Nagpur, the “Orange City,” sits near India’s geographical center—marked by the historic Zero Mile Stone—and serves as Maharashtra’s winter capital. It’s a city of leafy boulevards, lakeside strolls, and a living Buddhist legacy anchored by Deekshabhoomi, where Dr. B. R. Ambedkar embraced Buddhism in 1956. Just beyond the city limits, teak forests shelter Bengal tigers and barasingha, making Nagpur the smartest springboard for central India safaris.

History buffs find layers here: Sitabuldi Fort on a basaltic ridge, the colonial-era Central Museum, and temples that predate Mughal campaigns. Foodies come for Vidarbha’s bold Varhadi and Saoji flavors—fiery gravies, earthy spices, and breakfast tarri-poha that hums with chilies and chickpea curry. Evenings glow at Futala Lake, where families gather over corn-on-the-cob and kulfi as the sky goes saffron.

Practical notes: October–March is the most comfortable season; summers run hot. Safari permits are limited—pre-book your gates and gypsies. Around town, rely on the Nagpur Metro, app cabs, and short auto-rickshaw hops; carry a light scarf and a reusable water bottle. Coffee lovers, you’re in luck—Corridor Seven Coffee Roasters started right here.

Nagpur

India’s green heart meets urban ease in Nagpur. Mornings can start with temple bells or third-wave espresso; afternoons might lead to science museums or bazaars stacked with orange barfi and Paithani sarees. When you’re ready for wilderness, Pench and Tadoba’s sal forests are a scenic drive away.

• Top sights: Deekshabhoomi (Dhamma Chakra Stupa), Zero Mile Stone, Sitabuldi Fort (usually open on select days, often weekends), Futala Lake promenade, Raman Science Centre & Planetarium, Ambazari Lake, Dragon Palace Temple (Kamptee), Koradi Temple.
• Why Nagpur for safaris: Two premier reserves within day-trip range—Pench National Park (~2.5–3 hours) and Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (~3.5–4 hours) with strong tiger sightings.
• Food to try: Tarri-poha, Saoji mutton/chicken, patodi-rassa, varan-bhaat, and orange-based sweets. For vegetarian thalis and family feasts, options abound.

Where to stay: Browse diverse stays near Civil Lines, Sadar, and Wardha Road (airport corridor) on VRBO Nagpur and Hotels.com Nagpur.

Getting in: Search flights to NAG on Kiwi.com or Trip.com Flights. For Indian rail routes (useful if pairing Nagpur with Mumbai, Bhopal, or Hyderabad), see Trip.com Trains.

Day 1: Arrival, Buddhist Heritage, and Futala Sunset

Afternoon: Arrive at Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport (NAG) and check in near Civil Lines or Wardha Road for easy access. Shake off travel at Deekshabhoomi, the brilliant white stupa that anchors India’s neo-Buddhist movement; the museum beneath offers context on Dr. Ambedkar’s life.

Evening: Head to Futala Lake for a golden-hour stroll. Snack from lakeside stalls—corn roasted over live coals, ragda patties, and kulfi—and watch the fountains light up.

Dinner: For an easy first night, try a Maharashtrian-veg thali at Thaat Baat (Dharampeth) with koshimbir, dal, seasonal sabzis, and puris; or sample North Indian grills and a plentiful buffet at The Creative Kitchen (Radisson Blu).

Day 2: Zero Mile, Forts, Museums, and Sadar Bazaars

Morning: Espresso and eggs at Corridor Seven Coffee Roasters (local roastery) or tarri-poha at a classic stand near Sitabuldi. Walk to the Zero Mile Stone—an old Great Trigonometrical Survey marker—then continue to Sitabuldi Fort (check public opening days; often weekends with guided entry). If closed, substitute Seminary Hills for city views and a quiet forested loop.

Afternoon: Explore the Nagpur Central Museum (Ajab Bangla) for tribal art, fossils, and Maratha-era exhibits, then the interactive Raman Science Centre & Planetarium. Lunch options: Haldiram’s Sadar for chaat, chole-bhature, and orange burfi, or a simple Varhadi-spiced meal at a family-run bhojanalaya.

Evening: Shop Sadar and Dharampeth for Paithani and Vidarbha cotton sarees. Dine at Barbeque Nation (live grills on the table and a generous dessert counter), or go for a calm sit-down veg spread at Girnar Restaurant (Sadar) with paneer specialties and tandoori rotis.

Day 3: Day Trip to Ramtek Fort, Temples, and Khindsi Lake

Morning: Depart ~8:00 AM for Ramtek (about 50 km; ~1.5 hours by road). Climb to Ramtek Fort and the hilltop Ram Temple, linked to the Ramayana. The view sweeps over lakes and farmland—carry water and modest attire for temple areas.

Afternoon: Continue to Khindsi Lake for a laid-back lunch at a lakeside dhaba and optional paddle-boat ride. Return to Nagpur by late afternoon.

Evening: Dinner at Naivedhyam for sattvic vegetarian fare—try their thali or masala dosa with filter coffee.

