Phaltan Tourism (2019) - India > Top Places, Travel Guide

"Sai Bai's Maratha Hometown"

Phaltan Tourism

Phaltan is a town 110km from Pune that is a treasure of Maratha heritage and culture. The quaint city boasts of an experience that is similar to having gone through a time machine. It is also known for serving traditional Maharashtrian thalis that are special to Phaltan.

Sai Bai, Maharaj Chhatrapati Shivaji's first wife, was from here. Her stately home is called the Rajwada Palace and is the most popular attraction in Phaltan. It is also home to Sri Bhavani or Aundh museum which has one of the largest collections of miniature paintings in India.

Religious Culture in Phaltan

Phaltan is a centre for Maratha culture and heritage. It is an ancient city recognised in mythology as well as it is believed that Shri Ram, Laxman and Sita passed through Phaltan during their exile. The town is a fair mix of heritage and religion and prides itself at preserving these values. Festivals like Diwali, Ganesh Chaturthi and Nagpanchami are important to the locals. There are many temples in the city dedicated to different faiths including Jainism. The most popular is the Jabreshwar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. There is also a mosque here known as Badshahi Masjid.

Places to visit in Phaltan

Rajwada Palace is the most popular attraction in Phaltan, Maharashtra. This palace was Sai Bai's stately home who was Maharaj Chhatrapati Shivaji's first wife, and was from this town. The palace is adorned with intricate gold and wood work and hosts beautiful portraits from the Maratha era. The grandeur of the palace is seen in its large rooms, chandeliers and special upholstery. The palace is uninhabited and locked but one can visit on special request.

Sri Bhavani Museum or Aundh Museum was built by Bhawanrao Pantpratinidhi in 1938, the ruler of Aundh during the British Raj. It hosts one of the largest collections of miniature paintings in India. From Jaipur to Bijapur or the Pahadi style and Maratha style, this museum has curated over 500 miniature paintings of the 15th to 19th century. It primarily exhibits Bhawanrao's own works. It also has a western section that has some extremely precious pieces including works by Henry Moore, Rembrandt and A.H. Muller.
- Timings: 10.00 am to 1.00 pm and 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm; Closed on Mondays.

Phaltan is famous for utilising wind energy and other eco-friendly projects but Pusegaon Windmill farm is special. The town boasts of over 200 windmills but at Pusegaon, one finds the perfect romantic afternoon getaway. The gusts from the windmills are strong but relaxing. The skies are clear. For a leisurely, private picnic that is a little different than the heritage burst that Phaltan offers, Pusegaon is ideal.

Best Time to Visit Phaltan

Commuting within Phaltan

FAQs on Phaltan

What is the best way to reach Phaltan?

Phaltan is around 110km away from Pune. The closest airport to Phaltan is the Pune Airport. The closest railway station is in Satara, 64 km away.

You can hire a taxi from Pune to Phaltan which is approximately a 1.5 hour journey. It could cost anything between Rs. 1800/- to Rs. 2300/-. There are also buses on this route.

You can also take a bus or taxi from Satara.
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What is not so good about Phaltan?

Good for a quick get-away but not advisable for a long vacation.

Who should visit Phaltan?

People who are curious about Maratha food, heritage and culture or looking for a serene or romantic getaway in Maharashtra.

What are the places near Phaltan?

The top places near to Phaltan are Mahabaleshwar which is 82 km from Phaltan, Jejuri which is located 44 km from Phaltan, Panchgani which is located 67 km from Phaltan, Pune which is located 84 km from Phaltan, Goa which is located 284 km from Phaltan

What is famous about Phaltan?

Exposure to Maratha Heritage through the stately home, museum and town vibe. Many romantic attractions.

What is the best time to visit Phaltan?

The best time to visit Phaltan is between mid-July and November, when it has the best weather. Ripe pomegranates are perfect for plucking and flowers are in bloom from September-October.
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