NAGPUR

The Ambazari Lake is one of the 11 lakes in Nagpur and is situated near the southwest border of the city. The region is surrounded by mango trees, which gives the lake its name, Ambazari, as "Amba" means "mango" in Marathi. The lake was built in 1870, under the Bhonsale rule, to supply water to the city. Government officials and eminent people were supplied water through clay pipes. The lake is also the source of the Nag River, a vital waterway in the region.

The lake was used to supply water to Nagpur city for over 30 years. It also has a garden located just beside it, which is known as the Ambazari Garden. The garden was established in 1958 on an area of 18 acres of land. This place is managed and preserved by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation.

Balasaheb Thackeray Gorewada International Zoological Park, known earlier as the Gorewada Zoo, is located in Bodhala village in Nagpur district. In 2006, the Government of Maharashtra identified approximately 1,914 hectares of forest suitable for establishing the project, adjacent to Gorewada Lake and 8 km from the city of Nagpur. The zoo was inaugurated on 26 January 2021 and offers the largest captive zoo safari in India.

Deekshabhoomi is spread over four acres of significant land in Nagpur city. The stupa was designed by architect Sheo Dan Mal. In 1968, construction started with residential houses for monks, and later on, P/G College. Construction of the stupa started in July 1978, but it took a long time to finish. The stupa was inaugurated on 18 December 2001 by the then President of India, K. R. Narayanan.

The stupa comprises a large two-storied hemispherical building with gates resembling a Sanchi gate. Five thousand monks can stay in each story. The design of the stupa at Deekshabhoomi is based on the architecture of the world-famous stupa of Sanchi, but unlike the stupa of Sanchi, Deekshabhoomi's stupa is completely hollow inside.  It is the largest hollow stupa among all Buddhist stupas in the world. The inner circular hall is spread across 4000 sq. ft. with granite, marble, and Dholpur sandstone used in its construction.

In front of the stupa, on the right-hand side, there is a Buddha Vihar with a bronze image of Buddha. Besides the Vihara, there is the Bodhi Tree: a sacred fig tree. This Bodhi Tree was planted at Deekshabhoomi from three branches of the Bodhi Tree at Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka (grown from a cutting brought from Bodhgaya in India) and is said to be the oldest historically authenticated tree in the world.)

This is an important site for Ambedkarites and Neo-Buddhists. The site is significant as the place where B. R. Ambedkar, with approximately 400,000 of his followers– mainly Dalits- embraced Buddhism on Ashoka Vijaya Dashami on 14 October 1956. Even today, it is visited by thousands of Ambedkarites and tourists every year on 14 October, which is now known as Dhamma Chakra Pravartan Din.

The Dongartal fort, an example of a Vandurg or forest fort, is situated near the Pench National Park near the Maharashtra - Madhya Pradesh border. Some scholars attribute its construction to a Gond king, while others believe it was built by Bakht Buland Shah (1686 – 1706 CE), the ruler of the Rajgond dynasty (14th Century CE - mid-18th Century) and founder of Nagpur, in the late 17th century.

He was a great warrior and had conquered territories from the neighboring kingdoms of Chanda and Mandla, Pauni, Dongartal, Sivni, and Katangi, and portions of Nagpur, Balaghat, Seoni, and Bhandara. He had also annexed the adjoining Rajput kingdom of Kherla and the present districts of Chhindwara and Betul.

Surrounded by hills and a lake, the Dongartal fort is one of the rare examples of Mughal-Maratha brick architecture. It is a two-storeyed fort with stone stairs leading to a well. It is believed that the fort had a secret tunnel, which led to a nearby fort, that has now vanished because of the Pench dam. Each corner of the fort has a minaret, while the walls are lined with merlons, adding strength and beauty. A square bell is present in front of the fort. Within the fort is a Durga Mandir and the tomb of Baba Alla Hazrat Ali Baux Lal Diwan Shah. In 2021, the ASI carried out some conservation work at the fort in an attempt to protect it.

