Nagpur sits close to the middle of the map, and the city has long made use of that. The British chose it as the zero point for their survey of the subcontinent, and today it is a major rail, road and air junction. It was founded in 1702 by the Gond king Bakht Buland Shah of Deogarh, later passed to the Bhonsle dynasty of the Marathas, and then to the British in the 19th century. It is also known as the Orange City, because it is a major trading centre for the oranges grown across the region.
This is not a city of grand palaces. Its interest lies in layers: the Ambedkarite stupa at Deekshabhoomi, one of modern India's most significant pilgrimage sites; the old Bhonsle-period market lanes of Itwari; the lakes that residents use every evening; and a colonial museum that gathers the region's past in one place. Fiery Saoji cooking, which grew out of a migrant weaving community, gives the city a flavour of its own.
For families and older travellers, Nagpur is easy and low-pressure. Distances between sights are modest, most visits are short and flat, and the main enemy is heat: from April to June the city is among the hottest in India. Plan two days in the city, add Ramtek or Dragon Palace for a half-day, and use Nagpur as the starting point for Pench and Tadoba if you want a wildlife leg.
Before you plan
Nagpur at a glance
- Best months
- November to February is the most…November to February is the most comfortable. March and October are workable; April to June is very hot, and July to September is wet and humid.
- Ideal trip length
- 2 days for the city and one nearby…2 days for the city and one nearby temple trip; add 1 day for Ramtek or Dragon Palace
- Airport
- DrDr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport (NAG), about 8 km south-west of the city centre
- Railway station
- Nagpur JunctionNagpur Junction (NGP) in Sitabuldi, the main station; Ajni (AJNI) and Itwari (ITR) also serve the city
- Getting around
- App cabsApp cabs, autos and a private car with driver; the Orange and Aqua metro lines meet at Sitabuldi and help for some routes
- Daily budget
- Roughly ₹1,500 to ₹3,500 per person…Roughly ₹1,500 to ₹3,500 per person per day excluding hotel, for food, local transport and entry fees; varies with car hire
- Senior comfort
- Good: most sights are level and shortGood: most sights are level and short, with heat the main concern; Ramtek and Ganesh Tekdi involve steps
- Language
- Marathi is the most spoken languageMarathi is the most spoken language, followed by Hindi and Urdu; English is understood in hotels and at major sights
Prices, opening hours and weather change. Recheck live details before booking.
Best time to visit Nagpur: January, February, November, December. Month-by-month weather →
How many days do you have?
Nagpur itinerary
One good day
1 day in Nagpur
Start at Deekshabhoomi in the morning when it is cool and quiet, and spend about ninety minutes on the stupa, the Bodhi tree and the grounds. Drive to Zero Mile Stone for a quick look, then visit the Central Museum, known as Ajab Bangla, for the middle of the day, checking its closed day first. Have lunch and rest. In the late afternoon, go to Futala Lake or Ambazari Lake for an easy walk, and finish with a Saoji meal if you like spicy food or something milder if not.
Day-by-day plan →Two days
2 days in Nagpur
Begin at Deekshabhoomi, then drive to Shri Ganesh Mandir Tekdi near the station, choosing a weekday if you want quiet. See the Zero Mile Stone, then spend the late morning at the Central Museum. After lunch and a rest, visit Itwari and Sarafa Oli in the old city in the late afternoon, keeping it short.
Three unhurried days
3 days in Nagpur
Start with Deekshabhoomi, then the Zero Mile Stone and the Central Museum. Have a long lunch and rest, then visit Shri Ganesh Mandir Tekdi in the late afternoon. If it is a public access day (26 January, 1 May or 15 August), include Sitabuldi Fort.
Day-by-day plan →
