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Historical Places in Maharashtra

One of the finest examples of ancient rock-cut caves is Ajanta and Ellora Caves located in Aurangabad. There are 29 Ajanta Caves and 34 Ellora Caves, all of which are designed beautifully with paintings and intricately carved sculptures and it is one of the best historical places in Maharashtra.

The caves are surrounded by dense forests, and the view outdoors as well as within the caves, is definitely one that you’ll fall in love with. An important site here is the Kailash Temple, the single largest monolithic structure in the world. All this makes the Caves a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Entry Fee: Indians: Rs. 30/ Foreigners: 500

Timings: 9AM to 5PM (Ajanta shut on Mondays. Ellora shut on Tuesdays)

Location: Maharashtra 431117 and Ellora, Maharashtra 431102

Built in 1924, the Gateway of India, located in Mumbai, is one of the most historical places in Maharashtra. Designed in yellow basalt and concrete, this colossal structure, with high arches is embellished with motifs and overlooks the Arabian Sea.

It is popular for its British architecture with Indian influences and known for being among the first waterways where ships entered and left India. In fact, the last British ship that sailed back to England also took off from this point. When here, don’t miss the beautiful statues of Swami Vivekananda and Chhatrapati Shivaji, and the ethereal view of the night sky.

Entry Fee: Free

Timings: All Day

Location: Apollo Bandar, Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001

Formerly called Victoria Terminus in British times, this marvellous railway station is among the historical monuments of Maharashtra for its architectural beauty, designed in stone with Victorian and Gothic influences.

Being the headquarters of the Central Railways, it is from here that most local and outstation trains take off. Once here, you will notice that Mumbai truly never sleeps, with the constant hustle of travellers and the consistent calls of hawkers lining the platforms.

Quite a few scenes from popular Bollywood movies have also been shot here. On different occasions, the facade of the station is beautifully lit to commemorate the occasion, which is quite a sight! CST is a Wild Heritage Site under UNESCO, one that certainly shouldn’t be missed.

Entry Fee: Free

Timings: All day

Location: Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Area, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001

Built in 1892 by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III, the Aga Khan Palace is one of the many historical places in Maharashtra and a landmark for many defining moments in Indian history. It was here that Mahatma Gandhi, his wife Kasturba, and Sarojini Naidu were held captive.

Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes are buried in the grounds of this very palace. Apart from being known for its architectural beauty, the palace heads the Gandhi National Memorial Society and even encourages khaki-making to support the poor with a livelihood.

Take a walk through the palace and you’ll also come across a museum with a collection of photos that depict the major events in Indian history.

Entry Fee: Indians: Rs. 5/ Foreigners: Rs. 100/ Children: Rs.2

Timings: 9 PM - 5:30 PM

Location: Gandhi National Memorial Society Aga Khan Palace, Road, Palace View Society, Kalyani Nagar, Pune, Maharashtra 411006

This 287-year-old sprawling mansion built by Peshwa Bajirao himself is one of the finest examples of architecture in Pune. Originally, the Wada covered almost the entire city, but an unnatural fire ruined most of it and what remains now is only 625 acres, all of which celebrate the grandeur and valour of the Peshwas.

The numerous forts, fountains and Peshwa Bajirao’s majestic statue is a wondrous sight! It is believed that Bajirao and Mastani’s romance too, began here. It is also believed that the Wada is haunted by a former Peshwa king who was murdered within the mansion, and whose screams you may hear on a full moon night.

Being centrally located within the city, you shall also find a good amount of local markets around this historic point.

Entry Fee: Indians: Rs. 5/ Foreigners: Rs. 125

Timings: 8 AM to 6:30 PM

Location: Shaniwar Peth, Pune, Maharashtra 411030

At a height of 2690 feet, is this fort that symbolises historical places in Maharashtra and boasts of Maratha victory. The fort is surrounded by steep lush valleys on three sides, and the fourth one sees a series of steps leading up to it. It was primarily for this reason that it could never be conquered by the enemies and its one of the best historical places in Maharashtra.

