Shaniwar Wada
The fortified palace of the Peshwas in the heart of old Pune. Built in 1732, burnt in 1828, and still the best-known landmark of the city.
Quick facts
- Built:
- 1730 to 1732
- Built by:
- Peshwa Bajirao I
- Location:
- Shaniwar Peth, Old Pune
- Main gate:
- Dilli Darwaja
- Great fire:
- February 1828
- Looked after by:
- Archaeological Survey of India
- Timings:
- 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
- Entry Fees for Indian Citizens:
- ₹20
- Entry Fees for Foreign Nationals:
- ₹250
History
Peshwa Bajirao I laid the foundation of Shaniwar Wada in January 1730. The work was finished in 1732. The palace takes its name from the day the foundation stone was laid: Shaniwar, or Saturday.
For almost ninety years the wada was the seat of the Peshwas, the prime ministers of the Maratha empire. Many of the decisions that shaped western and central India were taken inside its walls. In 1773 the young Peshwa Narayanrao was killed in the palace, an event that is still part of Pune's folklore.
Peshwa rule ended in 1818. Ten years later, in February 1828, a great fire broke out and burned for several days. The wooden buildings inside were destroyed. Only the stone walls, the gates and the foundations survived.
The gates
The fort walls have five gates. The main gate, Dilli Darwaja, faces north towards Delhi, a sign of the Maratha ambition to reach the Mughal capital. Its heavy wooden doors carry long iron spikes, meant to stop war elephants from breaking them down.
Dilli Darwaja: the main gate, facing north.
Mastani Darwaja: named after Mastani, wife of Bajirao I.
Khidki Darwaja: a small gate shaped like a window.
Ganesh Darwaja: near the old Ganesh Rang Mahal.
Narayan Darwaja: linked in local memory to Narayanrao.
What you can see today
Inside the walls you can walk over the stone plinths of the old halls and courtyards. Look for the Hazari Karanje, a lotus-shaped fountain that once had a thousand jets of water. From the ramparts there is a good view of the old city and the Mutha river side.
In the evening a light and sound show tells the story of the Peshwas. Check the current timings and language of the show before you go.
How to reach
Shaniwar Wada is in the heart of the old city, close to Kasba Peth, Budhwar Peth and Laxmi Road. City buses stop nearby, and the Pune Metro has stations a short walk away. Parking is limited, so public transport or an auto is the easiest choice.
Tips for visitors
Plan for about one to two hours.
Go early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.
Combine the visit with Lal Mahal, Kasba Ganpati and Vishrambaug Wada, which are all close by.
Wear comfortable shoes. The ground inside is uneven.
More in Historical Pune
- Lal Mahal The palace where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj spent his childhood with Jijabai. Rebuilt in the old city next to Shaniwar Wada.
- Kesari Wada Home of Lokmanya Tilak and of the Kesari newspaper. A museum on Tilak and one of the best-known Ganesh festivals of Pune.
- Vishrambaug Wada The mansion of Peshwa Bajirao II, known for its carved wooden front. One of the finest wadas still standing in Pune.
- Aga Khan Palace A grand palace from 1892 where Mahatma Gandhi was held during the Quit India movement. Kasturba Gandhi's memorial is here.
- Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum One man's lifetime collection of everyday Indian art: lamps, musical instruments, nutcrackers and more, in a museum in the old city.
- Pataleshwar Cave Temple A rock-cut Shiva temple from about the eighth century, carved out of a single hill right in the middle of Shivajinagar.
Questions and answers
Who built Shaniwar Wada?
Peshwa Bajirao I built Shaniwar Wada between 1730 and 1732. It was the seat of the Peshwas until 1818.
Why is it called Shaniwar Wada?
The foundation stone was laid on a Saturday, which is Shaniwar in Marathi. Wada means a large house or mansion.
How much time do I need to see Shaniwar Wada?
Most visitors spend one to two hours inside. Add more time if you stay for the evening light and sound show.
Sources: Written by PuneDiary. Facts checked 10 October 2026.