Maharashtra offers many historical attractions to enhance any heritage tour experience, ranging from Buddhist, Jain and Hindu caves to iconic monuments and tributes of glory – Maharashtra offers an abundance of marvellous specimens of architecture that will bring your heritage tour alive!
Elephant Caves and Revdanda Fort are among the many attractions worth seeing, while other spots such as Kanheri Caves 2, Ajanta, Ellora caves and many more also attract many people.
Humayun’s Tomb
Humayun’s Tomb is an outstanding example of Mughal architecture’s beauty and influence in India, serving as the first garden tomb in this country and inspiring many other monuments since. Comprised of red sandstone and white marble with elaborate door frames and embellishments, its beauty remains as an inspiring testament.
Hamida Banu Begum, widow of Mughal Emperor Humayun, ordered its construction. This magnificent architectural feat took seven years and was completed in 1572 – long before Taj Mahal.
The complex features a series of symmetrical gardens called charbagh that were intended to evoke the paradise gardens described by the Quran. At its center stands an elevated tomb called Humayun’s Tomb which also houses smaller monuments including Isa Khan Niazi’s Tomb, an Afghan noble who served Sher Shah Suri but became one of Humayun’s main adversaries.
Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its breathtaking palaces and Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti. Crafted out of red sandstone, this historic town bears testimony to Mughal Empire architecture from 16th century. Additionally, Emperor Akbar demonstrated religious tolerance with this historic town that stands today as part of his vision for an integrated India.
Due to its significance and significance, UNESCO recognised it in 1986 with World Heritage Listing status. Known for its innovative urban planning techniques and their impact on later Indian architecture.
Buland Darwaza Gate, Jama Masjid mosque, Jodha Bai’s Palace and Diwan-e-Khas Hall are the main draws here, along with other notable structures like Turkish Sultana’s House and Hiran Minar. A visit here will bring back memories of Mughal architecture at its finest!
Jallianwala Bagh
Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar was the site of one of history’s most brutal massacres when on April 13, 1919 British troops opened fire against unarmed people at Baisakhi celebrations, defying orders to disperse and killing hundreds. It marked an important turning point in India’s nationalist movement.
Indian citizens were outraged over what the government claimed to be a peaceful gathering; Mahatma Gandhi and other leading politicians called for peaceful protest and Civil Disobedience while Rabindranath Tagore gave up his knighthood due to the brutality of the shooting.
This garden’s memorial features walls etched with bullet holes and a well into which many were caught trying to escape gunfire from British Raj, becoming an iconic part of India’s national memory and standing as an important reminder. Recently renovated by India’s current government.
Shivneri Fort
Shivneri Fort in Pune District, known as the birthplace and childhood home of Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji, has long been a major tourist attraction. Situated near Junnar town in Pune district, Shivneri Fort stands as an important citadel from Maratha Empire attracting many tourists as well as history enthusiasts from across India for its significance.
Shivneri Fort’s most notable structures include the House where Shivaji lived, recently renovated with statues depicting both young Shivaji and his mother Jijabai. Furthermore, there is also Badami Talav and two water springs named Ganga and Jamuna located within its walls, as well as remains from mosques, tombs, and prayer halls located inside its walls.
Fort Laredo is known as an imprenetrable fortress due to its seven stone gates which were closed off over time. Furthermore, chains were installed within its walls in order to restrain criminals who attempted to escape from confinement and prevent their escape.