The Dragon Palace Mandir is located in Kamptee, Nagpur and was inaugurated in 1999 after two years of construction. This unique Mandir was built under the patronage of Sulekhatai Kumbhare and her Japanese friend, Madam Norika Ogava, who funded the structure. Sulekhatai Kumbhare still visits the Mandir regularly, showing her lasting connection to the place.

The Mandir, spread across 12 acres, was designed by architect P.T. Mase Saheb. Skilled laborers from Chennai contributed to its construction, adding to the intricate craftsmanship of the structure. Its architectural brilliance has been recognized with an award from the Central Government of India. The Mandir features unique materials, including glass walls imported from Belgium and Italian roof tiles, which enhance its elegance.

At the center of the Mandir is a magnificent Akhanda Murti of Buddha made of sandalwood, weighing 864 kg. Crafted in Japan and donated to the Mandir, this remarkable murti exhibits a fascinating quality—its facial expressions appear to change throughout the day. In the morning, the Buddha's eyes seem open; by afternoon, the face appears to smile; and in the evening, the eyes look closed, evoking a meditative state. To ensure its upkeep, the Japanese sculptors who created the murti visit periodically for maintenance.

The Dragon Palace Mandir is a hub for cultural and spiritual activities. One of its most significant events is Wardhaman Divas, celebrated annually on Kartik Purnima (celebrated in November or December). On this day, around 50 Japanese bhikshus (monks) visit the Mandir, and a special Buddha Vandana is held. On regular days, the Mandir is open from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm for people from all faiths.

Tajuddin Baba Dargah, located in Nagpur, was built in memory of the Indian Sufi saint Tajuddin Muhammad Badruddin (1861–1925), also known as Tajuddin Baba. It was built to honour Baba’s legacy and teachings after his passing in 1925. Tajuddin Baba was born in 1861 and is believed to have descended from ancestors who migrated from Mecca to Madras. Orphaned at a young age, he was raised by his maternal grandmother and his uncle, Abdul Rahman. He studied at a madrasah in Kamptee, Nagpur, and completed his education in Urdu, English, Arabic, and Persian. The dargah is a notable religious site in the district.

Jama Masjid, believed to have been built in 1960, is located in Mominpura, Nagpur. The masjid features four minarets, a garden on its northern side, and a vehicle parking area to the south. In 2019, it underwent renovation after its 128-foot minarets were damaged by a lightning strike. While it originally accommodated around 1,300 namazis at a time, the masjid can now hold over 3,000 namazis.

Kalyaneshwar Shiv Mandir, located in Telangkhedi, Nagpur, is estimated to have been built in 1785 by Raje Raghuji Bhosale. The Mandir was initially managed by the Bhonsale Devasthan Trust. In 1925, the properties of the Bhonsale family came under the control of the Courts of Wards, but the Mandir remained with the Bhonsales before coming under the Courts of Wards in 1983. In 1995, Ashutosh Shewalkar purchased the Mandir, and it has since been maintained by the Shewalkar family.

The Mandir has 97 grey stone pillars and is constructed primarily from black stone. It features a garbhagriha (sanctum), antralaya (antechamber), and mandap (pillared hall), all built in stone masonry. A domed roof covers the garbhagriha. The structure has undergone three renovations. Before the Shewalkars took over, the artistic detailing on the shikhar had been obscured by layers of whitewash. Ashutosh Shewalkar removed the whitewash and restored the original artwork.

The Mandir houses murtis of Parvati in the forms of Lakshmi, Ganga, and Durga, along with murtis of Annapurna Mata, Nag, and Ganpati. On average, 100–150 people visit the temple daily. On Mahashivaratri, the number rises to nearly one lakh. During the month of Shravan (fifth month in the Hindu calendar, mid-July to mid-August), people from both the city and other areas visit the Mandir. Various religious programs such as bhajans, kirtans, path, maha prasad, and abhishek are organized throughout the month.

