Lal Mahal, Pune, Maharashtra

Tourists visiting Lal Mahal can view a great collection of oil paintings depicting various events from the life of Shivaji Maharaja. There is also the statue of Jijamata, Shivaji's mother and the Jijamata garden holds a lot of recreational activities for kids. Four umbrella shaped structures on the roof, various other exhibits and statue of Shivaji working in the fields, among other things are some major attractions.

The Lal Mahal is of great historical importance, not only because it is the place where Shivaji Maharaj had spent his formative years with his mother, but also because it is the place where the Marathas had put up a brave fight against Mughal leader Abu Talib (Shaista Khan), and Shivaji is known to have sliced of his fingers with his sword at this very place when he tried to escape through the window. The place is held as an epitome of the bravery of Marathas against their Invaders.

The Peshwas who constructed the nearby Shaniwar Wada are said to have used bricks from the remnants of this palace, as is found in their account books, for good luck. The Peshwas also had a place reserved in it for serving meals to the Brahmins who visited their palace.

Historically significant, but often missed out by tourists, the Lal Mahal deserves a lot of attention. It has indeed witnessed some inspiring events of the past, and is definitely an interesting place to be visited.