Aga Khan Palace
The Aga Khan Palace is a majestic structure of historical and national importance, located on the outskirts of Pune's old city. It was built in 1892 by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III, the 48th Imam of the Ismaili Muslims. The palace was constructed as an act of charity, intended to provide employ ment for the local population who were facing severe famine at the time. Its primary historical significance comes from its role as a prison during the Quit India Movement of 1942. Mahatma Gandhi, his wife Kasturba Gandhi, his secretary Mahadev Desai, and Sarojini Naidu were among the prominent national leaders held captive here from August 1942 to May 1944. Tragically, both Kasturba Gandhi and Mahadev Desai passed away during their internment and have their Samadhis (memorials) located within the palace grounds. In 1969, Prince Karim El Husseni (Aga Khan IV) generously donated the palace to the Government of India as a tribute to Gandhi and his philosophy. The palace now serves as the headquarters of the Gandhi National Memorial Society and houses a museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi and the freedom struggle, including a shop for Khadi (hand-spun cotton) products.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
2 to 3 Hours.Place Type:
Memorial, Museum, Historical Monument, National HeEntry Fees:
Entry for Indians (Adults): Approx. INR 5 per person.
Entry for Indians (Children): Approx. INR 2 per person.
Entry for Foreigners: Approx. INR 100 per person.
Notes on Fe...Entry for Indians (Adults): Approx. INR 5 per person.
Entry for Indians (Children): Approx. INR 2 per person.
Entry for Foreigners: Approx. INR 100 per person.
Notes on Fees: The minimal fee is intended to cover maintenance and make the national memorial accessible to all. Proceeds from the Khadi shop go towards the promotion of handloom textiles and the upkeep of the memorial.Timing:
Regular Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM daily.
Ideal Visit Time: Early morning (around 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM) is the best time to enjoy the cool weather, take photos, and experience the gardens and memorials in tranquility before the midday sun a...Regular Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM daily.
Ideal Visit Time: Early morning (around 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM) is the best time to enjoy the cool weather, take photos, and experience the gardens and memorials in tranquility before the midday sun and rush.
Closed Days: Open seven days a week.Special Events:
Gandhi Jayanti (October 2nd): The birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi is the biggest annual celebration, featuring prayer meetings, cultural events, and tributes by political leaders and citizens. Kasturba Gandhi's Death Anniversary (February 22nd): This day is observed as...Gandhi Jayanti (October 2nd): The birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi is the biggest annual celebration, featuring prayer meetings, cultural events, and tributes by political leaders and citizens. Kasturba Gandhi's Death Anniversary (February 22nd): This day is observed as Mother's Day by the memorial society, with special commemorative ceremonies at her Samadhi.
Martyr's Day (January 30th): Observed with a memorial prayer service for all freedom fighters.
Independence Day/Republic Day: Celebrations on August 15th and January 26th highlight the palace's role in the freedom struggle.Best Photo Spots:
The Italian Arches and Corridors: The series of Italian-style arches on the palace exterior provides a classic, framed architectural shot.
The Main Facade: Capture the full majesty of the two-story palace and its entrance, framed by the lus...The Italian Arches and Corridors: The series of Italian-style arches on the palace exterior provides a classic, framed architectural shot.
The Main Facade: Capture the full majesty of the two-story palace and its entrance, framed by the lush green lawns.
The Samadhis: A respectful photo of the simple, solemn memorials of Kasturba Gandhi and Mahadev Desai within the garden.
The Gandhi Statue: A statue or bust of Mahatma Gandhi on the premises is a key photo point.
Lush Gardens: Shots of the expansive, well-kept gardens and the blend of the white-and-cream structure with the greenery.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Visit the Gandhi Memorial (Samadhis): Spend quiet time at the memorials of Kasturba Gandhi and Mahadev Desai located in the peaceful garden.
Explore the Museum: View the extensive collection of photographs, documents, and personal artifacts related to the Gandhis and the freedom movement.
Walk the Grounds: Take a long stroll through the massive, well-maintained 19-acre sprawling lawns and Italian-style arches.
Visit the Khadi Shop: Support the local craftspeople by purchasing authentic Khadi and handloom products from the shop located on the premises.
Watch the Documentary: Some days, the memorial society screens short films or documentaries on the life of Mahatma Gandhi and the palace's history.
...Visit the Gandhi Memorial (Samadhis): Spend quiet time at the memorials of Kasturba Gandhi and Mahadev Desai located in the peaceful garden.
Explore the Museum: View the extensive collection of photographs, documents, and personal artifacts related to the Gandhis and the freedom movement.
Walk the Grounds: Take a long stroll through the massive, well-maintained 19-acre sprawling lawns and Italian-style arches.
Visit the Khadi Shop: Support the local craftspeople by purchasing authentic Khadi and handloom products from the shop located on the premises.
Watch the Documentary: Some days, the memorial society screens short films or documentaries on the life of Mahatma Gandhi and the palace's history.
