The Most Beautiful Parks and Green Spaces in Pune
Parks aren’t the first thing to attract people these days, thanks to malls and multiplexes. But when in Pune, there is no way you cannot visit the beautiful garden parks all over the city. They offer serenity, relaxation, and an oasis of greenery amid the hustle and bustle. If visiting this part of India, don’t forget to check out the following garden parks.
Pu La Deshpande Udyan
Also called Pune-Okayama Friendship Garden, this park on Sinhagad Road of Pune has been built with inspiration from the Japanese Okayama garden Korakeun. The garden is full of flowers and lush green landscapes, and also has a natural canal flowing through it. Spread over 10 acres, the garden is not only picturesque but also well-maintained.
Bund Garden
Also known as Mahatma Gandhi Udyan, the scenic beauty and quiet ambience of the garden are what make this place so popular in Pune. This is a much sought after picnic spot, with features like a lake for boating and a jogging track. Migratory birds that flock here during winter are another major attraction. Entry to the park is free.
Saras Baug
If you are looking for a park that combines beauty and devotion, head to Saras Baug near Municipal Colony in Pune. The Ganpati Temple inside the park is known for its rich heritage and historical background. Since the temple is situated in the middle of a lake, it is called Talyatla Ganpati, where Talyatla means “inside a lake” in Marathi. Peshwa Baji Rao named the park Sara’s Baug in 1784.
Kamla Nehru Park
Located in the Erandwane area, Kamla Nehru Park is small but scenic and well-maintained. This beautiful park also has a long jogging track, a playground for children, a charming fountain, and not one, but two elegant lawns. A special attraction is the HAL HF-24 Marut – a military jet that is kept in one of the patches of lawn. The park is a favorite spot for joggers and morning walkers. The place is free to visit at any time of the year.
Empress Garden
The Empress Garden sprawls over 39 acres and is maintained by the Agri-Horticulturals Society of Western India. The garden park boasts a wide variety of flora and fauna that aren’t found elsewhere. There are play zones for children, as well as a stream flowing through the garden. Visitors can enjoy the snack areas inside the garden if they feel hungry. The garden is located near the Race Course and has a nominal entry fee.
Chittaranjan Vatika Garden
This is a sprawling park run by the Pune Municipal Corporation, and a perfect place for morning walkers, joggers, and children. There is a botanical garden rich in plants and flowers, a jogging track and a playground for kids. There is also an art gallery situated inside. Entry to the park is free, and a couple of hours at the place will relax and rejuvenate you.
Sambhaji Park
Another park maintained by the Pune Municipal Corporation, Sambhaji Park is home to tall green, pretty flowers, fish aquarium, a gazebo and a big fountain. The park is a huge draw among morning walkers and joggers, as well as for kids. There is also a big fish tank, which is a major attraction for the children. Some of the rare trees in the park include Mani Mohar, Rudraksh and, Kailaspati. There are various flower exhibitions arranged in the park at specific times of the year.
Peshwa Udyan
Located near Sara’s Baug, Peshwa Udyan is actually a very popular zoo in Pune, which attracts several visitors every day. Like every zoo, the place is rich in a variety of animals and wildlife, a major attraction for children. Besides that, there are other interesting activities in the park, like animal rides, boating, and toy train rides.
These days, greenery and open spaces are at premium everywhere. Pune is a city that has been able to keep its green spaces alive despite civilization and construction. These spaces provide a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of the city. Don’t forget to check out some of the parks on your visit to Pune.