Nagpur is a city in the state of Maharashtra, and is the largest city in the tribal central India and also the third largest city by population in the state of Maharashtra. With a population of around 2,420,000, Nagpur urban conglomeration (UA) is the 13th largest UA in India, the 114th largest city in the world, and the 143rd largest urban area in world in terms of population. The Deccan Plateau city is the seat of the annual winter session of Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha. Nagpur is also the major commercial and political centre of the backward Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, and is famous throughout the country as the "Orange City" for being a major trade centre of oranges. The city assumes political importance from being the headquarters for the Hindu nationalist organisation RSS and an important location for the Dalit Buddhist movement.
Nagpur lies precisely at the center of the country with the Zero Mile Marker (indicating the geographical centre of India) located here. The city was founded by Gond people but later became part of the Maratha Empire under the Bhonsles. The British East India Company took over Nagpur in the 19th century and made it the capital of Central Provinces and Berar. After the first states' reorganisation, the city lost Capital status but as per an informal "Nagpur Pact" between political leaders, it was made the second capital of Maharashtra.
How to Get There:
By Air:
Nagpur International airport, just 7 km from the city-centre, is connected to Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Raipur, Nashik, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Indore, Pune, Bangkok, Sharjah (UAE), Bangkok, Singapore, Jeddah during the Haj, Doha(Qatar) and Dubai(UAE). Mihan Multi-modal International Cargo Hub is to be set at Nagpur, to cater for increased
trade and traffic. It is also a major Military airbase, which exercises airspace control.
By Rail:
Nagpur is connected with all major cities and trains run through the day to all parts of the country. All metros are more or less an overnight journey.
By Road: Nagpur is well connected by road to the rest of India.
Getting Around: The best way to get around are the 3-wheelers known as Autorickshaws or simply autos. You could hire an SUV with a driver for any length of time, even three months like a travel writer did recently. Cars are available for hire.
What to See
Dragon Temple, Kamptee (specially Sunday after 6.00 pm); Market at Main Road, Sitabuldi; Lata Mangeshkar Garden; Ambazari Garden and Lake; Botanical Garden, Telangkhedi;
Sir C V Raman Planetarium; Sakkardara Lake & Garden; Dikshabhoomi; Maharaj Bag Zoo; Ganesh Tekdi; Kashibai Temple of the Bhosle Period; Shri Balaji Temple, Seminary Hills; Shri Ramdeobaba Temple; Sarveshwar Temple, the Dragon Temple in Kamptee and the Bohra Masjid at Itwari.
Where to Eat
For Non-Veg, many hotels in Momin pura (a must visit during Ramzan), Sadar, specially Biryanies, Babbu Hotel, M.L.A Canteen, Tanveer Hotel, Babban Hotel; The best continental can be savoured at 10 Downing Street in Ramdas Peth and Fountain Sizzlers & Bistro for amazing sizzlers. Mount Road near Sadar is the best hang-out for foodies; Ashoka for continental or Indian, Nanking for Chinese; Barbecue for Punjabi (Indian), Veeraswamy's and Kamat for South-Indian Food. 'Zinq' is an Italian restro-lounge is a great place for authentic Italian food. A special recipe of Chicken known as "Saoji Chicken" is one of the famous dishes which you will get exclusively in Nagpur. It is a very spicy dish, best had with beer.
Where to Stay
Nagpur has over 100 hotels, but the better ones are The Pride Hotel Nagpur; Hotel Tuli International; Sun-n-Sand Hotel Nagpur; Hotel Grand Nagpur; Hotel Centre Point; Hotel Siddhartha Inn and the Airport Centre Point. These are expensive. Hotel Skylark; Hotel Orange City; Hotel Sunny International; Hotel Pal Palace and Hotel LB are mid-range. Dua Continental Hotel; Green City; Hotel Blue Diamond and Hotel Darshan Towers are in the lower range.
