Home :: City Stopovers:: Nagpur

Capital of the "land of oranges" and geographically at the virtual centre of India, Nagpur is endowed with rich forest resources and in itself is the second greenest city in India. The forests around Nagpur are full of best quality teak plantations. The region in & around the city are also the chief centres for production of cotton. Nagpur is also the focus of government attempts to develop industry in the remote and tribal northeastern corner of Maharashtra.- most foreigners in the city are there for business rather than aesthetic purposes.

History
The site on the banks of the River Nag, was first occupied in the 10th century by aboriginal Gonds, but Nagpur itself was founded by a family of militaristic local Hindu rulers, the Bhonsals, midway through the 18th century. In 1853, the Bhonsals fell foul of Lord Dalhousie's "Principal of Lapse" (a grossly iniquitous law which gave the British the right to take over any native state whose ruler died without a male heir), and Nagpur became the capital of the Central Provinces. Today it's a thriving industrial and commercial centre, with a surprisingly affluent, easy going and uncongested feel for a city of more than a million people.


What to see
Sitabuldi Fort
Nagpur's most prominent landmark, the Sitabuldi Fort, stands in the heart of the city, on a saddle between two low hills above the railway station. There is a war memorial within this fort, which has been built in remembrance of the soldiers who died during the battle. The fort is not open for public viewing except on Republic Day and Independence Day.

Ambazari Bagh has the largest artificial lake and gardens which is 5 km southwest of the railway station.

The Maharajbagh Zoo is an interesting place to visit in Nagpur. The zoo is located near the banks of the Nag River, which

flows through the city. Even though the zoo houses a limited number of species, it is nevertheless a nice place to visit.

Getaways
Ramtek
45 km from Nagpur on Kamptee road, Famous for its Ram Temple in the Ramgiri hills. Ramtek is where Kalidas wrote his famous "Meghdoot". Near by Khindsey lake is a good picnic spot.

SevNagpurm
SevNagpurm, Gandhi's model "Village of Service", is set deep in the serene Maharashtran countryside, 9km from railroad town of Wardha. It is believed that this place had the honour of being the headquarters of the social service programmes that Gandhiji conducted. It gets its name thus. Sewa means service and Gram means village. There also exists a Gandhi Ashram and a Gyan Mandir. Nagpur is 88 kms from here.

Wardha
Wardha an important district, is placed at a distance of 67 kms from Nagpur and houses a museum at Maganwadi. The Ambadevi Temple at Amaravati is worth a dekko. Close to this place is the Bor Sanctuary, which is to the north of Wardha, in the Hingna range. Kanhadevi is 30 kms from Nagpur, and the beauty of the place is worth a mention.

Dining Out

Parnakuti, Ambazari Rd, near the lake, has good, medium-priced Maharashtrian food.

Jagsons Regency has a good rooftop restaurant.

Naivedhyam, near Rani Jhansi Chowk, Sitabuldi, has very good vegetarian food

Abhinandan City Post Office Road, Itwari , South Indian

Arya Bhawan - Wardha Road, Panchsheel Square , North Indian, South Indian, Thali, Sweets & Namkeens

Nanking Chinese - Residency Road, Sadar , Chinese

Sanjha Chullah - Mount Road, Sadar , Vegetarian, Non-vegetarian, North Indian, Chinese.

Shopping
Shopping is an integral part of a tour. Everyone wants to take back some souvenirs or gifts for near and dear ones. Shopping in Nagpur may turn out to be a pleasant experience for the discerning shopper.

Silk border dhotis are the most popular items for shopping in Nagpur. Dhoti is a traditional garment for the Indian men. Of late Indian wear has captured the imagination of the global designer and is going places. Do pick up a piece or two Nagpuri Dhotis, the exclusive Indian wear, while shopping in Nagpur.

Oranges of Nagpur have earned a name all over the world. Although it is an easily perishable fruit, you may check out a few pieces. The sweet juicy fruit is sure to find an admirer in you.

Apart from the above, you may explore the local bazaars loaded with usual assortment of famous handicrafts of Maharashtra while shopping in Nagpur. Kolhapuri Chappals, Bidri Ware, Lacquer ware are favorite with those who go for shopping in Nagpur.

You would find many private owned shopping outlets dealing with souvenirs and handicrafts along with the government run emporia.

Visiting
The best time to visit Nagpur is September - April.

Tourist Offices
The MTDC Tourist Office (533-325), Sitabuldi, arranges tours of SevNagpurm, Ramtek, and the area. The Madhya Pradesh Tourist Office, Lokmat Building, Wardha Rd (Mon to Fri 10 am to 5 pm), can book accommodations for Kanha National Park and Pachmarhi.

How to get there

Air
Nagpur air port is known by "Sonegaon" air port. It is nearly6 Kms from Nagpur Central.

Road
The district is well connected by roads with all industrial centres of the Country. National Highways passing through Nagpur are Bombay Calcutta NH-6 & Kanyakumari Varanasi NH-7.

Rail
Electrified broad gauge railway track connects Nagpur to all four major metros. The length of broad gauge railwayline is 266.06 kms and that of narrow gauge railway line is 134.32 kms.