Nagpur sits right at the geographical center of India, making it a perfect starting point for unforgettable road journeys in every direction. From thrilling tiger reserves and peaceful hilltop temples to scenic lakes, ancient craters, and heritage destinations, there are countless places waiting to be explored around the city.
Whether you are planning long weekend drives or simply looking for relaxing local sightseeing in Nagpur, the region offers a perfect mix of nature, spirituality, wildlife, and cultural experiences. Every road trip from Nagpur brings a different charm, making the journey just as memorable as the destination itself.
Roads from Nagpur are generally good, the drives are easy to manage, and the freedom to stop at places that catch your eye, to take an unplanned detour and to stop for better-than-average dhaba food are all elements that make every kilometer worthwhile.
A weekend gateway from Nagpur can start from right here. Pick your direction, hire a cab with CabBazar, and let the road take you places.
Select your favorite road trip from Nagpur today.
Quick One-Day Road Trips (Under 50 km, 1–4 Hours)
These short drives are perfect when you just want to take a quick break from routine without too much planning. Whether you’re travelling with friends, family, or booking a one way cab in Nagpur, these trips offer scenic routes, relaxing vibes, and the comfort of being back home by dinner.
1. Ramtek
Distance: 45 km | Drive Time: 1 hour
One of the nicest day trips out of Nagpur, Ramtek is an old temple town on a hilltop where spiritual, literary and natural beauty are packed into one small and easily accomplished day. The Ramtek Temple complex (dedicated to Lord Rama, and supposedly the site where he rested on his journey to exile) is set high on a hillock, wooded with the Lord Rama Temple on the top, flanked by several smaller temples, tanks and peaceful ghauts (water steps). The great poet Kalidasa supposedly wrote his great poem Meghadūta here, providing an impressive literary aspect to the area. The hilltop provides fine views of the Vidarbha countryside, particularly enjoyable at sunrise. Ramtek goes wonderfully with a day at Khindsi Lake just around the corner.
Best Time to Visit: Year-round; October to March is most comfortable; Ram Navami for a festive atmosphere
2. Khindsi Lake
Distance: 75 km | Drive Time: 1.5 hours
Khindsi Lake is a huge and beautiful reservoir, sitting among low wooded hills close to Ramtek, and is one of the easiest and most enjoyable day-trips for families and friends from Nagpur. Because of the tranquility of the water, its shaded, tree-fringed banks, and all the entertainment possibilities available (boat rides, miniature amusement park, grassy picnic spots), it naturally became the designated spot for Nagpur's residents to congregate for weekend leisure. Getting to Khindsi, passing through the country scenery around Ramtek, is an enjoyable and easy journey. When taken in conjunction with a visit to one of Ramtek's temples, Khindsi makes a rewarding day out that can include cultural heritage as well as recreation without feeling at all rushed.
Best Time to Visit: October to March; July to September for post-monsoon greenery
3. Deekshabhoomi
Distance: Within Nagpur city (5 km from center)
Although actually in the city, Deekshabhoomi is the most important and profound stop on a Nagpur road trip and must feature on everybody's itinerary as an absolute number one. In this holy place, the huge and gorgeous white stupa, one of Asia's biggest, stands where on October 14th 1956, Dr B. R. Ambedkar converted to Buddhism, accompanied by about 600,000 followers, the largest mass religious conversion of the 20th century. Everything in the compound is very well looked after, and the feeling is solemn and peaceful. Each year in October, thousands upon thousands of people return to this holy place for Dhamma Chakra Pravartan Din; this constitutes one of the most magnificent public events in India. An incredibly touching and historically necessary drive, not far outside Nagpur.