Featured activity (book ahead): Ramtek Fort and Temple Day Trip from Nagpur. Convenient transport and guiding to maximize your time.

Logistics: Car and driver for the day typically INR 1,800–2,500; travel time one-way ~1.5 hours.

Day 4: Pench National Park Tiger Safari (Day Return)

Early Morning: Depart around 4:45–5:15 AM for Pench National Park (Turia Gate; 120–140 km; ~2.5–3 hours). Pench’s teak and bamboo were the inspiration for Kipling’s Jungle Book—look for tigers, leopards, wild dogs, gaur, and vibrant birdlife.

Midday: After a 3–3.5 hour gypsy safari, break for lunch at a Pench lodge café (simple Indian meals; carry snacks). Rest before returning to Nagpur.

Evening: Back in town, recover with a mellow dinner: dal-tadka, jeera rice, and tandoori gobhi at a reliable city-center restaurant.

Featured activity (with transfers): Pench National Park Safari with Transfers from Nagpur. Ideal if you prefer door-to-door arrangements and confirmed safari permits.

Safari notes: Private vehicle with driver for the round trip ~INR 4,500–6,500. Safari permit and gypsy fees vary by gate and season; carry original ID, a hat, and binoculars.

Day 5: Temples, Tea, and Lakes—Nagpur at a Local Pace

Morning: Breakfast at The Breakfast Story (pancakes, shakshuka, chai). Drive 30–40 minutes to Dragon Palace Temple in Kamptee, a serene Japanese-style Buddhist temple with manicured lawns. Continue to the ancient Koradi Temple, especially lively on festival days.

Afternoon: Return for lunch: sample Saoji-style chicken or mutton (a bold Vidarbha specialty) at a longstanding Saoji bhojanalaya—ask for medium spice if you’re cautious. Walk off lunch at Ambazari Lake and Garden, watching egrets and paddle boats glide by.

Evening: Coffee flight at Corridor Seven to taste local roasts, then browse Dharampeth boutiques for sarees and orange-infused sweets. Dinner suggestion: a North Indian spread with kebabs, paneer lababdar, and laccha paratha at a trusted hotel restaurant for a relaxed, unhurried meal.

Optional guided city walk: If you love stories behind landmarks, join The best of Nagpur walking tour for a compact overview and local anecdotes.

Day 6: Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve—Full-Day Safari

Early Morning: Depart ~4:30–5:00 AM for Tadoba (Moharli or Khutwanda gates; 140–160 km; ~3.5–4 hours). Tadoba is famed for tiger and sloth bear sightings; early light is great for photography.

Afternoon: After a long morning round, refuel at a simple gate-side canteen or lodge dining room. If you’re on a full-day plan, your operator will advise break times; otherwise, head back toward Nagpur mid-afternoon.

Evening: Return to the city for a comforting dinner—khichdi-kadhi or a mild veg curry if you’ve had a spicy lunch—then an early night.

Featured activity (with hotel pickup): Safari in Tadoba National Park: Wilderness Roar from Nagpur. Great for travelers who want logistics and permits handled.

Costs & tips: Full-day car and driver ~INR 6,000–8,000; safari fees vary by gate/season. Wear neutral colors, pack a light scarf for dust, and keep noise low at sightings.

Day 7: Seminary Hills, Souvenirs, and Departure

Morning: Take a calm walk at Seminary Hills, a favorite with locals for sunrise views and birdsong. Stop by a neighborhood bakery for pao and masala chai, or revisit your favorite café for a final espresso.

Afternoon: Pick up edible souvenirs: orange burfi, chivda, bhakarwadi, and small-batch coffee beans from Corridor Seven. Head to the airport or station; if flying, compare fares on Kiwi.com and Trip.com Flights, or check Trip.com Trains for onward rail journeys.

Lunch (if time allows): A quick thali at Thaat Baat or a buffet at The Creative Kitchen keeps things efficient before your departure.

Good to Know: Getting Around & Booking Pointers

• Local transport: Nagpur Metro links key stops (e.g., Sitabuldi); app cabs and autos are plentiful. For day trips, a private car/driver is most practical.
• Safari bookings: Pench and Tadoba gates and gypsies book out weeks ahead in peak season (Nov–Apr). Carry original photo ID for permit checks.
• Costs snapshot (typical): Private car day-trip INR 1,800–8,000 depending on distance; safari permit/vehicle fees are separate and vary by zone and season.
• Where to stay: Compare neighborhoods and rates on VRBO Nagpur and Hotels.com Nagpur.

Alternate or add-on experience (if you swap a day): Prefer a guided overview on your first morning? Book The best of Nagpur walking tour and shift museum time to Day 5.

In a week, Nagpur reveals itself layer by layer—faith and fort walls, science exhibits and saree shops, and the hush of tiger forests at dawn. Come for the safaris, stay for the street food and lakeside sunsets; the Orange City rewards curiosity with stories, spice, and a gentle pace.