Pune, the majestic metropolitan city of India, has a rich history dating back to the 9th century. The city is a central educational & professional hub now, but back then, it was the home to many rich & mighty kings. From the Rashtrakuta Empire to the Britishers, Pune has been a land of wondrous architecture & forts.
If you’re a history fan or planning a trip to Pune, you can’t miss these 12 historical places in Pune that tell stories of the city’s majestic past. Additionally, you’ll find vital information to help you better navigate your trip to these architectures. Let’s dive into Pune’s glorious past.
Top Historical Places In Pune
Aga Khan Palace
Built by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan Ⅲ in 1892, a Muslim spiritual leader built the palace as a charity to help the poor in famine. The Aga Khan palace also holds great significance in the Independence struggle as it became the temporary prison for Mahatma Gandhi and other freedom fighters during the Quit India Movement in 1942. Its historical footprint & significance make it one of the must-visit historical places in Pune.
Timings of Aga Khan Palace: 9 am to 5:30 pm
Entry Fee of Aga Khan Palace: ₹5 (Indian Adults), ₹2 (Indian Kids), ₹100 (Foreigners)
Location: Samrat Ashok Road, Pune
Nearby Attractions To Aga Khan Palace
- Lal Mahal: Situated approx. 8 kilometres from Aga Khan Palace, this red palace is closely associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and offers a glimpse into Pune’s history.
- Darshan Museum: Approximately 4 kilometres from Aga Khan Palace, this museum is dedicated to the life and teachings of Sadhu T. L. Vaswani.
Shaniwar Wada
Featured in the 2015 film Bajirao Mastani, Shaniwar Wada is among the most popular & majestic historical places in Pune district. Shaniwar Wada was constructed by Peshwa Bajirao Ⅰ in 1732, holding up to 1000 people. The unique feature of this fort is its Darwaza, or doors. The defence consists of five Darwazas strategically built to protect the fortress.
- Delhi Darwaza: This door is facing towards North, in the direction of Delhi. It features massive doors with sharp spikes arranged in a 9 by 8 grid for protection during the war or attack.
- Mastani Darwaza: This door faces North & was built for Peshwa Bajirao’s wife, Mastani, to get out & around the fort.
- Khidki Darwaza: This door faces East & is named after the armoured window entrenched on the door.
- Ganesh Darwaza: This door faces southeast and was made for the ladies to visit the nearby Kasba Ganpati Temple.
- Jambhul Or Narayan Darwaza: Facing South, this door was meant for concubines to enter or leave the fort. This door also holds a major historical significance.
Timings of Shaniwar Wada: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm
Entry Fee of Shaniwar Wada: ₹5 (Indians), ₹125 (Foreigners), ₹25 (Light & Sound Show)
Location: Shaniwar Peth, Pune
Nearby Attractions To Shaniwar Wada
- Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum: Situated approximately 2.5 kilometres from Shaniwar Wada, this museum houses an extensive collection of artefacts representing Indian arts and crafts.
- Saras Baug: A famous garden around 3 kilometres from Shaniwar Wada offers a peaceful, relaxing environment.
Sinhagad Fort
Sinhagad Fort is one of Pune’s oldest and most unique forts. The exact year of the fort’s construction is unknown, but given the research & findings, Sinhagad Fort could have been built around 2000 years ago. It was initially known as Kondhama & was captured by many Mughal Kings until 1670 when Chattarapati Shivaji Maharaj recaptured the fort. Its ancestry & architecture make it one of the must-visit historical places in Pune. Also, this fort was Bal Gangadhar Tilak’s summer retreat, connecting it more with India’s history & freedom struggle.
Timings of Sinhagad Fort: 5 am to 6 pm
Entry Fee of Sinhagad Fort: ₹5 – ₹10 (General), ₹20 (Peak Season), ₹20 (Two-wheeler parking), ₹50 (4-wheeler parking)
Location: Sinhagad Ghat Road, Thoptewadi
Nearby Attractions To Sinhagad Fort
- Khadakwasla Dam: Located around 20 kilometres from Sinhagad Fort, this dam offers picturesque views and is a popular spot for picnics and water sports.