Best Time to Visit: Year-round; October 14 for the annual Dhamma gathering
4. Chandrapur
Distance: 150 km | Drive Time: 2.5 to 3 hours
Chandrapur is a historic city and one of the most popular getaway destinations near Nagpur, especially for travelers heading towards Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve. Known as the gateway to Tadoba, Chandrapur offers a beautiful mix of heritage, spirituality, and wildlife experiences, making it a perfect day trip from Nagpur. The journey by Nagpur to Chandrapur cab is smooth and comfortable via NH-930, making the road trip enjoyable for families, couples, and wildlife lovers alike. While many travelers visit Chandrapur as a stop before their Tadoba safari, the city itself has enough attractions to make your trip memorable and worthwhile.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
For more places near Nagpur read: Places to See Near Nagpur.
Weekend Escape Road Trips (50–250 km)
These destinations are ideal for a one to two night getaway — giving you the depth to truly experience each place without any sense of rushing.
1. Wardha
Distance: 75 km | Drive Time: 1.5 hours
The most historically significant destination in Maharashtra is Wardha, which promises to be the most significant Nagpur to Wardha road trip you will ever take as someone fascinated by the freedom movement in India. The region is famous as the site of Sevagram Ashram, the home and workspace of Mahatma Gandhi for over a decade, through which he led the entire freedom movement. Gandhi’s room, the spinning rooms, prayer ground, and meeting rooms are just as they were at the time, and alongside this, a visit to nearby Vinoba Bhave’s Pawnar Ashram, and the Magan Sangrahalaya, a museum about rural development, makes it an experience that offers profound depth and purposeful yet quiet power. Wardha is indeed a place that every Indian needs to visit.
Must Visit: Sevagram Ashram, Vinoba Bhave Ashram, Magan Sangrahalaya, Gandhi Teertha
Season Tips: October to March; pleasant all day for outdoor exploration
2. Pench National Park
Distance: 80 km | Drive Time: 1.5 hours
Inspiration for Rudyard Kipling's Jungle Book, Pench is the nearest big tiger reserve to Nagpur and one of the best in the country. Mixed Teak and Sal forest along Pench River make it a vibrant ecosystem rich for tigers, leopards, wild dogs, gaur and hundreds of bird species. Safari during dawn with a silent forest and startling alarm calls of deer from undergrowth, and a tiger emerging from the bush are the most exhilarating experiences one can experience in Nagpur. Pench is a great day trip or a weekend wildlife escape through a combination of morning and evening safari.
Must Visit: Turia Gate and Karmajhiri Gate for safaris, Pench River viewpoints
Season Tips: October to June; February to May for peak sightings near water sources
3. Tadoba National Park
Distance: 150 km | Drive Time: 3 hours
The crown jewel of Maharashtra and frequently the best tiger viewing destination in all of India, Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is THE wildlife weekend road trip out of Nagpur. A mix of dry deciduous forest, lake environments and open grassland corridors yields phenomenal wildlife viewing, tiger and leopards are almost a given. Sloth bears, gaur, wild dogs and crocodiles are also relatively easy to spot. A weekend of morning and evening drives on each day in Tadoba is as good as wildlife weekends get anywhere in India. Safari jeeps and resort accommodation booked 2-3 weeks in advance for weekends is essential.
Must Visit: Moharli Gate and Kolsa Gate safaris, Tadoba Lake
Season Tips: November to May; February to April for peak tiger activity
4. Sevagram
Distance: 75 km | Drive Time: 1.5 hours
There's so much to be said for Sevagram, that it deserves its own section, separate from the overview of Wardha district - it's somewhere that operates on both a historical and an emotional level. This small, ordinary village was picked by Gandhi in 1936 precisely because it was so unremarkable - "I want to live with the most ordinary man in India." Walking around the ashram today, past the spartan huts and the mango trees Gandhi himself planted, the ordinariness of his life and the vast scale of what he accomplished from within it is quietly astonishing. Nagpur weekend drive to Sevagram is one of the most worthwhile introspective journeys one could make from the city.
Must Visit: Ba-Bapu Kuti (Gandhi's living quarters), Adi Niwas, the prayer ground
Season Tips: October to March; avoid peak summer afternoons
Getaway to Hill Stations (250–600 km)
Pack for two nights at minimum and head into the hills. These longer drives reward the adventurous with landscapes, cool air, and experiences that city life cannot replicate.
