Well known for its delectable, juicy oranges, Nagpur is the “Orange City” of India. It's celebrated for its extensive orange orchards and agricultural richness. This vibrant city is located in Maharashtra, and it’s also the winter capital of the state. Nagpur is marked by the Zero Mile Marker, designating it as the geographical centre of our country.
Being at the very heart of India, Nagpur has evolved into a thriving political and commercial hub. Its central location has shaped its role as a crucial junction for commerce, culture and connectivity. The city seamlessly blends ancient traditions with modern aspirations, creating a unique identity for Nagpur Tourism.
In Nagpur, ancient temples coexist with modern infrastructure, and historic forts overlook bustling urban landscapes. Sprawling lakes, magnificent gardens, and wildlife sanctuaries nearby complete the allure for tourism in Nagpur. Due to its proximity to several prominent tiger reserves, this city has even earned the title of the “Tiger Capital of India.”
Nagpur Tourism crafts Nagpur Tour packages with immersive travel experiences tailored to your interests. We arrange everything from accommodation and transportation to guided tours and local insights. At Nagpur Tourism, we also have a list of top car rental companies in Nagpur. It enables you to explore all the tourist places in Nagpur comfortably. Please fill out the Contact Us form to get in touch.
History of Nagpur
While Nagpur was founded by the Gonds in the early 18th century, its history spans over 3000 years. The evidence of human habitation dates back to the 8th century BCE. A 10th-century copper plate inscription found in Wardha district provides the first reference to the name Nagpur.
From the Gonds, Nagpur became an integral part of the Maratha Empire under the Bhonsle dynasty. It was under their rule that Nagpur became a significant political centre. Eventually, it came under the influence of the British.
When the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh was founded in 1950, Nagpur became its capital. When the states were reorganised in 1960, Nagpur became an integral part of Maharashtra. Over time, it has emerged as one of the most important urban centres in the state. Soon, Nagpur Maharashtra tourist places started popping up in the tourism map of the country.
Places to Visit in Nagpur
Nagpur offers a blend of spiritual landmarks, historical monuments, and natural attractions. Some of the best tourist places in Nagpur include everything from Buddhist stupas and ancient temples to serene lakes and wildlife sanctuaries.
Deekshabhoomi is a massive stupa symbolising peace and equality. It’s said to be the largest stupa in Asia, and countless Buddhist devotees visit it annually. The complex houses a Buddhist library, beautiful gardens, and meditation facilities. Another reason it has become a prominent place for Buddhist tourism in Nagpur is that Dr. B.R. Ambedkar embraced Buddhism here in 1956.
A short drive away, the Dragon Palace Temple or Lotus Temple is another Buddhist shrine in the city. Built in 1999 as a symbol of Indo-Japanese friendship, this iconic structure holds a magnificent carved sandalwood idol of Buddha. It sits amidst lush, manicured lawns and flower beds.
Then, Ramtek Fort Temple atop a hill is of immense religious and mythological significance for Hindus. The 600-year-old temple complex houses shrines dedicated to Lord Rama, Laxman and various other deities. Legend holds that Rama rested in these very hills before his battle in Lanka. And it was on these beautiful hills that the poet Kalidasa wrote his epic poem Meghadoot.
Among other spiritual destinations, Akshardham Temple, completed in 2008, is an architectural marvel dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan. The Balaji Mandir features South Indian architecture, with sanctums for Lord Balaji and Lord Kartikeya. Swaminarayan Mandir is another splendid architectural wonder and one of the popular tourist places in and around Nagpur.
Adasa Ganpati Temple, Ganesh Tekdi Mandir and Koradi Mahalaxmi Jagadamba Temple are a few other must-visit temples. The Sai Baba Temple and Markanda Mahadev Temple are also revered among devotees. For a more immersive cultural experience, Ramdham Park is an ideal place. It’s among the most popular tourist places near Nagpur. It’s a spiritual theme park, famous for its gigantic Om statue, folk performances, and recreational zones.
For nature lovers, Nagpur’s lakes, gardens and tree-lined avenues offer some sense of peace. The Ambazari Lake is one of the largest lakes in the city. Together with the adjoining garden, it has become a favourite recreational destination for locals and tourists alike. Futala Lake, Shukrawari Lake and Sakkardara Lake are other lakes popular for their soothing atmosphere.
