20 Historical Places to Visit on a Road Trip in Maharashtra

The birthplace of the historic Maratha Empire, Maharashtra, has deep links with the history of India. When travelling across Maharashtra, it is not uncommon for tourists to frequently come across the historical sites that are scattered around the state. If you are interested in including all the historical places to visit in Maharashtra in your itinerary, this blog will help you discover the best destinations to explore. These attractions are worth exploring via road trips to give you a peek into the rich heritage of this land.

However, to include the best historical attractions of the state in your itinerary, you should plan for at least a week or more to explore forts like Raigad and Shivneri, ancient caves like Ajanta and Ellora, colonial landmarks in Mumbai, and heritage sites in cities like Pune and Nashik. To make your travel across these attractions smooth, you can rent a car from a reliable car rental company in India to move between cities and admire the fascinating marvels of history in the state. 

Top Historical Places in Maharashtra to Explore

Here’s a glance at the best historical attractions in Maharashtra to explore:

Historical Attraction	City	Best Time to Visit
Gateway of India	Mumbai	November to February
Elephanta Caves	Mumbai	November to March
Aga Khan Palace	Pune	October to February
Ajanta Caves	Aurangabad	October to March
Ellora Caves	Aurangabad	October to March
Kanheri Caves 2	Pune	November to February
Shaniwar Wada	Mumbai	November to February
Jaigad Fort	Sindhudurg	October to March
Raigad Fort	Raigad	November to March
Sinhagad Fort	Satara	October to February
Kolaba Fort	Pune	October to February
Sitabuldi Fort	Aurangabad	October to March
Karla Buddha Caves	Aurangabad	November to March
Mahatma Phule Museum	Sindhudurg	October to March
Mahadji Shinde Chhatri	Alibaug	October to March
Lohagad Fort	Raigad	November to March
Bibi Ka Maqbara	Mumbai	October to February
Shivneri Fort	Pune	November to February
Pataleshwar Cave Temple	Lonavala	October to March
Panhala Fort	Pune	November to February

Maharashtra’s rich and remarkable history is evident in the many historical monuments across the state. Let’s learn about some of them in detail:

1. Gateway of India, Mumbai

Overlooking the Arabian Sea, the Gateway of India in Mumbai is one of the historical places to visit in Maharashtra. This monument showcases a blend of Indian, Arabic, and architectural styles. Many of the ferry services depart from this point to head to the Elephanta Caves. With a car rental in Mumbai, you can visit the Gateway of India and other historic monuments in Mumbai and its adjoining areas easily and in a hassle-free manner.    

• Timing: 24 hours a day
• Location: Apollo Bandar, Colaba, Mumbai
• Entry Fee: Free

2. Elephanta Caves

The Elephanta Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features rock-cut art from the medieval period in India. The caves are situated at Elephanta and Gharapuri Island. Among these caves, five are Hindu caves dedicated to Lord Shiva, and two are Buddhist caves. 

• Timing: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm
• Location: Gharapuri, Maharashtra
• Entry Fee: Paid entry (Rs 40 – Rs 600, depending on nationality)

3. Aga Khan Palace

Located in Pune, Aga Khan Palace was built by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III in 1892. The palace is well-known for its excellent architecture. This palace has also been mentioned in the history of Indian independence. Mahatma Gandhi, Kasturba Gandhi, Sarojini Naidu, and Mahadev Desai were held here as prisoners by the British colonial government during the Quit India Movement in 1942. 

• Timing: 9 am to 5.30 pm
• Location: Pune city
• Entry Fee: Paid entry (Rs 5 – Rs 50)

4. Ajanta Caves

The Ajanta Caves are one of the famous historical places in Maharashtra that tourists regularly visit. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located approximately 99 km from the city of Aurangabad. The Ajanta caves are Buddhist sites, and you will often spot Buddhist monks here. 

• Timings: Sunrise to sunset (6 am to 6 pm)
• Location: near Aurangabad, Maharashtra
• Entry Fee:  Paid entry (Rs 40 – Rs 600)

5. Ellora Caves

Ellora Caves are also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are situated at a distance of 15 km from Aurangabad. The Ellora caves are a group of Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu sites. These caves portray the Indian architecture as well as sculpture. 

• Timings: Sunrise to sunset (6 am to 6 pm)
• Location: near Aurangabad, Maharashtra
• Entry Fee: Paid entry (Rs 40 – Rs 600)

6. Kanheri Cave 2

Kanheri Cave 2, a group of rock-cut caves, is the best place to explore if you are looking for historical places to visit in Maharashtra. You will be able to see Buddhist sculptures, paintings, relief carvings, and inscriptions, which date back to the 1st century CE. These caves can be visited on one of your road trips from Mumbai, as they are located on the western outskirts of the city. 

• Timings:7:30 am to 5:00 pm.
• Location: Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Borivali, Mumbai
• Entry Fee: Free entry

7. Shaniwar Wada

Shaniwar Wada is a grand mansion that Peshwa Bajirao built. When the Wada was built, it covered almost the entire city area. However, now you will only see 626 acres of land covered by this Wada. With a car rental in Pune, you can make your visit to Shaniwar Wada and other historical places in Pune smooth.  

• Timing: 8 am to 6.30 pm
• Location: Pune
• Entry Fee: Paid entry (Rs 5 – Rs 25)

Note: Light and Sound Show takes place between 6.30 pm and 8:30 pm. You need to book tickets in advance.