1. Pachmarhi
Distance: 280 km | Drive Time: 5.5 hours
Pachmarhi, known as the queen of the Satpura Hills, is one of the most beautiful hill station getaways from Nagpur. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is truly worth every kilometer of the journey, especially for travellers looking for nature, peace, and scenic mountain views. Surrounded by sandstone cliffs, lush forests, waterfalls, caves, and deep valleys, Pachmarhi offers the perfect escape from busy city life. For a smooth and comfortable journey, many travelers prefer booking a Nagpur to Pachmarhi taxi, making the trip relaxing while enjoying every beautiful stretch of the route.
Road Type: Via Chhindwara and Pipariya; good roads with scenic forest sections near the destination
Must Visit: Bee Falls, Dhoopgarh for sunrise, Jata Shankar, Handi Khoh
Best Season: October to May; June to August for dramatic monsoon mists and waterfalls; avoid peak monsoon road risks
2. Chikhaldara
Distance: 225 km | Drive Time: 4.5 hours
Chikhaldara is the only hill station in Maharashtra and also the state’s famous coffee-growing region, located at an altitude of around 1118 meters in the beautiful Satpura hills within the Melghat Tiger Reserve. The journey itself is one of the best parts of the trip, especially if you’re planning a Nagpur to Chikhaldara cab ride. As you travel from the flat plains of Vidarbha towards the dense forests of Amravati, the route slowly transforms into cool, misty hills with refreshing views all around. Don’t forget to try the local coffee and forest honey, which are quite popular here. If you’re lucky, you may also spot deer, colorful birds, and other wildlife during your drive through the reserve
Road Type: Via Amravati on NH-53; good highway to Amravati, then forest road to the hilltop
Must Visit: Gavilgarh Fort, Bhimkund, Hurricane Point, Semadoh Lake
Best Season: October to March for comfortable sightseeing; March to June as a summer escape from Nagpur's heat
3. Amarkantak
Distance: 400 km | Drive Time: 7.5 hours
Amarkantak is one of India’s most sacred pilgrimage sites-the origin of the Narmada, one of the seven holy rivers of Hinduism and arguably one of the most magically sacred & nature-rich hill station road trip from Nagpur, especially for those ready to make a longer drive. It’s at 1,048 meters on the junction of the Vindhya & Satpura range, and the forest plateau terrain surrounding the hill station has an almost eerie beauty about it. Visit sites like the Narmada Udgam Kund (where the river begins), Shri Yantra Mandir, Kapildhara falls, and Dugdhadhara falls; the nearby Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary for wildlife. Spend two nights to really sink in its sheer spiritual and natural brilliance.
Road Type: Via Jabalpur or Mandla; mostly a national highway with some scenic forest roads near the destination
Must Visit: Narmada Udgam Kund, Kapildhara Falls, Shri Yantra Mandir
Best Season: October to March; July to September for dramatic waterfalls
If you’re planning more such trips, you can also explore our guide on Best Holiday Destinations in India to Visit for more travel inspiration across the country.
Offbeat and Heritage Road Trips
Move beyond the familiar and explore routes that reveal extraordinary history, ancient science, and wildlife in forms that most travellers never discover.
1. Markanda Temple
Distance: 180 km | Drive Time: 3.5 hours
The Markanda Temple complex in Chhattisgarh is a collection of ancient Hindu temples (8 th-10 th Century AD) located on the quiet banks of the river Markanda. Built in the Nagara style of architecture, the group of Shiva, Vishnu and supporting temples contains superb carvings on their exteriors in the form of yakshis, apsaras, panels of deities, ornate bands and bands running across the surface of sandstone. The drive from Nagpur to Markanda takes you through the rural heartland of Gondwana, and you can take an in-depth and quiet tour of the temple in almost complete solitude. The Nagpur- Markanda journey presents a heritage road trip, giving one of central India's greatest instances of ancient temple architecture for the traveller ready to seek it.
