India /Maharashtra /Pune /Pune
Sight Address : Shaniwar Wada is situated in Shaniwar Peth, Pune. Edit
Detail InformationEdit
Shaniwar Wada was once the palace of the Peshwa rulers. This historic seven-storied palace was built by Bajirao Peshwa I. During his days, it became the seat of political power and achieved tremendous importance. To this date, Shaniwar Wada has been the city’s main landmark.
Within easy reach from all parts of the city, Shaniwar Wada was mysteriously destroyed in a fire in 1827. Mysterious fires continued to raze down portions of Shaniwar Wada in the early 19th century, and the entire palace –barring its Mirror Hall was burnt in the fire that broke out for about a fortnight. What now remains of this once palatial Wada are only the plinths, 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 lattice work. One enters the palace through sturdy doors designed to dissuade enemy attacks.
Shaniwar Wada
HistoryEdit
Shaniwar Wada was constructed by Bajiroa 1st in the 1730. It was a 13 storey building. There is a story told about why this place was chosen for the construction. The story says-The Thorale (Elder) Bajirao once saw a rabbit chasing a dog in this place. Taking inspiration from this Shaniwar Wada was built, a place which would never see defeat. It used to be the head quarter of the Peshwas and it symbolizes Pune’s culture. Looking at the construction one understands how the structure was built giving highest priority to the security. The main entrance is known as ‘Delhi Darwaja’, others have named like Ganesh, Mastani, Jambhal, Khidki. There is a statue of Bajijrao (1 st) on a horse in the ground in front of Shaniwar Wada. Inside one can see Ganesh Mahal, Rang Mahal, Aarsa (Mirror) Mahal, Hasti Dant (Elephant Tusk) Mahal, Diwan Khana, Fountains. Currently renovated & also have a light & music show. The main part left is nagarkhana which gives good inside view. This is an expansive palace with its impressive fountains and gardens. The palace was the seat of Peshwa power and later was destroyed by a fire in 1828. All that remains are the walls that fortified this palace, with their sturdy doors, studded with spikes for added protection. Nearby is a street where the Peshwas unleashed elephants to trample dissidents to death.
Must SeeEdit
Must See.
Visiting TimeEdit
8 am to 6.30 pm.
Closed OnEdit
N.A.
Best Season to VisitEdit
October to March.
Best Time To VisitEdit
Morning , Afternoon , Evening .
Time Required for SightseeingEdit
1 to 2 hours.
Ticket Required : Yes Edit
Individual National Adult Rs. : Rs. 5
Kids Rs. : N.A.
Individual Foreigner Adult Rs. : Rs. 100
Kids Rs. : N.A.
Still Photo Camera Rs. : N.A.
Video Camera Rs. : N.A.
Guide Required : No Edit
Approximate cost: N.A.
Dress Code (If Any) : No Edit
Dress Require: N.A.
Restaurants NearbyAdd / Edit
- Barbeque Nation ; N.A. ; Ph/M – 020 32420608; Food Serve – Cuisines: Indian.
How to ReachEdit
Taxi : Taxis are easily available from railway station, airport, and different point of city to reach these destination. Contact no. for taxi of Mumbai – Pune 020-26135784 and Pune-Mumbai 020-26145365.
Bus : Pune has three bus stands: Pune train station stand for Mumbai, Goa, Belgaum, Kolhapur,Mahabaleshwar and Lonavla; Shivaji Nagar bus stand for Aurangabad, hmedabad and Nasik; and Swargate bus stand for Sinhagad, Benga-luru and Mangalore. Deluxe buses shuttle from the train-station bus stand to Dadar (Mumbai)every hour (Rs.260, four hours). Pune Station (Asiad) : 020-26122591 ; Pune Station (S.T. Stand) : 020-2616218 ; Shivaji Nagar Guest House (VIP) : 020-25536104 ; Shivaji Nagar Stand : 020-25536970 ; Swargate Depot : 020-24442968 ; Swargate Stand : 020-24441591/020-24449980.
Train : Pune railway station is the main railway head of Pune. It is located on HH Prince Aga Khan Rd, Sangamvadi. Good rail networks connect Pune with all other rail junctions in India. The Pune Suburban Railway connects Pune to Lonavala, a small town en-route to Mumbai. There is only one line with seventeen stations, Here The Pune Suburban Railway connects Pune to Lonavala, a small town en-route to Mumbai. There is only one line with seventeen stations; a second monorail line is under consideration by the government. Here is a list of all the stations, east to west. Pune City ; Shivaji Nagar ; Khadki Dapodi (CME Museum); Kasarwadi (Air Vents & Glass Factory); Pimpri (Pimpri Plant, TATA Plant); Chinchwad (Bride Industries Ltd)Akurdi (Force Motors Plant, Bajaj Tempo); Dehu Rd (Army AOC & ASC 512 Base repair Depots); Begdewadi (Loco Sheds); Ghorawadi; Talegaon (Muhammad Ali Rd, CRPF); Wadgaon (PWD bungalow); Kanhe; Kamshet; Malwali. Arr./Dep. (Recorded) : 133 ; Enquiry : 020-26126575 ; General : 139 ; Reservation : 132.
Air : Pune airport is located about 10 km away from the heart of the city, in the Lohagaon area. Taxi charge from airport to city is only Rs 200. Regular, direct flights are available from Pune to many cities in India. The cities Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore and Mumbai are all air connected to Pune. International travelers can get connecting flight from Mumbai International Airport. Air India – Airport 1800-227-722/020-26683210/020-26683211
Others : Auto-rickshaws : There is also a huge army of three wheeled rickshaws. There are some prepaid rickshaw stands at Shivajinagar, Swargate Bus Depot and Lohegaon Airport. From here autorickshaw is easily available to reach these sight.
Things to CarryEdit
- Carry light cotton clothing, sunscreem, sun glasses, plenty of water and camera.
Safety / WarningEdit
- While traveling from Pune to Mumbai beware of touts who induce you into cheaper travel. Rather take the Asiad buses from the regular stand at the Pune station or the crowded luxury buses which are safer options.
- The auto rickshaw drivers can overcharge so ask them for meter readings and follow the rules of the meter while making payments.
- The city is heavily polluted in crowded junctions so avoid traveling in rush hours.
- Do not trust strangers while traveling and avoid traveling out late at night in lonely areas, though Pune is relatively a safe city, and the crime rate is low.
HelplineEdit
- Police – 100
- Fire – 101
- Ambulance – 102
- Accident and trauma – 1099
