Shaniwar Wada
Built in 1732, this part stone and part brick 13-storey palace was constructed in two years but holds a history of more than 300 years. It is one of the most important historic sites in Maharashtra, built with a limited budget at the time by Peshwa Baji Rao I. The palace caught fire and burned for seven days, most of the wooden structure was destroyed, leaving behind only the stone and granite foundations, making it one of the most well-preserved heritage sites in Pune.
Sinhagad Fort
The dilapidated fort of Sinhagad is estimated to be nearly 2000 years old and is approximately 40kms away from Pune, located on the southwest side of the city. The great Maratha warrior Tanhaji won the battle of 1670 here but lost his life, to which the great Shivaji Maharaj said, "we captured the fort, but lost the lion". It was a significant fort that helped Shivaji Maharaj reconquer all his forts.
Lohagada Fort
Located 52 km from Pune, Lohagada Fort is another major tourist attraction of Maharastra’s hill forts. However, according to recent discoveries, the history of the fort and the cave date back to the 1st-2nd century. As the site has always been popular among explorers and trekkers, Prakrit language inscriptions were discovered on the walls. The script is known as the Jain-Brahmi script. The best time to visit the fort is during the monsoons, when one can enjoy lush greenery, spectacular views, never-ending stairs, and a wonderful trekking experience, along with enlightening yourself with the grandness of its history.
Shivaji Bridge
Built in 1924, this exhibit of coarse masonry in black basal is Pune’s second largest bridge that was built with the aim of town planning near the Mutha River. The ‘Nava Pul’ (new bridge) was earlier known as Llyod’s Bridge, connecting PMC and Shaniwar Wada. Some ancient Jain artefacts dating back to the 12th century were found near Shivaji Bridge as well.
Shinde Chhatri
A memorial dedicated to the Maratha military leader Mahadji Shinde was built in 1910 by one of his descendants. It was commissioned by Maharaja Madho Rao Scindia of Gwalior. It is located in Wanawadi, which had a Lord Shiva temple inside that the leader himself built in the year that he passed away, and his memorial was built just outside the temple. This beautiful site has its own story to tell, which makes it a must-visit place near Pune.
Pataleshwar Cave Temple
Built in the 18th century and dedicated to Lord Pataleshwar (god of the underworld), Pataleshwar Cave Temple has magnificent architecture with huge pillars, beautiful shrines, and multiple ancient stories tied to it. It attracts tourists from far and wide, to bear witness to the architectural marvels of the temple, in which Lord Shiva and Nandi are carved out of a single rock.
Whether you’re a history fanatic or not, when in Pune, you must visit these sites. To relive these rich sovereigns and regal sites, we offer the commemorated Fort JadhavGadh itself, a renowned heritage hotel in these parts. Located between the rolling hills of Saswad, it was built by Pilaji Jadhavrao in 1710, just 22 km away from Pune. Go back to the Maratha era as you walk down the large stoned pathway, past fortress walls, huge stone blocks, a 300-year-old temple, and dungeons with a romantic tale and great warrior history.
The first well-preserved JadhavGadh fort in Maharashtra has been turned into a hotel by Orchid Hotels.