Route and Tips: Via Bhandara and Gondia; good road. Combine with Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary for a full heritage and nature circuit. Best October to March.
2. Lonar Crater Lake
Distance: 170 km | Drive Time: 3 hours
Perhaps the most fascinating natural wonder in India from a scientific point of view, Lonar Crater Lake, as its name suggests, is a perfectly round lake created by a meteorite strike some 50,000 years ago (one of only four known hypervelocity impact craters to have formed in basaltic rock on Earth), whose waters are simultaneously saline and alkaline – supporting a colourful ecosystem of pink flamingos, crocodiles and even a vibrant green algal bloom that tinges the lake an emerald green color. The edge of the crater is adorned with some ancient Hindu temples, and it's a gorgeous descent through the forest down to the lake itself. From Nagpur, Lonar is undoubtedly one of the most truly bizarre offbeat road trips one could make.
Route and Tips: Via Buldhana on NH-361; good road for most of the route. Arrive early morning for the best light on the lake. Best from October to February.
3. Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary
Distance: 155 km | Drive Time: 3 hours
Nagzira is a forest sanctuary with fantastic natural beauty, a true wild feel, and with fewer crowds than Pench & Tadoba, it offers unparalleled intimacy and solitude. The pretty Nagzira Lake at the core of the sanctuary is bordered by thick teak forest, which attracts animals at dawn and dusk for some of Vidarbha's most spectacular nature shots. The reserve is home to Tigers, leopards, sloth bears, wild dogs and gaur, as well as a spectacular collection of bird species. The road journey from Nagpur, for once wild rather than themed, and quite one of the finest in central India.
Route and Tips: Via Bhandara and Sakoli; good road. Book forest rest house accommodation in advance through the Forest Department. Best October to April.
4. Bor Wildlife Sanctuary
Distance: 65 km | Drive Time: 1.5 hours
The new tiger reserve in Maharashtra, Bor is a lovely and compact wildlife sanctuary. One gets a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the bigger reserves with the safari experience at this smaller park. The Bor reservoir is at the heart of the sanctuary, a great draw for wildlife, and jeep safaris through the teak forest regularly yield sightings of tiger, leopard, wolf and crocodile. The drive from Nagpur is easy and the whole experience, from entering the reserve to a full safari and driving back to Nagpur can be finished within one day. A great and easy offbeat road trip from Nagpur for wildlife lovers.
Route and Tips: Via Wardha Road on NH-361; straightforward drive. Book safaris in advance through the Maharashtra Forest Department. Best October to April.
Road Trip Planning Tips
These practical Nagpur road trip tips will help you prepare for every journey with confidence and ease.
Start your journey very early in the morning: Weekends see traffic build up fast from early morning onwards on roads out of Nagpur towards Tadoba, Pench, and Wardha. If you are starting at between 5:30 to 6:00 AM, you beat the traffic, ensure reaching wildlife parks in time for the morning safari slot and maximizes the time spent in heritage sites in the cooler morning hours. Early start also makes the ghat drives to Chikhaldara and Pachmarhi safe during full daylight.
Check weather and road condition before heading out: Check the weather forecast and local road conditions before undertaking a trip towards Chikhaldara, Pachmarhi, Amarkantak, or forest routes during the monsoon season. Ghat roads and forest tracks turn dangerous during torrential downpours. Route updates are available in real-time on Google maps and the highway authorities for Maharashtra and MP.
Carry sufficient snacks, water bottles and power banks: Pack a few water bottles, some dry snacks and a charged power bank when planning a road trip. Mobile signals drop significantly in the forest regions (Pench, Nagzira, Bor) and on less frequented secondary roads and fuel stops are far and few. Also, carrying a basic first aid kit is advisable.
