• pune.....Shaniwar Wada

Shaniwar Wada was the seat of the Peshwa rulers of the Maratha Empire until 1818 when the Peshwas surrendered to the British. Built by the Peshwa Bajirao I of Maratha Dynasty in 1730, the edifice is a real specimen of Maratha culture. Palace of the rulers of Peshwa dynasty also shows the influence of Mughal style and the feature of Maratha artistic styles in its architectural design.

Prime minister to Chhatrapati Shahu, King of the Maratha Empire, Bajirao laid the ceremonial foundation of his own residence on January 10, 1730. After the words ‘Shaniwar’ (Saturday) and ‘Wada’ (A general term for any residence complex), it got its present name. Completed in 1732, the palace was built using teak that was imported from the jungles of Junnar, stone brought from quarries of Chinchwad, and lime sourced from the lime-belts of Jejuri.

Comprising fountains, courtyards, blooming gardens, offices, audience halls and residential quarters, the palace is situated near Mula River. Out of the existing structure only remnants, saved from the fire that engulfed the fort in 1827, are outer stonewalls, bastions, and small gates. Dilli Darwaja (Delhi Gate), Mastani or Alibahadur Darwaja, Khidki Darwaja, Ganesh Darwaja and Narayan Darwaja are the gates of the palace.

Thorlya Rayancha Diwankhana, Naachacha Diwankhana (Dance Hall) and Juna Arsa Mahal (Old Mirror Hall) form the components of the palace. Lotus-shaped fountain, the Hazari Karanje, located within the palace was constructed for the pleasure of the infant Peshwa Sawai Madhavrao. A sixteen petal lotus forms the design of the fountain.

Paintings depicting scenes from the epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata are present on the walls of the fort. Main door of the palace is about 21 ft tall. Polished marble, arranged in a mosaic pattern made the floors of the palace that was adorned with rich Persian rugs.
          

Ellora Caves

ELLORA CAVES....ALL

 HISTORY....

The cave temples and monasteries at Ellora, excavated out of the vertical face of an escarpment, are 26 km north of Aurangabad. Extending in a linear arrangement, the 34 caves contain Buddhist Chaityas or halls of worship, and Viharas, or monasteries, Hindu and Jai temples.

Spanning a period of about 600 years between the 5 th and 11 th century AD, the earliest excavation here is of the Dhumar Lena (Cave 29).The most imposing excavation is, without doubt, that of the magnificent Kailasa Temple (Cave 16) which is the largest monolithic structure in the world. Interestingly, Ellora, unlike the site of Ajanta, was never 'rediscovered'. Known as Verul in ancient times, it has continuously attracted pilgrims through the centuries to the present day.

Ellora has been designed as a World Heritage Site, to be preserved as an artistic legacy that will continue to inspire and enrich the lives of generations to come. Listing of Caves Buddhist Caves: 5 th century to 7 th century AD Caves 1 to 12 at the southern end Hindu Caves: 8 th century to 10 th century AD Caves 13 to 29 in the middle Jain Caves: 9 th century to 11 th century AD Caves 30 to 34 at the northern end The information and views provided in the articles below are not subscribed by MTDC. These articles are given to provide additional information to the tourist on his/her interest. Archive Articles of Maharashtra. Old Articles                                           ARTICLES MAHARASHTRA 1 Aurangabad Kalagram dedicated to public src: Newspaper Cutting in July 24th 2011 1 Unique Marketing of Kokan Region src: Newspaper Cutting in February 14th 2011 2 Matheran Tourism Festival in the Month of May src: Newspaper Cutting in February 9th 2011 3 Development of Kunkeshwar Tourism src: Newspaper Cutting in February 9th 2011 4 Elephanta Cave will be full of Greenery src: Newspaper Cutting in February 3rd 2011 5 Dolphin Tourism in Kokan Region src: Newspaper Cutting in January 1st 2011

traveling in maharshtra

Well-Come ......... to turism

Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay), India, is famous for its chaotic streets. For bargains and people-watching, outdoor bazaars top the list of attractions. Popular waterfront destinations are Marine Drive, where visitors go to watch the sun set over the Arabian Sea, and the carnival-like Juhu Beach. More sightseeing options.

Love garlic? You’ll love the food in Pune. Unlike other cuisines of the subcontinent, Pune cuisine relies heavily on the aromatic bulb. Soothe your palate with sweets like bhakarwadi, a pastry rolled with coriander, tamarind and sesame seeds, or cool off with a thick milkshake made with dried fruit.

ELLORA........CAVES..