The “orange capital of Maharashtra” is blessed with rich flora, black fertile soils, river valleys and rich landscape. The city is fast growing as an industrial city of the northeastern corner of Maharashtra. The clean and affluent city is a nice jumping off point for a series of trips into the far eastern corner of Maharashtra. Other than that trickle of visitors who do stop here tend to do so en route to the Gandhian ashrams at Sevagram and Paunar, near Wardha (77 km southwest). The other worthwhile excursion is the ninety minute bus ride northeast to the hilltop temple complex at Ramtek.

On the bank of River Nag the city is situated therefore, got the name Nagpur. Once a blue eyed city among many emperors of the past but the establishment of city was done by “gond” prince named Bhakt Buland in the year 1702. The city was ruled by powerful Bhonsles of the Maratha during 18th century. Lord Dalhousie, the Governor General Of India from 1847 to 1856 took the city under the Doctrine of Lapse. After independence, till 1956, Nagpur became the capital of Madhya Pradesh.

Nagpur is recently awarded as “cleanest city in India”, is filled up with tourists places. In the city itself the most prominent one is Sitabuldi Fort, standing on a saddle between two low hills above the railway station. Other British architecture, national park and a beautiful bird sanctuary embellished the whole city. Nagpur spicy cuisines can add another jewel to its tourism.

Sights And Activities

Ramtek
Popular excursion point from Nagpur, located 48 km away from the main city is a decorated with hordes of temples surmounting the Hill of Rama. According to the legends, Lord Rama passed through this part of the land during his period of exile. There are around 600 old temples dotted the place, the main attraction is Ram Temple, which is believed to be more than 600 years old. Other prominent temples are Jain temples for its beautiful carving and sculptures. To take shelter in MTDC holiday resort in Ramtek and get a fascinating view of the city.

Pench National Park
Another worthy excursion, a 70 km away from the main city, Pench national park shares its boundary with Madhya Pradesh. The 292.85 sq km national park covered with small hills boast of various flora and fauna. Packs of wild dogs, cheetal, sambhar, neelgai, red jungle fowl and tigers and leopards are common animals in the park.

Sevagram
A small village established by Mahatma Gandhi in the year 1933 and spent 15 years. It got its name for social service programs that Mahatma Gandhi had started. It is 9 km from the railroad town of Wardha. The main attraction is Gandhi ashram, which promulgate Gandhian philosophies. Interested traveler can spend couples of days in the ashram.

Ambazari Lake
A serene lake located fringes of Nagpur city, cover an area od 15.4 sq km, surrounded by beautiful landscape garden. Major attraction at Ambazari lake is the boating facility. A nice hangout place for your evening chit chat.

Dragon Palace Temple
Located in Kamptee, a satellite township of Nagpur district, is an exquisite Buddhist temple renowned for its splendid architecture and landscape. The temple was founded by Mother Noriko Ogawa Society Of Japan.

Festivals In Maharashtra

Sarai Gandarvar – Classical Indian dance and music festival.( February, Pune)
Matharaj Naag Panchami – Snake worshipping festival. (August,Pune & Kolhapur)
Ganesh Chaturthi – Major festival in Maharashtra, occurs everywhere.
Dussehra Festival – Major festival celebrated statewide.
Kalidas Festival – A musical and dance festival is celebrated at Nagpur in November.
Ellora Dance & Music Festival – grand event at Aurangabad in December/January