The short answer
Sindkhed Raja and Jijau Palace: what visitors should know first
Go if Maratha history matters to you. The monuments are modest and the town is small. Allow half a day and check what is open before you go.
History and context
The story behind Sindkhed Raja and Jijau Palace
The Jadhav family held the area from about 1550 until 1724, shifting between Mughal and Ahmadnagar service. After that it came under the Nizam of Hyderabad, was held by the Shinde dynasty for about 60 years in the late 18th century, and eventually passed to direct British rule.
Useful facts
Sindkhed Raja and Jijau Palace facts at a glance
- Location
- Sindkhed Raja, Buldhana district
- Known for
- Birthplace of Jijabai (born 12 January 1598)
- Monuments
- Jijau Palace; Jijau Srushti memorial
- Dynasty
- Jadhav, from about 1550
- Distance
- About 90 km from Buldhana
Why it matters
Why Sindkhed Raja and Jijau Palace is worth your time
Jijabai raised Shivaji and shaped the early politics of the Maratha state, so her birthplace has a place in Maharashtra's story. The Jadhavs themselves had changing alliances between the Mughals and the Ahmadnagar sultanate.
For a traveller, the town is a quiet history stop and a good pairing with Lonar, which lies in the same part of the district. Because the monuments are modest, the visit works best for people who already know the story and want to stand where it began, rather than for casual sightseers.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Jijau Palace
The palace is tied to Lakhuji Jadhav, father of Jijabai.
- 02
Jijau Srushti
A hill memorial near the town honours her.
- 03
Birth anniversary
Celebrated in January, with large crowds.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Sindkhed Raja is a town in Buldhana district best known as the birthplace of Jijabai, born in January 1598 to Lakhuji Jadhav. The palace linked to him, known as Jijau Palace, is the main monument, and the Jijau Srushti memorial on a hill near the town marks her.
Go with a local guide or at least a map, since the signage is limited. The palace is the place to understand the Jadhav family's position in the early 17th century, and the memorial gives a wider view. The biggest event of the year is Jijabai's birth anniversary in January, which brings crowds.
Carry water and plan a lunch stop in a larger town, as services in Sindkhed Raja are limited.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Check what is open locally
- Visit on a weekday
- Carry water and snacks
- Combine with Lonar
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Sindkhed Raja, about 90 km from Buldhana
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Best time
- Winter; around Jijau's birth anniversary in January
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- The sights are in a small town on mostly level ground, but shade and seating are limited. The hill memorial may involve steps.
- Tickets and access
- No entry fee or timings are published; confirm locally. Dress modestly at any temples nearby.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Sindkhed Raja and Jijau Palace
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
The sights are in a small town on mostly level ground, but shade and seating are limited. The hill memorial may involve steps.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
What is Sindkhed Raja known for?
It is the birthplace of Jijabai, mother of Shivaji Maharaj.
How far is it from Buldhana?
About 90 km.
When is the best time to visit?
Winter, or around Jijabai's birth anniversary in January if you can handle crowds.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