Karpur Baoli, located in Ramtek, Nagpur, is a 60 ft. deep rectangular stepwell. Its name combines two words: Karpur, meaning camphor, and Baoli, meaning stepwell or water tank. The water is believed to possess the medicinal properties of camphor. The baoli was constructed by the rulers of the Yadava dynasty between the 10th and 12th centuries CE. It is dedicated to six devis—Bhairavi, Chamunda, Ingalaj, Ranchandi, Kali, and Kapurta—who are honored at this site. The garbhagriha contains a half-finished sculptural panel. The lake artistically reflects the surrounding structure, adding to the site's visual appeal.

The Khindsi Lake, located 5 km from the Ramtek Gad Mandir in Nagpur, was created by the British in the 1800s. According to locals who maintain the tourist spot, 12 villages near Khindsi Lake faced severe flooding in the early 19th century. In response, the British relocated the affected villagers, constructed a dam, and submerged the 12 villages to form the Khindsi Lake.

In 1992, the Rajkamal Tourist Complex transformed the area into a tourist destination by introducing boating facilities and opening a restaurant. Before this development, the area was predominantly forested. The site also features a children’s play area and spaces for visitors to relax and enjoy the scenic beauty. The spot is open daily from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm. Entry tickets are priced at ₹100 per person, with additional charges for boating. The place attracts large crowds during the winter season, with visitor numbers increasing significantly from Diwali (October-November) until February.

Located in Kohla village of Umred taluka, around 50 km southeast of Nagpur and 15 km from Umred town, the ancient megalithic remains lie atop the Nara Huda mound—a low hill overlooking the plains of eastern Vidarbha.

These remains belong to Vidarbha’s distinctive megalithic culture, dated to approximately 1000–500 BCE, during the Early Iron Age in central India. Unlike the megalithic traditions of South India, Vidarbha’s sites feature stone circles, cairns, menhirs, and pit burials that reflect local ritual and burial practices. The region’s iron ore deposits enabled early communities to craft tools, weapons, and ornaments, indicating a high level of metallurgical skill. Kohla is part of a broader archaeological landscape that includes nearby sites such as Junapani, Mahurjhari, and Khapa—each within a 50 km radius. Remains from the Vakataka period (3rd–5th centuries CE) found at Kohla suggest long-term occupation. This region also witnessed the influence of the Mauryas, Satavahanas, and Vakatakas, with Nagpur emerging as a major center by the 4th century CE.

Excavations by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) uncovered settlement and burial areas in two zones. The first revealed artifacts from both the Iron Age and Early Historic periods, including red ware, black-and-red ware, micaceous red ware, and grey ware from megalithic and Vakataka phases. Over 600 objects were unearthed—among them terracotta and stone beads, ear studs, iron and bone arrowheads, hopscotch game pieces, copper items, and animal bones, including a complete cattle skeleton possibly linked to a ritual called sangada. Structural remains included lime-paved floors, wells, and round bin platforms, possibly used for storage or ceremonial purposes.

The second area yielded a brick structure from the Vakataka period, indicating continued settlement. The burial sites featured typical Vidarbha-style stone circles and standing stones, though no coffin burials were found at Kohla. Iron tools and weapons point to advanced metalwork, likely used for agriculture or construction. Based on the finds, the community appears to have relied on rice, ragi, and pulse cultivation, supplemented by hunting and animal husbandry—practices sustained by fertile valleys and iron technology.

Kohla’s remains provide important insights into Vidarbha’s Iron Age society—an indigenous community skilled in metalworking, early agriculture, and complex ritual traditions. The stone circles and pillars link Kohla to over 100 similar sites across Nagpur, Wardha, and Chandrapur districts. Notable nearby sites like Junapani, with over 300 stone circles, and Mahurjhari, known for horse burials, suggest a society with defined roles such as blacksmiths, farmers, and warriors. Beads and copper items indicate trade networks, while the presence of ritual elements like the cattle skeleton hints at rich ceremonial life. The Vakataka-period structure underscores Kohla’s continued relevance into later historical periods, bridging the Iron Age and early historical era.

