Maharashtra witnessed different eras and dynasties. These all make Maharashtra - a state of historic and magnificent monuments. Different schools of art and architecture can be seen in these monuments. The Gateway of India in Mumbai is one of the most famous monuments in India. It is regarded to be the starting point for most tourists who want to see Mumbai. Anybody who wishes to see the Mughal touch can see the Chand Minar in Daulatabad. The Maharajah's New Palace in Kolahapur has a museum called Shahaji Chhatrapati Museum. The architecture of the palace is a combination of Jain and Hindu influences from Gujarat and Rajasthan, and local Rajwada style.


Agakhan Palace is situated 2 km away from Bund Garden in Yerwada on Pune-Nagar Road. Hugely popular for its historic importance, it is made with Italian arches and spacious lawns. Mahatma Gandhi, Kasturba Gandhi, Shri Mahadeobhai Desai, Dr. Sarojini Naidu and others were kept under imprisonment in the Agakhan Palace during 1942- Quit India movement. Shri Mahadeobhai Desai and Kasturba Gandhi breathed their last breath in this Palace.

Chand Minar is at Daulatabad. It was built in the Turkish style in 1435 by Ala-ud-din Bahmani to celebrate his occupation of the fort. This minaret is an outstanding example of Islamic art. This 30-metre high tower is divided into four storeys. It has 24 chambers and a small mosque at its base. It is covered with the Persian blue tiles that make the Chand Minar outstanding. Path passes bastions; studded gates, a drawbridge and the Chini Mahal, where Abdul Hasan Tana Shah, the last King of Golconda, was imprisoned in 1687 for 13 years are the important attractions of the tomb. There is also a 6.6m long 'Kila Shikan' (Fort Breaker) iron cannon on the bastion.

Gateway of India is regarded to be the starting point for most tourists who want to travel around the Mumbai city. This monument was built to commemorate the visit of the first ever British Monarch, King George V and Queen Mary in 1911. This 26m-high structure has four turrets and intricate latticework carved into the yellow basalt stone. There are steps leading down to the water behind the arch.

Kesari Wada is located at Narayan Peth in Pune, Maharashtra. Gaikwads built the monument. It is very significant in terms of history. Prince of Baroda, Sayajirao Gaikwad used to live in this palace. Now the structure of the palace had been pulled down to renovate. Nightlong discussions were going in this building to overthrow colonial rule during the freedom struggle. Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak used to run his two newspapers, the Kesari, in Marathi and Maratha in English from Kesari Wada.

Khuldabad - Also known as 'Valley of Saints', Khuldabad is located at distance of about 3 km from Ellora. A large scale Sufi had been migrated to Khuldabad in 14th century, as several Sufi saints of the Chishti ordered to reside Khuldabad (Abode of Eternity). There is the Dargah, or tomb of Moinuddin Chishti, the spiritual guide of the Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb, within this sacred complex. Aurangazeb's tomb is also there near the tomb.

Lal Mahal is a red brick building situated at Pune. Shivaji spent here most of his childhood. There are statues of "Jijamata" (Shivaji's Mother) and a structure showing young Shivaji plowing with a golden plough, with mother Jijabai and Guru Dadoji Konddev looking at him. There are also four umbrellas on the terrace, which is the prime attraction of the Mahal. This is the place where Shivaji Maharaj cut Shaistekhan's fingers when he tried to escape away from one of the windows of the Lal Mahal.

New Palace is located in Kolhapur. Built in 1884, it is also known as the Maharaja's New Place. Major Mant designed the palace. The architecture of the palace is a combination of Jain and Hindu influences from Gujarat and Rajasthan, and local Rajwada style. The first floor is for the present Maharaja, while the ground floor is dedicated to a fine collection of costumes, weapons, games, jewellery, embroidery and paraphernalia such as silver elephant saddles.

Raste Wada is located in Pune. Raste Wada is regarded to be one of the largest wadas, which stands surrounded by a jungle of multi storeyed buildings. During the reign of Madhavrao Peshwa, Anandrao Bhikaji Raste built the massive core of the Wada. In building the Wada, Rs.9 lakh had been spent. There is also a stable to house Raste's cavalry retinue. At present these cloisters have been either ravaged by time or late out to tenants. The 'Diwankhana' has a municipal school now.

Shaniwar Wada is a royal residence built by the second Peshwa, Bajirao-I Shaniwar Wada, which is located in Pune. Construction of Shaniwar Wada began on 10th of January 1730. It is said that Bajirao Peshwa-I laid the foundation by collecting handful of mud from the nearby Lal Mahal. Shaniwar Wada today is left with only with an imposing outer wall. It is visible that the ruins can translate the glory of the Maratha power.

Vishrambag Wada is on Bajirao Road, Pune in Maharashtra. Bajirao II built this monument. This structure is famous for its fine entrance and the balcony with carved woodwork. Vishrambag Wada is a three-storeyed mansion. The palace is 260ftX815ft in area. Vishrambag Wada symbolizes the tales of Pune's rich culture and heritage. It took long 6 years to complete this building.