Being one of the largest states in India, Maharashtra carries awstucking history. From Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to Veer Savarkar, and from Shivneri Fort to Gateway Of India, Maharashtra has it all. We are going to deep dive into the history and check out the historical places in Maharashtra.
Maharashtra has a long history from Mughals, Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to Britishers. One can find numerous chapters of history which are unexplored and unknown to the world. And somehow even lots of Marathi people don’t know about their golden history. We will try to cover the maximum and historical places in Maharashtra.
- Shivneri Fort
- Panhalgadh
- Sinhgadh Fort
- Raigad Fort
- Murud Janjira Fort
- Shaniwar Wada
- Ajanta Ellora Caves
- Gateway Of India
- Elephanta Caves
Maharashtra is blessed with several great historical monuments from the era of the 2nd Century BC to British Era in 1914. Lets check out all the must-visit historical places in Maharashtra.
1. Shivneri Fort:
A 17th-century military fortification fort is well known as the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Located near Junnar in Pune District. Shivneri Fort holds an important place in the history of Maharashtra. Shivneri fort has a temple of Goddess Shivai, a statue of Jijau(Mother of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj) and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Shivaji Maharaj spent his early six years on Shivneri Fort itself.
How to reach:
Via Road –
Shivneri fort is around 94km away from Pune city. You can visit the fort from 6 AM to 6 PM. Sufficient transport facilities are available from Pune.
Via Train:
Talegaon is the nearest railway station from Junnar.
Via Air:
Pune International Airport is the nearest airport from Junnar.
Best Time To Visit:
June To March
2. Panhalgadh (Panhala Fort):
Panhalgadh is well known because of the martyrdom of Veer Bajiprabhu Deshpande in the escape of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj from Panhalgadh to Vishalgadh.
Located at northwest of Kolhapur, Panhalgadh is just 23 Km from Kolhapur, Maharashtra. Panhalgadh held one of the most important forts for Swarajya as it helps to keep watch on the whole Deccan area.
How to reach:
Via Road:
Panhalgadh is just 23Km from Kolhapur
Via Train:
Kolhapur is the nearest railway station which is just 21Km from Panhalgadh. Kolhapur is well connected by train from Pune, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Tirupati.
Via Air:
Pune is the nearest Airport from Panhalgadh which is 237Km away.
Best Time To Visit:
June To March
3. Sinhgad Fort:
Sinhgad fort is located at southwest, 30Km away from Pune. Originally, the fort was known as Kondana Fort, but after the battle between Tanaji Malusare and Udaybhan Rathore where Tanaji Malusare got martyrdom then Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj renamed Kondana Fort to Sinhgad Fort.
Though the fort is now not in a good state but you can still visit and enjoy the one day trip. If you love the monsoon then you must visit Sinhgad Fort between June To September. Sinhgad fort became the 1-day weekend getaway for people from Pune and Mumbai.
How to reach:
Via Road:
Sinhgad Fort is just 30Km away from Pune, you can jump onto the bike and visit Sinhgad fort, the city bus is also available with good frequency.
Via Train:
Pune Railway Station is the nearest railway station.
Via Air:
Pune International Airport is the nearest Airport.
Best Time To Visit:
July To March
4. Raigad Fort:
When it comes to historical places of Maharashtra, there has to be a place for Raigad Fort in the list. Raigad Fort is located at Sahyadri mountain range above 820 meters from sea level. The Fort was once the capital of Swarajya at the time of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Raigad fort is situated near Mahad, in Raigad district.
Due to its location, which is surrounded by mountains and dense forest, Raigad became the first choice of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj for his Swarajya’s capital.
How To Reach:
Via Road:
You can take private buses as well MSRTC bus from Panvel, and Mangaon.
Via Train:
The nearest railway station is Veer Railway station, which around 40Km from Raigad. Veer railway station is well connected with Pune and Mumbai Railway station.
Best Time To Visit:
July To March
5. Murud Janjira Fort:
Murud Janjira Fort is located on an island near Murud village in Raigad district in the Arabian Sea. The fort still stands tall with 19 bastions to date. The Fort was one of the most important bases of Mughal eras.
It is one of the best historical places near Mumbai. The Fort is just 150Km away from the City Of Dreams, Mumbai. Just a short boat ride from Rajapuri and you will be at one of the must-visit historical place in Maharashtra. Once you reach the fort you can have an awesome view of Arabian Sea along with the invincible fort.