The fort isn’t just a tourist spot, but a sacred spot that redefined Hindu Swarajya. Shivaji Maharaj named the Raigad Fort the capital of the Maratha kingdom and presided over. His remains are buried close by.

Entry Fee: Indians: INR 10/ Foreigners: INR 100

Timings: 8 AM - 6 PM

Location: Raigad, Maharashtra 402305

Resting on top of a hill, 3400 feet high, the Lohagad Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its perfect blend of architecture and natural beauty. The trek to the fort is an easy one, which makes this point a favourite among first-time trekkers and nature lovers too and it is one of the famous monuments in Maharashtra.

History says that Shivaji Maharaj used to hide his treasury in the fort when the Marathas ruled over it. For this reason, and for the abundant beauty around the fort, tourists from near and far visit this spot, especially in the monsoons.

Entry Fee: Free

Timings: 9 AM - 6 PM

Location: Lohagad Trek Rd, Dhalewadi, Maharashtra 410406

Quite rightly referred to as one of the ‘Seven Wonders of Maharashtra’, the Daulatabad Fort is a nature lover’s paradise for its sprawling greenery. Built in the 12th century, this architectural beauty offers an enchanting view of the entire city, after a climb of around 750 steps and it is one of the best historical places in Maharashtra.

What stands out here is the design style and structure of the monument. Daulatabad Fort is built atop a 200-metre high conical hill, owing to which, not only is the view from the top of a sight to behold but given its strategic location, the historical monument could not be attacked by the enemies. Visit this spot to take a walk through history, quite literally.

Entry Fee: Indians: Rs. 10 / Foreigners: Rs. 100

Timings: 8 PM - 6 PM

Location: MH SH 22, Daulatabad, Maharashtra 431002

Rajmachi Fort in the Sahyadri Hills is located in close proximity to Lonavala and Khandala and is known for its ancient remains. Also called the Bale Killa, it is situated at a height of 3000 feet on the Shrivardhan Peak, originally being built so high to keep an eye on the activities in the Konkan.

It is now among the historical places in Maharashtra and a popular site among trekkers, who start off at Tungarli Lake and climb atop to admire nature’s bounty. It has two twin fortresses and numerous temples around, along with some pre-historic Buddhist caves.

Entry Fee: Free

Timings: 9 AM - 6 PM

Location: Pune, Maharashtra 410405

Offering peace and tranquillity, the regal stone-cut Kondane Caves in Raigad are nestled amidst lush forests. Consisting of finely carved structures of Buddhist architecture, these caves were discovered in the first century B.C.

You can take a stroll through the picturesque area where you’ll spot a waterfall gushing fiercely, especially in the monsoons, when the sight is glorious! Try meditating within the caves and chanting a mantra or two, to experience the echo within the confines, that make for a beautifully calming moment.

Entry Fee: Free

Timings: All day

Location: Rajmachi Trek, Kondhane, Maharashtra 410201

Built at a height of 4672 feet, the Harishchandragad Fort is among the historical places in Maharashtra built in the 6th century by the Kalchuri dynasty. First, the citadel was built, and the caves were carved out much later when Saint Changdev would meditate here.

The fort was then passed on from the Mughals to the Marathas who captured it in the 18th century. Rich in history, this attraction isn’t one just loved by historians, but adventure seekers, who often trek to the three peaks of the fort, namely Rohidas, Taramati and Harishchandra

Entry Fee: Free

Timings: All day

Location: Maharashtra 421401

Bibi-ka-Maqbara is often called the Taj Mahal of the Deccan, owing to its striking resemblance to the Taj Mahal. The fine tomb was constructed by Aurangzeb, in memory of his wife, Rabia-Ul-Daurani and it is one of the famous monuments in Maharashtra.

He accredited this glorious structure to his son, Azam Shah, who was born just four years before the death of Rabia-Ul-Daurani. Set against the mountain ranges of Aurangabad, the monument which seems somewhat like a copy of the Taj Mahal, still stands true to Aurangzeb’s love for his wife and is a beautiful sight to witness!

