Abhishek Deshpande

The Nagpur WordPress Community has completed 13 years and is excited to host the fourth WordCamp in the city. This post is intended for people travelling to Nagpur for the event. The outline of the post is as follows:

Do not worry when you don’t find the eatery section in this post, the flavours of Nagpur require a whole other blog post!

About Nagpur City

Located at the centre of the Indian Subcontinent, Nagpur is the third largest city and the second capital of Maharashtra. It is also known as the winter capital of Maharashtra. Nagpur city also hosts the Winter Legislative assembly every year. Situated on the north banks of the river Nag, the old Nagpur city is presently known as Mahal. The city is named after the river Nag, while ‘pur’ means city in various Indian languages.

History

Human settlements around Nagpur can be traced back 3000 years to the 8th century BC. Indian epics mention the city as being home to the Nagas – a class of entity that takes the form of the great King Cobra. The name Nagpur has its origin in Nagapuram (the city of the Nagas). The earlier name of the city, Fanindrapur, derived from the word ‘fana’ which means the hood of a cobra.

The city was founded in 1703 by the Gonds King Bakht Buland Shah of Deogarh and later became a part of the Maratha Empire under the Bhosale dynasty. The British East India Company took over Nagpur in the 19th century and made it the capital of the Central Provinces and Berar.

After Indian Independence in 1947, Central Provinces and Berar became a province of India and in 1950 became the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, again with Nagpur as its capital. When the Indian states were reorganized along the linguistic lines in 1956, Nagpur and Berar regions were transferred to Bombay state, which in 1960 was split between the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat. The city lost its status as the capital. Following the informal “Nagpur Pact” between political leaders, it was made the second capital of Maharashtra.

The city completed 300 years of establishment in the year 2002. And now we are in the 320th year.

Nagpur is also known as “Orange City” as it is famous for its oranges. The city is the major trade centre for Oranges cultivated in the region.

Nagpur is home to ice-cream manufacturer Dinshaws, Indian dry food manufacturer Haldiram’s international, and Ayurvedic products company Vicco and Baidyanath.

Nagpur is practically at the geographical centre of India, the zero-mile of India is in this city. According to an Oxford Economics report, Nagpur is projected to be the fifth fastest growing city in the world from 2019-2035 with an average growth of 8.41%. It has been proposed as one of the Smart Cities in Maharashtra and maintains 5th ranking in Maharashtra.

How to get into the city

It is easy to travel to the city since it is located in the centre of India. You can follow any of the following routes:

By Air

Nagpur Airport is one of the busiest airports in India. 9.5 Km from the Chitnavis Centre – WordCamp Nagpur Venue. Nagpur Airport is connected to Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Raipur, Nashik, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Indore, Pune, Sharjah (UAE), and Doha(Qatar).

Check for Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport (IATA: NAG, ICAO: VANP) if you are flying to Nagpur.

By Rail Route

Nagpur Junction railway station, one of the oldest and busiest Stations of Nagpur was inaugurated in its present form on Jan 15th, 1925. The only functioning diamond crossing (or level junction) remaining in India is around 500 m from the end of the Nagpur Railway Station platform, going north.

Around 240+ train comes to the Main station of the city. Nagpur Railway station is around 3.4 km from the Chitnavis Centre – WordCamp Nagpur Venue.

While booking a train ticket, if you find it hard to get a clear ticket to Nagpur station, check for Ajni Station. Ajni Station is in the city just 3km earlier than Nagpur station. Usually, special trains end at Ajni instead of Nagpur station.

By Road

Nagpur is a major junction for roadways as India’s two major national highways NH6 and NH7 cross in the city. Private and State operated buses are available to travel to Nagpur. The road towards the city is awesome for riders.

How to get around the city

Unlike roads toward the city, there are many infrastructural changes going on in the city. Metro and Cement roads are mentionable. So, make sure you add 10-15 minutes extra while travelling in the city.

Autowala’s in the city are adamant, they don’t use the meter. Normally for any travel, they charge the minimum cost of 1 litre of fuel. BioFuel Vehicles & eRicksha are the new modes of travel emerging in the city.

Rapido, Ola & Uber are available options.

Where to Stay

Following are some known places to stay in Nagpur, and are 15 min drive from Venue or Airport / Railway Station. Grab the best deal from your favourite Hotel Booking aggregator!

