Hello local guides,
Traditional architecture has always fascinated me, especially Royal palaces, heritage homes and old mansions that reflect how people lived and celebrated life in earlier times. Many regions have their own versions of traditional mansions, heritage homes, rajwadas and palaces that are built around courtyards, designed for joint families or royal households.
I have been fortunate to visit a few such iconic royal residences, including Shaniwar Wada Pune, Umaid Bhawan Palace Jodhpur, Mysore Palace, Shahu Maharaj Palace Kolhapur and Bengaluru Palace.
These palaces have the spacious courtyards, intricately carved wooden details and grand halls and unique craftsmanship, many of which are slowly fading away today.
This curiosity inspired me to start a challenge that invites everyone to explore, discover, and share stories of these remarkable heritage structures.
What to Include in Your Post:
Name or type of the heritage home/Palace
A short history or story behind it
Architectural features that stand out
Photos/ videos
Map location and review link (optional)
let me start with me:
Name: Menavali palace / Nana Fadnavis Wada
Location: Google Maps
Google map review
Last week, I visited the historic Menavli Palace (Menavli Wada) in the village of Menavli Satara, and the experience truly felt like stepping back in time. The magnificent wada was constructed in the 1770s by Rajamanya Rajashri Nana Phadnavis on the serene banks of the Krishna River. Nana Phadnavis was influential Maratha statesman, minister, and diplomat during the Peshwa administration in Pune.
The wada is 250+ year old and has two-storeyed wooden structures. There are beautifully carved wooden ceilings, elegant pillars with arches and Maratha-style wall paintings decorated with delicate floral and faunal motifs. One of the most intriguing features of the palace is a narrow, steep staircase hidden inside its thick walls, designed to allow only one person at a time into Nana Phadnavis’s darbar hall, ensuring privacy and security.
The wada is connected to menavli ghat leading directly to the Krishna River and two temples. One dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the other to Lord Shiva. Menavli Wada has also served as a stunning backdrop for several Bollywood films, including Swadesh, dabang, Yudh, Jis Desh Mein Ganga Rehta Hain and recently Chavva.
Visiting such places gives great experience of our culture, history, craftsmanship and sustainable lifestyles.
Now its your turn
Looking forward to reading your discoveries and learning about traditional mansions, heritage homes, and palaces from different parts of the world.
Challenge ends on 16th April
Winners will be announced on 18th April- world heritage day
Tagging our Indian local guides here
@AjitThite @NareshDarji @Supriyadevkar @SayliWalve @ShreyaMusings @Shrut19 @curatorofmemory @Praniketmore @MerlinThomas @KetanChhaniyara @Gurukrishnapriya @TravellerG @Ssiddharth2000 @SonamW @NandKK @TusharSuradkar @K.K.Sharma
Entries for #hiddenheritage challenge
- Pant Amatya Bavdekar Wada, Palsambe is the Hidden gem of Maharashtra by @Supriyadevkar
- Danta Bhavan Gadh – Hidden Heritage Gem by @Np45
- The "Secret" Palace of Narnaul: Birbal ka Chhatta Explored By @Ssiddharth2000
- A Place Where Kings Still Honor Tradition and Worship By @Supriyadevkar
- Exploring Mattancherry Palace : Kochi Memories by @SonamW
- Lukshmi Vilas Palace - Stepping into royal history 👑 By @MerlinThomas
- TeamIndia Maps Stories - Bastion Bungalow – Discovering a Colonial Heritage Gem in Fort Kochi - TravellerG by @TravellerG
- Chatrapati Shahu Maharaj & the New Royal Palace at Kolhapur. By @Rohan10
- Nana Wada - A Hidden Mansion in the Heart of Pune by @TusharSuradkar
here is one of my post on 