- Varasgaon Dam: Situated approximately 28 kilometres from Sinhagad Fort, this dam is known for its serene ambience and offers an excellent place for a stroll.
Lohagad Fort
A hilltop Fort perched on the scenic Lonavala Hills, Lohagad Fort is among the best historical places in Pune. It is situated 52 kilometres from Pune. Many kings ruled this architectural marvel, but the Lohtamia Empire ruled it for the longest period. The fort features intricate carvings of Jain inscriptions written in the Brahmi script.
Timings of Lohagad Fort: 9 am to 6 pm
Entry Fee of Lohagad Fort: No entry fee, but there’s a parking fee- ₹50 (Car), ₹80 (Bus), ₹20 (Two-wheeler)
Location: Lohagad Trek Road, Maharashtra
Nearby Attractions To Lohagad Fort
- Visapur Fort: Situated adjacent to Lohagad Fort, Visapur Fort is another historic fortification known for its panoramic views and lush green surroundings.
- Pawna Lake: Located approximately 8 kilometres away, this lake offers a peaceful environment for camping, picnicking, and water activities.
Also Read: Historical Places in Andhra Pradesh
Pataleshwar Temple
If you want to witness the artistic ancient Indian architecture, visit the Pataleshwar Temple. The temple was built around the 8th century & is believed to have existed during the Rashtrakuta period. It features a Shiv Linga & Nandi at the centre and the idol of Goddess Parvati & Ganesh surrounding it. The architecture reflects ancient Indian mastery and is a must-visit destination among the historical places in Pune.
Timings of Pataleshwar Temple: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm
Location: Shivajinagar, Pune
Nearby Attractions To Pataleshwar Temple
- Bund Garden: Situated approximately 3 kilometres away, this garden beside the Mula-Mutha River offers a serene, relaxing environment.
- Shinde Chhatri: This memorial dedicated to Mahadji Shinde, a prominent Maratha noble, is around 3 kilometres from Pataleshwar Temple.
Vishrambaug Wada
If you ever wondered what the kings’ & queens’ residences looked like, you must visit the Vishrambaug Wada – The luxurious palace of Peshwa Bajirao Ⅱ. Built in 1807, this palace served as the residence of Peshwa Bajirao Ⅱ & his wife. After the defeat in the war with the Britishers, the Peshwa left the court & stayed in Bithur for the rest of his life.
The palace features a blend of Maratha and Mughal styles. It has a large central hall, ornate wooden pillars, and intricate latticework. The building also houses a museum that displays artefacts related to the Peshwa era. If you’re a history buff, this place should be on your list of the top historical places in Pune.
Timings of Vishrambaug Wada: 10 am to 7 pm (Tuesday to Sunday)
Location: Sadashiv Peth, Pune
Nearby Attractions To Vishrambaug Wada
- Aga Khan Palace: Situated around 4.5 kilometres from Vishrambaug Wada.
- Pataleshwar Cave Temple: About 2.5 kilometres away.
Shivaji Bridge
Built in 1924, Shivaji Bridge is the second largest bridge in Pune. Lieutenant Colonel E.S. Proaze designed the bridge & it was named Lloyd Bridge. It was called Shivaji Bridge, maybe post-independence. The bridge is 370m long & 12m wide and perfectly supports the traffic over Mutha Nadi. Its architecture reflects the ancient Indian design & pattern, making it one of the must-visit historical places in Pune.
Location: Kasba Peth, Pune
Nearby Attractions To Shivaji Bridge
- Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum: Situated around 2.5 kilometres away.
- Shaniwar Wada: Located about 1.5 kilometres from Shivaji Bridge.
Chaturshrungi Mata Mandir
Chaturshrungi Mata Temple is one of the oldest temples in Pune. The temple is located on Senapati Bapat Road and reflects India’s architectural & spiritual history. It is said to have been constructed during the reigon of the Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s mother, Jijabai, placing it among the significant historical places in Pune district. The temple has more than 200 steps, and the devotees have to climb these steps to reach the main temple arena.
