Places to Visit in Nagpur: Orange City’s Temples & Nature Spots
Popularly known as the ‘Orange City’, Nagpur offers a mix of spiritual attractions, serene nature, and historic landmarks. The Deekshabhoomi Stupa and the Tekdi Ganesh Mandir are among its popular spiritual sites visited by tourists and locals alike. Nature has also bestowed Nagpur with scenic attractions, including lakes and wildlife sanctuaries in the city’s vicinity. In addition, historic landmarks such as Sitabuldi Fort depict the city’s splendid history. Exploring the best places to visit in Nagpur is a must. To ensure a comfortable journey throughout the city and surrounding areas, booking a self-drive car rental in Nagpur is the best option.
Nagpur’s Popular Nature Spots: Serene Beauty and Wildlife
Nagpur is home to several green areas that blend wildlife experiences with popular nature hubs, including tranquil lakes for relaxation, and opportunities to explore wildlife in the internationally renowned tiger reserves. Here are some popular natural spots in Nagpur that you can’t skip in your tour:
1. Pench Tiger Reserve
The Pench Wildlife Sanctuary is located near Nagpur and is one of the largest sanctuaries in the state, with some parts of the national park lying in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The tiger reserve is located near Ambakhori waterfalls and was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Pench is a lush green forest and a top wildlife destination for tourists to see tigers and leopards, with safaris and nature trails. With over 35 species of fauna and several species of flora, Pench National Park is one of the most popular tiger reserves in Maharashtra.
Famous For: Royal Bengal Tiger, Leopards, Indian Bison (Gaur), Sloth Bears, Chital (Spotted Deer), and a wide variety of birds. Turia Zone is the prime spot for wildlife viewing.
2. Nagzira Tiger Reserve
Nature lovers can enjoy fresh air, scenic beauty, rich flora and fauna, and numerous trekking routes at the Nagzira National Park. The park is home to over 34 mammal species, 166 bird species, 36 reptile species, and several amphibian species. It is a habitat for majestic predators and gentle grazers. People who enjoy spending time in the forest will love exploring this area near Nagpur. The tiger reserve offers the thrill of a safari to see tigers, leopards, and abundant birdlife.
Famous for: Tigers, Leopards, Sloth Bears, Gaur (Indian Bison), Dhole (wild dog), and numerous deer species, such as Chital, Sambar, and Barking Deer.
3. Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary
Located about 50 km from Nagpur, this protected area has become a popular destination for tiger safari enthusiasts in Maharashtra. The sanctuary is home to resident breeding populations of tigers, large herds of Gaur (Indian bison), packs of wild dogs, and other wildlife, including endangered species such as the Flying Squirrel, Pangolin, and Honey Badger.
Famous for: The biodiversity, such as bamboo forests, dense woods, grasslands, and water bodies, as well as wildlife.
4. Futala Lake
This scenic artificial lake in Nagpur is known for its picturesque promenade, food stalls, horse-drawn carriage rides, boating, and stunning sunset views. It is a significant recreational destination for families, couples, and children. Activities available for the public at the city’s lakes include biking, horse-drawn wagon rides, and relaxing picnicking.
Famous for: Colored fountains, musical fountain shows, scenic beauty, and evening ambiance
5. Ambazari Lake
Nagpur’s Ambazari Lake is the city’s oldest and largest historical lake, established in 1870 by the Bhonsle dynasty to provide a water source. The present usage is mainly for recreational use, with many visitors enjoying the sunset setting of the lake, its gardens, walking paths, and boat rides, while taking advantage of the views of the lake and breathing in the natural atmosphere near the southwest corner of the city.
Famous for: Beautiful garden, musical fountain, boating, and sunset views
6. Khekranala Dam
Khekranala Dam is a scenic picnic spot and trekking destination about 60 km from Nagpur, known for its reservoir in the hills and ideal for nature lovers, especially during the monsoon. It is a popular spot for residents and tourists seeking nature or relaxation, offering a more extensive natural escape.
Famous for: Natural beauty and trekking opportunities
Must-Visit Spiritual Sites and Temples in Nagpur
Among Nagpur’s tourist attractions, temples and spiritual sites are the most frequented and must-visit. Here are some sacred sites that you must feature in your Nagpur tour diary:
7. Deekshabhoomi
A significant landmark in Nagpur, Deekshabhoomi, is where Dr. B.R. Ambedkar converted to Buddhism, along with many other devotees. This place represents social justice, harmony, and the Dalit Buddhist movement in India, and is among the famous places in Nagpur.
8. Dragon Palace Temple
Located close to Kamptee, the Dragon Palace Temple is a peaceful Buddhist temple that displays the fusion of the Indo-Japanese style of architecture. It has a tranquil garden, an excellent place for meditation and introspection.
9. Ramtek Temple
The Ramtek Temple sits atop a hill and is said to be the spot where Lord Rama took refuge during his exile. It is a spiritual and awe-inspiring temple that provides beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
10. Koradi Temple (Mahalaxmi Jagadamba Sansthan)
Koradi Temple, or Mahalaxmi Jagadamba Sansthan, is one of the oldest temples near Nagpur and is a highly revered shrine to Goddess Mahalaxmi Jagadamba. The temple has a spiritual atmosphere that draws thousands of devotees, especially during Navratri.
11. Tekdi Ganesh Mandir
Tekdi Ganesh Mandir has become a popular religious site on Seminary Hill for devotees of Lord Ganesha. However, besides its religious significance, the temple is known for its peaceful environment and incredible views of the city.
Best Time to Visit Nagpur
October to February is the best time to visit Nagpur, as the weather is cool and pleasant, making sightseeing enjoyable. This is a good time to explore wildlife in and around Nagpur, as the weather is ideal for safaris and nature exploration. This is also a good time to explore other attractions in the city, such as lakes and temples. However, if you visit Nagpur at any other time of the year, you can explore these places to visit in Nagpur city in the evening or in the morning hours.
Explore Orange City With Revv Car Rentals
With Revv’s self-drive car rental, you can easily travel to any part of Nagpur and outside the city. Revv ensures all customers receive the highest-quality service. Revv delivers vehicles directly to the customer’s doorstep and also ensures pickup from their preferred location. Customers can choose from a range of vehicles, including hatchbacks and SUVs, and each vehicle is fully maintained. Revv also offers flexible pricing plans.
Final Thoughts
Nagpur, widely referred to as the Orange City, offers a balanced mix of spirituality, such as temples and Buddhist Monasteries and nature such as lakes, hills, and wildlife. Visiting both temples and natural sites will provide you with unique insight into the city and its ecology. As such, Nagpur is an ideal location for a peaceful and meaningful vacation filled with historical and cultural experiences. To make your vacation even more enjoyable, book a self-drive car rental in Nagpur with Revv.