Keep cash readily available for toll plazas and local vendors: While FastTag works perfectly for all National Highway toll plazas, most wildlife parks require cash payment for the entry fee, permission passes are bought at wildlife park counters. Dhabas, souvenir shops along with religious trust and temple donation boxes are cash driven. Keeping between ₹500-1000 in small notes ready will help you all along.
Service your car before long trips: Service your car (tires, brakes, engine oil, coolant, gearbox etc.) before undertaking any road trip above 200 kms particularly to hill station destinations like Pachmarhi, Amarkantak or Chikhaldara, where high stresses are put on the brakes and gearbox.
Use navigation apps to know your way and nearby refuelling stops: Download your route before heading out on Google Maps or Maps.me, as there may be regions on less traveled route to Nagzira and Markanda where you may face connectivity issues. It also helps update you on real-time regarding diversions, road closures and indicates the nearest fuel stops available in your direction of travel.
Hire a CabBazar cab for a reliable and comfortable ride: If you prefer a reliable and comfortable ride with a professional driver over self-driving, hire a cab from CabBazar. They provide economical cabs with professionally verified drivers to all major cities, wildlife and tourist destinations across all the routes mentioned above, including the hill stations of Chikhaldara and Pachmarhi. You can book a cab from the CabBazar platform to any location in Nagpur.
For more read: 10 Tips for Budget- Friendly Travel in India
Sample Road Trip Itineraries
One-Day Trip: Nagpur → Ramtek → Khindsi Lake → Return
6:30 am: Leave Nagpur and head for Ramtek (45km, ~ 1 hour). Get to the hill-top temple complex for a quiet visit, away from the late-day heat and the bustle. Look around the main Rama temple and the smaller shrines, as well as the various ponds - allow 1.5 to 2 hours.
10:00 am: Short 15-minute drive from Ramtek to Khindsi Lake. Try hiring a paddle boat on the calm, clean waters, or just walk the shaded tree lines by the lakeside- enjoy the green environs and take a local snack at a stall along the way; you can't go wrong with poha, chai, and a simple fried snack.
1:00 pm: Drive back from Khindsi to Nagpur. Stop at a good, local dhaba on the way back for a hearty meal, authentic Vidarbha style - varhadi chicken ( spicy chicken curry) or plain dal bhaat are recommended.
3:30 PM: Arrive back in Nagpur comfortably, with an afternoon to spare. A complete, unhurried, and deeply rewarding day that costs almost nothing and delivers genuine historical and natural experience.
Weekend Trip: Nagpur → Pachmarhi (Stay) → Sightseeing → Return
Day 1 - Departure: Depart Nagpur early at 5.00 AM by Chhindwara on route NH-347 and NH-30 ( 5.5 hrs to reach it ). Breakfast stop at Chhindwara at a local restaurant ( known for its Poha and Jalebi ). Road is getting scenic and surrounding becomes thick Satpura forest as you proceed. Check in at the hotel/resort at Pachmarhi around noon and post lunch visit Bee falls ( three-tiered spectacular falls at walking distance of a small forest trail ), Pandav Caves ( a series of rock-cut caves, believed to be a refuge to Pandavas ). Night stay at Pachmarhi.
Day 2 - Sightseeing and Departure: Wake up early in the morning and reach at Dhoopgarh (the highest point of the Satpura range ) before dawn and enjoy a magical sunrise. The view of plateau, forest and valley below as they catch the first rays of the sun is mesmerising. After breakfast, visit Jata Shankar Cave (a famous shrine of Shiva situated in a rock gorge) and Handi Khoh (an awe-inspiring 300m deep forest-clad gorge ). Start journey back to Nagpur by 1.00 PM and reach by 6.30 to 7.00 PM. Relax, recharge and get excited for the next Nagpur weekend hill trip!!