As of April 2025, Kohla remains under the care of the ASI. The artifacts are likely housed in Nagpur’s ASI repository or the Central Museum. However, the Nara Huda mound is vulnerable to agricultural encroachment and looting—issues common across Vidarbha’s rural megalithic sites. While ASI documentation secures the finds, the site itself is not yet open to the public and awaits official monument status. Local awareness remains limited, though recent media attention has sparked some interest. The broader archaeological potential of Umred taluka, particularly along the Wainganga River, suggests that many more sites await discovery in this culturally rich landscape.

The Maharajabagh zoo in Gorepeth, Nagpur comes under the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) of India and is maintained by the Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth (PKV) of Nagpur. The zoo is home to leopards, lions, tigers, peacocks, and other animals. Some of these animals were recently shifted to the newly made Gorewadi Zoological Park as the Zoological Park required animals that can be housed there.

Nagardhan Fort, located in Nagardhan town just 7 km south of Ramtek, was built when the Vakatakas controlled the district around the 4th–5th century CE. The area was a key fortified city, playing an important role in the region's history and defense. According to the Gazetteer (1908), excavations at Nagardhan have revealed coins, pottery, and artifacts from different periods, including the Vakataka era, confirming its long-standing historical presence. The discovery of a Vakataka-era seal supports the claim that it was a major city in ancient times.

The Gazetteer (1908) records that historian Mr. Hira Lal theorized that “Nagar” (Nagardhan) was historically called Nandivardhan. The importance of Nagapura-Nandivardhana (Nagardhan) is further supported by a copper plate inscription from 940 CE, which mentions this location. This indicates that Nagardhan held historical significance over the centuries.

The fort was later strengthened and fortified by the Bhosales of Nagpur, primarily for military defense, administration, and as a royal residence. However, after Nagpur’s annexation in 1853, the fort declined in importance and was no longer used for strategic purposes. Today, it stands as an important historical monument linked to the Bhonsale dynasty and Nagpur’s history.

The Ramtek Gad Mandir, situated on Ramgiri hill inside a fort-like structure, is a notable example of Hemadpanthi architecture from the Yadav period (1187–1317 CE). The Mandir’s Yadav origins are corroborated by an inscription from that period found within the complex. In the 18th century, Raje Raghuji Bhonsale I of Nagpur renovated the Mandir and contributed to its architectural expansion. He also built a residence for the Pujari near the Mandir. This house still exists, and the current priest, Sanjay Pande—who belongs to the 11th generation of the Pande lineage—continues to live in the same house gifted to his ancestors by Raje Bhonsale. However, the Pujaris are not salaried; they earn their livelihood from the ‘daan’ (donations) offered by people visiting the main Mandir. According to an 18th-century contract signed between the Pande family and Raghuji Raje, only the Pande family has the right to collect these offerings.

The individual shikharas of each Mandir and the multiple walls of the complex are adorned with intricate carvings. The main mandirs are dedicated to Lakshman and Ram. Alongside these, there are several smaller mandirs devoted to Maruti, Ganpati, Kaushalya (Ram’s mother), and Sumitra (Lakshman’s mother).

Beyond its Yadav-era origins, the site holds deep associations with tales of Shri Ram and Sita. Several structures within the complex are believed to have been used by them during their time here. These include the Ram Kund, where Ram is said to have bathed; the Sita Chi Nhyani, used by Sita for bathing; and the Sita Rasoi, where she is believed to have cooked meals. The Sita Rasoi continues to serve food to visitors today as prasad. The Mandir also contains an ashram attributed to Agastya Muni, who is believed to have lived here.

Another unique feature is a ‘Varaaha’ structure located on the Mandir premises, said to have been built by Prabhavati Gupta—a Gupta princess and regent of the Vakataka kingdom between 390–410 CE. A local belief tied to this structure suggests that anyone who can slide beneath it easily is not a paapi (sinner).

