Amazing Historical Places You Can Visit In Pune

Are you looking for historical places where you can escape the noise, hustle, and bustle of city life? Then Pune is an important historic city in Maharashtra and was once the hub of both rulers and the British.
All the historical places in Pune have captivating stories to tell as they stand as undeniable testimonies of how the ancient city changed hands. This was as far back as 758 AD from the Rashtrakootas and Peshwas to the Mughals and British empires.
Each dynasty leaves its unique footprints not only in the sands of time but also on the numerous museums, forts, temples, wadis, palaces, caves, and bridges.
It was, therefore, the pride of the Maratha Empire at the time and now exists as a fascinating blend of the past and the present.
Pune is home to hundreds of historical structures and monuments, with a few thousands of years old. These include palaces, forts, temples, and buildings. Visiting these places is a good idea if you want to take a day off to enjoy the historical places in Pune.
So, get ready for an exciting time as some of the historical places in Pune are highlighted in this article for your visiting pleasure!

Shaniwar Wada:-

Shaniwar Wada is a splendid example of the Maratha Imperial architecture that was very popular in India in yesteryears. This once imposing structure has witnessed all the events that occurred in the Peshwas lives over time and can conveniently tell historical tales of the Maratha Kingdom. This famous heritage building is well steeped in history, tragedy, and mystery, with thousands of tourists visiting every day.
Shaniwar Wada Palace was constructed by the Peshwas in the 18th century sometime in 1730 and was one of the most important centers of the Maratha Empire. This palace remained the seat of Peshwas for an incredibly long time until the British invaded and took over in 1818.
This strong edifice was constructed using limestone and stone, and even the teak that was utilized in the construction was imported from Junnar along with stones from Jejuri.
Peshwa Baji Rao laid the foundation of the structure on a weekend i.e., Saturday, hence the name. The term ‘Wada’ means ‘residential building.’
But although Shaniwar Wada is one of the real symbols of how mighty the Maratha Empire was, the structure holds nothing but stories of pain and deceit.
The fifth Peshwa, Narayan Rao, was brutally murdered on the orders of Raghunath Rao, his uncle, in 1773. And several fire incidents at different times nearly gutted the building: the first fire in 1791 destroyed a significant portion of the fort, but was reconstructed again. Another fire exploded in 1808, burning all the documents and artifacts in the castle. The next fire incident, which occurred in 1812, destroyed the upper two stories of the palace while the Royal Hall was destroyed in 1813.
The last fire incident that wrecked the castle broke out in 1828 and burned fiercely for a whole week.
Nevertheless, the fort has been solidly maintained over the years as one of the historical places in Pune. Shaniwar Wada is still regarded today as a haunted place due to the many unfortunate and destructive events that transpired within the structure.

Visitation time:- Every day from 8 am to 5 pm.

Sinhagad Fort:-

Sinhagad Fort is a majestic fort that is about 2,000 years old and situated at least 35 kilometers away from Pune. It is one of the most important historical places in Pune, having silently witnessed hundreds of battles, the most notable being the 1670 battle of Sinhagad. The fort was named after Saint Kaundinya and has changed hands several times between Peshwa, Koli, and Mughal kings.
Sinhagad is at the top of a plateau within the Sahyadri Mountains. It is home to the Kaundinya Eshwar Temple as well as some bastions, carved hidden caves, and tombs of Tanaji Malusare and Rajaram Chhatrapati.
Adventure enthusiasts looking for a hangout place near Pune will not miss the vast bunkers and a brewery.
Visitation time:- Every day from 9 am to 6 pm.

Lal Mahal Palace:-

Lal Mahal is a landmark monument of Pune and was erected by Shahaji Bhosale, the father of Shivaji. The structure, originally built in 1630 AD, was constructed in red brick for his son and wife, Jijabai. Shivaji spent up to ten years of his childhood in Lal Mahal.
The original Lal Mahal was destroyed but rebuilt the palace in 1988 by the Pune Municipal Corporation and has become an excellent tribute to the great emperor. It has now become a well-known tourist destination in Pune.
If you want a one-day destination or a picnic spot in Pune, Lal Mahal is the best place to go as you will have access to the playground of one of the best and powerful rulers in India. It is also easily accessible via Kasba Peth on NH4.
Visitation time:- every day from 9 am to 1 pm and 4 pm to 8 pm.

