Nagpur, famously known as the Orange City, is the third most populous city in Maharashtra, with a large urban area, too. The city also has one of the highest literacy rates in the country. It is also important when it comes to tourism in the state of Maharashtra. Given its importance, there are a lot of things to do in Nagpur. We have curated a list that will take you through all the top things to do in Nagpur, from nature to fun and shopping. Do have a look.
Things to do in Nagpur: Nature and Sightseeing
1. Witness the sunset at Futala Lake
Futala Lake is Nagpur’s crown jewel. If you visit Nagpur and don’t visit the Futala Lake your trip to Nagpur is considered incomplete. The lake makes for a perfect spot to witness the sunset.
The approach lane to the lake is filled with street-side food stalls that sell some amazing chaat. You can spend the evening here with your family and loved ones and truly admire the beauty of the lake.
- Address: Juna Futala, Chowpatty Road
- Where to Stay: Hotels Near Futala Lake Nagpur
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2. Go on an Orange orchard tour
Nagpur has always been famous for the juicy and delicious orange that it ships out. However, many people might be oblivious to the fact that there are orange orchard tours that are conducted at many farms.
They take you through the entire process of growing oranges and best practices to observe while planting oranges. You even get a free sample of oranges while on the tour.
- Address: Multiple farms throughout Nagpur
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3. Learn about space at the Raman Science Centre
C V Raman was a Nobel prize winner who won the award in 1930 for his contributions to the field of science. Nagpur has facilitated the scientist by opening an interactive science center under his name. The center now serves as a conduit for young minds to develop and nurture their scientific interests.
There are several projects that are undertaken here by the youth who wish to further delve into the unknowns of space. There is a modest entry fee of Rs 40 that will grant you access to most of the science center’s campus.
- Address: Opp. Gandhi Sagar, Subhash Road
4. Learn the history of Indian railways
The Narrow Gauge Rail Museum commenced operations in December 2002 in Nagpur. It houses some of the most archaic out-of-use locomotives, old steam engines, and carriages. Besides the main engine parts, the museum is also home to some exciting artifacts like hand lamps, signaling equipment and old telephone sets that were used by the railroads.
The major attraction of the museum is, however, the narrow gauge tank that weighs over 15 tons and was built by the British in 1916.
- Address: Kamptee Road, Moti Bagh
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5. Stand At ‘The Center Of India’
The British used to consider Nagpur to be the center of India in the time when India had been divided into provinces. Nagpur used to be the Capital of the Central Provinces and the Berar Province. To celebrate the significance of Nagpur, the British erected a pillar made out of sandstone, along with a statue of four horses.
Although post independence it has been acknowledged that the new center of India is Karaundi, a village in Madhya Pradesh, this is a fun spot to visit nonetheless.
- Address: Wardha Rd, Civil Lines, Nagpur
Things to do in Nagpur: Visit Religious Places
1. Marvel the architecture at Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
The Shri Swaminarayan temple in Nagpur is modeled after the Akshardham temple in Delhi. The temple’s architecture is a marvel with the intricately-carved statues and pillars which leave most onlookers mesmerized.
Within the temple premises, there are shops where u can purchase spiritual books. The area also has a garden where toddlers and the young ones can play while you visit the temple.
- Address: Swaminarayan Marg, Ring Road, Wathoda
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2. Pay your respects at the Ganesh Tekdi Mandir
The Ganesh Tekdi Mandir is a very famous landmark in Nagpur. In Marathi, a ‘tekdi’ literally means a hill, which is where this temple is located.
The hill on which it is located is very close to the Nagpur railway station. The temple is said to be over 250 years old and attracts close to 5000 devotees daily, from all over the country.
- Address: Sitabuldi
3. Find peace at the Deeksha Bhoomi
Deeksha Bhoomi is a sacred monument of the Navayana Buddhism religion. This place is particularly famous because the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who is considered to be the architect of the Indian constitution, converted to Buddhism as his last religious act.