The word “Tek” in Marathi means “to rest” or “to take support.” Locals believe that Bhagwan Ram rested at this location during his Vanvas (exile), giving the place its name—Ramtek, or “the place where Ram rested.” However, another interpretation is shared by the current Pujari. According to this version, “Tek” also means “Sankalp” or “Pratigya” (resolution). Shri Ram is said to have resolved to protect the Rishis from any asuras who disturbed their Yagnas. He defeated one such asur on Tapogiri Parvat, the hill where the Mandir stands today. After the battle, he rested at a spot where his murti still remains. Ram had arrived at Tapogiri from Chitrakoot and, after staying here, continued to Panchavati Ashram in Nashik.

Ramtek is also believed to have been part of the Dandakaranya—the vast forest mentioned in the Ramayan. Over the centuries, the name of the hill evolved from Tapogiri to Sindhuragiri, and finally to Ramgiri. Coincidentally, it is said that the Rishi Agastya Muni was also present on Tapogiri Parvat during Shri Ram’s visit.

The Shri Shantinath Jain Mandir, located in Ramtek, is renowned for its spiritual significance, particularly due to the frequent visits of Acharya Shri Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj (1946–2024), a revered Indian Digambara Jain Acharya. He visited the Mandir nine times and observed Chaturmas here on five occasions. The oldest structure within the complex, the Shantinath Mandir, dates back to the 18th century.

According to locals, Raje Raghuji Bhonsale I—a Maratha general and the founder of the Nagpur branch of the Bhonsale Kingdom—once set out on an excursion into the forests near Ramtek. During a break for lunch, one of his ministers, a devout Jain, refused to eat before having darshan of his Ishta Dev (preferred deity). Concerned, Raje Raghuji dispatched spies to search the forest for a Jain murti. They soon discovered a murti of Shri Shantinath Bhagwan lying beneath a tree.

Upon learning of the discovery, Raje Raghuji and the minister visited the site. They identified the murti by the symbol of a hiran (deer), confirming it as that of Shri Shantinath Bhagwan. Attempts to relocate the murti to the residential part of Ramtek failed repeatedly. Interpreting this as a divine sign, Raje Raghuji ordered the construction of a Mandir at the very spot where the murti was found. This devsthan, now known as the Shantinath Mandir, remains a significant pilgrimage site for the Jain community.

Centuries later, in 1993, a Bhumi Pujan ceremony was held to mark the beginning of a new, grand Mandir: the Shri Ek Hazar Aath Chaubisi Panch Balayati Mandir, which was inaugurated in 2013. Architecturally impressive, it houses the murtis of all 24 Tirthankaras and features intricate carvings crafted by skilled artisans brought in from Rajasthan.

The Mandir opens daily at 6:00 am. However, visitors from other religions are permitted entry only between 12:00 pm and 5:00 pm; outside of these hours, entry is allowed only for Jains.

Sitabuldi Fort is located atop a hillock in central Nagpur city. It was built by the British after they captured the area from the Marathas during the Third Anglo-Maratha War. The fort marks the site of the historic Battle of Sitabuldi, where the East India Company defeated Appa Saheb Bhonsale, the Maratha ruler of Nagpur. This battle was a key turning point in the region’s history and laid the groundwork for the annexation of Nagpur into the British Empire in 1854.

The fort spans two hillocks—Badi Tekri (big hill) and Choti Tekri (small hill). According to local folklore, the name "Sitabuldi" traces its origins to two Yadava brothers, Shitlaprasad and Badriprasad Gawali, who ruled the area in the 17th century. The region was initially known as "Shitlabadri," which evolved into "Seetabuldee" under British rule, and eventually became "Sitabuldi" or "Sitabardi."

During colonial times, the British established the Nagpur Subsidiary Force at Sitabuldi. The northern side of the hillocks was leveled to build an arsenal for artillery and armaments. Other military units were stationed further north in what is now the Chhaoni (cantonment) area. The surrounding land was designated for tent lines, parade grounds, bazaars, hospitals, and stables for cavalry.

After the revolt of 1857, Nawab Kadar Ali and eight of his associates were executed by hanging from the fort’s ramparts for their involvement in the rebellion. They were buried in a common pit within the fort premises. Today, Sitabuldi Fort houses the Uttar Maharashtra and Gujarat (UMANG) Sub-Area Headquarters of the Indian Army.