Entry Fee: Indians: Rs. 25/ Foreigners: Rs. 300

Timings: 8 am to 8 pm

Location: Begumpura, Aurangabad, Maharashtra 431004

The Rajabai Clock Tower was built in the 1800s in Venetian and Gothic style architecture and is a landmark spot for tourists from across the globe. It is housed within the University of Mumbai and stands tall at 280 feet.

It is named after Rajabai, the mother of a well-to-do broker, Premchand Roychand, who founded the Bombay Stock Exchange and also donated for the clock tower’s construction. Legend has it that Rajabai believed in consuming her dinner before sunset.

Though blind, the evening ring of the bell helped her guess the time independently. The stone tower has some of the best stained glass windows in Mumbai and is on the list of World Heritage Sites.

Entry Fee: Free

Timings: All day

Location: Karmaveer Bhaurao Patil Marg, Mantralaya, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400032

Located in the Junnar district of Pune, the Lenyadri Caves are 30 rock-cut caves, which form the base for Buddhist monks to dwell in. The caves numbered 6-14 are the chapels where the Buddhists pray and the others are created for their residential purposes and it is one of the best historical places in Maharashtra.

The residential areas are called vihaaras and are designed in the form of cells. There is also a popular Lord Ganesha temple in the seventh cave, which forms a noteworthy part of the Ashtavinayak or the set of eight shrines. You’ll also find a couple of water cisterns carved out of a rock, in these caves.

Entry Fee: Free

Timings: 7 AM - 9 PM

Location: Lenyadri Ganpati Road, Junnar, Maharashtra 410502

Built in 1521, the Korlai Fort is an extensive military fortification and was an extremely popular construction in the 16th century. Although in ruins, the huge fort is popular because at one time it could fit at least 7000 horses and 7000 men, within its walls.

The panoramic beauty is another reason why tourists love visiting this spot. Constructed with a towering lighthouse and eleven large gates, on a hill slope, is what made the fort difficult to attack all these years. Stop by here for a scenic experience!

Entry Fee: Free

Timings: All day

Location: Korlai, Maharashtra 402202

If you’re keen on visiting historical places in Maharashtra, the Chand Minar is a sight that you absolutely cannot miss, primarily because this tall minaret forms the entrance to the fort. Chand Minar is the second largest minaret, built in the 15th century by Ala-ud-din Bahmani in honour of his victory over the fort and it is one of the famous historical places in Maharashtra.

It was originally built to make fort-related announcements, and keep an eye on the enemies from the peak, soon after which it became a popular point for historians. The Chand Minar stands tall at 210 feet, housing 24 chambers divided across four storeys. There’s also a small mosque within, where you can seek blessings.

Entry Fee: Indians: Rs. 30/ Foreigners: Rs. 500

Timings: 9 AM - 5 PM

Location: Daulatabad, Maharashtra 431002

Located a short distance from Panchgani, the village of Wai is known for its many temples and caves, especially the Dholya Ganpati Temple. Built in the 17th century, the temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, originally built for protecting the village from any calamities.

There is also a beautiful Mandhradevi Kalubai Temple nearby, which stands 4650 feet above sea level and is at least four centuries old. Once in Wai, you can also visit the nine caves, most of which are dedicated to Lord Shiva. These are known for their unique architecture.

Entry Fee: Free

Timings: 5 AM - 9:30 PM

Location: Wai, Maharashtra 412803

The Vijaydurg Fort is one of the largest forts along the Konkan Coast which is why it features among the historical monuments of Maharashtra. It was originally built in the 12th century, and presided over by Shivaji Maharaj in the 17th century after he took it over from the Adil Shahi dynasty and it is one of the famous historical places in Maharashtra.

The fort was the main Maratha naval base for very long and being sea-locked, it was almost impossible to conquer it. After multiple attacks over the years, it finally fell into the hands of the British. The extended laterite stone fort, now spanning an area of 17 acres, is surrounded by water on three sides.

