on the face of Vidarbha, but it is a beauty spot nonetheless!

Koradi 
The pride of this place is the thermal power station and the ancient Shri Mahalaxmi Devi temple, which draws devotees to its doors throughout the year (especially during Navratri).
 
Markanda
Markanda is a must on the pilgrim’s itinerary. Situated on the bank of the Vainganga river this town is said to have derived its name from the sage Markandeya who lived and worshipped here. It has an undoubtedly spiritual character with no less than 24 temples in its vicinity, including the Markanda temple. The temples reflect the architectural style of Khajuraho, although no inscriptions exist to indicate their exact age..
 
Ramtek (48 Km)
According to legend, Lord Rama passed this way during his period of exile. There are temples dedicated to Rama and Lakshmana. At the foot of the hill is a charming inland lake Ramsagar. The famous Sanskrit poet Kalidas wrote his epic ‘Meghdoota’ here.

Khindsey Talao (60 Km)
A beautiful lake at the foot of the Ramtek Hill. 
 
Pench National Park (65 Km)
Situated along the Pench River, this is one of the largest game preserves of Maharashtra. Nearby, Ghuhhugarh, is an old fort of the Vakataka period. 

Paunar Ashram (68 Km)
Acharya Vinoba Bhave, founder of the Bhoodan Movement had made Paunar (Parvapur) his Ashram. Places of interest include the Paramdham Ashram, Paunar Chhatri, Gandhi Stambh, Bharat Ram Temple. 

Sevagram (72 Km)
Sevagram or “Village of Service” is a small village symbolizing the Gandhian way of life. Gandhi made this place his home in later years. Places of interest here include all residences, where Gandhiji lived with Kasturba. Adi Nivas, Bapu Kutir, Aakhri Niwas, The Prayer Ground, Mahadev Kutir, Shanti Bhavan, The Mahatma Gandhi Research Institute of Medical Science. 

Wardha (77 Km)
Headquarters of Wardha district, it is a convenient base for visiting the Ashram of Mahatma Gandhi at Sevagram (6 Km) and of Acharya Vinoba Bhave at Paunar (10 Km). Places of interest include Magan Sanghralaya, a Museum dedicated to village and cottage industries, The Lakshmi Narayan Temple, Gita Temple,

Bor Wild Life Sanctuary (80 Km)
The Sanctuary lies in the Hingni Range, north of Wardha. The forest abounds in wildlife like the panther, sloth bear, sambar, chital, barking deer and wild boar. The bird life found here is diverse and colourful. Fishing is possible in the lake.

Warora ( 107 Km)
“Anand Van”, the Ashram of the noted Social worker and environmentalist, Dr. Baba Amte is located here.

Mogarkasa Wildlife Sanctuary (120 Km)
A popular wildlife resort centered around a lake where wild tiger, leopard, bison, sambar and chital can be seen.

Ambagarh Fort (130 Km)
A 12th Century Gond Fort, now in ruins, surrounded by dense forests. At Gaimukh close by, is a Shiva Temple of the 9th Century. 
 
Navegaon National Park (140 Km)
Almost 60% of the bird species found in Maharashtra have been recorded in Nawegaon. The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is located at the park.

Chandrapur (143 Km)
A town situated in a fort built by the Gond Kings.
 
Tadoba National Park (151 Km)
Declared a National Park in 1955 under the Wild life Protection Act. There is a crocodile breeding farm within the park as well, taken up as a preservation project. The Forest Dept. provides mini bus services in the National Park for observation of wild life. Elephant rides are also provided during the tourist season. The Park is open from 0430 to 1930 hrs.

Amravati (155 Km)
Amravati, the base for visiting Chikhaldara, is one of the biggest cotton markets in the country. It is also place of pilgrimage with the Amba Temple. 
 
Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary (160 Km)
Situated in the Tirora range of Bhandara Forest Divisions. The tiger, bison, chital, gaur, sloth bear, sambar, four horned antelope, blue bull, spotted deer, barking deer and mouse deer are some of the animals which can be seen. The bird life is rich as well. Though open throughout the year, the best season, for viewing wildlife is from September to June.

Ridhpur (205 Km)
A pilgrim centre for the Mahanubhav cult. 
 
Chikhaldara (230 Km)
Situated 1098 meters above sea level in the Satpura range, it is a popular hill resort. 
 
Melghat Tiger Reserve (250 Km)
Covering a core area of 447.8 sq. km, this is the only ‘Project Tiger’ sanctuary in Maharashtra. The sanctuary shelters a great number of birds in addition to the tiger, bison, wild oxen, sloth bear, sambar, barking deer, antelope, hyena, wild dog, four horned antelope and wild boar.
The Rocky Doh at Kolkaz is a delightful spot for fishing. The Reserve also has a spectacular variety of plant life. Conducted Tours for observation of wildlife in the sanctuary along with forest guides are arranged by the Forest Department.

Narnala (270 Km)
An old fort on an isolated hill of the Satpuras at a height of 1053 mts. The water tank in the fort area is frequented by the wildlife found in the forests. 
 
Shegaon (287 Km)
It has the sacred ‘Samadhi’ (Shrine) of Saint Gajanan Maharaj. It is 45 km from Akola and regular buses ply between Nagpur, Akola and Shegaon. 

Essentials

Reaching Nagpur

Air: Nagpur is connected by Indian Airlines with major cities in India.  
 
Rail: Nagpur is centrally located and is an important junction on the South- Eastern and Central Railway lines.

Road: Nagpur is connected by road with Agra 809Km, Aurangabad 504Km, Bangalore 1049 km, Kolkata 1192 km, Delhi 1012 km, Bhopal 352 km, Chennai 1380 Km, Kanha 266 km, Khajuraho 546 km, Nashik 683 km, Varanasi 734 km, Mumbai 868 Km, Pune 730 km.
 
Hotels in Nagpur
There are plenty of budget hotels in Nagpur

Climate in Nagpur: Summer: Max. 43°C Min. 23°C. Winter Max. 29°C Min. 09°C.

Best Time to Visit Nagpur:

Tourist Information Center

M.T.D.C.
Sanskrutik Bachat Bhavan,
Sitabuldi,
Nagpur. Tel: 2533325
Fax: 2560680

Languages: Hindi, Marathi, English

STD Code of Nagpur: 0712