Shaniwar Wada

4.3

Location: Shaniwar Peth, Pune, Maharashtra 411030, India

Estimated Visiting Time: 2-3 hours

Shaniwar Wada, an a113-story palace of Peshwas was built by Bajirao-I, in the year 1736. It was headquartered by the Peshwas, and it symbolizes Pune’s culture. The structure was built giving security the highest priority.

This palace was the seat of Peshwa power and later was destroyed by a fire in 1828. All that remains are the walls that fortified this palace, with sturdy doors, studded with spikers.

Attraction

Today, this place stands as one of the finest architectural legacies and a prime tourist attraction in the city of Pune. If you are a history buff or enjoy art and architecture, this monument must be on your itinerary when you book your hotels.

This palace feature Maratha Imperial architectural style. For the construction, teak was sourced from the Junnar jungles while lime was brought from the Jejuri lime belts.

The fortification wall of the palace had five entry points and nine bastion towers the palace was designed with intricately carved teak doorways, exquisitely designed teak pillars, and marble floors.

History

This place is a historical palace and fort that chronicles the glory and grandeur of the Maratha Empire. This old mansion boasts a history of 287 years and was the seat of the Peshwas, who were the Prime Ministers of the Maratha rulers. In 1818 It served as a melting pot of culture and politics until the Peshwas lost the Wada to the British.

Inside/Outside Views

A majestic fountain shaped like a lotus, called Hazari Karanja or the Fountain of a Thousand Jets, adorned the palace complex and It is believed to have been the most exquisite fountain of that era whose jets formed 80 feet-high arches. The Thorlya Rayancha Diwankhana or the court reception hall of Baji Rao I, the Juna Arsa Mahal or the Mirror Hall, and also the Naachacha Diwankhana or the Dance Hall were some of the other splendid structures that existed within the palace.

Opening Hours

9.30 am to 5.00 pm is the visiting hour of this place.

Entry & Others Fees

For Indians, the entry fee price is 5 INR per person. For foreigners, the entry fee is 125 INR per person and The price for the Light and Sound Show is 25 INR per person.