Situated 1,840 ft above sea level, the hilltop city of Pune is encircled with many rivers. Mula, Mutha, Pavana and Indrayani are some of the watercourses that skirt the city of Pune. Besides this, the climate of Pune is arid and extremely moist, contributing to the verdant greens. The city also receives a good deal of rainfall every monsoon, thereby creating favorable grounds for the green patches to flourish. Some of the famous gardens in Pune are Bund, Empress, Saras Baug, Peshwa Udyan etc. Besides this, the city also has a wildlife sanctuary that is home to many wild mammals. Almost every garden in the city ismaintained and preserved by the local municipality. Today, most of the parks in the metro have been transformed into recreational sites for children and joggers, and ranks among the most popular picnic spots and exercise grounds for the dwellers and visitors. Go through this write-up to know more about the gardens in Pune and explore its beauty.
Famous Gardens In Pune
Saras Baug
Saras Baug is situated close to Swargate and the city’s Railway station. It is a popular destination among people looking for a tranquil spot within the city. Initially a lake, the place was transformed into a garden this when the lake dried due to the heat wave. The main attractions within this landscape are its sprawling lawns and blossoming flora that helps to create a calm and serene atmosphere. Another thing that makes this place a frequently visited site is the Ganapati temple located inside the garden premises. The holy shrine is seated on a small crest with a panoramic view of the nearby areas. The park is open to the visitors on all the seven days of the week from 6 am to 9 pm.
Bund Garden
Designed by Sir Jamshedji Jeejeebhoy, Bund Garden is at a stone’s throw from Pune’s railway station. This green plot is constructed over the rivers Mula and Mutha that adds to the beauty of the landscape. Besides this, the place allures its visitors with a string of fun activates like boating amenities, horse rides and magic shows. The best time to visit this garden is during winter when the place serves as a sanctuary for the migratory birds. Also known as Mahatma Gandhi Udyan, the Bund Garden sees heavy traffic during morning and evening with walkers and joggers flocking in large numbers to experience the serenity of this place.
Empress Garden
Situated close to Solapur Road, this garden was first owned by Sardar Vithalrao before it became a part of the state government. Initially known as the ‘Garden of Dr Don’, this place was later renamed as Empress Garden in the sheer honor of British Queen Victoria. During the times of British Raj, the place was used by soldiers for leisure activities. Hence, this place is also known as ‘Soldiers Garden’. By 1892, the garden was transformed into 59 acres of agri-horicultural society. This garden is open to the visitors from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm.
Peshwa Udyan
Peshwa Udyan is located near Saras Baug and is a major tourist hot-spot. Besides its well-laid lawns and blooming flowers, the garden also has a number of fun activities that are popular among children. Most of them include animal rides, boating services, fun rides and a zoo that displays a variety of animal species. The best part of this place is the centuries-old temple of Lord Ganesha, which is best known for its ornate interiors and intricate designs. Peshwa Udyan is managed by Pune municipality and is open to the visitors from 9 am to 5.30 pm.
|