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A cultural tour of Shaniwar Wada, Pune – timings, entry fee, history, location and much more

Step into the historical journey of the heritage fort of Shaniwar Wada in this blog, as we explore the history, location, timings and entry fee of this legendary place.

Step into the historical journey of the heritage fort of Shaniwar Wada in our article below. Nestled amongst Maharashtra’s cultural capital, Shaniwar Wada Pune speaks of grandeur and legacy royally existing since the Maratha empire. In this article, we will cover the history of this legendary place, location and entry and exit timings if you want to visit the fort, and entry fee or ticket prices per person. We will also explore the best time to visit this place, the haunted story of Shaniwar Wada and popular tourist destinations that can be explored alongside.

Table of Contents:

  • History of the Shaniwar Wada
  • Location and timings of the historical Shaniwar Wada
  • The haunted story of Shaniwar Wada
  • Nearby tourist destinations to explore

History of the Shaniwar Wada

Shaniwar Wada, located on the banks of the Mutha river flowing through Pune, is a historical fort holding a significant place in the history of the Maratha Empire. This fort served as the seat of Peshwas, who were the ministers of the Maratha Empire and was built in 1732, by the famous Bajirao I as a symbol of power and grandeur.

The fort boasts of tremendous architecture with its intricately carved wooden pillars, a sturdy stone structure and spacious courtyards. In 1773, however, a tragedy struck this gorgeous structure as a massive fire engulfed the fort destroying most of it.

Despite the fire, Shaniwar Wada stands a testament of Maratha Architecture, offering a glimpse of the glorious past of the Maratha Empire. Today, it is celebrated as a heritage site, preserving the legacy of the Peshwas, and acting as a strong reminder of Pune’s rich historical heritage.

Location and timings of the historical Shaniwar Wada

Shaniwar Wada situated in the glorious Shaniwar Peth of the city, is spread over 634 acres of land. The complete address of Shaniwar Wada is Shaniwar Peth, Pune, Maharashtra, 411030, India. It is open on all days of the week and the timings are from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm every day.

They also offer a beautiful sound and light show at the Shaniwar Wada which you cannot possibly miss. The show is conducted in English and Marathi. The timings are 7:15pm to 8:10pm for the sound and light show in Marathi and 8:15pm to 9:10pm in English.

Entry fee for the fort: The entry fee for Shaniwar Wada is ₹5 per person for Indian nationals, ₹125 per person for foreign visitors, and ₹25 per person for the Light and Sound show for all individuals.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit this beautiful fort is between October to March as the weather is pleasant to stroll around. If you want to adore the beauty of the place in peace, visit it early in the morning, between 6 am to 8 am, and feel the energy preserved on the stones of the historic walls.

How to reach: Here are the possible ways to travel to Shaniwar Wada:

  • By Road: You can take public or private transport to reach this palace, if you’re travelling by road.
  • By Railway:The nearest railway station, situated at a distance of 1.7 km from the fort is Shivaji Nagar. Various public transports, commonly Rickshaws are found here.
  • By Bus:The nearest bus station from Shaniwar Wada is Swargate Bus Station which is at a distance of 3.4 kms from the fort.
  • By Air:The closest airport to Shaniwar Wada is the Pune airport. You will get private cabs or public transport services from the airport.

The haunted story of Shaniwar Wada

This historical place carries with it, tales of both tragedy and supernatural. Legend says that a young prince named Narayanrao, heir to the Peshwa throne, was brutally murdered within the walls of Shaniwar Wada. Driven by jealousy and greed, his own relatives conspired against him for power. Since then, it is believed that his ghost still roams amidst the corridors of Shaniwar Wada, seeking justice for his untimely demise.

Visitors and the local people have reported various supernatural instances at this fort. Some claim to have heard the faint cries of a young man echoing through the corridors, while others have felt an inexplicable chill in the air, even on the warmest of days. We don’t know if the story is true or not, but the story of Narayanrao's ghost has been deeply ingrained in the views of the locals, who advise against visiting the fort after dark.

Despite stories of supernatural and horror, the allure of the Shaniwar Wada continues to draw people to its architecture. Whether one believes in ghosts or not, the haunted history of Shaniwar Wada serves as a reminder of the enduring power of myth and folklore in shaping our perceptions of the past.


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Nearby tourist destinations to explore

There is no dearth of popular tourist destinations near Shaniwar Wada in Pune which you might enjoy exploring:

  • Aga Khan Palace: Built in 1892, the Aga Khan Palace holds deep historical significance. It served as a prison for Mahatma Gandhi, his wife Kasturba Gandhi, and his secretary Mahadev Desai during the Quit India Movement in 1942. Today, the palace is a museum that showcases various memorabilia related to Gandhi and his life, including his personal belongings and photographs.
  • Dagadusheth Halwai Ganapati Temple: This beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha was established by the renowned sweet trader, Dagadusheth Halwai. It is said that Lord Ganesha is the remover of obstacles, and the temple is particularly famous for its grand celebration of the Ganesh festival, which attracts thousands of devotees from all over India.
  • Pataleshwar Cave Temple: Dating back to the 8th century, the Pataleshwar Cave Temple is an ancient rock-cut temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Carved out of a single basalt rock, the temple features intricate carvings and sculptures, including a Nandi bull and various mythological figures. The temple complex also includes a shrine dedicated to Goddess Parvati and a circular courtyard.
  • Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum: This huge Museum holds a gorgeous collection of over 20,000 artifacts, ranging from sculptures and paintings to textiles and much more. The museum is named after Dr Kelkar's son, Raja, who tragically passed away at a young age. Dr Kelkar dedicated his life to collecting these artifacts from various parts of India, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the country.
  • Sinhagad Fort: Situated on the top of a hill near Pune, Sinhagad Fort is steeped in history and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The fort has witnessed numerous battles and was strategically important during the Maratha rule.

Whilst these are just a few options, Pune has many more attractions to offer. We highly recommend you pay a visit to this beautiful and extravagant city.

 

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