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Whether you’re a tourist or a local in a city, the idea of a picnic is quite fun, no? And, picnicking in Nagpur is an even better idea thanks to the endless picnic spots in the city. Nearby, you can head to one of the best tiger reserves in Maharashtra or keep it simple by simply snacking by a lake in Nagpur. Afterall, there are about 11 lakes in Nagpur! But whatever your idea of picnic may be, be sure to carry snacks because what is a picnic without them, right?
Maharashtra’s third largest city has a lot to offer. From the most adventurous wildlife encounters in Maharashtra to the most unique street food, and the quietest lakesides. Nagpur’s best places offer a relaxing experience that anyone would love. So, bookmark this post and hop to one of the picnic spots in Nagpur to truly unwind.
Relaxing picnic spots in Nagpur
1. Ambazari Lake
Deriving its name from ‘Amba’ (mango in Marathi), Ambazari Lake is a beautiful artificial lake located in Nagpur, Maharashtra. One of Nagpur’s tourist places that’s also popular amongst locals, you can enjoy the peaceful surroundings, take a leisurely walk around the lake, or just sit by the water and relax. Built in 1870 as a reservoir for the city, the lake is surrounded by lush green trees and has a garden around with numerous walking paths and benches, perfect to sit and enjoy the view. There is also a small boating area where visitors can rent a boat and go for a leisurely ride around the lake. It’s a prime picnic spot in Nagpur where you can birdwatch, eat from the stalls around and have a relaxing day. Littering is strictly prohibited here, so ensure you contribute towards keeping this lake in Nagpur clean.
How to reach: Take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw from any part of the city. The lake is open to the public from sunrise to sunset, and there are no entry fees.
2. Telankadi Lake
A picnic spot near Nagpur, Telankadi Lake is a natural lake that’s surrounded by lush greenery, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers and picnic enthusiasts. Located about 25 kms from the city centre, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the banks of the lake, take in the stunning views, and snap some pictures. Bring a picnic lunch and relax on the grassy banks, or go fishing in the lake, it’s truly a picnic spot in Nagpur you would love to visit again. This lake in Nagpur is home to a variety of fish, making it a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts. There’s also an aquarium that you can visit and learn about the marine biodiversity in Nagpur, Maharashtra. If you’re running out of things to do at this touristy place, visit the Shree Datt Mandir and Shree Swaminarayan Mandir nearby. Keep in mind that there are no facilities or amenities available at the site. So, it’s best to bring your own water and snacks, and to respect the natural surroundings by not littering or damaging the environment.
How to reach: Take a taxi or a local bus from Nagpur city. There are no specific timings to visit the lake, and it is open all day.
3. Shukrawari Lake
Nagpur has 11 lakes in and around it. And Shukrawari Lake, which is yet another picnic spot in Nagpur, is a man-made lake in the heart of the city and is one of Nagpur’s tourist attractions as well. For an ideal picnic, fit by the banks of the lake, take a leisurely stroll around, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. If you are feeling adventurous, you can also hire a boat and go out on the lake. Several food stalls and small shops are around this lake in Nagpur, so you can grab a snack or buy souvenirs. The lake is also a popular spot for picnics and family outings, so you can bring a picnic basket and spend a relaxing day by the lake. But make sure to wear comfortable shoes, as the lake is quite large and you might want to take a long walk around it.
How to reach: You can take a taxi or hire a car from any part of Nagpur. The lake is open to visitors all day, every day, and there is no specific timing to visit.
Historic picnic spots in Nagpur
4. Ramtek
For a one-day picnic spot near Nagpur, Ramtek is known for its beautiful temple of Lord Rama, which is one of the oldest temples in the region. Situated on a hilltop, offering breathtakingly beautiful views of the surrounding landscape, Ramtek is also one of Nagpur’s tourist places. And, it is a popular place of worship for both Hindus and Jains, where you can witness a lot of devotees visiting the temple throughout the day. Apart from the temple, you can also visit the nearby forest for a birdwatching tour in the forest to explore the natural beauty of the region. Keep in mind that when you’re visiting Ramtek, dress modestly and follow the rules and regulations of the temple. It is also advisable to carry water and snacks with you as the town is quite small and there are limited options for food and drinks.
The temple is open from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
How to reach: Take a train from Nagpur and get off at Ramtek Railway Station. The town is also well-connected by road, so you can hire a taxi or take a bus from Nagpur.
5. Adasa
This is a picnic spot near Nagpur that’s perfect for those who prefer a spiritual trip. One of Nagpur’s best places to explore ancient temples, the village gets its name from the famous Ganesh temple here, which is also one of the prime attractions. While Adasa could pass off as a land of ancient temples, the Ganesh temple is one of the eight Ashtavinayak temples in Vidarbha, owing to the gigantic idol that sits here. You can also visit the nearby Vithoba temple, which is only 2 kilometers away, and take a stroll around the banks of the Bhima River. The best time to visit Adasa is during the monsoons or winters, as Nagpur’s summers can be unbearably hot.
The Ganesh temple is open from 6am. to 9pm
How to reach: Take a private taxi and drive to Adasa; it will take you a little more than an hour to reach as Adasa is roughly 50km away from the city centre.
Adventurous picnic spots near Nagpur
6. Pench Tiger Reserve
One of Nagpur’s best places, the Pench Tiger Reserve is a popular wildlife destination and serves as an ideal picnic spot near Nagpur, Maharashtra. Known for its diverse biodiversity, over 250 species of birds and numerous species of mammals, including the majestic Bengal Tiger, this tiger reserve in Maharashtra is a picnic spot in Nagpur you must-visit. The reserve is also home to a variety of trees, including teak, bamboo, and sal, and is a popular spot for birdwatching and wildlife photography. If you want to extend your picnic and turn it into a vacation, there are several accommodation options available within the reserve, ranging from luxury resorts to basic guest houses. It is advisable to book in advance as the reserve can get quite busy during peak season. The reserve is open all year round, with the best time to visit being from November to June when the weather is pleasant and the animals are more active. The reserve has a number of safari options, including jeep safaris, elephant safaris, and boat safaris, which allow visitors to get up close and personal with the wildlife.
How to reach: Hire a taxi from Nagpur or take a local bus to Pench Tiger Reserve. The drive will take you approximately one and a half hour.
7. Navegaon National Park
Spend the weekend in the wild at the Navegaon National Park near Nagpur, Maharashtra. A protected wildlife sanctuary that is home to a variety of species including tigers, leopards, deer, and various bird species, the national park is the ideal adventurous picnic spot near Nagpur. There are various activities to do when visiting Navegaon National Park, including nature walks, bird watching, and jeep safaris. You can also take part in various conservation efforts in the park, such as planting trees and participating in clean-up campaigns. Ensure you hire a local guide for a more informative and safe experience. And, book your stay at one of the jungle lodges near the park. The park is open to visitors from morning until evening, with timings varying depending on the season. But we recommend taking a tour in the morning, as the wildlife is more active at this time.
How to reach: Hire a private cab from Nagpur to drive you to the national park. It’s well connected by road, and the drive is about three and a half hours long.
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