Fast Facts
Location : Maharashtra
Popular As : Orange Capital of India
Attractions : Ambazari Lake and Garden, Balaji Mandir,
Maharaj Baug, Hegdewar Smriti Temple, Sri Poddareshwar Ram Temple and Dragon
Palace temple.
Best Time To Visit : October to April
Introducing Nagpur
One
of the important cities of Maharashtra, Nagpur is situated almost at the
heart of India. Due to its strategic importance, Nagpur enjoys the status of
the second capital of Maharashtra. Popularly known as, 'Orange Capital of
India', Nagpur is famous for the sweet oranges. Nagpur city is bestowed with
a rich history and owes it name from the river Nag that flows through it.
Bakht Buland Shah, the Gond King of Deogad, laid the foundation of the city
in 1702. Nagpur was the capital of the central province (Madhya Bharat
state) during the British Raj. In 1960, the Marathi majority Vidarbha region
was merged with the new state of Maharashtra and a separate city of Nagpur
came into existence. Nagpur was assigned the status of the second capital of
Maharashtra. Nagpur is a beautiful city known for its lush greenery and best
quality teak plantations. So, plan a trip to this charming, quiet city of
Maharashtra and enjoy a peaceful vacation.
How to Reach Nagpur
By Air : Nagpur has a domestic airport which is served by
a number of flights from various parts of the country. Known as "Sonegaon"
air port. Nagpur air port is nearly 6 Kms from city centre. Domestic
Airlines operate flight to and from Nagpur to important cities like Delhi,
Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata.
By Rail : Nagpur railway
station is an important railway junction. The railway station serves as the
junction between South-Eastern and Central Railway lines. Several express,
mail and superfast trains connect Nagpur with important cities of India.
By Road : Nagpur is well-connected by state and national
highways with rest of the country. National Highway 6 (Mumbai-Kolkata) and
National Highway 7 (Kanyakumari-Varanasi) pass through the city. Buses are
available to Nagpur from cities of Maharasthra and nearby state of Madhya
Pradesh. Distances of some of the important tourist destinations from Nagpur
are Aurangabad (504kms), Kanha (266), Bhopal (352kms) and Khajuraho
(546kms).
Local Transport : Prepaid taxis, auto-rickshaws and
rickshaws are modes of local transport in Nagpur.
Places Where You Can Stay
Besides a famous tourist destination of Maharashtra, Nagpur is also an
industrial hub. For the visitors, Nagpur offers excellent accommodation
facilities. Nagpur has large number of hotels, most of them are located
close to the city cente. Mostly you will find budget range hotels in Nagpur.
A few luxury hotels are present in Nagpur as well. Some of the popular
hotels of Nagpur are The Pride Hotel, Tuli International Hotel, Hotel Centre
Point and Hotel Hardeo.
Tourist Attractions in Nagpur
Ambazari Lake and Garden : One of the major attraction of
Nagpur, Ambazari Lake is situated on the western outskirts of the city.
Ambazari Lake spread over 15.4 sq. kms, offering excellent opportunities for
leisure activities. You can enjoy boating in the lake or go for a good walk
here. The lake is surrounded by a picturesque garden, which is as popular as
the lake. Developed as a modern garden by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation,
the garden has a musical fountain which adds a romantic flavour to this
charming spot..
Balaji Mandir at Seminary : Dedicated to Shri Balaji, the
temple is set amidst the tranquil and spectacular surroundings of Seminary
Hills. Balaji Mandir also houses the idols of Lord Kartikeya, who is
believed to be the commander of the army of Gods.
Maharaj Baug and Zoo :
Nagpur's famous attraction, Maharaj Baug was laid by the erstwhile Bhonsle
rulers. Now the beautiful garden is converted into a Botanical garden
housing a zoo. You can see the rare species of birds and animals in this
zoo.
Gandhi Baug : A beautiful garden, Gandhi Baug is named
after India's national father, Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi Baug is a favourite
place for locals and tourists visiting Nagpur. You may pass a good time here
alongwith your family.
Hegdewar Smriti Temple : Hegdewar Smriti Temple is one of
the famous attractions of Nagpur. The temple is built in the memory Dr.
Hegdewar, an eminent personality of the city.
Sri Poddareshwar Ram Temple : Sri Poddareshwar Ram Temple
is dedicated to the Hindu God Rama. In addition to Rama, the temple houses
the images of Sita and Laxmana.
Dragon Palace temple : Dragon Palace temple is a Buddhist
shrine. It houses a statue of Lord Buddha in meditation.
Sevagram : Sevagram was the home of Mahatma Gandhi in his
later years. Here the Bapu Kutir, Adi Nivas and many other houses bear the
hallowed memory of Gandhi and his wife Kasturba Gandhi.
Tourist Attractions Around Nagpur
Seminary Hill : A hillock, Seminary Hill is situated about
6 kms west of the old city. Named after the Seminary of St. Charles this
hillock provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.
Ramtek : Ramtek is located at a distance of 48 km from
Nagpur. Legend has it that Lord Rama passed Ramtek during his period of
exile. Ramtek houses temples dedicated to Lord Rama and his brother Laxmana.
At the foot of the hill is a lake called as Ramsagar.
Pench National Park : Situated 65 kms away from Nagpur,
Pench National Park is a major attraction for tourist visiting the city.
Pench National Park a variety of floral, faunal and avian species.
Shopping in Nagpur
For the discerning shopper, shopping in Nagpur is delightful experience. In
fact, any trip to Nagpur is incomplete without some shopping. Those who
visit the city surely take back some souvenirs for family members or
friends. Nagpur city has many government run emporia and private owned
shopping outlet dealing with souvenirs and handicrafts. Silk border dhotis
of Nagpur are very famous and a must buy item. Kolhapuri Chappals, Bidri
Ware, Lacquer ware and Oranges other popular items of Nagpur.