Luxury / Business Hotels

Pride Hotel Nagpur
Radisson Blu Hotel
Urban Hermitage
Hotel Centre Point, Ramdaspeth
Hotel Centre Point, Airport
Tuli Imperial
Tuli International
Hotel the Nagpur Ashok

Budget Hotels

The JK Hotel
Hotel Dua Continental
Hotel LB
MTDC HOTEL NAGPUR
Hotel Maitrayee
Treebo Trend Dwarka Inn
Treebo Trip Hotel Aditya
Treebo Trend Ivory House
Treebo Trip Le Clover
Treebo Trend Club VNA
Hotel Shree Gayatri Inn

Dorm facilities

Sankalp Dormitory, Near Airport. Call for Mr Amit – 8888803306
In Lokmat Square (Apx 2.5km from Venue) – Flexi Stay Nagpur

Where to shop

Nagpur is called the “Orange City” of India. Oranges are available to buy in Summers. Rest of the seasons, you can try Orange Burfi, a papaya-based sweet with an orange flavour.

Itwari, Sitabuldi, Sadar, and Dharampeth areas are known as shopping areas due to the large number of shops and pavement hawkers in these areas. A bargain is MUST in case you are not familiar with the area.

Nagpur is also famous for Cotton articles. Various handicrafts mostly cotton based can be purchased from Sitabuldi, and Itwari markets.

What to see in the city

Zero Mile Stone of India

At the centre of Nagpur city “Zero Milestone of India” is located from where the distance to all the cities of India is calculated.

Ajab Bangla – Nagpur Central Museum

Nagpur Central Museum is known as Ajab Bangla as it holds Coins, ancient Inscriptions, sculptures, and pre-historic artefacts from and around Central India. Museum was established in 1863. It is the Oldest Museum in Maharashtra. 500m from Zero mile Monument. You can plan for Both would take around 2-3 Hours.

Raman Science Center

The Raman Science Centre at Nagpur is an interactive science centre affiliated with Mumbai’s Nehru Science Centre. The centre was developed to promote a scientific attitude, portray the growth of science and technology and their applications in industry and human welfare, and hold science exhibits. Best if you are a science enthusiast or want your kids to explore Science. Might take a whole day, Depending on energy levels.

Vivekanand Smarak

This Smarak is an island, on the lines of the famous Swami Vivekanand Kendra at Kanyakumari, at the overflow point of Ambazari lake. One of the best Sunset Points in the city. You can spend an Hour in the evening here.

Dr Hedgewar Smriti Smarak

Smirti mandir is a magnificent monument built in memory of Dr Hedgewar the founder of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Best known for Landscapes here

Water Sides

Shukrawari Lake/ Gandhi Sagar Lake

The lake is located in a naturally scenic place. The lake is calm and is a hub of many water bodies. Also called Jumma lake, it is the lake which is said to exist for more than 275 years.

Ambazari Lake

The lake is surrounded by a beautifully landscaped garden that adds to its splendour. It was established in 1958 on an area of 20 acres of land. The musical fountain, various electric rides, and amusement games make this garden an ideal place to travel and for children to enjoy.

Futala Lake

The lake is the spot to relax during evenings and weekends with kids playing park, impressive soft sandy shore, well-laid roads, and colourful illuminating lights.

Historical Places

Sitabuldi Fort – Located on top of a hill, right in the centre of the city, this fort is the site of the Battle of Sitabuldi in 1817 and was built by Mudhoji II Bhonsle. The fort is now home to the Indian Army’s 118th infantry battalion and is open to the public on National holidays only.

Mahaal – In Marathi, Mahaal means Palace, It was developed by Raghuji Bhosale II, at the time of the transition from Gond Kings to Bhosale’s. The whole Palace was burned down during British Transition. Later the area was known as Mahaal – the Heart of the city. Many archaeological buildings still exist in this area. Nowadays it is a Market place.

Religious Places

Deekshabhoomi

Deekshabhoomi is a sacred monument of Buddhism at the place where Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar was converted to Buddhism along with thousands of his followers on October 14, 1956. Dr Ambedkar’s conversion to Buddhism is still a guide for the masses in India.

Tekdi Ganpati

The Ganapati temple is one of the most ancient and popular temples of Nagpur. It is believed to be approximately 250 years old. One of Vidarbha Ashtavinayak Temples

Bohra Masjid, Itwari

Bohra Masjid is an architecturally constructed beautiful mosque in Shantinagar, Itwari. Bohra Masjid is the mosque for the Dawoodi Bohra community in Nagpur. This mosque witnesses a huge crowd for prayers on Fridays.

Gajanan Maharaj Mandir, Zenda Chauk

The temple of Sant Gajanan Maharaj of Shegaon is organized by Yogiraj Gajanan Seva Pratisthan, Temple in Zenda Chowk Dharampeth is the oldest temple after Shegaon.

