"Explore the historic fort of Pune's heritage."
Shaniwarwada is a historical fortification located in Pune, Maharashtra. It was built in 1732 by the Peshwa Baji Rao I, who was the prime minister of the Maratha Empire. The fortification served as the residence of the Peshwa rulers of the Maratha Empire until 1818 when the British East India Company took over the fort after the Third Anglo-Maratha War.
The Shaniwarwada fort is open to visitors every day from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM.
The entry fee for Indian visitors is Rs.25 per person, and for foreign visitors, it is Rs.300 per person.
It takes about 1-2 hours to explore the entire Shaniwarwada fort. Visitors are not allowed to carry food or drinks inside the fort premises.
The architecture of Shaniwarwada is a blend of Maratha and Mughal styles. The fort complex includes several buildings, courtyards, gates, and gardens. The main palace was constructed using teak wood, stone, and bricks. The fort also has five gates and nine bastions.
The best time to visit Shaniwarwada is during the winter season, from October to February when the weather is pleasant and conducive for exploring the fort.
Shaniwarwada is located in the heart of Pune city and is easily accessible by road. Visitors can take a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or public transport to reach the fort.
Shaniwarwada was built as the residence of the Peshwa rulers of the Maratha Empire. It witnessed several historic events, including the murder of the teenage Peshwa Narayanrao in 1773. The fort was also attacked and looted by the British forces during the Third Anglo-Maratha War in 1818.
Inside the Shaniwarwada fort, visitors can explore the main palace, which includes the Nagarkhana (music gallery), Diwan-i-aam (public audience hall), Diwan-i-khas (private audience hall), and several other rooms and chambers. The fort also has a massive garden and a fountain.
It is advisable to wear comfortable footwear as there is a lot of walking involved while exploring the fort. Visitors are also advised to carry a water bottle and sunscreen to stay hydrated and protected from the sun.
Some of the hotels near Shaniwarwada include Hotel Shree Panchratna, Hotel Shantai, The Ritz Hotel, The Ambassador Hotel, and Hotel Sagar Plaza.
Some of the nearby tourist spots of Shaniwarwada include the Aga Khan Palace, Lal Mahal, Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, Parvati Hill, and Saras Baug.
