A prominent historical landmark in Pune is Shaniwarwada which is considered as one of the best pune tourist places. It is a majestic fortification which was built in 1732 and during that time it was the seat of the Peshwas of the Maratha Empire and they ruled over there until 1818. After they lost control to the British East India Company, they could not use it longer. But when they were in the reign, Shaniwarwada was the centre of Indian politics in the 18th century and is one of the famous places to visit in pune with friends.

But in 1828, the fort was destroyed by a huge fire and later the remnants were transformed to become a tourist site. Shaniwarwada was a seven-storied capital building of the Peshwas and they wanted the building to be made of stone alone. However, after the completion of the ground floor, the people of Satara insisted that stone monument can be sanctioned and built only by the Shahu King, not the Peshwas.



With respect to it, the Peshwas were asked to continue the construction of the building by using only bricks. But when the British attacked, only the base floor survived while all the other floors were completely destroyed. Earlier, the fort used to accommodate around thousand people. The major buildings inside the fort are Thora Rayancha Diwankhana or the court reception hall of the eldest royal member, Naachacha Diwankhana which is the dance hall, Juna Arsa Mahal that is the Old Mirror Hall and so on. Since all the buildings were destroyed in the fire, only descriptions of the remaining areas are available currently.



The doorways were made of teak arches with ornamental teardrop teak pillars shaped like Suru trunks. Ceilings were beautified by numerous chandeliers and the floors were filled with polished marble adorned with rich Persian rugs. The walls displayed paintings depicting the Hindu epics. The top floor of the building enacted as the residence of the Peshwa and it was called Meghadambari. Among many Pune places to visit, this palace has it's own value and is a must visit location.

Entry timings: It is open on all days of the week from 08:00 am to 06:30 pm and there is a Light and Sound Show every day and the tickets for the show can be booked every day from 06:30 pm to 08:30 pm.

Entry fee: For Indian citizens, the entry fee is INR 5 and for foreign nationals, it is INR 125. For the Light and Sound Show, the ticket fee is INR 25 per person.



Location: Shaniwar Peth, Pune, Maharashtra 411030.