Read the Historical Plaques: Take time to read the numerous plaques that detail the daily life and activities of the national leaders during their confinement.
Attend National Day Events: If possible, visit during October 2nd (Gandhi Jayanti) or January 30th (Martyr's Day) for the commemorative events.
Information
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Why Famous:
Gandhi's Imprisonment and Memorial: It is nationally famous as the prison where Mahatma Gandhi was held, and where his wife, Kasturba Gandhi, and his secretary, Mahadev Desai, passed away. Their Samadhis make it a national pilgrimage site.
Sym...Gandhi's Imprisonment and Memorial: It is nationally famous as the prison where Mahatma Gandhi was held, and where his wife, Kasturba Gandhi, and his secretary, Mahadev Desai, passed away. Their Samadhis make it a national pilgrimage site.
Symbol of the Quit India Movement: The palace is an important symbol of the 1942 Quit India Movement, representing the sacrifice of the country's top leadership.
Act of Philanthropy: It is also famous for its original purpose—built by the Aga Khan to help famine-struck local people—and for its donation to India's government.
Khadi Promotion: The palace houses a Khadi shop, promoting Gandhi's vision of self-reliance through local spinning and weaving. -
Architecture:
Indo-Italian Fusion: The palace is a grand example of architectural fusion, blending elements of stately Italian architecture (prominent arches, broad corridors) with elements of traditional Indian design.
Dimensions and Layout: The buildin...Indo-Italian Fusion: The palace is a grand example of architectural fusion, blending elements of stately Italian architecture (prominent arches, broad corridors) with elements of traditional Indian design.
Dimensions and Layout: The building is massive, spreading over a sprawling area of 19 acres of beautifully manicured lawns and gardens, with the palace structure itself occupying 7 acres. It is a two-story structure featuring five large halls. The palace is encircled by a 2. 5-meter wide corridor, which was often used by the internees for their daily walks and reflection.
The Samadhis and Memorial: The memorials (Samadhis) of Kasturba Gandhi and Mahadev Desai are simple, poignant structures located within the sprawling, peaceful gardens, designed by architect Charles Correa. This section adds a solemn, sacred dimension to the architecture. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Pune International Airport (PNQ) is the closest, about 5-6 KMS away. The palace is easily accessible by a short cab ride from the airport.
By Train: Pune Junction Railway Station (PUNE) is about 7 KMS away. The best way to reach t...By Air: Pune International Airport (PNQ) is the closest, about 5-6 KMS away. The palace is easily accessible by a short cab ride from the airport.
By Train: Pune Junction Railway Station (PUNE) is about 7 KMS away. The best way to reach the palace on Nagar Road is via app-based taxi or auto-rickshaw.
By Road (Inter-City): Located on the main Pune-Nagar highway, it is a well-known landmark. Local and inter-city buses often pass by the area.
By Local Transport: The palace is situated in the modern, upscale locality of Kalyani Nagar/Yerwada. It is best reached by app-based cab or auto-rickshaw, which are readily available and more convenient than local public buses for tourists. -
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
By Season (Pleasant Weather): October to March is the perfect time, with comfortable weather ideal for walking the expansive outdoor grounds and gardens.
By Season (Nature's Beauty): The Monsoon season (June to September) makes the lawns lo...By Season (Pleasant Weather): October to March is the perfect time, with comfortable weather ideal for walking the expansive outdoor grounds and gardens.
By Season (Nature's Beauty): The Monsoon season (June to September) makes the lawns look their most lush and beautiful, but rain can interrupt the outdoor experience.
By Day (Crowd Avoidance): Weekday mornings are extremely peaceful.
By Day (Atmosphere): A visit during the late afternoon is great for capturing the beautiful architecture in the soft, golden light. -
Near Tourist Places:
Osho International Meditation Resort (2 KMS)ABC Farms (1. 5 KMS)Inorbit Mall (3 KMS)Pune International Airport (5 KMS)Bund Garden (4 KMS)National War Memorial Southern Command (6 KMS)Shaniwar Wada (7 KMS)Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple (7 KMS)Koregaon Park (Adjacent/Walkable)Chokhi Dhani (Ethnic Village) (18 KMS)
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: Wear comfortable shoes for walking the large grounds. Carry a water bottle. The area is generally very safe.
Packing: Modest attire is appropriate, especially when visiting the memorials of Kasturba Gandhi and Mahadev Des...Health & Safety: Wear comfortable shoes for walking the large grounds. Carry a water bottle. The area is generally very safe.
Packing: Modest attire is appropriate, especially when visiting the memorials of Kasturba Gandhi and Mahadev Desai. Sunglasses/hats are recommended for the sunny lawns.
Accommodation: The area around the palace (Kalyani Nagar, Viman Nagar, Koregaon Park) is known for its high-end hotels, cafes, and modern amenities, making it a good base for a comfortable stay.
Other Tips (Etiquette): Maintain silence and solemn respect near the memorials. Photography inside the museum section may be restricted.
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