Wildlife Escape: Nagpur → Pench National Park → Safari → Overnight Stay → Return
Day 1: Departure from Nagpur and Evening safari: By 2 PM, you will depart from Nagpur to reach Pench (about 80 km, 1.5 hrs). Check in to your jungle resort/lodge close to Turia/ Karmajhiri gate. By 4 pm, join for an evening jeep safari; late afternoon sunlight in the forest is very beautiful, and it is at this time of day (when it becomes cool) that carnivore activity picks up pace. Head back to your resort for dinner- most lodges in Pench provide lovely Maharashtrian and Madhya Pradesh cuisine under the stars.
Day 2: Morning safari and departure: Wake up early at 5 am to join your morning safari. This is the best time of day to explore the jungle. You will experience mist over the river, alarm calls and the frantic chatter of langurs jumping high into trees, and you will get to see the tiger walk across the track in full morning light. You will have breakfast back at your resort post the safari and check out from the lodge by 10 am. Depart for Nagpur with memories from your wildlife sojourn that will long outlast the time taken to travel back.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the best tour packages from Nagpur for family vacations?
Families travelling from Nagpur usually prefer destinations like Pench National Park, Chikhaldara, and Tadoba National Park. These places offer a nice mix of nature, sightseeing, and relaxation for all age groups.
2. Which destinations are ideal for road trips from Nagpur during weekends?
For short weekend drives, places like Ramtek, Khindsi Lake, and Pench National Park are great choices. These routes are scenic and perfect for a refreshing, safe road trip from Nagpur.
3. What are the top options for a one day trip from Nagpur?
If you’re planning a quick one-day outing, destinations like Ramtek and Khindsi Lake are easy to cover. They offer peaceful surroundings and are ideal for a short break from city life.
4. How can I choose the right travel package based on my budget and preferences?
Start by deciding what kind of trip you want—wildlife, hills, adventure, or relaxation. Comparing stay options, travel distance, and whether you prefer a cab or self drive from Nagpur can help you find the right package within your budget.
5. What are some offbeat destinations near Nagpur worth exploring?
If you want to avoid crowded tourist spots, you can explore Bor Wildlife Sanctuary or nearby rural escapes around Nagpur. These places offer a peaceful experience close to nature.
6. Is it safe to travel solo to nearby tourist places from Nagpur?
Yes, many nearby destinations are quite safe for solo travellers, especially popular tourist spots and wildlife areas. Just make sure to plan properly, travel during the daytime, and follow basic safety precautions for a comfortable trip.
7. What is the best time of year to plan trips around Nagpur?
The best time to travel from Nagpur is usually between October and March. The weather remains pleasant, making road journeys and sightseeing much more enjoyable.
8. Are there any eco-friendly or nature-focused travel options near Nagpur?
Absolutely! Places like Pench National Park and Tadoba National Park are perfect for eco-tourism lovers. These destinations let you enjoy wildlife and natural beauty responsibly.
9. What essentials should I carry while planning a short getaway from Nagpur?
Carry light and comfortable clothing, water bottles, snacks, chargers, ID proofs, and basic medicines. If you’re planning a self drive from Nagpur, keep your driving documents and emergency essentials handy too.
10. How can I find affordable deals and discounts on travel bookings from Nagpur?
Booking your stay and travel in advance usually helps you get better prices. Choosing weekdays instead of peak weekends can also help you save money while planning a smooth safe road trip from Nagpur.
From serene lakes, historic temple hills to thrilling tiger safari and cool Satpura hill station; there are plenty of mind-blowing road trips you can undertake from Nagpur. The centrality of Nagpur ensures that each route taken is truly phenomenal- and road trips from Nagpur never fail to etch memories on the soul more than planned tours.
Whether it's a short weekend drive to Ramtek and Khindsi, or a longer expedition to Pachmarhi’s forests and waterfalls, road trip plans from Nagpur range as far and wide as the terrain around it. The roads are calling, and the adventures await; and while road trips from Nagpur, each of the trips remains special forever.
Then start your road trip from Nagpur by booking a cab from CabBazar and begin another enthralling journey of a lifetime. The very heart of India can never be this accessible and explored before.
