Top 10 Historical Monuments in Maharashtra

Rich in tradition and diversity, India is home to a number of the top historical monuments withinside the world. India’s most visited monuments are unfolded throughout the country, constructed by emperors, the authorities, and, in a few cases, non-secular institutions. The top historical monuments in Maharashtra are a great tribute to the grandeur of the Maratha rulers and ancient Indians who lived here. While a few had been destroyed and rebuilt, there are others that have stood the take a look at of time and natural calamities to stay on.

Here are some of the top 10 historical monuments in Maharashtra:

Ajanta and Ellora Caves

Ajanta and Ellora caves, considered to be one of the best examples of historic rock-cut caves, are one of the top 10 historical monuments in Maharashtra. They are located near Aurangabad in Maharashtra, India. Ajanta and Ellora caves complex is adorned with beautiful sculptures, paintings, and frescoes and includes Buddhist monasteries and Hindu and Jain temples. 

The Ajanta caves are 29 in number and were built between the 2nd century BC and 6th century AD, while the Ellora Caves are more spread out and 34 in number and date to the duration between 6th and 11th Century AD. Ajanta and Ellora caves are designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are pretty popular among travelers worldwide.

 Ajanta Caves, located around 99km north of Aurangabad, are mostly Buddhist sites and were used as a retreat by Buddhist Monks. Ellora is simply 15 km west of Aurangabad and has a higher mix of Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist sites. These hand-carved caves were built and sponsored by the Indian rulers of those periods and were nearly buried by thick forests.

 One of the most famous places in the entire Ajanta and Ellora Caves is the Kailash Temple, which is also the single most big monolithic shape globally. These rock-cut caves containing carvings are some of the best examples of ancient Indian structures and sculptures. That’s why it is one of the top historical monuments in Maharashtra.

Narnala Fort

Perched on a secluded hilltop 973 meters above sea level, Narnala Fort is one of the top 10 historical monuments in Maharashtra. It offers panoramic views of the Satpura Mountains. Surrounded by a green blanket and set against a brilliant blue sky, the fort’s alluring splendor is truly iconic. This extravagant hilltop fortress is made entirely of granite and white and yellow stones.

 All of these stones are a testament to exceptional craftsmanship and have been combined using only the highest quality limestone. The fort was originally built by the Rajputs and later taken over by the Mughals. The architectural style of the interior of the building is characteristic of the two kingdoms.

Covering an area of ​​up to 362 acres, the fort houses 360 watchtowers, 19 reservoirs, cisterns, Ambar Bangala or kachori, and a mosque. Not just that, it was also the birthplace of Emperor Aurangzeb’s very own great-grandson. 

The period between October and January is the best time to visit the Narnala Fort. This is the period of winter when the weather is delightful and truly enjoyable. Moreover, it is one of the top historical monuments in Maharashtra.

Lohangad Fort

Situated near the hill station Lonavala and 52 km (32 mi) northwest of Pune, Lohagad Fort is one of the top 10 historical monuments in Maharashtra. It rises to an elevation of 1,033 m (3,389 ft) above sea level. Perched atop an impressive hill near Malavali, this destination is the right amalgam of ancient architecture and natural beauty. 

Lohagad Fort was built in the 18th century and is a great destination for hiking and nature lovers, especially from Pune and Mumbai. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj used to hold his treasury in this fort. In addition to its thrilling trek route, Lohagad Fort in itself is a massive shape that was once under the control of the mighty Maratha Empire and is connected to its dual Visapur Fort as well. 

Until a few years back, the bottom of the fort was pretty a ways from the last point connected by road, but now a right avenue has been constructed to the base of the fort, due to which a lot of people visit Lohagad during monsoon weekends, making it quite crowded. Overall it is one of the top 10 historical monuments in Maharashtra. 

Shri Chattrapati Shahu Museum

Chhatrapati Shahu Museum is one of the top 10 historical monuments in Maharashtra. The ground floor of the palace will be converted into a museum with artifacts from the king’s reign and his personal belongings. The magnificent palace is built of polished black stone and is a major architectural achievement of the period. 

The whole building is octagonal with a tower in the middle. The main southern façade, dating from, shows a two-story area with Mughal Revival-style arches below and temple-like columns and corbels above.

 In addition to the intricate carvings on the walls, the hall’s arches are covered with stained glass depicting scenes from the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji. The castle has extensive grounds with a beautiful garden, a fountain, and a ring plaza. Just outside the park are a lake and an outdoor zoo that is home to migratory birds making it one of the top 10 historical monuments in Maharashtra.

Torna Fort

According to the history of India, Torna Fort is one of the top 10 historical monuments in Maharashtra. It was built in the 13th century by a sect known as Shaiva Panth who was the follower of Lord Shiva. History has it that in the year 1646, Chhatrapati Shivaji seized the fort while he was only fifteen years old. 

Ever since the fort remains one of the best forts captured under the Maratha Empire. Later, the fort was renamed ‘Prachandagad’ by Shivaji. He also built various monuments and towers in the fort. It is placed at a distance of 50 km from the metropolis of Pune. 

