Aga Khan Palace in Pune
Summer: Extremely hot (20°C to 42°C)
Winter: Warm weather (8°C to 32°C)
Monsoon: Mild to average rainfall
Best time to visit:
July to February
Opening Time: 09:00 am
Closing Time: 06:00 pm (Lunch Break: 12.30 pm to 1:30 pm)
Weekly Holiday: Open 7 days a week. Close on National Holidays.
Entry Fees for Indians
Adults: INR 5
Children:
INR 2
Cameras: N/A
Video Camera: N/A
Entry Fees for Foreign Nationals
Adults:
USD 2.00
Children:
USD 2.00
Cameras:
N/A
Video Camera:
N/A
Built as a symbol of charity by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III, Aga Khan Palace gained historical importance with due course of time. Popular as a monument, a museum and an architectural marvel today, it was the place where Mahatma Gandhi and his associates were detained during the notable Quit India Movement in 1942. Designated as the monument of national importance, the palace is popular for Mahatma Gandhi Memorial (where the ashes of the greatest Indian leader rest) and Samadhis (cenotaphs) of Kasturba Gandhi (Gandhiji’s wife) and Mahadev Desai (Gandhiji’s personal secretary).
Constructed in majestic royal style, the palace boasts of eye-pleasing Italian architectural elements and is surrounded by beautiful green lawns and gardens. Nearness to River Mula makes the place even more exciting. Main attractions inside the heritage building include picture gallery and museum (with pictures, letters and items used by Gandhiji on display), library and documentation centre and a shop selling khadi stuff (mark of Gandhiji’s freedom struggle).
The monument is visited by flocks of tourists on occasions like Mahatma Gandhi’s Birth Anniversary (October 2), Death Anniversary (January 30), Independence Day (August 15) and Republic Day (January 26).
Connectivites
Road:
Located about 7 km. away from Pune city centre and connected by road with good condition. The palace is located on Nagar Road and has close proximity to Kalyani Nagar.
Railway:
The nearest railhead is Pune Railway Station (about 5 km. away) which offers excellent connectivity with states like Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
Airway:
Pune Airport (about 5 km. away) offering domestic as well as international flight connectivity is the closest airport to the palace. Taxis are available to reach the palace from the airport.