Lal Mahal

Lal Mahal is a red brick building situated at Pune. Shivaji spent here most of his childhood. There are statues of "Jijamata" (Shivaji's Mother) and a structure showing young Shivaji plowing with a golden plough, with mother Jijabai and Guru Dadoji Konddev looking at him.

There are also four umbrellas on the terrace, which is the prime attraction of the Mahal. This is the place where Shivaji Maharaj cut Shaistekhan's fingers when he tried to escape away from one of the windows of the Lal Mahal.

Incidents from Shivaji Maharaja's life are pictorially represented on the walls of this palace. There is also a garden dedicated to Jijamata, known as Jijamata Garden. Pune Municipal Corporation had renovated the Lal Mahal in the year 1988. Pune is well connected by air, rail and road with important places within and beyond the state.

New Palace

New Palace is located in Kolhapur. Built in 1884, it is also known as the Maharaja's New Place. Major Mant designed the palace. The architecture of the palace is a combination of Jain and Hindu influences from Gujarat and Rajasthan, and local Rajwada style.

The first floor is for the present Maharaja, while the ground floor is dedicated to a fine collection of costumes, weapons, games, jewellery, embroidery and paraphernalia such as silver elephant saddles. A letter from the British Viceroy and Governor General of India is the other memorabilia.

There is a museum called Shahaji Chhatrapati Museum at New Palace. Curious and interesting collections from the possessions of Maharaja Shahaji Chhatrapati like guns, trophies and clothes are preserved here.

The museum also has large, excellent weapons collection, including a gold-plated, double-barreled shotgun, some swords, and other guns. There is also one of Aurangzeb's swords at the Shahaji Chhatrapati Museum.

Closed on: Mondays
Visiting Hours: 9.30am to 1.00pm and 2.30 to 6.00pm

Raste Wada

Raste Wada is located in Pune. Raste Wada is regarded to be one of the largest wadas, which stands surrounded by a jungle of multi storeyed buildings. During the reign of Madhavrao Peshwa, Anandrao Bhikaji Raste built the massive core of the Wada. In building the Wada, Rs.9 lakh had been spent. There is also a stable to house Raste's cavalry retinue.

At present these cloisters have been either ravaged by time or late out to tenants. The 'Diwankhana' has a municipal school now. It was once a separate building. Sealed-up fountains, and covered chandeliers stand as steeled voices from the past.

Pune is well connected by air, rail and road with the important places within and beyond the state. For local transportation taxis, city buses and auto rickshaws are available.

Shaniwar Wada

Shaniwar Wada is a royal residence built by the second Peshwa, Bajirao-I Shaniwar Wada, which is located in Pune. Construction of Shaniwar Wada began on 10th of January 1730. It is said that Bajirao Peshwa-I laid the foundation by collecting handful of mud from the nearby Lal Mahal.

Shaniwar Wada today is left with only with an imposing outer wall. It is visible that the ruins can translate the glory of the Maratha power. The doors of the palace are so strong that it had been designed to dissuade huge enemy attacks.

Only the fortification walls with five gateways, and nine bastions that enclosed the whole complex, elaborate foundations of the original palace and the Nagarkhana with its fine wooden pillars and latticework are left of the palace.

Pune is well connected by air, rail and road with the important places within and beyond the state.

Vishrambag Wada

Vishrambag Wada is on Bajirao Road, Pune in Maharashtra. Bajirao II built this monument. This structure is famous for its fine entrance and the balcony with carved woodwork. Vishrambag Wada is a three-storeyed mansion. The palace is 260ftX815ft in area.

Vishrambag Wada symbolizes the tales of Pune's rich culture and heritage. It took long 6 years to complete this building. Babasaheb Purandare took the responsibility of converting the inner courts and the hall of Vishrambag Wada into their original form. This place was once a garden, and derived its name from its gardener called Vishram.

Pune is well connected by air, rail and road with major cities in India.