Nagpur Travel Guide — Best Time, Things to Do & Where to Stay

Why Nagpur

Nagpur is a major urban center in central India and serves as the second capital of the state of Maharashtra. Widely known as the "Orange City" due to its status as a primary trade hub for regional citrus crops, it is also referred to as the "Tiger Capital" or "Tiger Gateway" of India because of the surrounding tiger reserves. The city holds significant cultural and political importance, housing the headquarters of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, acting as a crucial location for the Dalit Buddhist movement, and hosting the annual winter session of the state assembly.

Geographically, Nagpur rests on the Deccan Plateau at an average elevation of 310.5 meters above sea level. It sits at the exact geographical center of the Indian subcontinent, marked by the historic Zero Mile Stone erected during British rule. The city is built around natural drainage systems formed by the Nag River and Pilli Nadi, alongside a network of natural and artificial lakes including Ambazari Lake, Gorewada Lake, Telankhedi Lake, Sonegaon Lake, and Gandhisagar Lake.

Human activity in the area dates back approximately 3,000 years to the 8th century BCE. The modern city was established in 1702 by the Gond King Bakht Buland Shah and later came under the rule of the Maratha Empire's Bhonsale dynasty. In the 19th century, the British East India Company took control of Nagpur, making it the capital of the Central Provinces and Berar. Following Indian independence, the city initially served as the capital of Madhya Pradesh before its transfer to Maharashtra, where it was declared the second capital following political agreements.

Among the city's key historical and religious sites is Deekshabhoomi, an A-class pilgrimage site featuring the world's largest hollow Buddhist stupa, marking the location where B. R. Ambedkar and his followers converted to Buddhism in 1956. Visitors can also explore the old city area of Mahal along the Nag River or visit regional tiger reserves accessible through the city.

Nagpur experiences a tropical wet and dry climate with generally dry conditions throughout the year. The hot summer season lasts from March to June, during which severe weather such as heat waves, thunderstorms, dust storms, and squalls can occur. Monsoonal rainfall arrives in June and peaks in July, while the winter season extends from November to February.