Timings of Chaturshrungi Mata Temple: 7 am to 9 pm
Location: Senapati Bapat Road, Pune
Nearby Attractions To Chaturshrungi Mata Temple
- Shivaji Nagar: A bustling commercial area in Pune approximately 2 kilometres from the temple. It’s known for its shopping centres, street food joints, and vibrant street life.
- Saras Baug: This scenic garden is approximately 3 kilometres from Chaturshringi Mata Temple.
Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple
We’ve heard about many monuments & castles built in the memory of a loved one, but have you heard about a temple being built for a loved one? Dagdusheth Halwai Temple is one such marvel. The temple was built in the 19th century by Dagdusheth in memory of his son, who lost his life in the plague pandemic.
The temple houses a Ganesh idol which is 2.2 m tall & 1 m wide. It is beautifully adorned with 40 kg of gold, which makes the temple a top attraction and one of the best historical places in Pune. Additionally, you’ll find various other deities residing with Lord Ganesh in the temple.
Timings of Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple: 6 am to 10:30 pm
Location: Budhwar Peth, Pune
Nearby Attractions To Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple
- Vishrambaug Wada: About 5.5 kilometres away.
- Aga Khan Palace: About 5 kilometres from the temple.
Shinde’s Chhatri
Shinde’s Chhatri is among the most prominent historical places in Pune. It is a memorial dedicated to Maratha Military leader Mahadji Shinde, commander in chief of the Peshwas. It was built in 1910 by Maharaja Madho Rao Scindia of Gwalior. Shinde’s Chhatri consists of a central dome supported by columns and a gallery. The gallery has several rooms that house statues and memorabilia associated with Mahadji Shinde. If visiting Pune, catching a glimpse of Shinde’s Chhatri is a must.
Timings of Shinde’s Chhatri: 7 am to 8 pm
Entry Fee of Shinde’s Chhatri: ₹10 (Indians) ₹100 (Foreigners)
Location: Wanawadi Road, Pune
Nearby Attractions To Shinde’s Chhatri
- ISKCON Pune: Situated approximately 3 kilometres away, ISCKON Temple is dedicated to Radha Krishna. The deities are beautifully dressed & decorated with flowers to give darshans to their devotees.
- Katraj Snake Park: Situated about 5 kilometres away, this park is home to various snakes and reptiles. It’s an educational and interesting place for visitors, especially those interested in wildlife.
Parvati Hill Temple
Catch a glimpse of this ancient marvel on the Parvati Hill in Pune. Believed to be built during the Peshwa dynasty, the Parvati temple holds historical & cultural significance. It is one of the best historical places in Pune, showcasing ancient architecture, rituals, & spirituality.
The temple houses idols of Lord Shiv, Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesh, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Kartikeya. It has 108 steps, and the main Devdeveshwar temple is made of Blackstone. Apart from the temple, Parvati Hill is also known for offering panoramic views of Pune city. There is a viewpoint from where visitors can get a breathtaking view of the cityscape.
Timings of Parvati Hill Temple: 5 am to 8 pm
Location: Parvati Peth, Pune
Nearby Attractions To Parvati Hill Temple
- Parvati Museum: Right next to the Parvati Hill Temple, you can also visit the Parvati Museum, which houses a collection of sculptures, coins, and manuscripts.
- Peshwe Energy Park: Located approximately 1.8 km from the temple, the Peshwe Energy Park park is designed around the theme of renewable energy and sustainable living. It aims to educate visitors about renewable energy sources and promote eco-friendly practices.
Final Take Away
Pune is a city full of historical wonders & architecture. From the forts of the Peshwas & Marathas to the ancient temples, you’ll find many exciting historical places in Pune. In this blog, we’ve tried to cover the significant historical places in Pune district & would like to suggest you create an itinerary so that you can cover all these amazing places while on your trip to Pune. You can also check out the India travel guide to get an idea of the best places to visit in India, budget, itinerary, & more. If you loved this information & want more, keep visiting The Trip Suggest for more such content.
