Top 10 Historical Places 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 places in Maharashtra are a great tribute to the grandeur of the Maratha rulers and ancient Indians who lived here.

One can learn a lot about the history and culture of ancient India by observing these monuments, such as the famous Ajanta and Ellora caves, or the many historical forts of Raigad, Panvel and Lonavla. 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.

List Top 10 Historical Places in Maharashtra

Torna Fort

According to the history of India, Torna Fort is one of the top 10 historical places in Maharashtra. It was built in the 13th century by a sect known as Shaiva Panth who was the followers 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. Staying at the fort isn’t allowed as per orders of the District Collector, everyone is asked to leave the fort after 5:00 pm. That’s why it is one of the top historical places in Maharashtra.

Aga Khan Palace

The mighty edifice of Aga Khan Palace is one of the top 10 historical places in Maharashtra. It is situated in Pune and was constructed by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III in the year 1892. It was the site where Mahatma Gandhi, his spouse Kasturba Gandhi, as well as Sarojini Naidu and Mahadev Desai, were held, as prisoners. 

Aga Khan Palace is well known for its architectural excellence as well as its historical significance. Spread over a massive land of nineteen acres, the palace is now the headquarters of the Gandhi National Memorial Society. Here, making khadi is still one of the high activities. 

The palace homes a museum that holds a rich collection of pictures. There are also other gadgets like the personal belongings of Gandhi. The Palace also has the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi buried in its ground. In 2003, the monument became declared to be of national importance. Overall it is one of the top historical places in Maharashtra.

Shaniwar Wada

Shaniwarwada is one of the top 10 historical places in Maharashtra. It is once the seat of the Peshwa governance in Pune 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 places in Maharashtra.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, previously known, as Victoria Terminus, is one of the top 10 historical places 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 the 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 places 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 places 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 places 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 places 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 structure and sculptures. That’s why it is one of the top historical places in Maharashtra.

Jai Vilas Palace

Built by Raje Yashwantrao Maukane, the palace is one of the top 10 historical places in Maharashtra. It was built between 1938-1942. The stone used for that is Syinite which was brought from Kalidhond 5 Km away. The palace is the epitome of a pink stone shape and has a lovely lawn of Kaju on its premises. 

The stone used for this palace was brought to Kalidhond 5km away and is said that the quarry became destroyed after the palace became completed. The Jai Vilas palace was built on the top of the hill, Surrounded by thick forest and cashew plantations. The Pathway from the main gate to the palace is lined with a dense growth of trees on each side. 

The domes of the palace are highly appealing and the palace itself is placed in the midst of lush green scenery the culture and the way of life of tribal kings in the erstwhile Mukne family. It has a children’s nursery, drawing room, antique furniture, bedroom stuffed animals, and a large lobby. There are a total of almost 50 rooms on the palace. No wonder it is one of the top historical places in Maharashtra.

Gateway of India

Gateway of India is likewise one of the top 10 historical places 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 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 the sea, it’s far popularly called ‘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 laugh and excitement, this place Gateway of India has become as the best historic places in Maharashtra.   in India should not be missed with family or on your tour of India.

Korlai Fort

The Korlai Fort is likewise one of the top 10 historical places in Maharashtra. It is an extensive military fortification primarily occupied by the Portuguese in the course of 1500s. Currently, in ruins, the mighty fort stands robust overlooking the vast blue of the Arabian Sea.

 Built in 1521, on an extension of shielding the Revdanda creek inlet, the island changed into once called Morro De Chaul. A great construction of its time, this fort now stands in ruins but is a fantastic piece of history nonetheless. The beauty of the surrounding hill slopes is some other incentive to go to this destination.

 The sight of sea waves crashing onto the rock faces from the fort’s top is picturesque. The expanse of the fort area is pretty large, and you may also enjoy a trip to the lighthouse nearby. A charming and endearing destination, this place is a have-to-go to for all! Moreover it is one of the best historical places in Maharashtra. 

Elephanta Caves

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Elephanta Caves is one of the top 10 historical places 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 dates 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 are an unlikely trekking destination. Overall it is one of the top 10 historical places in Maharashtra. 

Conclusion

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