As you guys know I love to visit Pune new places to explore and experience Pune’s historical art culture and tradition.

Today, I desire to visit the famous Shaniwar Wada, built in 1732, situated in Pune (Maharashtra)

Being the locals of Pune, Shaniwar Wada is my go-to place, as it symbolizes our Pune culture and mesmerizes us with its beauty and raw antique vibes.

Shaniwar Wada is 3.5 km from Pune station. Tourists can come in from any place, grab an auto, and reach in 13 minutes to visit the historical Shanivar Wada palace.

Shaniwar Wada is famous for its archeological beauty, history, light sound show, and the five famous gates known as Delhi Darwaja, Mastani Darwaja, Khidki Ganesh Darwaja, and Narayan Darwaja.

Shaniwar Wada is also known for its haunting vibes as people say the murdered Narayan Rao spirit pleads around the fort for his uncle to save him.

So, one by one, I’ll experience the Shanivar Wada and share the historical secrets, beauty, and haunting stories of Shanivar Wada.

 Stay tuned with Heypuneofficial to know more about my exciting and thrilling journey, sharing deep secrets and experiences.

Shanivar Wada Parking

As I reached Shanivar Wada, I checked into the parking lot to park my four-wheeler and went up to the ticket counter to advance my journey.

Shanivar Wada Parking lot is decently made for the tourist; at least 15-20 four-wheelers comfortably fit in the place.

So, if you are stressing about parking your car, chill up cause a good amount of space is there to manage.

In case you are traveling on occasion, try to reach early as the person count would be high to park your car without any hassle.

Shaniwar Wada Entry gate and fees

 I got a ticket to the entry gate, which cost around 25 rupees per person. Children below 15 years of age are offered to travel free of cost, and any foreigner is charged 300 rupees to enter.

• 25 per person
• Foreigners are charged 300
• Children below 15 free

Shani Wada Videography

In Shanivar Wada Palace, tourists are not allowed to carry professional cameras or any human guide to click their photos for framing.

Yes, Visitors can take their phones and capture the moments, but professional cameras and photographers or guides are not allowed to enter with service giving interest.

Not allowed

• Guides
• Professional Camera
• Paid Photography
• Phone photos and videos are allowed

Shaniwar Wada Beauty

As I entered Shanivar Wada, I instantly felt the ancient vibes with its beautiful archeological scenery.

 Boards are placed at the entry of every five Darwajas: Delhi Darwaja, Mastani Darwaza, Kidki Darwajaz, Ganesh Darwaja, and Narayan Rao Dharwaja.

The best part is exploring the 5 Darwajas, which have deep mysteries and historical secrets.

 Delhi Darwaja

The main gate is known as Delhi Darwaja. After you buy a ticket, the gate you enter in the Shaniwar Wada is Delhi Darwaja.

I was fascinated watching Delhi Darwaja which has 72 cone heads attached to the gate 12 inches long and has massive strength.

 It was said that it’s made keeping safety in mind and no elephant can break into the palace.

Delhi Darwaja’s strength would discourage their rivals from breaking into the place easily and act as an extra defense for the army.

Delhi Darwaja is full of greenery with a big, luscious garden where you can roam around and watch the beautiful scenery.

After Delhi Darwaja, I visited the second famous darwaja, Mastani darwaja. 

Mastani Darwaja

The Mastani Darwaja was made for Bajirao Peshwa’s second wife. It was first named (Natakshaka)  later, it was named “Mastani.”

It was said that 10 people at that time used to roam around with their weapons and guard the gates.

The Mastani Darwaja is a dark place with brick stairs that take me above, where you can watch the scenery from a higher altitude.

I was feeling pleasant and was enjoying every moment of the experience; after Mastani Darwaza, I moved forward and went down to the second “Khidki Darwaja.”

Khidki Darwaja

The Kidki Darwaja is known for its armored window. It often remains closed and you can have a view of how it looks.

Beside Khidki Darwaja, on its front facing, there was a Ganpati Rang Mahal, which was burnt in the accidental fire aroused in the palace, which is still a conspiracy for people.

Ganpati Rang Mahal was a place of entertainment for the peshwas, arts and nritya festives used to happen in the place.

Ganesh Darwaja

Ganesh Darwaja is beside Ganpati Rang Mahal.

Ganesh Darwaja was built for the ladies to go to the nearby Kasba Ganpati temple to offer prayers to lord Ganesh.

The Peshwas, being the fighters and rulers, were also the devotees of lord Ganesh, and often, they used to do prayers and introduced festive in respect to the god.

Narayan Darwaja

The moment I visited Narayan Darwaja, I felt a bit strange, and my energy levels dropped. I was scared and horrified by the vibe.

It is said that Narayan Rao’s soul is still alive in the place, and people often hear the cry of Narayan Rao on the Amavasya night (New moon)

After the third Panipat battle, Narayan Rao was named the new Peshwa after his two brothers died in the battle.

His Uncle Raghunath Rao Didn’t like it as he wanted to gain the throne. He played games with his nephew and, with the help of others, murdered Narayan Rao – “His body was cut to pieces and thrown in a river.

‘Kaka Mala Vachwa’ ‘Kaka Mala Vachwa,’ which means ‘uncle save me,’ is still heard on Amavasya night.

Roaming in Shaniwar Wada at night is still strictly prohibited in the palace, as Narayan Rao’s soul is still alive and haunting.

Shaniwar Wada Destruction

• 90 years after Shaniwar Wada was built, the Britishers attacked the palace, which led to the collapse of all the top six floors, leaving only the base.
• The base was strong and immune to the British army and remained in the palace.
• Shaniwar Wada garden was full of wooden forts with small rooms built for the people to live
• In 1828, a fire from nowhere arose and burnt the entire front structure of the fort
• The fire is still a conspiracy for people! How did it happen? Where did it arise from? Why anyone didn’t notice? are still the unanswered question of the palace.

Places to visit nearby Shanivar Wada

My trip to Shaniwar Wada was completed in 2 hours by making the video, experiencing and analyzing the palace.

If you beautiful people have some more hours, these are the 5 best spots near Shaniwar Wada to visit, giving the day a cheerful and pleasing end. 

• Laal Mahal
• Vishrambaug Wada
• Pataleshwar Cave Temple
• Sambhaji Park
• Raja Denkar Kelkar Museum

Final thoughts

I loved every bit of the Shaniwar Wada experience.  The travel was overwhelming and full of emotions.

The ancient vibe, the beautiful scenery, the greenery, and the thrill and conspiracy of the Darwajas made my day. I loved to experience our Pune beauty once again, and it was worth it.

Like Shaniwar Wada, we discovered a historic place in Pune and discovered more about my journeys.

Get connected with me on Heypuneofficial, where I post and share my experience visiting the most thrilling place in Pune.