Nagpur Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

Top things to do in Nagpur

Nagpur combines city sights with easy access to central India’s forests and wildlife.

• Deekshabhoomi — A major Buddhist monument with a large stupa, marking the site where Dr B. R. Ambedkar embraced Buddhism in 1956.
• Dragon Palace Temple — A striking Buddhist temple at Kamptee, on the outskirts of the city, set in landscaped gardens.
• Futala Lake — A popular lakeside promenade for evening strolls, snacks and city views.
• Ambazari Lake and Garden — A large lake with gardens, a favourite with families at weekends.
• Zero Mile Stone — A colonial-era marker associated with the centre of British India’s survey network.
• Nagpur oranges — Taste the city’s famous oranges and orange sweets, especially in winter when they are in season.
• Tadoba-Andhari and Pench — Two renowned tiger reserves within driving distance, offering jeep safaris in teak forests.

Best time to visit Nagpur

Nagpur has a tropical climate with a very hot summer. The best time to visit is from October to March, when days are warm and sunny and nights are cool, perfect for sightseeing and safaris. Winter is also orange season, when the city’s markets are full of fruit.

April to early June is extremely hot, with temperatures frequently climbing well above 40°C. However, late in the dry season is often considered good for tiger sightings, as animals gather near waterholes; if you go then, plan safaris for early morning. The monsoon, from around mid-June to September, brings heavy rain, and core zones of the national parks usually close during this period.

Getting from the airport

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport lies at Sonegaon, only around 8 km south-west of central Nagpur, so the drive into town is usually short.

Prepaid taxis and app-based ride-hailing services such as Uber and Ola are available outside the terminal. The Nagpur Metro has a station in the airport area, useful for reaching central districts, though a short connection may be needed from the terminal. Many hotels also arrange pick-ups, and tour operators can organise transfers to the tiger reserves.

Where to stay

Nagpur is compact, and most hotels are within easy reach of the centre and airport.

• Civil Lines — A leafy, central area with government buildings and established hotels, suiting business travellers.
• Sitabuldi and Dharampeth — Busy commercial districts with shops, restaurants and markets.
• Wardha Road — Convenient for the airport, with several larger hotels.
• Near the tiger reserves — Lodges around Tadoba and Pench are ideal for wildlife trips.

Travel tips

• Money: Cards are accepted in hotels and larger shops; carry cash for markets, auto-rickshaws and park entry areas.
• Safaris: Book tiger safaris well in advance through official channels, as permits for popular zones sell out.
• Heat: In summer, stay hydrated, wear a hat and avoid outdoor activity in the middle of the day.
• Etiquette: Dress modestly at temples and religious sites and remove shoes where asked.
• Language: Marathi and Hindi are widely spoken; English is understood in hotels and businesses.