8. Jaigad Fort

Popularly known as the Fort of Victory, Jaigad Fort was constructed in the 16th century. The fort is spread across an area of 13 acres in Ratnagiri. While you are here, you can also visit the Jaigad Lighthouse situated very near the Jaigad Fort. 

• Timing: 8 am to 7 pm
• Location: Ratnagiri
• Entry Fee: Free entry

9. Raigad Fort

Perched at an elevation of 820 metres, Raigad Fort is situated in the Sahyadri mountain range in Mahad. The fort can be accessed only from one side, and you will have to take 1737 steps to reach the top of the fort. You can also take the ropeway as an alternative. 

• Timing: 8 am to 6 pm
• Location: Raigad, Maharashtra
• Entry Fee: Free entry

10. Sinhagad Fort

It is believed that Sinhagad Fort was built 2000 years ago. The fort is situated in the Sahyadri mountain range and has witnessed many battles, with the Battle of Sinhagad in 1670 being one of the most notable. 

• Timings: 9 am to 6 pm
• Location: Thoptewadi, Pune, Maharashtra
• Entry Fee: Free entry

11. Kolaba Fort

The 300-year-old Kolaba Fort was once the chief station during the era of Shivaji Maharaj in the state. Kolaba is located near Alibaug Beach and is regularly frequented by tourists. 

• Timing: 10 am to 5 pm
• Location: Alibaug
• Entry Fee: Free entry

12. Sitabuldi Fort

One of the places to visit from Nagpur is Sitabuldi Fort. Built by Mudhoji II Bhonsle, this fort is well-known because of the Battle of Sitabuldi in 1817. 

• Timing: 8 am to 4 pm
• Location: Central Nagpur
• Entry Fee: Free entry

13. Karla Buddha Caves

Located near Lonavala, Karla Buddha Caves are a group of ancient Buddhist Indian rock-cut caves. These are one of the older as well as smaller rock-cut caves in the state of Maharashtra. 

• Timing: 9 am to 7 pm
• Location: Lonavala
• Entry Fee: Paid entry (Rs 10 – Rs 30)

14. Mahatma Phule Museum

Founded in 1890, the Mahatma Phule Museum is located in Pune and is one of the oldest museums in the country. You will see pictures, models, charts, machines from various industries here, such as armoury, handicrafts, cottage industry, agriculture, geology, minerals, engineering, and natural history.

• Timing: 9 am to 5 pm
• Location: Shivajinagar, Pune
• Entry Fee: Paid entry (Rs 5 – Rs 20)

15. Mahadji Shinde Chhatri

Mahadji Shinde Chhatri is a memorial located in Pune. The monument is dedicated to Mahadji Shinde, an 18th-century military leader. Mahadji Shinde Chhatri is also popular for its intricate design and architecture. 

• Timing: 7 am to 8 pm
• Location: Pune Cantonment, Pune
• Entry Fee: Free entry

16. Lohagad Fort

Lohagad Fort is a popular trekking spot famous for its impressive ramparts, sweeping vistas of the surrounding Sahyadri mountains, especially during the monsoon season, and the lush green living landscape that surrounds it. The fort’s vast and interesting architecture and strategic military position make it an exciting place to visit for history lovers and adventurers alike. It is an excellent choice for a day trip from Pune or Lonavala.

• Timing: 24 hours a day 
• Location: Lonavala, Pune district
• Entry Fee: Free entry

17. Bibi Ka Maqbara

Bibi Ka Maqbara is a stunning mausoleum commissioned by Aurangzeb’s son in the 17th century. It is often referred to as the “Mini Taj” due to its architectural style, which evokes that of the Taj Mahal. Bibi Ka Maqbara is a beautiful structure with Mughal decorative motifs and is surrounded by gardens. It is also a quiet space, making it ideal for photography.

• Timing:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM  
• Location:  Aurangabad 
• Entry Fee: Paid entry (Rs 10 – Rs 50)

18. Shivneri Fort

Shivneri Fort is significant to India’s history because it is where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire, was born. The fort features well-preserved gates, bastions, and temples that transport visitors back to a time of valor and resilience during the Maratha historical period. Anyone interested in India’s warrior heritage should visit to learn about the fort’s history.

• Timing: Sunrise to sunset (around 6 AM – 6 PM) 
• Location: Junnar, Pune district
• Entry Fee: Paid entry (Rs 5 – Rs 25)

19. Pataleshwar Cave Temple

The Pataleshwar Cave Temple (also known as the Pataleshwar Cave), cut out of a single rock in the 8th century, is a quiet spiritual retreat dedicated to Lord Shiva. The architecture reflects ancient rock-cut techniques, and the composition of the cave, with lush greenery, makes for a tranquil escape from the city. A very underrated and quiet place for those who appreciate history, architecture, and/or spiritual needs.

• Timing: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Location: Pune city center
• Entry Fee: Free entry

20. Panhala Fort

Panhala Fort is one of the largest and most significant forts in Maharashtra, offering fantastic views of the surrounding area. With robust walls, gateways, and various historical structures, the fort shares stories of Maratha warfare and administration. A great area to trek, explore, and learn about the history of the region.

• Timing:  Sunrise to sunset (7 AM – 6 PM)
• Location: Kolhapur
• Entry Fee: Free entry

Takeaway

Still wondering about a place to visit in Maharashtra? Well, you have many historical attractions to explore. Some of these places are located in Pune, Mumbai, and other prominent cities, while others are spread across the state. To make your travel to these places easy and hassle-free, rent a car in Mumbai or Pune with Revv and embark on your road trip to these destinations.