First a little bit of history. Shaniwarwada was constructed by the Peshwa Baji Rao 1 who used to be a minister under the king Chhatrapati Sahu in the 1730s. The total expenditure was 16K INR which was a huge sum considering the time. Until in 1818, when the Peshwas surrendered to the British, it used to serve purpose of a leisurely and protective palace for the Peshwas. The word Shaniwarwada is a Marathi word which is originated from Shaniwar (Saturday) and Wada (Palace). It is believed that the constrcution started on a Saturday, hence the name.
In 1828, there was a great fire which lasted for seven days and it nearly destroyed the complete palace except the huge entrance and a few more remnants.
From many people I have heard about Shaniwarwada which they say, used to be a palace fort inside the Pune City itself. This and the pictures from various websites helped my curiosity grow so immensely that I decided not to take a rest until I see this 'Palace Fort' by myself.
How to go: This place is very near to the Pune Railway Station. From the railway station you have to head towards the Shaniwar Peth. If you keep your eyes open for 'Shaniwarwada' while you drive, there are plenty of boards that would give you the direction towards the same. Here is the map of the road which we followed.
As I mentioned there is nothing much left of the palace, but we came to know that there used to be a seven storyed building. We can get an idea of the gigantism by the door which is yet intact.
Currently the place has become kinda park for everyone.
Straightway, here are the snaps:
Overall, a relaxing place for a couple of hours. If you need some more, you can avail the light and sound show which is conducted every evening here.
