Maharajbagh Zoo

Maharajbagh Zoo (the historic 19th century royal garden and zoological park built in 1894 by the Maratha rulers of the Bhonsle dynasty) in central Nagpur (celebrated globally across Maharashtra urban conservation, royal Maratha garden history, and botanical education as central India's oldest combined royal pleasure garden and wildlife sanctuary maintained by PDKV Agriculture University), world famous for its century old banyan and mahogany canopies, native central Indian wildlife enclosures, royal Bhonsle garden pavilions, and an intensely refreshing, deeply nostalgic urban park atmosphere), located in the heart of Nagpur in Maharashtra, stands as Nagpur's premier green heritage park.

Originally established as an exclusive leisure estate for the Bhonsle Maharajas, this sprawling green oasis in Sitabuldi now works as a beloved educational retreat and botanical center for families, school groups, and nature enthusiasts.

It's the home of native Indian leopards resting on wooden platforms, playful sloth bears, graceful blackbucks and spotted deer roaming expansive grassy enclosures, rare medicinal plant nurseries, and an intensely peaceful, deeply calming forest ambiance filled with the calls of peacocks, the rustle of giant rain trees, and the cool shade of ancient teak and tamarind groves.

It represents a rich Maharashtra Maratha royal garden heritage apex, Central Indian wildlife education, and urban ecotourism where historic Bhonsle pavilions, botanical research gardens, animal enclosures, and Nagpur city circuits unite in Maharajbagh Zoo.

Located in Sitabuldi along Amravati Road, it sits 2 km from Nagpur Junction Railway Station (NGP), 8 km from Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport (NAG), 1.5 km from Sitabuldi Fort, 1 km from Zero Mile Stone, and 4 km from Futala Lake, easily reached on foot, by auto rickshaw, or by metro.

The Bhonsle Royal Heritage & Century Old Trees

The park preserves historic stone pathways and heritage garden pavilions built by Maharaja Raghoji Bhonsle III, where the Maratha royal court held private summer gatherings and open air durbars.

Botanists and tree lovers can admire towering heritage trees over 130 years old, including giant baobabs, flowering mahuas, towering Indian cork trees, and rare medicinal herbs cultivated by the agricultural university.

Truth is, walking through the cool, shaded avenues of century old trees right in the buzzing commercial center of Sitabuldi feels like discovering a peaceful forest sanctuary.

Central Indian Wildlife & PDKV Agriculture Wing

Wildlife Enclosures: The zoo houses native fauna including Indian leopards, sloth bears, chital, sambar, nilgai, wild boars, marsh crocodiles, and an aviary featuring pheasants and parakeets.

PDKV Botanical & Nursery Section: Maintained by the Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, the agricultural complex features experimental horticultural farms, organic sapling nurseries, and agricultural training centers.

Maharajbagh & Central Nagpur Day Plan

The Nagpur Heritage & Nature Trail: Morning architectural visit to sacred Deekshabhoomi Stupa (8:30 AM to 10:15 AM) -> explore historic Sitabuldi Fort and Zero Mile Stone (10:30 AM to 12:00 PM) -> family visit to Maharajbagh Zoo and Botanical Gardens (12:15 PM to 2:30 PM: explore century old trees, view wildlife enclosures & visit agricultural nurseries) -> traditional Vidarbha lunch in Sitabuldi -> afternoon tour of Raman Science Centre or Japanese Rose Garden in Seminary Hills (3:30 PM to 5:30 PM) -> sunset stroll along Futala Lake promenade with illuminated fountain shows (6:00 PM to 7:45 PM).

Visiting Code & Safety: Teasing animals or throwing food into enclosures is strictly punishable; carry reusable water bottles; the park offers ample shaded seating benches for seniors and children.

After exploring the lush green grounds of Maharajbagh Zoo, visit Sitabuldi Fort, explore Deekshabhoomi, or tour Futala Lake.