How to Reach:
Via Road:
Rajapuri is a 150 Km drive from Mumbai. Bus service is available from Mumbai, Pune, Raigad and Alibaug.
Via Train:
Roha is the nearest railway station, but connectivity to Roha from other major railway stations is quite low. So, Mumbai is the best opt in if you are planning to visit Murud Janjira Fort.
Via Air:
Mumbai is the nearest airport. Mumbai has better connectivity through the air than any other nearest airport.
Best Time To Visit:
October To April
6. Shaniwar Wada:
Today, Pune is known for its IT hub, apart from IT hub, Pune has its own place in history. And when it comes to the historical places in Maharashtra, Shaniwar Wada has to be there in your list. It has significant importance in the history of the Maratha Empire.
Shaniwar Wada was built in 1732 by Peshwa Bajirao 1.Shaniwar Wada became the home for Peshwas of Maratha Empire until 1818. It became one of the identities of Pune. Though Shaniwar Wada has lost its original beauty today, you can still visit and can experience the rich culture of Peshwai.
How to Reach:
Via Road:
Pune is well connected with all the major cities of India via road. People coming from Mumbai can take the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, one of the best expressways in Asia. People coming from Bengaluru can take National Highway 48 and reach Pune overnight.
Via Train:
Pune is connected to all the major cities in India via train.
Via Air: Pune has an International Airport which is connected to all the major cities in India and abroad as well.
Best Time To Visit:
Throughout The Year
7. Ajanta & Ellora Caves:
Crowned as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Ajanta & Ellora caves depicts the art of paintings, sculpture and carvings. Starting from 2nd century BC and continuing to the 6th century AD, Ajanta caves are inspired by Buddhism, whereas Ellora caves are the mixture of Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism.
Located around 109Km away from Aurangabad City in Maharashtra, Ajanta & Ellora caves attract tourists and historians from all around the world. There are 29 artifacts in Ajanta dated from 2nd Century BC to 6th Century AD. And Ellora has 35 artifacts dated from 6th Century to 11th Century AD.
If you are fond of carvings, sculpture and paintings then Ajanta & Ellora are the places you must visit.
How to reach:
Via Road:
Ajanta caves are 100Km away from Aurangabad City, and Ellora caves are just 30Km from Aurangabad city in Maharashtra.
Via Train:
Aurangabad is the nearest railway station which is well connected with other main cities of Maharashtra like Pune and Mumbai.
Via Air:
Pune is the nearest airport from Aurangabad which is a 235Km drive.
Best Time To Visit: October To March
8. Gateway of India:
Along with Mumbai’s nightlife, Mumbai is also famous for Gateway Of India. It is the main attraction for tourists from across the world to evident the architectural beauty of this monument. The city that never sleeps has the number of monuments to look out for and the Gateway of India top the list.
It was built in the early 20th century by Britishers to honor King George V and Queen Mary’s first visit to India. It took 11 years and 2.1 million Rupees in 1913. This is the most fascinating historical place in Mumbai to look out for, visit the Gateway of India at night along with the other tourist attractions like Marine Drive.
How to reach:
Via Road:
Mumbai is well connected with National Highways and Expressways to all the metro cities in the country.
Via Train:
Trains to Mumbai are available from each and every metro city in India.
Via Air:
Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport is the primary International Airport of Mumbai, it has two terminals, Terminal 1 is also called as Santacruz Airport which is for Domestic Flights and Terminal 2 is for international flights.
Best Time To Visit:
October To March
9. Elephanta Caves:
Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site,
located at the east side of Mumbai on Elephanta Island. You can explore the Elephanta caves predominantly depicted to Lord Shiva. Elephanta Caves carved between fifth and sixth century AD.
The Elephanta caves connected via ferry from Gateway of India. It takes around 1hour to reach Elephanta Caves from Gateway of India.
How to reach:
Via Road:
Mumbai is well connected with National Highways and Expressways to all the metro cities in the country. And the nearest city bus stand is the Gateway of India.
Via Train:
The nearest Railway station is Churchgate. Churchgate is connected to all the areas of the city by train.
Via Air:
Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport is the primary International Airport of Mumbai, it has two terminals, Terminal 1 is also called as Santacruz Airport which is for Domestic Flights and Terminal 2 is for international flights.
Best Time To Visit:
October To March
What Next?
Take your shoes on and hop into the car or bus and experience the rich history and culture of Maharashtra.