Maharashtra, India is commonly known as the gateway of India and is one of India’s biggest commercial and industrial centers. Moreover, it has also played a significant role in the country’s social and political life. It’s well known for its caves and cliffs. It’s believed that the varieties found in Maharashtra are more than the caves and rock-cut architecture found across other parts of the world. The places to be visited in Maharashtra have several types of architectural styles, including Hindu, Indo-Islamic, and Maratha architectural styles of the medieval era owing to the several dynasties that ruled the area, and Portuguese and British architecture owing to British Rule. Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra (formerly known as Bombay), has one of the world’s largest collections of art deco buildings.
1. Shaniwar Wada, Pune | Places To Be Visited In Maharashtra
The foundation stone was laid in 1730 by Peshwa Bajirao I and the material used for construction was brick. The construction took two years to complete and is a blend of Maratha Imperial and Mughal architecture. Several fires over the years destroyed a significant portion of the building. The interior of the building is adorned with paintings depicting scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata. The windows and doors are dome-shaped due to the influence of Mughal architecture.
2. Aga Khan Palace, Pune
Constructed in 1982 by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III, the Aga Khan Palace is one of the historical places in Maharashtra and a landmark for several defining moments in the history of India. Mahatma Gandhi, his wife Kasturba, and Sarojini Naidu were held captive here. Known for its architectural beauty, it also heads the Gandhi National Memorial Society and encourages khaki-making to support the poor with a livelihood.
3. Ajantha-Ellora Caves, Aurangabad | Places To Be Visited In Maharashtra
It is one of the finest examples of ancient rock-cut caves located in the state of Maharashtra. It is a collection of 29 Ajanta Caves and 34 Ellora Caves, which consist of paintings and intricately carved sculptures. The caves are surrounded by dense forests. One of the most important sites here is the Kailash Temple. It is the single largest monolithic structure in the world. The caves have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.
4. Gateway of India
Located in the capital of Maharashtra, Mumbai, it is one of the most iconic structures in India. It’s a memorial constructed to honor King George V and his wife, Queen Mary, while they were touring India. Materials used include indissoluble concrete and yellow basalt. The central dome measures around 48 feet in diameter. Behind the structure are a set of steps that lead to the Arabian sea, from where one can board boats to sail to the Elephanta caves.
5. Elephanta Caves | Places To Be Visited In Maharashtra
It is one of the major attractions in Maharashtra due to its archeological relevance. It’s believed to have been constructed between the 5th and 6th century AD. The largest cave measures 39 meters from front to back. The main body of the cave measures about 27 square meters, supported by six rows of pillars. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 1987. Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation hosts a dance festival at Elephanta Island every year.
6. Bibi-Ka-Maqbara, Aurangabad
Bibi-Ka-Maqbara is commonly known as the Taj Mahal of the Deccan due to its resemblance to the Taj Mahal. It was constructed by Aurangazeb, as a memorial, for his wife, Rabia-Ul-Daurani.It’s located in Aurangabad, Maharashtra.
7. Chand Minar, Daulatabad | Places To Be Visited In Maharashtra
Chand Minar is the second largest minaret, believed to have been built in the 15th century by Alu-ud-din Bahmani, declaring his victory over the Fort. It functioned as a podium for announcements and a watchtower to keep an eye on the enemies. It is 210 feet tall, housing 24 chambers, and divided into four stories. It also consists of a small mosque.
8. Wai Ghat and Temples, Satara
Located near Panchgani, the village of Wai is well known for its temples and caves, especially the Dhyola Ganpati Temple. The temple was built in the 17th century and dedicated to Lord Ganesha. It was built to protect the village from calamities. There are nine cave temples, all of which, are dedicated to Lord Shiva
These caves are known for their unique architectural style.
9. New Palace, Kolhapur
Constructed in the 19th century, it was the residence of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj and is one of the places of historical relevance in Maharashtra. The museum inside the palace, which contains the possessions of the Maharaj, attracts a lot of visitors. Black stone with a sheen finish is the material, that has been used for construction.
10. Ambernath Shivalaya, Ambernath | Places To Be Visited In Maharashtra
The temple, built in the 11th Century, is carved in stone. It is dedicated to lord shiva and is situated, on the banks of the Waldhuni River. The sanctuary, situated almost 20 steps below the entrance of the temple, reveals the bright skies, as the tower above ends abruptly. The entrance has three porches. The reliefs on the exterior are damaged, but those in the interiors are still intact.
11. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai
The Victorian and Gothic styles influenced the railway station known as Victoria Termius during British rule. The building is currently the headquarters of the central railways. A few scenes from popular Bollywood movies have been shot here as well.
12. Global Vipassana Pagoda
It’s a massive dome structure located in the suburbs of Mumbai. It consists of a large meditation hall with a seating capacity of 8000, making it the largest in the world. Its main aim is to spread the teachings of Budhha and to share knowledge about Vipassana. The architecture of the structure follows the Burmese style to honor Myanmar, which preserved the practice of Vipassana. It also has the world’s largest stone dome, built without supporting pillars and measuring about 29 meters in height.
13. Shinde Chhatri | Places To Be Visited In Maharashtra
It’s a memorial built for Maratha leader Mahadji Shinde, located in Pune. It’s one of the structures that symbolize the Maratha rule in India. The architectural style is replete with intricate carvings, part of Rajasthani design with Anglo style. It was constructed following the Vaastu Hara rules.
14. ratapgarh Fort
Located near Mahabaleshwar is the picturesque Pratapgarh Fort. The valleys, lakes and the entire city is visible from the hilltop of Pratapgarh Fort.
15. Mount Mary Church, Mumbai | Places To Be Visited In Maharashtra
The church, built in British architectural style, is located on a hill called “Sunderban Bandra”, which overlooks the Arabian Sea. The church also hosts the Bandra Fair or the Feast of Mount Mary every September. The celebrations last for a week.
References
- https://www.thrillophilia.com/. (n.d.). 35 Historical Places in Maharashtra. [online] Available at: https://www.thrillophilia.com/historical-places-in-maharashtra [Accessed 9 Oct. 2022].
- Revvlog. (2020). Historical Places to Visit by a Road Trip in Maharashtra – 15 Best Historical Places with Pictures. [online] Available at: https://www.revv.co.in/blogs/historical-places-to-visit-in-maharashtra/ [Accessed 9 Oct. 2022].
3.www.holidify.com. (n.d.). 61 Historical Places In Maharashtra | Heritage Places 2022. [online] Available at: https://www.holidify.com/collections/historical-places-in-maharashtra [Accessed 9 Oct. 2022].
4.www.indianholiday.com. (n.d.). Explore Captivating Historical Sites in Maharashtra. [online] Available at: https://www.indianholiday.com/blog/historical-sites-in-maharashtra/ [Accessed 9 Oct. 2022].