Sri Balaji and Sri Kartikeya Temple, Seminary Hills

Situated in the serene and picturesque surroundings of the seminary hills, the Balaji temple attracts thousands of devotees throughout the year. This temple also houses the idols of Lord Kartikeya who is believed to be the commander of the army of Gods.

Sri Poddareshwar Ram Mandir

Sri Poddareshwar Ram Mandir is a temple dedicated to Lord Rama, which was built in 1923. Constructed out of marble and adorned with sandstone carving work, this temple enshrines the idols of Lord Rama, Sita Mata, and Lakshmana

Telankhedi Shiv Mandir

A marvellous structure of the Nandi adorns the entrance of the temple. The Sanctorum is small but very attractive. The temple dates back many years and is witnessing a huge flow of devotees during the important festival days.

Dragon Palace Temple, Kamptee

Dedicated to Lord Buddha, the temple is an exemplary piece of architecture and picturesque landscape, which was founded by Mother Noriko Ogawa Society of Japan.

BAPS Swami Narayan Mandir, Wathoda

The Beautiful Swami Narayan temple located on Ring road of the city has beautiful architecture and landscaping. This Mandir comes under BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.

Ayyapa Mandir, Katol Road

The Beautiful temple of Lord Ayyappa, Maintained by Shree Ayyappa Seva Samithi, Nagpur.

Gurudwara Ramdaspeth

Ramdaspeth Gurudwara is devoted to the fourth Sikh Guru, Guru Ramdas. This magnificent monument is a fine example of Sikh religious architecture. It is said that those who visit Ramdaspeth Gurudwara will be blessed with mental peace.

Jama Masjid, Mominpura

Jama Masjid is a mosque in Mominpura, Nagpur. The mosque has beautiful architecture, the dome in its centre and four minarets.

Taajbagh

The Mausoleum of Baba Tajuddin is on Umred road in Nagpur City. He was a revered Muslim saint and had an extensive following in the region. This place is visited by people of all faiths and religions. Big annual Urs held in his honour here.

What to see around the city

Water Sides

Ambhora (74km from City)

Ambhora lies just at the threshold of the Vainganga River and serves as the venue of three fairs, held on an annual basis. The other attractions of the town consist of the famous temple of Chaitanyesvara. Then, there is the tomb of Har Har Swami, a Hindu Saint.

Khindsi Lake (55km from City)

Famous mainly for its large and picturesque lake. Boating facilities are also offered.

Nawegaon Dam (138km from City)

Nawegaon, Vidarbha’s most popular forest resort, is the ultimate adventure spot. It is said to have been built by Kolu Patel Kohli at the beginning of the 18th century.

Totladoh (96km from City)

Totladoh Dam is a gravity dam on the Pench river near Ramtek in the Nagpur district. Encircled by Pench National Park, this is a lifeline of Nagpur for the supply of drinking water and is important for cooling water for the superthermal power station at Koradi, Nagpur. Besides all the boring info, it’s a nice place to hang out

Wadgaon Dam (44km from City)

Vadgaon Lake and dam is an ideal place for a pleasant day weekend outing. This reservoir is a well-known haunt of the local bird-watching community, though it is slightly neglected by the authorities. The calm waters and the surrounding lush green serene landscape offer plenty of wonderful picnic spots. A beautiful garden and a large statue of Sant Dyaneshwar are located nearby Vadgaon Lake which is visible from the dam site.

Ambakhori (90 km from City)

It is best in winter, though it tends to be crowded at weekends. It is yet to be developed to its full potential. Waterfalls and forests are the main attractions.

Khekranala (60km from City)

Khekranala is a dam site situated in the Khapra range forest. This area is palm green and the finest natural and fascinating with a bracing climate and healthy environment around the year. The water reservoir is quiet and surrounded by thick forest.

Historical Places & Forts

Ramtek Fort Temple (56km from City)

It is located on Ramgiri Hill. This historical temple, constructed atop the hill at an elevation of 345 meters from the land is believed to be more than 600 years old and is dedicated to Lord Rama along with Sita and Lakshmana. The present temple is believed to have been built by the King of Nagpur Raghuji Bhonsale, after his victory over the fort of Deogarh in Chindwara.

Mansar (50km from City)

Important excavations were carried out at the ancient sites of Mansar. 5 sites have been excavated. The water reservoir around the site and findings of ancient tools and other objects point to the fact that a large population inhabited the area 1600 years ago. The discovery has made Mansar one of the prime archaeological sites in the country

Deogarh Fort (120 km from City)

Deogarh was formerly the capital of a Gond kingdom, which rose to prominence in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The numerous wells, tanks, and buildings show that the Gond capital once extended over a large area. Bahkt Buland’s successor, Chand Sultan, moved the capital of the kingdom from Deogarh to Nagpur. After Chand Sultan died in 1739, struggles over his succession led to the intervention of the Maratha leader Raghoji Bhonsle, who governed neighbouring Berar in the name of the Peshwa of the Maratha Empire.

