Must Visit Historical Places in ‘Queen of Deccan’ Pune!

Many children hate their history lectures because you need to keep so many dates in mind, whereas many are history lovers! Pune, also known as ‘Queen of Deccan’ or ‘Poona’ (the old name of Pune), this city is a enriching cultural capital of the Maratha people along with this, the city hides a lot of historical stories in its arms; indeed, this is a place for a person who has a very keen interest in experiencing or knowing history in deep! 

Maharashtra has a lot of historical monuments within, and as speaking about places in Pune, there are plenty of historical sites in Pune as well, students from Mumbai, Pune and nearby areas in Maharashtra are taken on school trips to these historical monuments in Pune to learn about the rich history of Maharashtra and experience it! 

Pune has some of the best historical architecture that one can witness in their forts and palaces, these beautiful forts way back had the chaos of Kings and Queens, and even now it is standing strong for people to witness the beautiful smell of history!

Let’s check out some famous and important historical places in Pune! 

1) Shaniwar Wada Fort

When it comes to talking about some important historical monuments of Pune, we cannot miss Shaniwar Wada at any cost! It was built in 1732, and the architecture is a mixture of Mughal and Maratha style, a fort soaked in the beautiful history of Maharashtra. Shaniwar Wada fort has five gates: Delhi Darwaza (Main Gate), Mastani Darwaza, Khidki Darwaza, Ganesh Darwaza and Jambhul Darwaza or Narayan Darwaza. This fort is India’s only fort to have its Main Gate facing Delhi! Moreover, it has beautifully carved architects inside the fort! These forts of Pune has a rich history and are one of the best historical monuments of Maharashtra!

Time to visit:  Fort is open from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM every day for visitors. 

When are you planning to witness this rich culture?

2) Sinhagad Fort

Sinhagad Fort, which means ‘Fort of Lion’, is a hill fortress southwest of the city of Pune. This historical monument in Pune is built around 2000 years ago. It is also one of the best historical places to visit in India, this fort has witnessed many battles, and one of the famous battles in history is the Battle of Sinhagad in 1670. It is situated at an elevation of 760 meters from ground level and 1320 meters above sea level. This fort has two gates. One is Kalyan Darwaza, and another is Pune Darwaza. Being one of the most famous historical monuments, one can witness the best scenery and enjoy the breathtaking view of the surrounding! 

Time to visit: Fort is open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, every day for visitors!

Go and witness the best historical place and the remains of beautiful history! 

3) Lohagad Fort

Lohagad Fort is another fort that plays a vital role in the history of Pune. Once you reach the top of the fort, it is surrounded by breathtaking scenery. During the rainy season, many trekkers come there to enjoy their favourite adventure at one of the most important historical places in Pune, Lohagad Fort. This massive fort has four gates- Ganesha Darwaza, Narayan Darwaza, Maha Darwaza and Hanuman Darwaza; one can check the finest carving inside the fort, which never feels old! 

Time to Visit:  Fort is open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day for visitors!

So one can plan their beautiful historical trek accordingly! 

4) Shivneri Fort

Shivneri Fort is one of the must-visit historical places in Pune; it holds an important place in the history of Maharashtra as it is the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj also there is a Badami Talav (Pond) in the middle of the fort, which adds up to its beauty, apart from that the statues of young Shivaji Maharaj and his mother Jijamata embellish the interior of the fort!  

Time to visit: Fort is open from 7 AM to 6 PM; every day

Plan to visit this beautiful historical place as soon as possible. 

5) Lal Mahal 

Lal Mahal is one of the other important historical monuments of Maharashtra. This Mahal was constructed by Shahaji Bhosale, the father of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and it is also one of the historical landmarks in Pune. The architecture, unlike other monuments, is marvellous, entirely constructed using red bricks, and it is located in the centre of Pune city. One can visit this beautiful Mahal to experience the smell of beautiful history that Peshwa’s are known for! 

Time to visit: You can visit it from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM every day! 

6) Shinde Chhatri 

Shinde Chhatri is one of the other important places in Pune, and it is a memorial built to honour Maratha Leader Mahadji Shinde; it is an 18th-century memorial that is one of the oldest monuments of Pune. It has beautiful carvings that beautify the walls and exalted Iron Gate. In addition, there is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva inside the premises, known to be built by Mahadji Shinde himself. 

Time to visit: It is open every day from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM 

7) Pataleshwar Cave Temple

 The Pataleshwar cave temple is one of the ancient historical monuments of Pune, and it was constructed in the 8th century, carved out of one single basalt rock that still stands strong after so many years! Isn’t it mind-boggling! There are different carvings done on the cave walls, which will leave you awestruck! This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and many devotees visit here to experience the beautiful historical aura of this place. 

Time to visit: One can visit this place from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM 

Add it to your Must visit places checklist and plan your trip to Pune accordingly!

8) Nana Wada 

Nana Wada a mansion that is one of the most important historical places in Maharashtra near Vasant Theatre in Pune. This mansion is spread across a 20,000 sq ft area and was built by Nana Phadnavis. If we talk about the architecture, then this wada is made of sagwan (teak) wood and has wooden railings, and timber ceiling also has intricate carving on ceiling and walls. Moreover, this mansion has a massive Diwankhana (courthouse or audience hall) and is built with black polished wood, till the day it remains solid and undamaged! 

Timings: It opens at 8:00 AM every day! 

9) Bhide Wada

Bhide Wada is one of the most critical places in the history of Pune; it holds more significance as the first school for girls was established here by Savitribai Phule and her husband Jyotiba Phule in the year 1848. Unfortunately, the school is not in proper condition today, but you can still visit and experience the beautiful smell of history here! 

You can visit this place anytime, no specific time for this! 

But do visit this place if you plan a trip to Pune. 

10) Vishrambaug Wada

Vishrambaug Wada is one of the widespread residential areas in Pune, an important place in Maharashtra; this Wada is spread across a 20,000 sq ft area and was a residence of Peshwa Bajirao II. This three-storied massive residential area has a balcony with exquisite woodwork, and the entrance of the Wada gives a luxurious and elegant look. It was built in the year 1807. 

No time mentioned explicitly for a visit, but do mark and visit this beautiful Wada and experience the history! 

Don’t forget to write in comment section below which place you have visited and which are you planning to visit!