Skip to content
Top 10 Historical Sites To Visit In Maharashtra In 2023

Top 10 Historical Sites To Visit In Maharashtra In 2023

Maharashtra is home to numerous historical sites that will take you back in time and give your trip some much-needed excitement.

If you love exploring beautiful architecture and historical locations, then traveling to Maharashtra can be a wholesome experience. In this state, you can visit many historical places designated as World Heritage Sites.

ADVERTISEMENT

Maharashtra has many monuments that reflect Indian mythology and architectural marvels, in addition to historic buildings.

In this article, you will get to know about the following historical sites to visit in Maharashtra,

  1. Ajanta and Ellora Caves
  2. Gateway of India
  3. Elephanta Caves
  4. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
  5. Shaniwar Wada
  6. Lohagad Fort
  7. Rajabai Clock Tower
  8. Bibi Ka Maqbara
  9. Ambernath Shivalaya
  10. Tomb of Salabat Khan

Let’s see each of these places in detail.

1. Ajanta and Ellora Caves

Ajanta Caves
LocationAurangabad & Verul
Built in2nd and 1st centuries B.C.
Timings8:30 AM – 6 PM
Entry FeeRs. 30 per person for Indians
Rs. 500 per person for Foreigners

Ajanta and Ellora Caves in Aurangabad are among the best examples of prehistoric rock-cut caves. It is one of the best historical locations in Maharashtra.

There are 34 Ellora Caves and 29 Ajanta Caves, both of which feature exquisite paintings and intricately carved sculptures.

ADVERTISEMENT

Undoubtedly, the interiors and exteriors of the caves will mesmerize you. Dense forests encircle these caves and showcase the natural beauty and brilliant architecture.

The Kailash Temple, the largest monolithic building in the world, is a significant location here. The Caves are now a UNESCO World Heritage site due to their overall beauty.

Ajanta Caves are closed on Mondays, and Ellora Caves are closed on Tuesdays.

2. Gateway of India

Gateway of India, Mumbai
LocationApollo Bandar, Colaba, Mumbai
Built in1924
TimingsAll Day
Entry feeFree

The Gateway of India is one of the most recognizable buildings in India, built alongside Mumbai Harbor in 1924. This enormous building, which serves as a memorial, is situated at the tip of Apollo Bunder.

It honors King George V and his wife, Queen Mary.

This well-known tourist destination, which was once a British settlement, now draws food vendors, nature lovers, and photographers who adore its charm in every bit.

Gateway of India reflects Indo-Saracenic architectural style. The central dome of this magnificent structure measures around 48 feet in diameter. It has four turrets exquisitely carved with intricate latticework. 

Visitors walk behind the monument to view the beautiful Arabian Sea. It is also a romantic place, and many couples spend a wonderful time together.

3. Elephanta Caves

LocationGharapuri, Maharashtra
Built inAD 6th Century
Timings9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry feeRs. 40 for Indians
Rs. 600 for Foreigners

The Elephanta Caves, also known as Gharapurichi Leni, is situated in Elephanta Islands Mumbai. It has an attractive framework and is believed to date back to the era of the Silhara Kings.

The central chamber, two lateral ones, numerous subsidiary shrines, and courtyards are all features of the cave temple complex, which spans an area of about 60000 square feet.

It consists of beautifully curved idol sculptures from solid natural rock.

ADVERTISEMENT

The true brilliance of ancient Indian architecture is represented primarily by seven caves. The first cave features Hindu-inspired carvings and rock-cut stone sculptures devoted to Lord Shiva. Eight manifest depictions of the quintessential essence of the Shiva Lingam are in the sculptures and are worth admiring.

You can witness Buddhist Rock Cut architecture here too.

4. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai
LocationFort, Mumbai
Built in1887
TimingsAll Day
Entry FeeFree

The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in Mumbai was formerly known as Victoria Terminus Station. It is an outstanding example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture in India.

It incorporates elements of traditional Indian architecture.

British architect F. W. designed the terminus. The high Victorian Gothic design, based on late medieval Italian models, of the terminal, took ten years to complete. The construction started in 1878.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus has an impressive stone dome, turrets, pointed arches, and a peculiar floor plan reminiscent of traditional Indian palace architecture.

It is an excellent illustration of how two cultures can coexist, as British architects collaborated with Indian Craftsmen to incorporate Indian architectural traditions and idioms.

5. Shaniwar Wada

LocationPune, Maharashtra
Built in1736
Timings8 AM – 6:30 PM
Entry FeeRs. 5 per person for Indians
Rs. 125 per person for foreigners

Suwar Wada Bajirao I constructed a 13-story Peshwas palace in 1736 to keep their glory alive. This place served as the administrative center of the Peshwas till it got destroyed by fire in 1828.

It is the cultural hotspot in Pune.

The primary entrance is known as the Delhi Darwaja. Other entrances to the Shaniwar Wada are named Ganesh, Mastani, Jambhal, and Khidki.

