#shindechhatri

[tour-travel-world]

Top 22 Places To Visit In Pune

If you are planning to visit Pune during your holidays, here are some suggestions that would help you with your plan. This city is rich in history and culture and offers a number of mesmerizing travel delights. Situated at the confluence of River Mula and Mutha, Pune, is known for its spiritual as well as cultural heritage.

[famousplacesinindia]

Located on the left bank of the #Bhairoba stream in the #Wanawadi district of #Pune, #ShindeChhatri is a memorial dedicated to the 18th century military leader Mahadji Shinde who served as the commander-in-chief of the Maratha army under the Peshwas from 1760 to 1780. Up until 1794 only a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva existed here, which was built by Mahadji Shinde himself. When he died in that year he was cremated next to the temple. The impressive hall that is now annexed to the temple marks the spot where his last rites were performed. The architecture is an interesting blend of Anglo-Rajasthani, and is quite a surprise when you first enter the building. It’s an open airy space despite a terrace on the 1st floor that surrounds the interior, I particularly liked the stained glass windows that gave a distinct Rajasthani feeling to the building. At the far end of the hall is the annexed temple. Clearly the building has in the past seen periods of prolonged neglect. Although stabilised now, much of the interior decoration has been lost, one can only imagine how it must have appeared when freshly painted. During those periods of neglect the roof had become damaged and water seeped into the hall, which damaged both the carvings and the paintings. Thankfully the building has undergone some restoration, a process that is still on-going but the results of which are clearly visible now. There is also a tentative plan by the Shinde Devasthan Trust to create a small museum in the gallery of the hall after the restoration work is complete. The Scindia family from Gwalior, his descendants, are now the caretakers of the property. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cc9p0rfvOII/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[treatresortib]

Places In Pune Having Historical Significance

Pune may not be the administrative capital of Maharashtra, but it sure is the cultural capital. It is also known as Punyanagari in Modi, from which the name Pune has been derived.Pune is considered as the centre of traditional Marathi culture.

The monuments in this city are a testimony to its glorious history. Along with being home to ShivajiMaharaj, it was a transit base for him during various campaigns against the Mughals. It was the political seat of the Peshwas, who were a major political power of the Indian subcontinent in the 18th century.Some of the places in Pune having historical significance are:-

• Shaniwar Wada – It was the palace of Peshwas. Located in the heart of Pune city, the seven storied structure was built in 1746 by BajiraoPeshwa I. The palace was destroyed by a mysterious fire in 1827. However, the fortification walls that surrounded the whole Palace still remain intact along with the teak gateways and the ruins of fire inside the palace.

• Raja DinkarKelkar Museum – This building houses the fantastic collection of Indian artifacts belonging to the late Dr.DinkarKelkar. The museum has a wealth of antiques that showcases the diversity of Indian culture. There are exhibits from the time of Peshwa. Also, artifacts belonging to the Maratha and Mughal period.

• SarasBaug – It is a beautiful garden constructed by NanasahebPeshwa. The famous Ganesh Temple on the hillock inside the garden was constructed by MadhavraoPeshwa in 1774. There is a Ganesh Murthi museum which has an enigmatic variety of statues of Lord Ganesha.  It is a popular spot for an evening stroll among the locals.

• Rajgad Fort–It was the capital of Maratha Empire under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj for almost 26 years. Later on, the capital was moved to Raigad Fort. Innumerable moments of historical significance during ShivajMaharaj’s reign are attached to this fort. Surrounded by the majestic mountains of Sahyadri, it has become a paradise for those who are enthusiastic about trekking. Nowadays, it is a major Safe Weekend Gateway from Pune city.

• ShindeChhatri–It is the memorial of the great Maratha warrior, MahadjiShinde. He was the commander-in-chief of the Maratha army under the Peshwas. It houses the cremation spot of the great military leader. The architecture of this structure is very captivating, making it a popular tourist attraction.

• Vishrambaug Wada – It is a luxurious mansion built by BajiraoPeshwa II, the last Peshwa of the Maratha Empire. The carved woodwork depicts the architecture of the Peshwa period. It has a magnificent entrance and balcony. Also, there are beautiful columns inside the palace. Presently, it houses various offices of the Pune municipal corporation and other such offices. Also, there is a museum of Maratha artifacts.

• Kesari Wada –Situated in Narayan Peth, this palace was built by the Gaekwads. It was the residence of SayajiraoGaekwad. But, its popularity can be attributed to the fact that it was the official headquarter for two newspapers run by LokmanyaBalGangadharTilak. The two papers, ‘Kesari’ in Marathi and ‘Maratha’ in English, were first published during the pre-Independence period. The office still remains untouched. Along with it, many mementos from that period have been preserved. Visiting these epitomes of the past is like taking a walk down history. One is transferred back to that time period. These historical places are a must visit for the enthusiasts of Maratha history.