Shaniwar Wada

Shaniwar Wada is a historical fortification in Pune, India. Built in 1732, it was the seat of the Peshwas of the Maratha Confederacy until 1818. The fort was largely destroyed by a fire in 1828, but the surviving structures,including heavy granite ramparts, strong teak gateways, and deep foundations,are now maintained as a tourist site.

Don't miss

• Delhi Darwaza, the main gate facing north towards Delhi,the only fort gate in India with this orientation,featuring massive doors with 72 steel spikes to deter elephant charges.
• The Hazari Karanje fountain, a lotus-shaped fountain with a thousand jets, built for the infant Peshwa Sawai Madhavrao.
• The five gateways: Delhi Darwaza, Mastani Darwaza, Khidki Darwaza, Ganesh Darwaza, and Jambhul Darwaza (also called Narayan's Gate).
• The foundations of the original seven-story palace complex, including the Thorlya Rayancha Diwankhana (court reception hall) and Naachacha Diwankhana (dance hall).
• The surviving heavy granite ramparts and strong teak gateways that withstood the 1828 fire.

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Shaniwar Wada

Cheapest way inWhy Pune? : Heritage and Food Walks through Old Pune5★ · 35 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$19 per personSee dates →Most bookedGuided Highlights of Pune Car Tour with a local (4 Hrs Sightseeing in AC Car)4.6★ · 95 travelers~4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$75 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleImmersive culture tour of Pune by private car with guide and local lunch5★ · 40 travelers~8 hoursFree cancellationFrom$117 per personSee dates →

Getting there

Know before you go

• The fort is located near the Mula-Mutha River, in Kasba Peth, Pune.
• A popular legend says the ghost of Narayanrao Peshwa cries 'Kaka mala vachava' (Uncle, save me) on full moon nights.

A bit of history

The fort was built starting in 1730, with the foundation laid by Peshwa Baji Rao I. It was originally intended to be made entirely of stone, but after the first story was completed, the Chhatrapati ordered the rest to be built of brick. In 1773, the ruling Peshwa Narayanrao was murdered by guards on orders of his uncle and aunt. A popular legend says his ghost still calls for help on full moon nights. In 1818, the last Peshwa abdicated to the British East India Company. On 27 February 1828, a great fire started inside the palace complex and raged for seven days, destroying most of the buildings.