ADVERTISEMENT

There is a statue of Bajirao-I on a horse statue in front of Shniwarwada. Ganesh Mahal, Rang Mahal, Aarsa Mahal, Hasti Dant Mahal, Diwan Khana, and a fountain are present on the exterior complex.

A light and music show illustrating the history of the Peshwas takes place here every day.

All that remains of the fortified walls surrounding this palace are the heavy doors and iron spikes reflecting imperial Mughal architecture.

There is a beautiful garden and a fountain on this popular heritage site.

6. Lohagad Fort

LocationLonavala, Maharashtra
Built inAD 17th Century
Timings9 AM – 6 PM
Entry FeeFree

The Lohagad Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated in the Sahyadri Range of Lonavala, about 54 kilometers from Pune.

The name Lohagad Fort translates to “fort made of iron.”

It cradles atop a hill 3400 feet high and is renowned for its flawless fusion of remarkable architectural design and unmatched landscape beauty. It is one of the most famous forts in Maharashtra.

According to history, during the Maratha rule, Shivaji Maharaj used to conceal his treasury in the fort.

Lohagad Fort is accessible by a short hike, making it a favorite among novice trekkers and nature enthusiasts.

Tourists from abroad visit this fort, especially during the monsoon season, because of the abundant natural beauty of the surroundings. Sunrises look majestic from the top of Lohagad Hill.

7. Rajabai Clock Tower

Rajabai Clock Tower, Mumbai
LocationMantralaya, Fort, Mumbai
Built in1878
Timings09:00 AM – 10:45 PM
Entry FeeFree

The Rajabai Clock Tower, a famous UNESCO World Heritage site, was constructed in the 1800s. It is a famous historic landmark in Maharashtra.

This tower is known for its Venetian and Gothic architectural styles and is one of the most visited places in the state.

In addition to the architecture, it is known for having some beautiful stained glass windows.

ADVERTISEMENT

It is located inside the University of Mumbai and is 280 feet tall.

The tower was given the name Rajabai in honor of Rajabai, the mother of wealthy broker Premchand Roychand (founder of the Bombay Stock Exchange).

Due to her blindness and her habit of eating her dinner before sunset, Rajabai relied on the ringing bell of the clock tower to determine the time independently.

8. Bibi Ka Maqbara

Bibi Ka Maqbara, Aurangabad, Maharashtra
LocationAurangabad, Maharashtra
Built in1660
Timings8 AM – 8 PM
Entry FeeRs 25 for Indian citizens
Rs 300 for Foreign tourists

Bibi Ka Maqbara is the burial place of the wife of Aurangzeb, Rabia-Ud-Durrani. It is a replica of the Taj Mahal in Agra. Due to its similar architecture and design, it is called the Mini Taj of the Deccan.

This monument is also known as the Tomb of the Lady and is the epitome of love.

Ataullah, the son of Ahmad Lahauri, designed this beautiful historic site. The mausoleum stands as a symbol of an inevitable love for a mother by her son.

The Maqbara also has a garden in the Charbagh style, which has a lovely structure facing four directions.

There is a 12-door Baradari to the north, a main entrance to the south, a mosque to the west, and the Aina Khana (mirror chamber) to the east.

The white dome of the Maqbara is decorated with floral designs and has minarets, trees, and waterways that make the place more attractive.

9. Ambernath Shivalaya

LocationAurangabad, Maharashtra
Built in1660
Timings8 AM – 8 PM
Entry FeeRs 25 for Indian citizens
Rs 300 for Foreign tourists

Ambernath Shivalaya is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva from the 11th century. It is located on the banks of the Waldhuni River and is a famous historical site in Maharashtra.

The temple is about 20 steps below the main entrance and offers a clear view of Ambernath’s sunny skies. The tower above it ends abruptly, as the construction remains incomplete.

ADVERTISEMENT

Despite the damaged exterior figure, the three porches at the temple’s entrance have intact interior idols.

The Shiv Mandir Art Festival is held here and attracts pilgrims from all over the world.

10. Tomb of Salabat Khan II

Tomb of Salabat Khan II, Sonewadi, Maharashtra
LocationSonewadi, Maharashtra
Built in1660
Timings8 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee

The Tomb of Salabat Khan II is a three-story stone building located at an altitude of 3080 feet inside the renowned Chand Bibi Palace.

Salabat Khan II was a devoted minister of Murtuza, the fourth Nizam Shah ruler. He was known for assassinating Chengiz Khan in 1579.

His tomb is next to that of his wife. The octagonal tomb gives a breathtaking view of the city of Ahmednagar. You can also see this tomb from anywhere in the city.

These are some of the famous historical places to visit in Maharashtra.

So make sure to keep these places on your bucket list and dive into the sublime charm of these historical edifices of Maharashtra.


Some more articles you can check out:


Affiliate Disclaimer: Some of the links provided in the article are affiliate links. This means when you buy or book anything using those links, you help support this website at no extra cost.

The images used in the article are for representation purposes only.