Aga Khan Palace:-

Aga Khan Palace is one of the best or pleasant historical places in Pune. This beautiful palace with an impressive architecture holds a tragic memory of Mahatma Gandhi as well as two of his closest folks, Kasturba, his wife, and Mahadev Desai, his dutiful secretary passed away during their imprisonment here. 
Both were imprisoned with Gandhi after the launch of the ‘Quit India Movement’ in 1942.
Aga Khan Palace was constructed in 1892 by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III and stands in 19 acres of land in the Yerawada area in Pune. This stately structure is often referred to as a very important landmark of Indian history and holds deep roots in bygone eras.
The palace was erected to help the poor in the regions around Pune, severely hit by famine.
Aga Khan Palace is now one of the stunning pieces of impressive architecture in Pune and a popular tourist attraction. The palace houses the memorials (samadhis) of Mahatma Gandhi’s wife and secretary. For this reason alone is the castle safeguarded to this day.
Aga Khan Palace is not a one-day destination for anyone who wants to see the impressive grounds Pune. It is perfect for a weekend getaway near Pune as you will have enough time to explore the grounds to your satisfaction.
Visitation time:- 9 am to 6 pm

Dagdusheth Halwai Temple:-

The Dagdusheth Halwai Temple is one of the religious and historical places in Pune that every tourist must visit. The temple, which was built around 120 years ago by Shri Dagdsheth, a sweetmaker after his son passed away, is a symbol of love and devotion. Hundreds of people visit this temple to pray to Lord Ganesha. It is also the meeting place for grand celebrations like Ganeshotsava and Gudi Padwa.
The idol in this temple is beautifully adorned by more than 40 kilos of pure gold. The temple’s trust carries on social work by providing education, medical care, building orphanages, and nursing homes.
Visitation time:- Every day from 6 am to 11 pm.

Chatushrungi Mata Temple:-

The Chatushrungi Mata Temple is well-known for its scenic location on a mountain slope. It is one of the most respected Hindu temples located in Pune and was constructed in the era of Durlabh Sheth Pitamberdas Mahajan, the Peshwa merchant more than 300 years ago. The temple is the abode of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Chaturshringi.
Many devotees find it somewhat challenging to climb the 100 steps that lead up to the inner sanctum of the temple. And for this reason, a miniature version of this temple was built for such devotees.
This place is visited by thousands, especially during the 9 holy days of Navratri, in order to see the majestic chariot procession and showers of flowers from helicopters.
Visitation time:- every day from 6 am to 9 pm.

Nana Wada:-

Nana Wada is one of the oldest heritage structures in Pune as it was constructed in 1780. The building was mainly designed with timber and features beautiful railings, arches, and ceilings made of wood.
Another interesting feature in that residential structure is the hall of residence or Diwankhana, which was once an integral portion of most structures constructed during the times of the Peshwas. And to this day, the Diwankhana in the Nada Wada is still intact.
Visitation time: not specified.

Shinde Chhatri:-

Shinde Chhatri is sometimes referred to as an ode to the high-flown style of its leader Shri Mahadji Shinde and the Maratha Empire. This place of worship was initially consecrated to Lord Shiva.
But when Mahadji Shinde passed away, Madhavrao Scindia, the political leader, commissioned the building in 1965.
The structure looks glorious in hues of green, brown, and gold and consists of glass panels, floral carvings, colorful facades, and pillars. It is lit up by large chandeliers, and the central hall is where the leader was cremated.
The inner galleries of Shinde Chhatri showcase paintings about the valor and life of the leader.
Visitation time:- every day from 6 am to 9 pm.

Bhide Wada:-

Bhide Wada contributed immensely to history, making it much more than a part of history. The structure was the location of the first school for girls in the entire country. As far back as 1848, Jyotirao Phule and Savitribal Phule took the radical step of establishing a school for educating the girls in this residential structure.
Despite life-threatening opposition from several places, the couple struggled and continued their efforts to educate the women in the region.
Although Bhide Wada is not in the best shape today, a visit to one of the most beautiful historical places in Pune is a must for every visitor in Pune.
Visitation time: NA.

Vishrambaug Wada:-

During the Maratha regime, a significant architectural landmark called Vishrambaug Wada was erected by Peshwa Bajiro. This yellow-red residence was built in the 18th century and stands quietly while a crowded market mills around it. 
The magnificent Maratha-style structure can be seen from far away by visitors who are on a weekend getaway near Pune. The structure has an ornamental ceiling, a carved pillar, massive arches, and basalt stone floors.  
Vishrambaug Wada was later used as a correctional institution or prison but is now occupied by government offices.
Visitation time:- Every day – except Mondays – from 10 am to 7 pm.

Pataleshwar Cave Temple:-

Pataleshwar Cave Temple is an ancient structure that was erected in the 8th century. It was cut out of a single basalt rock that was consecrated to Lord Shiva. Tourists will find a Linga positioned in the central holy place of the ancient temple.
Pataleshwar Cave Temple is surprisingly in an incomplete state, and no one knows why. Nevertheless, this unfinished structure has not stopped ardent followers from flocking in droves to the temple to worship or pay their respects to Lord Shiva.
If you are one of those who love and appreciate ancient architecture, do plan a weekend getaway in Pune and visit this temple.
Visitation time: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm.
These are just a few of the historical places in Pune. A few of these places have a perfect picnic spot in Pune and excellent locations for adventure enthusiasts who want to hangout in Pune.