From the steep slopes and thrilling ropeways of the Raigad hill fort to the magnificent Sindhudurg Fort on the shores of Malvan town, Maharashtra boasts of some of the best historical Places in Maharashtra. It gives you a rich representation of past cultures, past architecture and an overview of past civilizations.

When you think about historical places in the world, India is sure to be among the lists. With top heritage sites of the world located there, the tourist is left wondering where I want to visit this time around.

India’s “Don’t Miss” Historical Sites

Let’s take a look at some of the Historical Places in Maharashtra that stand out.

Lenyadri Caves, Junnar

Rock cut caves are some of the best and most aesthetically pleasing manifestations of just how unique and creative past civilizations really were. The Lenyadri caves feature a series of about 30 Buddhist caves in Pune, near Junnar. Most historical places in Maharashtra feature rock-cut caves, with a total of about 15 that you can explore.

Lenyadri Caves are a gathering of 30shakese cut Buddhist caverns situated close Junnar in the Pune area of Maharashtra in the western piece of India. I go back to the first and third century AD. I am an extremely old gatherer of shake cut collapses India. The caverns are exceptionally striking because of one vital factor.

In spite of the fact that the gathering is of Buddhist gives in however the cavern 7 is a Hindu sanctuary committed to ruler Ganesha prominently known as Girijatmaj. Lenyadri Caves is an unmistakable Hindu sanctuary and there is proof of the amount it was mainstream among the Hindus. The striking part is being a Buddhist site it had such a great amount of concordance with different religions.

These Lenyadri Caves says a lot about the sort of religious framework that was pervasive amid that period. The general population of two separate religions lived in total congruity. The caverns that were a conspicuous site of Buddhism were additionally a noticeable site of Hindu religion. It talks a great deal about our then Indian culture.

These caverns and landmarks are the reflections of our then society which involves everything from religion to engineering. The Lenyadri Caves have twenty-six caverns and they are for the most part separately numbered. Whatever remains of the caverns go back to first and 3rdcentury A.D whereas the Ganesha place of worship is as old as the first century Back The vast and delightful shake cut water storages is a noteworthy model. The engineering is extremely amazing and a remarkable case of craftsmanship.

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Rajabai Clock Tower, Mumbai

Another historically significant site is the Rajabai clock tower. With its beautiful stained glass windows and towering display, this clock tower signifies the reign of the British Empire in India and provides a remnant of British colonialism. It is situated in South Mumbai and is ranked among the top most famous clock towers in India.

The Rajabai Clock Tower, Mumbai is a sure place that will leave your eyesight dazzled.

Rajabai Clock Tower was built in the late 18th Century and was designed by an English architect Sir George Gilbert Scott following a base model of the Big Ben of England.

The tower was named after the mother of a famous broker at the time Premchand Roychand, who was a rich cotton merchant, he paid part of the construction fee in an exchange for it to be named after his blind mother Rajabai.

Rajabai Clock Tower, Mumbai is about 85 meters high and forms a porch of about 2.5m2 and a staircase vestibule of 2.6m2 and over the porch, the Rajabai Clock Tower, Mumbai has a square form to a height of about 21 meters from the ground. And from there to a height of about 36 meters from the top of the gallery is an octagonal shape. And then, the final stage is about 29meters high.

This clock tower remained the tallest building in Mumbai in the 18th Century and attracted a lot of visitors from within and outside Mumbai.

Rajabai Clock Tower, Mumbai plays about 10 chimes when it was first commissioned, however, now it plays only one every 15 minutes. It was restored within the last five years and won the UNESCO Asia Pacific award for cultural heritage conservation in 2018.

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Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai

Next on the list is what is now considered the most famous historical place in Maharashtra. The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai is one of the few sites that have had the privilege of being a dedicated UNESCO world heritage site. It is also one of the busiest railway stations and is perhaps the only one to hold such substantial historical acclaim.

A Gothic art treasure and one of India’s biggest and earliest railroad stations, Chatrapati Shivaji was also known as the “Victoria terminus”. The besmirch glass windows, curved and arched passages, massive towers and barricades and columns with pictures of creatures engraved on them hold extraordinary enthusiasm for each tourist.

The Indian and Victorian Gothic architecture has been well blended to express the recovery of the Victorian Gothic design in India. The British engineer who planned it, Frederick Stevens, mixed Victorian architectural elements with conventional Indian structures and its aim is to honor Queen Victoria. Steven’s plan of this renowned, chronicled building has roots in the St Pancras station becoming a great influence and motivation for him.

The main platform of this building, the significant stone arcades, the horizon, towers, sharp curves, and offbeat ground plan columns, and distinct floor and building plan intently look alike customary Indian royal building.

Just in 1929, another station was built alongside supplementary structures to deal with extra traffic including rural administrations. 3 million individuals are utilizing it day by day.

Travelers from everywhere throughout the world when they plan to see Mumbai, they visit this spot, an embodiment of structural admiration.

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Devagiri Daulatabad Fort, Daulatabad

As far are famous historical places in Maharashtra are concerned, the Devagiri Daulatabad Fort may not be the most popular destination yet, but it’s slowly getting there. This site offers the best example of ancient architecture, featuring a tunnel entrance with a very narrow access bridge to restrict access. As one of the seven wonders of Maharashtra, this ancient site also contained a camouflaged cannon post that was meant to ward off any possible aggression.