Various places may be seen around the fort, such as Budhla Machi, Zunjar Machi, Kothi Darwaja, Kokan Darwaja, Menghai Goddess Temple, Bini Darwaja, Sadar, Toranjai Goddess Temple, etc. That’s why it is one of the top historical monuments in Maharashtra.

Shaniwar Wada

Shaniwarwada is one of the top 10 historical monuments in Maharashtra. It is once the seat of the Peshwa governance in Pune and is a 286-year-old mansion and is one of the best examples of architecture in the metropolis. It is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in Maharashtra. 

This grand mansion changed into built by the Peshwa Bajirao I himself as the residence of the Peshwas. Although the Wada presently covers a place of 625 acres, in its heyday it covered almost the whole area of the city itself. 

It is around Shaniwar Wada that one will find the oldest markets of Pune including Laxmi Road, Tulshibaug, Ravivar Peth, etc. This was after all the site of the famed romance between Peshwa Bajirao and Mastani Sahiba. In fact, one of the gates has also been named after her! Moreover, it is one of the top historical monuments in Maharashtra. 

Gateway of India

Gateway of India is likewise one of the top 10 historical monuments in Maharashtra.  The Gateway of India, additionally named as a top historical monument in India with its regal arches, stands to guard facing the Arabian Sea at Apollo Bunder in the bustling Colaba vicinity of Mumbai. 

The Gateway of India turned into designed by Scottish architect, George Wittet and the development of the work turned into executed by Gammon India Limited. The structure is essentially a Triumphal Arch, constructed predominantly in an Indo-Saracenic architectural style with a few Muslim factors incorporated. 

This fashion of structure turned into added by the British in the course of their rule in India and it combines various factors of the Hindu and Muslim architecture with Gothic cusped arches, domes, spires, tracery, minarets, and stained glass, in a uniquely playful style. The first structure to welcome visitors coming into the town by sea, it’s far popularly called the ‘Taj Mahal of Mumbai’. 

The majestic monument turned into constructed to commemorate the go to King George V and Queen Mary to Bombay. With so much laughter and excitement, this place Gateway of India has become of the best historic monuments in Maharashtra.   

Elephanta Caves

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Elephanta Caves is one of the top 10 historical monuments in Maharashtra. It is a specimen of rock-cut art and architecture from the times of medieval India. The caves are located at the Elephanta or Gharapuri island which is situated at a distance of 11 km from the city of Mumbai.

 Natively known as Gharapurichi Leni, the Elephanta Caves that exist these days are ruins of what were once elaborately painted artworks. It also provides an amazing view of the Mumbai skyline. This series of cave temples date back to the 5th to 7th centuries and most of them are dedicated to Lord Shiva. 

There are groups of alcoves at the site of the Elephanta Caves, the first is a large group of 5 Hindu caves and the second is a smaller group of Buddhist caves. In addition to being an important heritage site, the Elephanta Caves also is an unlikely trekking destination. Overall it is one of the top 10 historical monuments in Maharashtra. 

Koregad Fort

Koregad is one of the top 10 historical monuments in Maharashtra. It is a hill fort located about 20 km from Lonavala. Perched on an isolated hill, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the fortress fascinates with its splendor in all its forms. 

Nestled at a remote distance from the capital, the place offers a panoramic view of the nearby meadows, green forests, a wide view of the nearby hills, and the surrounding environment of peace, solitude, and ataraxia. The fortress was built at 923 meters above sea level and is said to have been built in 1500 BC.

 The closest village to the fort is Peth Shahpur which is about 1 km from the castle. From the top of the hill, there are magnificent views of the valley below and the streams that flow nearby.

 The monsoon season is considered the ideal time to visit the fort. In fact, in summer the water in the lakes above the fortress dries up. No wonder it is one of the top historical monuments in Maharashtra. 

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, previously known, as Victoria Terminus, is one of the top 10 historical monuments in Maharashtra. It was built in 1887 and it currently features as the headquarters of the Central Railways. The astounding shape is the perfect example of the Victorian-Gothic style of architecture in India and was built in 1878.

 The building exhibits a fusion of influences from Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival architecture and classical Indian architecture. The skyline, turrets, pointed arches, and eccentric ground plan is near the classical Indian palace architecture.

 Externally, the timber carving, tiles, decorative iron and brass railings, grills for the ticket offices, the balustrades for the grand staircases, and other ornaments were the work of students at the Sir Jamsetjee Jeejebhoy School of Art. It is one of the most famous historical landmarks in the country that is also the second one maximum photographed monument in India.

 It is well-connected to all of the elements of the country as it serves as a station for long-distance as well as short-distance or commuter trains which are often called local trains. The night lights up the station and it looks even prettier. No wonder it is one of the top historical monuments in Maharashtra.

Conclusion

Well, as for the final say, these are some of the top 10 historical monuments in Maharashtra. These places are stunning and each monument has its own history. These places are must-visits for learning amazing histories and can be the best tourist spot for your next vacation.