Nagardhan (44km from City)

Nagardhan, ancient Nandivardhan, the first capital of the Vakatakas, is Square in shape, it has an outer rampart with bastions and an inner wall surrounding the buildings. The main gate, still in good condition, is on the northwest side. In the fort there is a temple below the ground level and the idol is placed on a ledge of a well-like structure.

Darekasa Caves (190km from City)

At Darekasa, Some of the caves are naturally formed and some are artificially made and are known as Kachgad or iron fort. These caves are formed out of a single rock and can accommodate around 200 persons at the same time.

Forest & Resorts

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (145km from City)

Tadoba Andhari Reserve often referred to as “The Jewel of Vidharba” is the largest national park in Maharashtra

Pench National Park (86km from City)

National Park is a place good for a day’s visit. It is built around the Pench Irrigation project, a joint venture of the Maharashtra and MP Governments. This park is also known as Jawaharlal Nehru Udyan.

Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary (58 km from City)

Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary of area 189 sq. km spread over Pauni, Umred, Kuhi, and Bhivapur Taluka. This Sanctuary has also a connection with Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve through the forest along the Wainganga River.

Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Nawegaon (138km from City)

Three beautiful gardens and the children’s park. Almost 60% of the bird species found in Maharashtra have been recorded in Nawegaon. You may see the leopard, sloth bear, gaur, sambar, and chital.

Hemalkasa (330km from City)

The forest is very vast, and all kinds of animals like monkeys, snakes, etc. could be seen while travelling here.

Bhamragarh Wildlife Sanctuary (330km from City)

Bhamragarh Wildlife Sanctuary has many types of wild animals like leopards, jungle fowl, wild boar, sloth bears, barking deer, blue bulls, peacocks and flying squirrels.

Nagzira Wild Life Sanctuary (111km from City)

The vertebrate fauna of the sanctuary includes 166 species of birds, 36 species of reptiles, and 34 species of mammals like Tiger, Panther, Jungle cat, Wolf, Jackel, etc.

Religious Places

Koradi Mandir (18km from City)

Shree Mahalaxmi Jagdamba Mata Mandir alias Koradi Temple, located on the banks of Koradi Lake, is an old historical temple dedicated to Goddess Mahalaxmi. The temple complex is crowded by a huge mass during nine days long Navratri festival. On these festive days, at night more than 50,000 lamps were lit at the temple premises.

Ganesh Temple, Adasa (45km from City)

In the temple of Ganpati, the image consists of a single stone set up so that worshippers may walk around it. On a hill near the village is a temple of Mahadeo with three lingas, which are believed to have come out of the ground by themselves.

Mahatma Gandhi Ashram, Sewagram (75km from City)

The ashram was built by him for Gandhi on the outskirts of Wardha, The premise is very calming. All the things used by Gandhi and others are preserved here including his spectacles, telephone, notebook, tables, mats, etc.

Vitthal Mandir, Dhapewada (30km from City)

Dhapewada is situated on the bank of the Chandrabhaga river. The town possesses a notable temple of Vithoba, overlooking the river. It was built by Umaji Aba, Diwan to Raja Baji Rao Bhonsle. Dhapewada is known as Vidarbha’s Pandharpur.

Ashta Bahu Ganesh Mandir, Ramtek (56km from City)

A Beautiful idol of Lord Ganesh here has 18 hands and is in the Temple complex on the hill fort popularly known as Ramtek.

Kuwara Bhivsen (60km from City)

A temple and picnic spot on the Pench river Dam at Navegaon Khairi in Nagpur District. A hill by the village contains the remains of an old fort, its summit being encircled with walls made of ponderous masses of rock.

Geetai Mandir (78km from City)

Unique temple in India which has no deity and roof. It has just walls made of granite slabs on which 18 chapters of Geetai (Shrimad-Bhagwat-Gita in Marathi)

Param Dham Ashram, Pavnar (70km from City)

The ashram was established by Acharya Vinoba Bhave in 1934 at Pawnar on the bank of river Dham with spiritual purpose. During the excavation for the construction of the ashram, many sculptures and idols were found which are kept at the ashram and open to visitors.

Magan museum (78km from City)

The main purpose of this Museum is to spread awareness about research and development of rural industries, rural artisans, methods to promote the Swadeshi movement, etc. Inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1938