Indian Columbus

Located in the heart of Pune, this majestic fortification stands as a testament to the glory, power, and rich cultural heritage of the Maratha Empire. Even in its ruined state, Shaniwar Wada continues to capture the imagination of history enthusiasts, travelers, and storytellers alike. The Glory of Shaniwar Wada Shaniwar Wada was constructed in 1732 under the leadership of Peshwa Bajirao I, one of the greatest military generals India has ever seen. Designed to serve as the political seat of the Peshwas, this fort witnessed the rise of Maratha power across India. Shaniwar Wada became synonymous with Pune's identity, transforming the city into a powerful capital of the Maratha Confederacy. The original plan was to construct the entire palace in stone, but an imperial decree restricted stone constructions only to kings. As a result, the Wada's lower levels were built in stone, while the upper portions were made of brick. ( For beginners: The Maratha Kings held the title of C...

Pune, the second-largest city in the Indian state of Maharashtra, has a storied history that traces its roots back to the 9th century CE. Notably, it served as the inaugural capital for the illustrious Maratha Emperor, Chhatrapati Shivaji. Pune is also revered as the cultural epicenter of Maharashtra and is home to a multitude of attractions, many of which are of religious significance. In this article, we will embark on a journey to explore Vishrambaag Wada, a heritage site nestled within the city. Before we delve into the intricate details of Vishrambaag Wada, it's essential to provide a concise overview of Maratha royal history. The Maratha Kings held the esteemed title of Chattrapati, while the Prime Ministers within the Maratha Empire were known as Peshwas. Initially, the Peshwas functioned as subordinates to the emperors, but over time, they assumed the mantle of de facto leaders, with the Chattrapatis assuming more nominal roles. Ultimately, even the Peshwas relinquis...

Site Name:  Siddhi Vinayak Temple aka Sarasbaug Ganapati Temple Site Type:  Hindu temples, museum Location:   Pune, Maharashtra state, India Highlights:   A temple located within scenic garden Nearest Railway Station:   Pune Nearest Airport:  Pune How to reach:  Well connected by road, rail and air Hotel:  A lot of options across the entire Pune city Restaurants:  Varieties of options especially delicious Maharashtrian food across the entire city Pune  is the second largest city of Maharashtra state of India. The city which exists since the 9th century CE was the first capital of the great Maratha Emperor Chhatrapati Shivaji. Pune is also considered as the cultural capital of Maharashtra. The city has many attractions and most of them are religious sites. Let us explore an important temple called Sarasbaug Ganapati Temple. Highlights: An important temple in Pune city Located within a scenic gardent A museu...

Site Name:  Parvati Hills Site Type:  Hindu temples, hill, museum Location:   Pune, Maharashtra state, India Highlights:   A scenic hill - a paradise in Pune city - loved by morning joggers, religious people as well as heritage lovers Nearest Railway Station:   Pune Nearest Airport:  Pune How to reach:  Well connected by road, rail and air Hotel:  A lot of options across the entire Pune city Restaurants:  Varieties of options especially delicious Maharashtrian food across the entire city Pune  is the second largest city of Maharashtra state of India. The city which exists since the 9th century CE was the first capital of the great Maratha Emperor Chhatrapati Shivaji. Pune is also considered as the cultural capital of Maharashtra. The city has many attractions and most of them are religious sites. Let us explore an important place called Parvati Hills. It is called as the pride of Pune city.  Highlights: ...

Site Name:   Dagdu Seth Ganapati  Temple Site Type:  Hindu temple Location:   Pune, Maharashtra state, India Highlights:   One of the most popular temples of Pune; probably the richest temple of the city Nearest Railway Station:   Pune Nearest Airport:  Pune How to reach:  Well connected by road, rail and air Hotel:  A lot of options across the entire Pune city Restaurants:  Varieties of options especially delicious Maharashtrian food across the entire city Pune  is the second largest city of Maharashtra state of India. The city which exists since the 9th century CE was the first capital of the great Maratha Emperor Chhatrapati Shivaji. Pune is also considered as the cultural capital of Maharashtra. The city has many attractions and most of them are religious sites. Let us explore an important temple of the city, Dagdu Seth Ganapati temple, in this article. Highlights:   God  –  Ganesha...

Site Name:   Pataleshwar Temple Site Type:  Hindu temple Location:   Pune, Maharashtra state, India Highlights:   One of the oldest temples of Pune; a rock cut temple by Rashtrakuptas Nearest Railway Station:   Pune Nearest Airport:  Pune How to reach:  Well connected by road, rail and air Hotel:  A lot of options across the entire Pune city Restaurants:  Varieties of options especially delicious Maharashtrian food across the entire city Pune  is the second largest city of Maharashtra state of India. The city which exists since the 9th century CE was the first capital of the great Maratha Emperor Chhatrapati Shivaji. Pune is also considered as the cultural capital of Maharashtra. The city has many attractions and most of them are religious sites. Let us explore the oldest temple of the city, Pataleshwar temple, in this article. Highlights:   God  –  Pataleshwar The oldest temple i...

Site Name:   Chaturshringi Temple Site Type:  Hindu temple Location:   Pune, Maharashtra state, India Highlights:   The presiding deity of Pune; one of the most popular temples of the city Nearest Railway Station:   Pune Nearest Airport:  Pune How to reach:  Well connected by road, rail and air Hotel:  A lot of options across the entire Pune city Restaurants:  Varieties of options especially delicious Maharashtrian food across the entire city Pune  is the second largest city of Maharashtra state of India. The city which exists since the 9th century CE was the first capital of the great Maratha Emperor Chhatrapati Shivaji. Pune is also considered as the cultural capital of Maharashtra. The city has many attractions and most of them are religious sites. Let us explore the temple of Chaturshringi, the presiding deity of Pune, in this article. Highlights:   Goddess  –  Chaturshringi The presidi...