6 Famous Historical Places To Visit in Pune

Pune, being a pivotal city in the IT park of southern India, is often mistaken as a modern establishment. Indeed, the town has grown a lot, both economically and commercially. With advancements in different sectors and the emerging IT park, people from around the country have settled here to start a new life. But Pune is not coined as the Queen of Deccan just because of its economic or industrial status. Instead, the city is considered the hub of cultural and historical riches of Maharashtra that cannot be found anywhere else. Founded back in the 17th century, it has stood witness to several turning points and events.

So, if you are willing to delve deep into the Indian and Maharashtrian culture and history, Pune is certainly the ideal city to start with. But listing down the historical places in Pune worthy of your visit can be a challenging task, and not in a good way. Therefore, we have prepared a short guide, enlisting the best sites you must visit to gain first-hand experience of the rich historical treasures Maharashtra has stored.

Known for its humongous structure and architectural magnificence, Torna Fort often goes by the name of Prachandagad. In 1646, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj captured and hoisted the Maratha flag after winning a gruesome battle with the Mughals. After its acquisition, he was able to expand the Maratha empire and often treated this fort as a vacation retreat. Perched atop a height of 1403 meters from the sea level, it is the highest fort in Pune that you should visit. Since it witnessed numerous battles later on, some parts of the fort are in ruins. Also, if you are an adventure-lover, you will be thrilled to learn that Torna Fort is accessible only through trekking. So, gear up and get things in order so that you can start your journey to one of the prestigious sites in the pages of Maratha history.

Another remarkable historical place to visit in Pune is the Aga Khan Palace, built by Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan III in 1982 to help the poor people who suffered from famine in those times. It has a resemblance to Italian architecture, as can be seen from the arched entrances, intricate wall carvings, and several motifs. To say that the world-famous architect Charles Correa, went all in while designing the palace would be an understatement. It is noted that Kasturi Gandhi, wife of Mahatma Gandhi, spent her last days here at the Aga Khan Palace, and her memorial is preserved at the lower levels. If you want to visit this historical site, plan your trip on an exhibition day to learn more about the life of Mahatma Gandhi.

Although the Sinhagad Fort is located in the lap of the Sahyadri Mountain, a little outside of the main city of Pune, it is worth a visit. It witnessed numerous battles in ancient times, but the most remarkable one was the Battle of Sinhagad, fought in 1640, which brought victory to the Maratha empire. Many archaeologists and historians believe that the fort's architecture resembles 2000-year-old art, which is why it is considered one of the most magnificent forts in the entire state of Maharashtra. The best way to get to the top is through trekking, which will additionally give you glimpses of the Western Ghats, dense forest covers, and the natural beauty of the south. Once you reach the fort, you can also visit Goddess Kali temple located inside the fort. There is also a small brewery from where you can try the special drinks.

The place, Shaniwar Wada, rings a bell in your mind, doesn't it? Shaniwar Wada is the same residential palace portrayed in the Bajirao Mastaani movie which stood witness to the love between Kashibai and her Peshwa! Since you are on the voyage of exploring Pune’s historical richness, it’s finally time to revel in the grandeur and lavishness of this palatial structure in real life rather than gluing your eyes to the TV screen. According to studies, the palace was first constructed in 1732 for all the Peshwas and their families during the Maratha empire. It had seven stories, out of which only the base is remaining at the present time. History speaks about the cruel events that happened here when the British army brutally destroyed the six stories which were made from bricks. The ground level retained its structure because it was constructed from stone and hence wasn’t destroyed.

One of the best historical places to visit in Maharashtra is the Shinde Chhatri, which was constructed as an ode to Mahadji Shinde, a valiant and renowned military leader from the 18th century. It is believed that under his command, Peshwas’ military witnessed the most glorious times from 1760 to 1780. Here, you can explore the hall where Mahadji Shinde was cremated in 1794, along with a Shiva temple built in 1965. Coming to the architecture of this historical complex, you can see uncanny resemblances with Rajasthani architecture with glimpses of Anglo designs here and there. This is what makes the complex so enthralling in terms of embellishments and intricacies. Even though the exterior features a reddish hue, the Shiva temple present inside has yellow-colored floors. On the contrary, the sanatorium has been constructed using black stone.

Known to have one of the most exhilarating trek routes, the Rajgad Fort is a must-visit in Pune. Sprawled over an area of 40 kilometers, the fort stands majestic, overlooking the vast expanses of the dense forest-covered Western Ghats. It holds huge historical significance, given the fact that the Maratha capital was moved here. It is also the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Perhaps that's why he retained this fort till his death, as it was closest to his heart. Apart from this, the Rajgad Fort has stood as a witness to several other prominent events in the pages of history and hence a must visit.

Pune is a vast city with so many tourist places to explore. But somehow, these historical sites will always draw attention, regardless of whether you are a history lover or not. The enigma and magnificence shrouding these spots are something you cannot oversee. So, if you want to make the most out of your trip and reduce time wastage in traveling, consider staying at the Bloom Hotels in Pune . Located centrally, the place is well-connected to the rest of the city, which is why you won’t have to worry about visiting the historic spots and enjoying your trip to the fullest.