The Lal Mahal also called the Red Palace, is a famous monument in the “Queen of the Deccan” – Pune. It is known for being the childhood home of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He was the founder of the Maratha Empire and stayed at this palace until he captured his first fort.
In 1630 AD, the father of Shivaji Maharaj, Shri Sahaji Bhosle, established this palace. It was built for Shahji’s son Shivaji and his wife, Jijabai. This monument has also gained popularity due to an encounter between Shivaji and Shaista Khan. In this encounter, while Shaista Khan tried to escape from the window, Shivaji cut down his fingers.
While the original Lal Mahal fell into ruins long back, it was reconstructed in the heart of Pune. Once you reach the palace, you look at the entrance, which seems very familiar to the opening of the original Red Palace. As you move further, there are statues of young Shivaji and Jijabai.
The palace’s ground floor contains murals depicting how Shivaji Maharaj used to administer his kingdom. On the first floor, you find a gallery where the Shivaji – Shahista Khan encounter was shown using large paintings. Besides that, it contains weapons, clothes, coins, utensils, and letters of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Era.
Things to do at Lal Mahal
- Take a guided tour of the palace with the government-authorized tourist guides. The guides can be hired from the entrance of the palace.
- Have a look at the statues of young Shivaji and his mother, Jijabai.
- Take a closer look into the significant life events of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
- Witness the architectural beauty of the Red Palace.
- Look at the collection of various artefacts and valuable items of Shivaji Maharaj’s era.
Address of Lal Mahal
Shivaji Road, Durvankur Society, Kasba Peth, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Road, Pune, Maharashtra 411011
Timings of Lal Mahal
The Lal Mahal is open daily from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Best time to visit Lal Mahal
The best time to visit the Lal Mahal is throughout the year except for peak summer and winter.
Accommodation near Lal Mahal
Many accommodation options are available near the Lal Mahal due to its location. The best option could be the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation’s Karla Resort, which is located 57 Km away from the palace.
How to reach the Lal Mahal?
- By Air
The nearest airport to Lal Mahal is the Pune International Airport. It is located at a distance of 11 Km from the palace. You can take locally available transport from the airport to reach here.
- By Train
The nearest railway station to Lal Mahal is the Pune Junction Railway Station. It is located at a distance of 2.5 Km. You can hire a cab or take locally available transport from the airport to reach here.
- By Road
Located right in the heart of Pune City, Lal Mahal is well-connected to the city and nearby states through roads. One can reach Pune by state buses or through private cabs.
Places to visit near Lal Mahal
You can visit the following places near Lal Mahal:
- Cassava Peth Ganpati Mandir
- Nana Wada
- Shaniwar Wada
- Vishrambaug Wada
- Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum
- Pataleshwar caves
- Pune Okayama friendship garden
- Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park
- Aga Khan Palace
- Singhagad Fort
