Vishrambaug Wada, Pune - Timings, History, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 5 km from Pune Junction, Vishrambaug Wada is an old mansion situated in Sadashiv Peth, at the intersection of the Bajirao Road and the Laxmi Road in Pune. It is one of the must-include places in Pune heritage packages.

Vishrambaug Wada is a historic mansion that dates back 200 years, having been constructed in 1811 over a period of more than six years at a significant expense of INR 200,000. It is believed that Peshwa Bajirao II, the final Peshwa of the Maratha Empire, resided in this mansion for approximately 11 years. Following the annexation of Pune by the British, the Wada served as a prison for a long time. Subsequently, from 1930 to 1958, it functioned as the office for the Pune Municipal Corporation. A devastating fire on October 31, 1880, resulted in substantial damage to the structure, leaving only the facade intact; however, it was later restored to its original architectural design.

Spanning an area of 20,000 square feet, the Wada is a three-story edifice exemplifying Maratha architectural style. The building is adorned in earthy tones of red, brown, and white. The principal architects of this mansion were Mansaram Laxman and Daji Suthar. It boasts of intricately carved teak pillars, cypress-shaped columns, elaborately decorated ceilings, a teak wood gallery, and stone flooring.

On the first floor, visitors can explore a grand hall, known as the darbar, which showcases intricately carved ceilings and opulent chandeliers, complemented by exquisite teakwood pillars. The impressive teak balcony, currently off-limits to visitors, is reputed to be the location where Bajirao's musicians performed. The Wada also includes Mastani Mahal, a spacious dancing hall, and a musical complex referred to locally as the nagarkhana or Meghadambari.

Presently, a portion of the Wada is accessible to the public, while the rest is utilized for government offices, including the Birth and Death Registration Office of the Pune Municipal Corporation and a post office. The premises also feature a museum that exhibits artifacts from the Peshwa era. Additionally, a handicraft shop operated by the Savitri Marketing Institution for Ladies Empowerment (SMILE) is located within the Wada complex.

Timings: 10 AM - 7 PM, Closed on Mondays

Entry: Rs. 5 per Person