Historical Monuments in Nagpur: Explore the City’s Rich Heritage and History
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Historical Monuments in Nagpur: Explore the City’s Rich Heritage and History
August 26, 2026
CBSE Schools
Nagpur is known as the “Orange City” and the geographical centre of India, but there is much more to this city with over 1700 years of history hidden beneath the surface. Every dynasty who has ruled this area of Nagpur and nearby or the Vidarbha region has constructed or left a monument in the memory. You will find forts and the stories behind. The area had witnessed the reign of the Vakataka dynasty to the powerful Bhonsle Marathas. Finally, the British ruled this area.
Now that you are on a tour and looking for historical monuments in Nagpur, here is the guide for you to know more about the must-see monuments, their history, their entry fees, timings and the best time to visit them. Choose from a selection of routes to suit a half day or even a full weekend!
Why Nagpur Deserves a Spot on Every Heritage Traveller's List
People are aware of the city for oranges and its prime location but few people realise that it was once the capital of the mighty Bhonsle dynasty and also a part of the Vakatka Empire, contemporaries of the Guptas. For the rest of the time under British rule, Nagpur was the capital of the Central Provinces and Berar and that is how the city is still dotted with colonial era structures built next to Maratha forts and Buddhist stupas.
This blend of the Maratha valour and colonial architecture, along with spiritual history makes the historical places in Nagpur worth visiting not only for the history lovers but anyone who is fond of walking through the living story.
Top Historical Monuments in Nagpur You Must Visit
Top historical monuments in Nagpur are listed below:
- Sitabuldi Fort – Maratha citadel and site of the 1817 Anglo-Maratha battle
- Deekshabhoomi – World’s largest hollow Buddhist stupa
- Zero Mile Stone – Marks the geographical centre of India
- Nagardhan Fort – Ancient Vakataka capital, later a Bhonsle stronghold
- Central Museum (Ajab Bangla) – One of India’s oldest museums, since 1863
- Ramtek Fort & Temple – Hilltop fort linked to the Ramayana and poet Kalidasa
- Bhonsle Chhatris, Shukrawari Lake – Royal memorials of the Bhonsle kings
- All Saints Cathedral – 1851 colonial-era church
- Bohra Mosque – Architectural landmark of the Dawoodi Bohra community
- Junapani Megalithic Stone Circles – Prehistoric burial site, 3,000+ years old
Let’s explore each of these famous monuments in Nagpur in more detail.
1. Sitabuldi Fort: The Heart of Nagpur's Military History
Sitabuldi Fort is in the central part of Nagpur and stands on twin hillocks (Badi Tekri and Choti Tekri) and is one of the most important of Nagpur’s ancient monuments. It was constructed by Mudhoji II Bhonsle (Appa Sahib) and it was the scene of the 3rd Anglo Maratha War Battle of Sitabuldi in 1817. Now under the control of the Indian Army, the fort is opened to the public primarily on national holidays and features war memorials and sweeping views of the city inside.
2. Deekshabhoomi: Where History and Spirituality Meet
The site is one of the oldest and most significant places in modern India — it was on 14 October 1956, that Dr. B.R. Ambedkar along with about 3.65 lakh people became a Buddhist in Deekshabhoomi. Today, the site is home to the Dhamma Chakra Stupa, a hollow Buddhist stupa, built after the inspiration of the Sanchi Stupa, and finished in 2001 after 23 years in construction.
3. Zero Mile Stone: India's Geographical Centre
While a short sandstone pillar may be insufficient to make a dramatic impression, the Zero Mile Stone is no exception as it is a very historical landmark. It was constructed by British during Great Trigonometrical Survey of India to measure distance between it and other major cities and it is still known to be the geographical centre of India. It is an easy, popular stop, because of its proximity to the metro station, and because of the small garden around it.
4. Nagardhan Fort: Nagpur's Oldest Layer of History
Nagardhan Fort is located about 40 km northeast of Nagpur near Ramtek, which is one of the oldest known settlements of the Vidarbha region with Nandivardhan as the capital of the Vakataka dynasty as far back as the 3rd–4th century CE. Raghuji Bhonsle I later did the reconstruction and fortification again around 1740 to protect Nagpur’s eastern boundary. The fort is square shaped, high walls, strong bastions, and underground temple to Goddess Durga in the old well inside the fort and secret escape passages.
5. Central Museum, Nagpur (Ajab Bangla): 160+ Years of Collected History
The Central Museum, Nagpur (Ajab Bangla) is a collection of over 160 years of collected history.