There are 27 bastions and the original prison, water tank and cannon are still present within the walls. History says that this is the second fort where Chhatrapati Shivaji hoisted the saffron flag, the first being the Torana Fort.

Entry Fee: Free

Timings: 8 AM to 6:30 PM

Location: MSH 4, Vijaydurg Fort, Vijaydurg, Maharashtra 416806

Lying within the famed Chand Bibi Palace, the Tomb of Salabat Khan II is a three-storey structure designed in stone, situated at an altitude of 3080 feet. Salabat Khan II was the loyal minister of the fourth Nizam Shah ruler, Murtuza, who killed Changiz Khan in a fit of rage in 1579.

His wife’s tomb lies next to his. The octagonal tomb gives a pleasant view of the city of Ahmednagar and can also be spotted from any point in the city.

Entry Fee: Free

Timings: All day

Location: Sonewadi, Maharashtra 414002

Constructed in the 19th century, the New Palace was the residence of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj and is among the numerous historical places in Maharashtra. Visitors from near and afar flock this palace for the exemplary museum within, which houses artefacts and possessions of the Maharaj.

The palace is built in black stone with a sheen finish and boasts of fine architecture. This is a sight of regalia and royalty, depicted through photos, structures and possessions, all of which are worth admiring.

Entry Fee: Adults: Rs. 18/ Children: Rs. 12

Timings: 9 AM - 1 PM and 2:30 PM - 6 PM (Monday closed)

Location: New Palace, Kolhapur, Maharashtra 416003

Literally translating to the ‘Ground of Ordaining’, Deekshabhoomi is built in Nagpur at the very point where Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, who framed the Indian Constitution, returned to practice Buddhism with around 60,000 disciples.

This is a pilgrimage spot that sees millions of Buddhists every year, especially on Mass Conversion Ceremony Day and 14th October, to mark the day Dr. Ambedkar began practising Buddhism. This is one of the biggest and most beautiful stupas in Asia that saw a mass conversion, the first of its kind.

Entry Fee: Free

Timings: All day

Location: S Ambazari Rd, Abhyankar Nagar, Nagpur, Maharashtra 440020

Built by Chhatrapati Shivaji, the Sindhudurg Fort stretches over 48 acres. It is special not only for its encompassing beauty but for the smartness with which the entrance was designed in such a way that nobody could find it from the exterior.

The fascinating fort has 42 bastions and is surrounded by multiple smaller forts. There is also a temple within, dedicated to Shivaji Maharaj and the brave Maratha warriors who built such a clever, architectural wonder.

Entry Fee: Indians: Rs. 50/ Foreigners: Rs. 200

Timings: 10 AM - 5:30 PM

Location: Malvan, Maharashtra 416606

Among the historical places in Maharashtra is this 11th-century temple, beautifully carved in stone and dedicated to Lord Shiva, on the banks of the Waldhuni River. The sanctuary is approximately 20 steps below the entrance of the temple and reveals the bright skies of Ambernath, as the tower above was never completed and ends abruptly.

The temple entrance has three porches, and though the exterior figure carving is damaged, the other idols within are still intact. The Shiv Mandir Art Festival is also celebrated here, to encourage devotees from all over and promote tourism.

Entry Fee: Free

Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

Location: New Bhendi Pada, Bhaskar Nagar, Deepak Nagar, Ambernath, Maharashtra 421505

Popularly called the ‘City of Gates’, the numerous gates around Aurangabad lend it the name, adding it to the list of historical places in Maharashtra. Originally, the entire city of Aurangabad was a fort around which huge entrance gates were erected and it is one of the famous historical places in Maharashtra.

Out of the 54 gates erected, those with prime importance were the ones facing in four directions, Delhi Gate facing North, Paithan Gate facing South, Makai Gate facing East and Khas Gate facing West. Following the many battles, only 13 gates could withstand the repercussions of war and can be seen today.

