Visitor Information
- Famous For: Rich history, Artistic architecture, Ghostly mystery
- Entrance Fee: There is a nominal visiting charge for the visitors which is as follows; Indian citizen – Rs. 5, foreign citizen – Rs. 125. There is a light and sound show which is organized for the public’s enjoyment. It charges Rs. 25 per person.
- Visiting Time: The Shaniwar Wada fort is open on all days. The timings to visit the place is limited to 0800 – 1830 hours.
- Visiting Duration: The fort is not a very huge place. Also, a large part of it is in ruins because of a terrible fire. Hence you need only about 1-2 hours to fully tour this fort.
Shaniwar Wada Fort was once the royal home of the Peshwas, the prime ministers of Maratha Empire. It was one of the most important and regal Forts in the Deccan Plateau. The Peshwas had constructed the fort to be a wondrous sight, complete with battlements, towers and trenches. It was considered to be a jewel in the crown of the Maratha Empire.
Traveler Tips
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you will have to walk long distances. Your feet will thank you later!
- Remember to not stray away in the Fort ruins. Always keep your guide informed about where you are.
- Carry snacks and water with you. There are limited options in places to eat near the Fort.
- The Fort is an important historical site. Please do not deface or destroy any part of it by carving names or likewise.
- The authorities are particular about the cleanliness of the place. It is punishable by law to litter in the Fort.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Age has weakened some of the ramparts of the Fort. Do not fool around visibly weakened parts of the Fort.
Things to Do
- Explore the ancient ruins of the Shaniwar Wada Fort.
- Take some amazing photography shots of the place, capturing its beauty.
- Ask around for some of the horrifying tales and the bad luck that surrounds this ruined Fort.
- Try out the local cuisine near the Fort especially the delicious Mango Mastani.
- Take a refreshing walk in the refurbished Shaniwar Wada Gardens.
Availability of Guides
It is a good idea to have an expert guide for this place because there is a lot of history and eerie stories connected to it. You can book a guide very easily from the local tourism agencies or through online sources. The place is quite easy to navigate and you will not have any issues in finding it.
Best Time to Visit
Pune is a beautiful place and has pleasant weather throughout the year. You can visit it any time between July – April. You will not feel much discomfort due to the weather.
How to Reach
Pune is well connected to all the nearby major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur and Bangalore. There are regular flights and trains between the two places. Buses are always there to move you around. Rickshaws and tempos are available for commute inside the city. For your own comfort, you can also book a private cab.
Interesting Facts and Trivia about Shaniwar Wada Fort
- One of the most important historical sites in Maharashtra, the Fort finds its origins in the year 1732. It was built by Peshwa Baji Rao I. The material for building this grand fort was imported from places like Chichwad, Junnar and Jejuri.
- As the years passed on various modifications were made to the fort like court halls, bastions, embankments and fortified walls. The gates were built to withstand a heavy attacking force. The sturdy humungous teak gates had embedded iron spikes and chutes for boiling oil.
- One of the central pieces of the palace that garnered attention was the Hazari Karanje. Designed to be a 16 petal lotus fountain, it had huge arcs of water jets.
- The palace interiors were artistically built and decorated with unique items. The floors were all covered with fine marble sheets. Various famous paintings and murals decorated the walls and the palace ceilings.
- Unfortunately, the palace has a gory history. It is speckled with the horrifying murder of the young Peshwa prince due to greed and power struggle. It is believed that until today, the ghost of the prince roams in the palace ruins crying for help on full moon nights.
- Tragedy struck the palace again in 1828, when mysterious fires broke out. Almost the entire palace was destroyed. Only the base remains, adding more spookiness to the place.
Nearby Attractions
- Aga Khan Palace
- Saras Baug
- Bund Garden
- Parvati Hill
- Vishrambaug Wada
- Osho Ashram
- National War Museum
- Bhaja Caves
Nearby Places to Eat
- Jumboking
- Sawiz
- Trick Shot Pool & Café
- SK’s Kitchen
- Sharada
- Faaso’s
- Satkar Non-Veg
- Suprem Sandwich Corner
Shaniwar Wada Fort is a very interesting place when its royal charm is coupled with the spooky stories. It is one place that your kids would love to visit.
Don’t wait for an auspicious moment, just pack up and visit this unbelievable place!
