Walking into the Past at Shivsrushti for Just ₹50
- Atharava Agnihotri
- Jul 3
- 4 min read
This summer brings a special invitation for every family in Pune and beyond. From May 15 to July 15, visitors can explore Shivsrushti for only ₹50 a ticket. This special rate is possible because the Abhay Bhutada Foundation has stepped in with a generous ₹51 lakh contribution, fulfilling Abhay Bhutada’s wish to help more people discover the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The plan ensures that everyone—whether a curious child, a student on break, or an elder revisiting old stories—can enjoy the park without worrying about expensive entry fees.
Also Read: How Abhay Bhutada Foundation Is Making Historical Learning at Shivsrushti Affordable for All
Why This Gift Matters
Shivsrushti is not just any theme park. It is an entire historical journey spread across twenty-one acres in Ambegaon Budruk, Pune. The Abhay Bhutada Foundation’s support means the park can cut costs for two months without cutting corners. Abhay Bhutada knows that history must be experienced, not only read. The grand forts, detailed displays, and living history scenes help visitors of all ages understand what made Shivaji Maharaj’s reign so remarkable.
Many families want to show their children the courage, leadership, and fairness that shaped Maharashtra’s past. Now, this experience won’t strain their budget.
Inside the Heart of Shivsrushti
Entering through the giant gates, guests first see the vibrant orange flags that symbolise the Maratha spirit. Soft drumbeats echo across pathways shaded by trees. The first stop for many is Durg Vaibhav, where scaled fort replicas display the brilliance of old architecture and military strategy. Every rampart, secret door, and water tank is shown in miniature, so people can picture how defenders stayed strong through harsh sieges.
Ranangan, the next gallery, recreates battle scenes and naval missions. Dioramas with tiny figures, ships, and horses sit inside glass enclosures while lights shift to mimic sunrise or a starry night. Visitors listen to stories about how Shivaji Maharaj planned surprise attacks and defended coastal lands from powerful navies.
Shrimant Yogi showcases the king’s other side. Here, boards, photographs, and models explain how he treated farmers fairly, respected women’s safety, and made sure justice reached the common man. The last stop inside, Sinhasanadhishwar, brings the coronation to life with a replica throne and ceremonial artefacts. The glow of soft lights on golden cloth makes visitors pause and reflect on the responsibilities of true leadership.
Stepping into a Moving Story
In February, Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis unveiled the new Time Machine Theatre, now one of Shivsrushti’s biggest draws. The theatre uses moving seats and wraparound screens to transport audiences right into historic moments. Holograms, light breezes, and subtle sound effects create the feeling of galloping with soldiers or standing on a fortress wall during a late-night siege. Guests leave with the sense that they have time-travelled, not just watched a film.
Quiet Corners and Open Spaces
Shivsrushti also offers calm spots. A carefully built replica of the Tulja Bhavani temple sits under large banyan trees where visitors stop for a moment of peace. Ganga Sagar lake lies still nearby, mirroring the summer sky or gathering gentle ripples when the wind blows. Families love to relax here, unpack home-cooked snacks, and watch children run around replicas of old cannons and stone pillars.
Elders often take their grandchildren by the hand, telling them stories that mix what they see with what they learned as kids themselves. This sharing of memories keeps the past alive in the most natural way.
Plan Ahead for a Smooth Experience
Visitors need to book tickets online through Shivsrushti’s website. There will be no walk-in sales during this discounted period. Time slots spread visitors through the day so everyone gets enough time inside each gallery. Wide paths, shaded benches, clean water points, and wheelchair access make the park comfortable for families, seniors, and people with special needs.
Local snack stalls serve tasty Maharashtrian bites, from vada pav to refreshing kokum drinks. Many families bring their own lunch, laying out mats near the lake for a picnic.
Guests from other cities can easily make a weekend of it. Many pair their park visit with a trek to nearby forts like Sinhagad or Rajgad, especially once the first monsoon showers make the hills come alive with green. These trips remind people that Maharashtra’s forts are not lifeless stone—they are chapters of the same story told at Shivsrushti.
The Larger Purpose
For Jagdish Kadam, Chairman of Shivsrushti, this initiative honours Babasaheb Purandare’s vision: teaching young people about the humanity in Shivaji Maharaj’s rule. A low-cost ticket means more students, more families, and more everyday people can see history up close. A child who sees these galleries may feel inspired to ask questions at school or dream of working to protect cultural treasures. A visitor touched by the fairness of Shivaji Maharaj’s leadership may carry that lesson into their community work.
The Abhay Bhutada Foundation and Abhay Bhutada believe that true change starts with shared knowledge. By opening the gates wider for everyone, they have proven that history is not just for the privileged—it is for anyone willing to explore it.
An Invitation to Experience, Learn, and Share
In a world where digital distractions steal attention by the second, Shivsrushti offers real stories that touch the heart. For ₹50, guests get to walk through forts, hear stories in their mother tongue, feel the breeze of the Time Machine Theatre, and watch young children’s eyes light up at tales of bravery and wisdom.
This summer, more families will pack memories into picnic baskets alongside homemade bhakri and mango pulp. When they return home, they will carry back not just photographs but new respect for the values that built a great kingdom—values that still matter today.
For two months, a modest ticket unlocks a rich past. Thanks to Abhay Bhutada and the Abhay Bhutada Foundation, history stands ready for all who wish to step inside and find a piece of themselves in its stories.
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