Vishrambaug Wada
The mansion of Peshwa Bajirao II, known for its carved wooden front. One of the finest wadas still standing in Pune.
Quick facts
- Location:
- Sadashiv Peth, on Bajirao Road
- Built:
- Early 1800s
- Built by:
- Peshwa Bajirao II
- Timings:
- Check before visiting
History
Peshwa Bajirao II, the last Peshwa, built Vishrambaug Wada in the early 1800s as his residence. Its name means a garden of rest.
After the end of Peshwa rule in 1818 the British used the building for many purposes. It housed a Sanskrit college that later grew into one of Pune's old educational institutions, and for a long time it also had a post office.
What you can see today
- The carved teak front and balcony, one of the best examples of wada woodwork in Maharashtra.
- Open courtyards in the traditional style.
- Parts of the wada are used for exhibitions on the history of Pune. Check what is open before you go.
How to reach
Vishrambaug Wada is on Bajirao Road in Sadashiv Peth, a short walk from Shaniwar Wada and Tulshibaug.
Tips for visitors
- The front is best photographed in the morning light.
- Combine it with Shaniwar Wada and the Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, both close by.
More in Historical Pune
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 Vishrambaug Wada?
Peshwa Bajirao II, the last Peshwa, built it in the early 1800s.
What is special about Vishrambaug Wada?
Its carved wooden front and balcony, among the finest wada woodwork left in Pune.
Sources: Written by PuneDiary. Facts checked 10 October 2026.