The sweltering heat of May did little to curb our excitement as we boarded the Duronto Express from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSTM) on the evening of 22nd May 2025. Our destination: Nagpur, a city known not only for its oranges but also its blend of spiritual, cultural, and ecological richness. After a restful overnight journey, we reached Nagpur Station the next morning—just 15 minutes behind schedule. The city greeted us with warmth, both in weather and in welcome.

Day 1: Local Exploration and Spiritual Trails (23rd May)

We checked into Hotel Regal, a neat and conveniently located hotel near the station. The rooms were airy and comfortable, offering much-needed rest after the train journey.

Once refreshed, we headed to Uttar Dakshin, a bustling South and North Indian restaurant. The ambience was cheerful, decorated with regional art, and the aroma of ghee, sambhar, and masalas wafted through the air. The crispy masala dosa and piping hot idlis, served with coconut chutney and tangy sambhar, made for a hearty start to our day.

Our local sightseeing began with the Swaminarayan Temple in Nagpur. Built in classic white marble with ornate carvings, this temple radiated peace and divinity. The intricate sculptures, lotus motifs, and golden spires added a touch of grandeur to the spiritual atmosphere.

Next, we visited Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Punya Bhoomi—a memorial marking the place where he embraced Buddhism. The site is deeply significant for followers of Ambedkarite philosophy. A tall statue of Dr. Ambedkar, surrounded by well-maintained lawns and quotations from his writings, made this a place of reflection and reverence.

We then paid our respects at a modest yet popular Ganesh Temple, known for its vibrant orange idol of Lord Ganesha. The temple was small but spiritually potent, drawing in devotees with its rhythmic chants and fragrant incense.

In the afternoon, we visited a Mini Zoo, located near the city center. Though small in size, it was home to several species of deer, monkeys, and exotic birds, making it a pleasant visit for nature lovers.

Next came the Nagpur Science Centre near the station—an engaging destination for curious minds. With interactive exhibits on robotics, human anatomy, energy conservation, and astronomy, the center offered a fun and educational break. Children and adults alike were engrossed in the hands-on experiments and 3D planetarium shows.

As the evening set in, we traveled about 8 kilometers to the Balasaheb Thackeray Gorewada International Zoo, an ambitious conservation park. Spread over a large area, the zoo is designed to simulate natural habitats. We walked along shaded trails, spotting deer, langurs, and birds, while the serene lake inside the park reflected the golden hues of sunset.

Before returning, we stopped by the Dr. Ambedkar Granthalay, a quiet and scholarly space dedicated to Ambedkar’s writings. The collection of books, letters, and photographs offered a glimpse into the intellectual legacy of this great leader.

Day 2: Jungle Thrills at Tadoba and Flavours of Vidarbha (24th May)

After breakfast, we set out for a much-anticipated safari at Tadoba National Park, entering through the Pauni Gate at Umbed. The journey itself was scenic as we drove through fields and villages, stopping first at the Taj-ud-Din Dargah, a revered Sufi shrine. The Dargah’s large domes and serene courtyards were filled with pilgrims offering prayers. The atmosphere was spiritual, quiet, and grounded in centuries of faith.

By 3:30 PM, we reached the Pauni Gate, one of the newer entrances to Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve. After a short briefing, we boarded our open-air safari jeep and entered the forest. The ride began gently, but the terrain soon became rugged—a thrilling roller-coaster-like trail through thick jungle.

The forest was alive with sights and sounds—spotted deer grazing, peacocks dancing, and colorful birds flitting between trees. Suddenly, news crackled over the wireless: a leopard had been spotted. Our driver picked up speed, navigating bumpy paths with agility. Soon, we reached the spot where several jeeps had gathered. There it was—a leopard, graceful and majestic, perched calmly on a rock. Silent gasps of awe filled the air. Leopards are elusive, and seeing one was like winning a wildlife lottery.

As if that weren’t enough, further down the trail we were stunned to witness a tigress with three cubs. The tigress, regal and alert, moved protectively through the tall grass as her cubs frolicked behind. Time seemed to freeze. This rare and intimate encounter with the wild was the highlight of our trip.

We returned, our hearts still pounding with excitement, and stopped at Sawarji Umed Shahu Dhaba, a popular roadside eatery. The Nagpuri-style thali—featuring spicy chicken gravy, fragrant rice, bhakri, and tangy pickles—was rustic, flavorful, and deeply satisfying after the jungle adventure.

Day 3: Mythology and Temples at Ramtek (25th May)

On our final day, we visited the historic town of Ramtek, located around 50 km from Nagpur. The hilltop Ram Temple, believed to have been visited by Lord Rama during his exile, offered panoramic views of the surrounding region. The temple architecture was a blend of ancient carvings and modern additions, echoing legends from the Ramayana.

Locals narrated stories of Gajodhar, believed to have divine origins in the region, and made references to the Mahabharata, linking the geography with mythology. The rich oral history added depth to our visit, transporting us into the epic past.

While returning, we stopped at Kurad village to visit the Mahalakshmi Temple—a peaceful shrine nestled among mango orchards and narrow village roads. The temple was simple yet revered, with locals offering prayers and flowers to the goddess.

Back in Nagpur by late afternoon, we made a final stop at the Nagpur Science Museum, revisiting exhibits we had missed. It had a similar layout to the Mumbai Science Centre, with additional displays focused on local geography and wildlife. It was a fitting end to a journey that had combined knowledge, nature, and spirituality.

As twilight descended, we boarded our return train to Mumbai, tired but fulfilled.

A Journey of Many Shades

Our Nagpur trip was not just a vacation—it was a collage of wildlife wonders, historical insights, spiritual awakenings, and flavorful food. From the stillness of the forests to the chants of ancient temples, from the leopard’s gaze to the priest’s blessings, every moment added a unique hue to our travel story.

We returned not just with photos and souvenirs, but with stories etched in memory—of a city that surprised us, engaged us, and welcomed us wholeheartedly.