The valiant Marathas have made their mark in the golden annals of history. Yet, their birthplace, Maharashtra, has been a silent spectator of their gallantry, rich culture, and tradition. No wonder many historical places in Maharashtra are considered an asset to Indian heritage. Almost every ruler of this state has left their mark behind in the form of the Gateway of India, Elephanta Caves, Ajanta Ellora Caves, Aurangabad Fort, and more.
These historical sites in Maharashtra are a testimony of erstwhile architectural intellect like Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and Bombay High Court. Even though some forts like Raigad Fort and Madh Fort have fallen into ruins, you may not be able to stop at these structures. However, they still exude the centuries-old charm.
List of Famous Historical Places in Maharashtra
Ajanta & Ellora Caves
One of the most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India, the Ajanta and Ellora Caves are known for the remarkable architecture they represent. The Ajanta Caves have 29 Buddhist cave temples and express both Theravada and Mahayana Buddhist traditions through paintings and sculptures. The Ellora caves have 34 Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain cave temples and are among the largest rock-hewn monastic-temple complexes in the world.
Location of Ajanta Caves: Near Ajanta village, north-central Maharashtra
Location of Ellora Caves: Ellora Cave Rd, Ellora, Maharashtra
For a more detailed exploration, visit Ajanta & Ellora Caves.
Gateway of India
Facing the vast Arabian Sea, the Gateway of India is the most famous monument in India. This 24-meter high monument is built in the Indo-Saracenic style and resembles the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. It is the starting point for tourists who wish to explore Mumbai city. In addition, parallel to the monument, Marine Drive is a massive attraction for people and is visited by millions worldwide every year.
Location of Gateway of India: Apollo Bandar, Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra
For a more detailed exploration, visit Gateway of India.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
Formerly called Victoria Terminus, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Maharashtra. It is one of the historical landmarks in Maharashtra and was built in 1888. It reminds us of the British Raj in India and has witnessed the transition from Bombay to Mumbai. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is an outstanding example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture and now serves as a central railway station in India.
Location of Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus: Dhobi Talao, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Area, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra
For a more detailed exploration, visit Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus.
Aga Khan Palace
Built in 1892 by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III, this palace is one of the significant historical places in Maharashtra. Aga Khan Palace was once where Mahatma Gandhi, his wife Kasturba, Sarojini Naidu, and Mahadev Desai were kept as prisoners. Now, the palace is the headquarters of the Gandhi National Memorial Society and a must-visit place for history buffs.
Location of Aga Khan Palace: Nagar Road, Samrat Ashok Road, Pune, Maharashtra.
Elephanta Caves
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Elephanta Caves, is the perfect example of rock-cut architecture from ancient India. The caves have two parts—one has five Hindu caves and the second has two Buddhist caves. The caves you see today are the remains of the once designed artwork. They date back to the 5th and 7th centuries and are mainly dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva.
Location of Elephanta Caves: Gharapuri, Maharashtra
For a more detailed exploration, visit Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus.
Raigad Fort
The “Gibraltar of the East,” as the Europeans called it, the Raigad Fort, is a majestic hill fort. The fort can be reached at the height of 820 meters using a single pathway with 1737 steps. Be mesmerized by its architecture and design, built centuries ago. This glorious fort of the Marathas has paths named the Mena Darwaja, Nagarkhana Darwaja, Palkhi Darwaja, and the entrance Maha Darwaja.
Location of Raigad Fort: Raigad, Maharashtra
Lohagad Fort
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lohagarh Fort is the perfect blend of ancient architecture and beauty. It is said that Chhatrapati used this fort to keep his treasure. For people who love trekking, this is a great place to see the greenery and panoramic views and learn about its glorious past. Once under the Maratha Empire, the Lohagarh Fort is a must-visit attraction in Maharashtra.
Location of Lohagad Fort: Pune District, Maharashtra
Daulatabad Fort
One of the most powerful fortresses of ancient times, the Daulatabad fort is one of Maharashtra’s most visited historical monuments. It served as the capital of the Yadava Dynasty, the Delhi Sultanate, and the Ahmadnagar Sultanate for a time. Visit and see its strategic location, intricate architecture, and three-layer defense system. On your trip to Daulatabad Fort, admire the panoramic view of the surroundings.
Location of Daulatabad Fort: MH SH 22, Daulatabad, Maharashtra
For a more detailed exploration, visit Daulatabad Fort.
Murud Janjira Fort
Murud Janjira Fort is an excellent depiction of the royal history of Maharashtra. The water surrounding the fort is a sight to behold. Attacked by the Portuguese, British, and Marathas, this majestic fort still stands strong. Undefeated and undestroyed, Murud Janjira Fort is a lesser-known historical attraction in Maharashtra that every tourist must visit.
Location of Murud Janjira Fort: Murud, Raigad district
Bibi ka Maqbara
An exceptional architectural beauty, Bibi ka Maqbara is a well-known historical place in Maharashtra. This spellbinding monument was built as a memorial for Rabia-Ul-Daurani, also called Dilras Banu Begum, the first wife of the Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb. The scenic backdrop of the Sihaychal Ranges adds to the site’s appeal and makes it a prominent landmark in Aurangabad.
Location of Bibi ka Maqbara: Begumpura, Aurangabad
For a more detailed exploration, visit Bibi ka Maqbara.
Lenyadri Caves
It is the only cave in India that has a Ganesha shrine carved into a cave. People say that the Mahabharata brothers, the Pandavas, built this cave in the 13th year of exile (in one night!!). The cave is rubbed with sindoor and is one of the eight Ganeshas of Maharashtra. You have to climb 338 steps to reach the Lenyadri Caves. The rock-cut cave with eight beautifully carved pillars at the entrance will leave you spellbound.
Location of Lenyadri Caves: Lenyadri Tal, Lenyadri Ganpati Road, Junnar, Maharashtra
Vijaydurg Fort
Dating back to 1205, Vijaydurg Fort is the oldest fort on the Sindhudurg coast. Earlier called Gheria, Chatrapati Shivaji conquered this fort in 1653 and renamed it Vijaydurg Fort. The fort’s architecture is impressive and houses a 200-meter-long underwater artificial tunnel. A 10-meter-deep wall in this complex served as a barrier for enemy warships.
Location of Vijaydurg Fort: MSH 4, Vijaydurg Fort, Vijaydurg, Maharashtra
New Palace
Also called Shahu Palace, this was constructed back in 1877-1884. The black polished stone used in this palace has captivated tourists’ attention for many years. The garden, fountain, and wrestling ground are significant attractions here. It is an eight-angled structure with a tower in the middle and a clock from 1877. The ground floor has a museum built to commemorate the Kolhapur rulers.
Location of New Palace: Kolhapur, Maharashtra
For a more detailed exploration, visit Maharaja Palace.
Ambernath Shivalaya
This temple dates back to the 10th century. Ambernath, meaning Lord of the Sky, has three porches intricately carved in Hemadpanthi architectural style. You can see a bull called Nandi on the central porch of Ambernath Shivalaya. On the outside, there are designed pillars with apsaras, Hindu gods, animal sculptures, etc. During Shivratri, many pilgrims visit here to worship the Shivaling places in the underground Sanctorum, open to the sky.
Location of Ambernath Shivalaya: New Bhendi Pada, Bhaskar Nagar (East), Deepak Nagar, Ambernath, Maharashtra
For more information on these attractions and to plan your visit, explore Tourist Attractions in Maharashtra.
