Alok Prakash 
Maharashtra Historical Places That You Should Visit
Maharashtra is a state of historic and magnificent monuments including the Gateway of India, Ambernath Shivalaya Temple, Ajanta Ellora Caves, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, S haniwar Wada, Agakhan Palace, and Deekshabhoomi. The most popular historical monuments of Maharashtra also include Ambernath Shivalaya Temple, Bibi-Ka-Maqbara, Raigad Fort, and Sindhudurg Sea Fort. So get ready to give yourself visual treats and feed your mind with the stories about the Most Popular Historical Monuments of Maharashtra.
Most Popular Historical Monuments To Visit In Maharashtra With Family
Maharashtra is widely renowned for its majestic monuments all across the globe. There are many famous historical monuments of Maharashtra that are well-liked and are regularly visited by tourists. Here are some of the top historical places in the state that one must definitely pay a visit to and have a wonderful experience for life.
Gateway of India, Mumbai
Gateway of India is a prominent tourist attraction and popular historical monument of Maharashtra. It is believed to be constructed in the early 20th century to honor the welcome of King George V and Queen Mary at Apollo Bander on their visit to India. The magnificent Indo-Saracenic style of architecture symbolizes the grand and opulent history of Indian art. The beautiful structure stands to serve the entry and access to India. It is one of the most unique landmarks situated in the city of Mumbai, embellished with fine architecture.
- Location: Apollo Bandar, Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Entry Fee: No Entry Fees
- Timings: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm, All days of the week
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is among the most popular and historic places to visit in Mumbai. The magnificent terminal train station touching the shores of the angelic Arabian Sea is said to be the lifeline of the city. Sprawling across a vast area of 2.85 hectares, it serves as the main headquarters of the Central Railways which is also one of the most crowded train stations in the country.
- Location: Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Area, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Entry Fee: No Entry Fees
- Timings: Opens, 24/7 All 365 days of the year
Ellora Caves, Ellora
Ellora Caves is a popular archaeological site and one of the largest single monolithic excavations in the world. It represents the epitome of mesmerizing Indian rock-cut architecture. The prehistoric caves are believed to be built by Kalachuri, Chalukya, and Rashtrakuta dynasties during their reign between the 6th to 9th centuries. It served as an accommodation for Buddhist and Jain monks while traveling on their trade routes. The enchanting Ellora is renowned for depicting the ten primary avatars of the principal Hindu god Lord Vishnu.
- Location: Ellora Cave Rd, Ellora, Maharashtra
- Entry Fee: Indians, SAARC, and BIMSTEC Nationals – Rs 40, Foreigners – Rs 600
- Timings: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm, All days of the week
Chand Minar, Daulatabad
The iconic Chand Minar is the 2nd largest minaret in India, located in the Daulatabad-Deogiri fort complex. As per the local folklore, the minaret was erected in the year 1445, by King Ala-ud-din Bahmani to glorify his victory in capturing the astonishing Daulatabad fort. It was mainly used to make announcements related to the fort and it marks the entrance to the Daulatabad Fort. The amazing structure of the Chand Minar is an exquisite example of fine Turk-style architecture.
- Location: Daulatabad, Maharashtra
- Entry Fee: Indians – Rs 10, Foreigners – Rs 100
- Timings: 9:00 am – 5:30 pm, All days of the week
Shaniwar Wada, Pune
Shaniwar Wada is one of the historical landmarks located in the city of Pune in Maharashtra. It is a multi-story palace that was built by Peshwa Baji Rao I in the year 1732. This majestic and magnificent fort narrates the glory and grandeur of the Maratha Empire. Despite being ruined by a fire breakout in the year 1828, the palace still continues to be one of the greatest architectural masterpieces in Indian history.
- Location: NH60, Shaniwar Peth, Pune, Maharashtra
- Entry Fee: Indians – Rs 25, Foreigners – Rs 125
- Timings: 8:00 am – 6:30 pm, All days of the week
Devagiri Daulatabad Fort, Daulatabad
The majestic Devagiri Daulatabad Fort was built by the Yadava dynasty in the year 1187. It is an ancient fort that is located in the midst of rich and flourishing greenery. As per the local netizens’ folktale, Lord Shiva is believed to have meditated on the hills of this region. Hence the fort was originally known as Devagiri, meaning the “hills of god”. The unique architecture of the mighty Devagiri Fort emerges largely as a popular tourist attraction over the past few years.
- Location: MH SH 22, Daulatabad, Maharashtra
- Entry Fee: Indians – Rs 10, Foreigners – Rs 100
- Timings: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm, All days of the week
Agakhan Palace, Pune
The enchanting Agakhan Palace reflects a symbol of the regal and royal days of India’s rich history. It also holds great significance and is closely associated with the Indian freedom movement, as many prominent leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, his wife Kasturba Gandhi, Mahadev Desai and Sarojini Naidu were help captive in this place. Thus the palace has been declared a monument of national importance.
- Location: Nagar Road, Samrat Ashok Rd, Pune, Maharashtra
- Entry Fee: Indians – Rs 5, Children – Rs 2, Foreigners – Rs 100
- Timings: 9:00 am – 5:30 pm, All days of the week
Wai Ghat and Temples, Satara
Located on the banks of the mighty Krishna river, the beautiful Wai Ghat and its Temples are renowned truly as a holy pilgrim town. The region consists of almost 100 beautiful temples in its close surrounding. Most of them are embellished with fine architecture reflecting the grandeur of the rich Indian history.
- Location: Satara, Maharashtra
- Entry Fee: No Entry Fee
- Timings: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm, All days of the week
New Palace, Kolhapur
New Palace, is a historic landmark of India which is also a classic example of fine architecture, as it was built entirely in black polished stone reflecting the excellent specimen of Indian architecture. The palace is adorned by a beautiful garden, a crystal clear freshwater fountain, and a large wrestling ground along with a zoo and lake. The palace still reflects the regal and regal lifestyle of Chatrapati Shahu Maharaj.