One of the oldest museums in India, this museum, popularly known as Ajab Bangla (“house of wonders”), was founded in 1863 by Sir Richard Temple, who was then the Chief Commissioner of the Central Provinces. It encompasses archaeology, geology, natural history and art, including dinosaur fossils, ancient inscriptions and Mughal and Maratha weapons, and has at times exhibited iconic pieces such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaja’s waghnakh in special exhibitions.
6. Ramtek Fort & Temple: Where Mythology Meets History
Ramtek Fort and Temple complex is located on a hilltop about 45km from Nagpur and was constructed by Raghuji Bhonsle in the 18th century – it is associated with the Ramayana and it is said that Lord Rama rested here during his exile. These hills are also believed to be the setting of Kalidasa’s famous work, Meghaduta, which also fits in well with the visit to nearby Nagardhan Fort.
7. Bhonsle Chhatris & Shukrawari Lake
The Bhonsle kings’ cenotaphs, or memorial stone slabs, are silent witnesses to Nagpur’s Maratha regal heritage, which lie to the south of the old city. This is one of the lesser-visited heritage sites of Nagpur near Shukrawari Lake and is a very peaceful heritage site one can enjoy without the hustle and bustle of the crowds.
8. All Saints Cathedral: A Glimpse of Colonial Nagpur
Built in 1851, Anglican All Saints Cathedral represents Nagpur’s time as the capital of the Central Provinces under British rule. Its 19th-century appearance is part of a group of 19th century architecture to be explored on a walk with the old High Court building and other colonial buildings in the western part of the city.
9. Bohra Mosque
This mosque, which features intricate architecture, plays a significant role in the life of Nagpur’s Dawoodi Bohra community and is also a site of community gatherings and ceremonies, including weddings. It is a notable example of Islamic architecture in the city.
10. Junapani Megalithic Stone Circles Nagpur’s Prehistoric Past
The stone circles at Junapani off Katol Road are some of the oldest and ancient monuments in Nagpur with the belief that these are prehistoric burial grounds which are over 3000 years old. These have been documented in about 150 stone circles, and are a monument of national importance protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Quick Comparison: Historical Places in Nagpur at a Glance
Monument | Era | Distance from City Centre | Ideal Visit Time |
Sitabuldi Fort | Maratha (18th–19th c.) | Central | Morning |
Deekshabhoomi | Modern (1956/2001) | ~5 km | Morning/Evening |
Zero Mile Stone | British colonial | Central | Anytime |
Nagardhan Fort | Vakataka & Maratha | ~40 km | Half-day trip |
Central Museum | British colonial (1863) | Central (Civil Lines) | Morning/Afternoon |
Ramtek Fort & Temple | Maratha (18th c.) | ~45 km | Full-day trip |
Bhonsle Chhatris | Maratha | Central | Evening |
All Saints Cathedral | British colonial (1851) | Central | Morning |
Bohra Mosque | 19th–20th century | Central | Anytime |
Junapani Stone Circles | Prehistoric | ~15 km | Morning |
Best Time to Visit Historical Places in Nagpur
Nagpur experiences hot summers, making October to March the ideal time to explore the tourist places in Nagpur on foot as the outdoor locations like Sitabuldi Fort, Nagardhan Fort and Ramtek are much more comfortable to stroll around. In the summer months, try visiting monuments in the morning or late afternoon, and turn to the museums for the hottest hours.
Tips for Exploring Nagpur's Heritage Sites
- Prefer those sites which are closer to each other: Sitabuldi Fort, Zero Mile Stone, the Central Museum, All Saints Cathedral can be covered in a day.
- Keep in mind Fort Sitabuldi is under army control and the fort is open to the public only on specific days as designated on national holidays i,e 15th august, 26th January and 1st May (Maharashtra Day).
- Bring water and easy to wear shoes, particularly for hilltop locations (Sitabuldi & Ramtek).
- You can hire a local guide if you are interested to know more about the place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
The beauty of a Nagpur heritage does not make itself known like in Agra or Jaipur — one has to look out for it. The moment you do, you’ll discover a city whose history has been much scarred by centuries of Vakataka kings, Maratha rulers and British administration. From the list of the monuments which make it interesting to know about the history of Nagpur and central India, one of the best ways to know how this city came to be the way it is would be to visit these historical monuments in Nagpur if you have any free time to spare, either during an afternoon or a full weekend.
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