This is the largest stupa in all of Asia and was constructed here to honor Dr. Ambedkar. The stupa attracts a lot of footfall from Buddhists all over the world. The stupa sees massive traffic during the mass conversion day.
- Address: Central Nagpur
- Where to Stay: Hotels Near Deekshabhoomi Nagpur
Things to do in Nagpur: Eating out
1. Eat scrumptious traditional Saoji Chicken
Saoji Waradi chicken is the most popular traditional food of Nagpur. It is a blend of some strong spices. The masala and the gravy will be some of the spiciest combinations you will have ever tasted.
The dish is not for the weak hearted or of the weak stomached. There are many restaurants in Nagpur that serve this dish but the most famous is Jagdish Saoji Bhojnalaya.
- Address: Subhash Rd, Jhulelal Mandir, Ganeshpeth Colony
2. Eat delicious chaat at Haldiram’s
Haldiram’s is a sweet and snack brand that is famous across the world. What a lot of people do not know about this food brand is that it originated out of Nagpur.
You can try the various chaatsand ice cream options here. The orange burfi is perhaps the most famous dish in Nagpur.The Haldiram’s Restaurant here is always packed with people trying to get their hands on some delicious food.
- Address: Plot No. 214, WHC Road, Dharampeth Extension, Shankar Nagar Square, Dharampeth
Things to do in Nagpur: Shopping
1. Shop at the oldest market in Nagpur
The Cotton Market in Nagpur is its biggest wholesale vegetable market. The market is right in the heart of a city and just one visit will throw an entirely different light on your perspective of the city.
The market is surrounded by some fantastic restaurants and shops. We advise you to keep some cash in handy as cards aren’t accepted in most shops in this market. The Cotton Market is always buzzing with activity and is a great place to browse and buy things.
- Address: Guru Teg Bahadur Marg, Mahatma Fule Bazar, Sitabuldi
2. Shop to your heart’s content at Sitabuldi Main Road
Sitabuldi Main Road is the oldest shopping area in Nagpur. It is known for the different items it offers to its customers. You can find everything under the sun in this market, from fashionable clothes to ethnic sarees.
The road is always buzzing with activity and, if you happen to visit on a Sunday, you get to witness the market in all its glory. The market is also known to sell the handicraft and cottage industry items that Nagpur is so famous for.
- Address: Main Road, Sitabuldi
3. Go jewellery shopping at Sarafa Bazaar
The Sarafa Bazaar provides an unparalleled shopping experience in Nagpur. The market is a perfect shopping destination to discover some hidden deals and treasures.The Sarafa Bazaar has a large cluster of jewellery shops so choices are endless.
The bazaar also houses the famous Kirana Oli that is known for its groceries and dry fruits. The market also has some excellent bookshops and is surrounded by many eating joints.
- Address: New Itwari Road, Kesarinath Society, Itwari
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Things to do near Nagpur
1. Enjoy water sports activities at Khindsi Lake
The Khindsi Lake is located 60 kilometers from Nagpur. The clear and clean waters have caught the interest of tourists and there has been several water-based sports and activities that have sprung up.
Engage in thrilling activities such as kayaking, jet skiing, parasailing and more. Feel your adrenaline pumping as you engage in these sports; it’ll leave you reeling and coming back for more.
- Address: Ramtek Dam, Spillway and Reservoir
2. Spot tigers at Tadoba Andhari Tiger Project
Located at a distance of 100 kilometers from Nagpur in the Chandrapur District, the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Project is the last few places in India where you can spot a tiger.
The park is one of the oldest and largest in India. The park is also part of India’s “Project Tiger” that aims at preserving these magnificent beasts.
- Address: Chandrapur, Maharashtra 442401
Nagpur is one the upcoming cities in the state of Maharashtra and is touted by most as an important place of economic significance as well. The city has something in store for everyone who wishes to explore it. So the next time you are in Nagpur, try out our above recommendations of things to do in Nagpur and let us know your experience.
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