- Location: New Palace, Kolhapur, Maharashtra
- Entry Fee: No Entry Fee
- Timings: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm, All days of the week
Tomb of Salabat Khan, Ahmednagar
The tomb of Salabat Khan is another beautiful piece of architecture left behind by the Mughals. This three-story palace sprawled on the crest of a hill is located in a quiet, calm, and serene place that lets travelers enjoy the beauty of structure with the splendid views of the lush green hills and the entire city. This magnificent and historically rich tomb of Salabat Khan allures travelers from far and wide and makes the visit worthwhile.
- Location: Sonewadi, Maharashtra
- Entry Fee: No Entry Fee
- Timings: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm, All days of the week
Bibi-Ka-Maqbara, Aurangabad
Mughal ruler Aurangzeb Constructed this beautiful Mughal-era monument Bibi Ka Maqbara in fond memory of his beloved first wife Rabia Daurani. This historic monument is said to be the exact replica of the grand and magnificent Taj Mahal. It is also known as the ‘Taj of the Deccan’ due to its striking similarity with the Taj. The dome of the maqbara is adorned beautifully with white marble and embellished with intricate designs of flowers.
- Location: Begumpura, Aurangabad, Maharashtra
- Entry Fee: Indian, SAARC, and BIMSTEC Nationals – Rs 25, Foreigners – Rs 300
- Timings: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm, All days of the week
Raigad Fort, Raigad
Exploring the magnificent Raigad Fort is a true delight for travelers. This popular fort is believed to be built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, in the 13th century. This incredible fort is renowned for being one of the strongest forts and also the most visited landmark in Maharashtra. The alluring and aesthetically appealing hill fort entails its majestic ambiance and showers the grandness and splendor of the bygone era.
- Location: Raigad, Maharashtra
- Entry Fee: Rs 10
- Timings: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm, All days of the week
Pratapgad Fort, Satara
The gracious Pratapgarh fort depicts the valor and courage of Maratha ruler Shivaji Maharaj. The magnificent fort holds historical importance in the battle of Pratapgarh in 1659, as Shivaji Maharaj not only defeated Afzal Khan but also led to the eventual establishment of the Maratha Empire. Over the years, this majestic fort has emerged as the greatest tourist attraction of Maharashtra.
- Location: Maan Road, Hinjawadi, Pune, Maharashtra
- Entry Fee: No Entry Fee
- Timings: 7:00 am – 6:00 pm, All days of the week
Kondana Caves, Raigad
The popular Kondana Caves is one of the major trekking spots for trekkers as it holds a group of 16 beautiful excavated Buddhist caves in its vicinity. These caves are a delight to watch due to their magnificent stupas and sculptures that offer a glimpse of the intricate and delicate carvings of Buddhist architecture. This cave has emerged as a famous destination among trekkers and history buffs due to its excellent location in the midst of a dense forest.
- Location: Rajmachi Trek, Kondhane, Maharashtra
- Entry Fee: No Entry Fee
- Timings: 6:00 am – 6:00 pm, All days of the week
Harishchandragad Hill Fort, Ahmednagar
The ancient Harishchandragad hill fort is one of the oldest hillfort and a historical palace situated in the district Ahmednagar of Maharashtra. Standing at a roaring height of 1,424 meters, the majestic Fort also holds a beautiful cave in its surroundings which is believed to be carved out during the 11th century. The hill fort also offers one of the most challenging and adventurous trekking experiences for trekkers in the midst of beautiful nature.
- Location: Ahmednagar, Maharashtra
- Entry Fee: No Entry Fee
- Timings: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm, All days of the week
Vijaydurg Fort, Sindhudurg
The Vijaydurg Fort is one of the oldest forts and lies on the coast of the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra. The exterior of the grand and magnificent fort is surrounded by the Arabian Sea on three sides. The fort stands for ‘fort of victory and it inherited its name after the victory of Shivaji over Adilshah in 1653. This unique and incredible architecture of the fort makes it highly admirable thus it is also known as the ‘Eastern Gibraltar,’ due to such an imposing structure.
- Location: MSH 4, Vijaydurg Fort, Vijaydurg, Maharashtra
- Entry Fee: Indians – Rs 5, Foreigners – Rs 250
- Timings: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm, All days of the week
Sindhudurg Fortress, Sindhudurg
Sindhudurg Fort is a historical fort of Maharashtra, which means “fort in the sea”. The fortress lies along the long beautiful seashore and occupies an island in the majestic Arabian Sea. The mesmerizing view of the fort resembles a mighty fort floating in the blue dazzling sea. The admirable fort with its intricate architecture, blessed natural beauty, picturesque mountains, and lush greenery allures travelers from far and wide.
- Location: Malvan, Maharashtra
- Entry Fee: Adults – Rs 100, Children – Rs 60
- Timings: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm, All days of the week
How to reach Maharashtra
By Flight: Maharashtra has an extensive network of flights working both on the domestic and international sections. There are numerous domestic airports like Santa Cruz, Chattarpati Shivaji International Airport, Aurangabad Airport, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Airport, and several others. These airports connect the state to other parts of the country.
By Bus: Maharashtra has a well-connected network of National and State Highways that make the region easily accessible from the neighboring states. The regular fleet of government and private buses in and out of the state makes it easier for the public to visit the popular historical monuments of Maharashtra.
By Train: Maharashtra has a very well-connected railway network that connects the state to the major cities and other states of the country. Mumbai’s local train service is known to be the lifeline of the city. Being the financial capital of the Nation, it has the largest railway network.
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