One of the seven wonders of Maharashtra Known as Daulatabad or “the hill of gods”. The place is famous because it is stated that LORD SHIVA stayed here for some time. In 1203 A.D. Daulatabad was a large city. In the 14th Century a fort was made and named as devagiri. After some time when the wars started the beauty of the fort was affected badly. Tughlaq family ruled this city for almost 26 years (1325-1351). The history of this place is a mix-up of strange incidents. It is believed that a herdsman built this city with a lot of wealth. Also, it is stated that he had a brother who was a shepherd, who introduced the rank of “RAJA” (KING).

Fort:

The fort of Devagiri (Native: deogiri ) stands in a conical hall, which is 200 meters high. The fort was built for only one purpose which was to protect the city. It was the only resistance in the way of enemies who wanted to conquer the city. There were split, flat and slippery mountains which were intentionally cut to make sure that no enemy can get into the fort. The walls, entrance, and exit are also very interesting. The entrance and exit of the fort is the same. No one can get in or out through any other way. It makes the fort’s impregnable. The walls play an important role in the safety of Devanagari. Because the fort has 3 walls:

First/Outer -wall: 5km long which sheltered thousands of people but now it’s abandoned.

Second wall: its length about 500-meter radius and known as “MAHAKOT”.

Third-wall:innermost most wall is known as “BALAKOT”. It’s completely decorated by cannons and to use them for the interior defense in case of attack.

In the last, it is a very interesting fact that the monarchs who came to power, considered it a key to dominating southern India.

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Agakhan Palace, Pune

The Aghakhan palace is a proud reminder of the richness of Indian history and culture. Making it to a list of the biggest landmarks in the country, this palace is truly a master-class. The Aga Khan palace has its roots in the battle for Indian freedom, making it a monument with substantial National significance. It is beautifully designed, and it attracts tourists from all over the globe.

Located in the Maharashtra region of India and just a quick, 30-minute drive from the center of Pune, this former prison of Mahatma Gandhi is a must-see for history buffs and a fascinating visit even for those who aren’t.

Built as a gift in 1892 by the co-founder of the All-India Muslim League, Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III, the palace provided refuge for the regions’ famine-struck poor. The Sultan lobbied Britain to adopt the “Two Nation Theory,” which would have allowed Muslims in India consideration as an independent nation.

As tensions in India rose, however, the Aga Khan Palace quickly became a symbol of British oppression, epitomized by the imprisonment of Mahatma Gandhi and his wife, Kasturba, from August of 1942 until May 1994. Surviving this tumultuous period, the palace was finally returned to the people in 1969 by AgaKhan IV as a public display of reverence for Gandhi, his philosophies, and the people of India themselves.

Today, the palace is home to the Gandhi National Memorial, which exhibits, photos and memorabilia of Gandhi’s extraordinary life and world-changing activism. Visitors can pay their respects at the peaceful garden shrines holding the ashes of Gandhi, his wife, and his secretary, Mahadev Desai.

Whether your interest lies in India’s historical sites, historical architecture, political history or even the history of Muslims throughout the region, the Aga Khan Palace is not to be missed.

More Info

Location: Pune Nagar Rd, Kalyani Nagar

Hours: 9:00 — 17:30, daily (closed on national holidays)

Fee: ₹100 for tourists, ₹2 for children, ₹5 for residents of India

Tickets: May be purchased on the Pune Tourism website

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Pratapgad Fort, Satara

Lastly, let’s take a look at what is considered one of the most fortified historical places in Maharashtra. The Pratapgad Fort has, over the years, seen an overgrowth of beautiful greenery around its otherwise highly strategic location. This fort is large and winding, offering a great trekking experience for tourists. Located in Satara district, the Pratapgad Fort has its origins in the Legendary Battle of Pratapgad, making it a significant contributor to Indian history.

In case you’re a tourist intending to visit India, one of the sites that you may want to tour is Pratapgad Fort. Located 21 KMs from Mahabaleshwar, Satara District, Pratapgad Fort is an important historical site which attracts many tourists. This Fort stands at 1080 meters above sea level. This review will focus on the historical significance of this site and why it’s a tourist attraction site.

Historical significance

The construction of the site was commissioned by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who was the King of Maratha. The reason why the king instructed his Prime Minister who was called Moropant Pingle, to undertake the construction of the fort was to defend the banks of Nira and Koyna rivers. After its completion in 1656, the battle of ‘Pratapgad’ which involved Afzal and Shivaji was fought there. After this battlethe , Maratha Empire was established. The fort has significant sites like Bhavani Devi Temple and Afzal Khan’s Tomb. The fort has two major divisions: lower and upper forts. The upper fort is found on the apex of the hill and has Lord Mahadev Temple, which is found in the northwest of the fort. The lower fort is found at the eastern side of the fort and has towers and bastions.

Tourist Attraction Sites

Because of its historical significance and the large towers, many tourists visit Pratapgad. The features that attract tourists at this site include: the Statue of Shivaji, the Afzal Khan Tower, Bhavani Temple, Mount Malcolm, Bombay Point, God Shankar Temple etc.

Conclusion

This is only a taste. Historical places in Maharashtra come a dime a dozen, with more sites and attractions than most places. It is a town definitely worth its weight in gold.