These being, Delhi Gate, Rangeen Darwaza, Katkat Gate, Roshan Gate, Barapulla Gate, Paithan Gate, Khas Gate, Jaffar Gate, Quil-e-Ark, Naubat Gate, Mahmud Gate, Buland Darwaza and the Makai Gate.

Entry Fee: Free

Timings: All day

Location: Aurangabad, Maharashtra 431001

The Global Vipassana Pagoda is a dome structure with a massive meditation hall that can seat around 8000 people, the largest in the world. It is located in the suburbs of Mumbai. The Centre aspires to share knowledge on Vipassana and spread the teachings of Gautama Buddha.

The contrast of ancient Indian culture with modern technology is what makes this attraction so special. At the centre of the pagoda, you will find the world’s largest done built without any supporting pillar, with a height of 95 feet. When visiting, you can even enroll for a ten-day meditation course that’s free of charge.

Entry Fee: Free

Timings: 9 AM - 7 PM

Location: Global Pagoda Road, Near Esselworld, Gorai, Borivali West, Essel World Amusement Park, Gorai, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400091

Built in British architectural style, Mount Mary Church is on a hill called ‘Sunderban Bandra’, which overlooks the Arabian Sea. The visuals of the sea, especially at sunset is what makes this attraction a truly special one.

Some believe that the church has healing powers and others believe that sincere prayers here will give you anything your heart desires. It is no wonder then that the church sees hundreds of devotees every day, from all over. Mount Mary even hosts the Bandra Fair or the Feast of Mount Mary every September, for a week-long celebration.

Entry Fee: Free

Timings: 8 AM to 8:30 PM/ Sunday: 10 AM to 7 PM

Location: Mt Mary Rd, Mount Mary, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400005

This is an incredible Buddhist stupa in the City of Oranges, Nagpur. A popular sight among the historical monuments of Maharashtra, it was here that Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, who founded the Indian Constitution, began practising Buddhism with his disciples and it is one of the best historical places in Maharashtra.

It was also here that the mass conversion of Dalits to Buddhists took place. The 120 feet tall stupa is carved with sandstone, marble and granite and is a remarkable work of art. There is a Bodhi tree at the spot, a hollow dome above the hall, which is surrounded by fountains, and large doors adorned with elephant, horse and lion carvings, and the Ashok Chakra.

Entry Fee: Free

Timings: All day

Location: S Ambazari Rd, Abhyankar Nagar, Nagpur, Maharashtra 440020

Amidst all the forts and temples present in Mahabaleshwar, Morarji Castle is the only castle in the hill-station that offers a spectacular sight of the area around. The castle is built in colonial British style and is a sight to behold. Take a drive around the castle and you will witness some of the most exotic colonial structures.

Entry Fee: Free

Timings: 10 AM to 6:30 PM

Location: Panchgani, Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra, 412806, India

The Manikgad Fort is built 1663 feet above sea level, and though in ruins, continues to be on the list of historical monuments of Maharashtra. Built with huge black stones, the walls surround a valley that is dotted with the ruins of buildings and a cannon made of iron straps welded together and it is one of the best historical places in Maharashtra.

You will also spot run-down apartments around the fort. But in spite of most of it being in ruins, the entrance of the fort with a Naga image carved into it is still intact. From the top, you’ll get a beautiful view of the deep valleys and dense trees around.

Entry Fee: Free

Timings: All day

Location: Gherakilla Manikgad, Maharashtra 410220

Mahabaleshwar is popular for its temples and forts, among which, the most popular is the Pratapgad Fort. Situated 3500 feet above the ground, this fort is a delight for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts, alike.

Rich in history, it was here that the valiant Shivaji Maharaj strategized his attack on Afzal Khan, the then General of Bijapur. After a long, yet simple trek up to the fort, you will find four mesmerising lakes within, a watchtower at the main entrance, and a statue of Shivaji Maharaj. There are also two temples, a library showcasing the historic events and a handicrafts centre in close proximity.

Entry Fee: Free

Timings: 10 AM to 6 PM

Location: Poladpur Mahabaleshwar Road, Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra 412806