Shinde Chatri

Pune featuring heritage architecture and interior views


This richly decorated memorial to a revered warrior of the Maratha Empire showcases an interesting blend of Rajasthani and British-style architecture.

Shinde Chhatri is a temple dedicated to Mahadji Shinde, who was the well-known commander-in-chief of the Maratha Army during the 1700s. In this elegant landmark see a stylish façade, a portrait gallery and the tomb of its eponymous war hero. Mahadji Shinde himself began construction of Shinde Chhatri in 1793, when its sole building was a shrine to Lord Shiva. Shinde passed away a year later and it wasn’t until 1965 that the politician Madhavrao Scindia commissioned today’s temple.

The temple is square in shape and displays an Anglo-Rajasthan architectural style. Notice the exterior walls with two levels of windows with colorful panes of glass, capitals, pilasters and floral carvings. Sculptures of gods and saints sit around a balustrade. To the rear is the original Shiva Temple built by Mahadji Shinde.

Go inside to see a perfectly preserved split-level hall. Note the rows of pillars, splendid arches and patterned marble floor. Above the arches on the lower floor are photos of members of the Shinde (also known as Scindia) Dynasty. They were a noble clan from Maharashtra that ruled the historic kingdom of Gwalior until India’s independence in 1947.

At the back of the temple is a statue of Mahadji Shinde, which portrays him in an orange-hued turban. It stands where Shinde’s cremation and last rites took place. Look for an umbrella beside the statue. Curiously, local folklore states that bad luck will be bestowed upon anyone who opens an umbrella inside the temple.

You’ll find the temple about a 20-minute drive southeast of Pune’s city center. Get here by taking an auto-rickshaw or taxi. Other major attractions to visit in Pune are the Iskcon Temple and Osho Ashram. Shop at Phoenix Market City and learn about Maharashtra tribes at the Tribal Cultural Museum.

Shinde Chhatri is open daily and admission is free. It is an active place of worship, so be respectful of other visitors, especially when taking photographs.

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Amã Stays & Trails White House, Lonavala

Popular places to visit


Top Shinde Chatri Hotel Deals

Turf Club House
Turf Club House
3 out of 5
1, Turf Club Marg Solhapur Road, Opp Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, Maharashtra
Turf Club House
Crowne Plaza Pune City Centre, an IHG Hotel
Crowne Plaza Pune City Centre, an IHG Hotel
4.5 out of 5
C.T.S. No. 37 & 37/1, Bund Garden Road, Next to Jehangir Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra
Crowne Plaza Pune City Centre, an IHG Hotel
Sheraton Grand Pune Bund Garden Hotel
Sheraton Grand Pune Bund Garden Hotel
5 out of 5
Raja Bahadur Mill Road, Pune, Maharashtra
Sheraton Grand Pune Bund Garden Hotel
Conrad Pune by Hilton
Conrad Pune by Hilton
5 out of 5
7 Mangaldas Road, Pune, Maharashtra
Conrad Pune by Hilton
The Westin Pune Koregaon Park
The Westin Pune Koregaon Park
5 out of 5
36/3-b Koregaon Park Annexe, Mundhawa Road Ghorpadi, Pune, Maharashtra
The Westin Pune Koregaon Park
Hotel Studio Estique
Hotel Studio Estique
3.5 out of 5
Bund Garden Road, Pune In 411001, Pune, Maharashtra
Hotel Studio Estique
Novotel Pune Viman Nagar Hotel
Novotel Pune Viman Nagar Hotel
4.5 out of 5
Weikfield IT City Infopark, Ramwadi, Survey No 30/3, Viman Nagar, Pune, Maharashtra
Novotel Pune Viman Nagar Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.