Pune offers many historical spots worth seeing – read on for more!
Shahaji Bhosale built this palace for his wife Jijabai and son Shivaji in 1630; today it stands as one of the city’s most celebrated historical landmarks.
Here you’ll find intricately carved arches, cypress-shaped pillars, and more, making this location quite popular among both tourists and locals alike.
1. Shaniwar Wada
Shaniwar Wada in Pune is an iconic landmark. Constructed by Peshwa Bajirao I, this architectural marvel stands as a reminder of Maratha Empire. Unfortunately, much of it was lost due to an unexplained fire in 1828 but its remaining structures still serve as tourist spots today.
Nanasaheb Peshwa constructed this magnificent fort on stone foundation and designed it with high structural incentives, eventually culminating in its completion as a seven-storied palace with many rooms and halls. Near its entrance Nanasaheb built a beautiful garden named Chimanbaug which included water pools, flower gardens and painted Diwankhana creating a scenic ambience for all.
Bajirao I is memorialized in Shaniwar Wada by an equestrian statue that stands inside its walls, believed to still emanate the ghostly whispers he spoke during full moon nights of betrayal and redemption. Additionally, five doors make up this fort: Dilli gate, Khidki gate, Mastani door and Ganpati gate.
2. Vishrambaug Wada
Vishrambaug Wada in Pune is one of the city’s most significant historical places that transport you back in time. Built by Peshwa Baji Rao II in 1807 and taking six years to construct, Baji Rao chose Vishrambaug over Shaniwar Wada as his place of residence during his Maratha Empire tenure.
After the fall of Peshwa dynasty, this grand palace became prison. From 1930-1958 it housed various municipal offices. However, tourists continue to visit it due to its exquisite architectural beauty and designs.
Sadashiv Peth offers visitors an exclusive glimpse into Pune’s rich and colorful past through this 200-year-old traditional mansion, built for Sadashiv. Today it houses several government offices but most of it is still open for public viewing.
3. Shivneri Fort
Shivneri Fort stands as a testament to Maratha Empire grandeur and is also where Chhatrapati Shivaji Raje Bhosale (Shivaji Maharaj) was born. Built during 17th-century military fortifications are famed for having seven doors.
To reach this location, either drive to Junnar or take a bus until reaching the base of the fort. From there, climb approximately 500 steps to reach its summit.
Ambarkhana was a vast granary that could store food grains for long periods, and also housed twin underground water tanks known as Ganga-Jamuna cisterns. Additionally, Kadelot Point served as an important landmark, where criminals would be handcuffed and thrown off of the fort as punishment. There was also a temple dedicated to Goddess Shivai after whom Shivaji was named, along with Buddhist caves on its premises.
4. Tung Fort
Tung Fort or Kathingad Fort is one of the premier hill forts near Pune. Constructed prior to medieval era by Adil Shahi dynasty and later conquered by Maratha rulers, initially this fort served as watchtower for surrounding regions and was designed to house only 200 soldiers at once.
Fort Pawna is an ideal location for picnics and camping trips, situated close to Pawna Dam with three sides surrounded by back waters. However, access is difficult due to steep accents and rocky paths leading up to it.
This fort has an oval shape with thick walls. There are multiple citadels and a rocky staircase leading up to the remains of an ancient temple on top. Visible from within its walls are Lohagad, Tikona, Visapur and Korigad peaks as well as their silhouetted summits; making this an idyllic setting to camp throughout the day or night while enjoying stargazing!