Japanese Rose Garden is also popular, known for its expansive collection of exotic rose varieties. Then, Lata Mangeshkar Musical Garden fills the air with melodic tunes. It has a musical fountain that plays classical music tunes and a large amphitheatre. Seminary Hill also offers a peaceful natural setting with trekking opportunities and panoramic views of the city.
Maharajbagh Zoo is another place worth exploring during Nagpur tour. It’s home to various animals, including leopards, lions and tigers. And the adjacent Maharaj Bagh botanical garden features a rich collection of herbs, shrubs, medicinal plants and ornamental species.
History buffs will find Sitabuldi Fort appealing. Standing proudly on twin hills in the city centre, it marks the site of an 1817 battle. Today, this fort serves as a war memorial. Nagardhan Fort also preserves the memory of an era during the Maratha period.
Apart from those, the Raman Science Centre provides an engaging arena for learning and exploration. It features a planetarium, a prehistoric animal park, and galleries showcasing scientific innovation. Then, Nagpur Central Museum showcases a collection of artefacts tracing the region's history. And Narrow Gauge Rail Museum houses models of old locomotives, trains and steam engines.
The High Court and All Saints Cathedral represent colonial architectural heritage in Nagpur. They stand as elegant reminders of the British era. Bohra Masjid is another one of the aesthetically magnificent structures in the city.
Other Activities and Experiences
In addition to Nagpur tourist places, the region offers a range of enriching experiences. Pench National Park, home to more than 1200 species of plants and animals, is the best place for Nagpur wildlife tourism. Navegaon National Park, Tadoba Tiger Reserve, and Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary also provide thrilling wildlife safari experiences.
Amba Khori is another among scenic tourist places near Nagpur city. It’s a serene picnic spot known for its cascading waterfall and lush green surroundings. Khekranala and Waki Woods are other picturesque destinations near Nagpur popular among trekkers and adventure lovers. They offer various water sports activities as well.
Trips to tourist places in Maharashtra near Nagpur are also available in Nagpur Tour packages. Excursions to Ajanta and Ellora Caves (430 km), Lonar (340 km) and Chikaldhara (220 km) are quite popular. If you want agro tourism near Nagpur, a trip to Ananya Farm (40 km) or Bharatvarsh Farm (170 km) offers the opportunity to explore fields and orchards.
Nagpur Tour is never complete without shopping for souvenirs. It’s home to various traditional handicrafts, including pottery, wooden carvings and textiles. Local orange-based products are also a must-buy. Nagpur is also famous for its delicacies, such as saji dishes, tarri poha, and samosa.
How to Reach Nagpur
Here are the different ways to reach Nagpur and explore all tourist places comfortably:
By Air: Nagpur Airport (around 8 km from the city centre) connects this historic city to different places around the country. It has regular flights to several cities, including Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Delhi. At the airport, you can book a taxi from the top car rental companies in Nagpur for a comfortable exploration of the city.
By Train: Nagpur Junction (located in the city centre) is a major railhead connecting Nagpur with other cities. It has frequent trains to Mumbai, Delhi, Patna and many other places in the country. For local connectivity, options like cycle/auto-rickshaws, city buses, metro trains, and cabs/taxis are available.
By Road: Nagpur is on the crossroads of major national highways, offering pan-India connectivity. State-run and private buses, both AC and non-AC, run regularly for Nagpur from various nearby cities. You can also go for a self-drive or take a cab/taxi to enjoy a laid-back ride across tranquil landscapes. Pune is 680 km away, Mumbai is 790 km away, and Hyderabad is 500 km away.
With its historic significance, wildlife sanctuaries and vibrant culture, Nagpur offers a fascinating experience for tourists. Whether you're looking for spiritual peace or historical adventure, the city offers everything. Nagpur Tour packages by Nagpur Tourism provide the perfect opportunity for every traveller to explore the places of tourist interest in Nagpur. We craft personalised itineraries to suit your interests. Fill out the Contact Us form to get in touch with our travel experts.
