Pune is one of the most beautiful cities in India where you can find peace and tranquillity owing to its great weather, amazing food and beautiful holiday destinations. I have always loved the lush green gardens of Pune for their countless trees, colourful flowers and well-paved joggers’ tracks that are built around them. These beautiful gardens, besides being a natural air purifier, are a perfect place to hang out with family and friends. Therefore, you must plan a trip to Pune gardens at least once in your lifetime to experience the brilliance of nature in close proximity. You can book your flight ticket to the city and explore the remarkable gardens with your friends and family. On that note, here, I have assembled an elaborate list of the gardens that you can explore on your visit.
Kamala Nehru Park
Kamala Nehru Park is one of the most gorgeous parks in Pune. It boasts hundreds of wildflowers all around the garden that will tempt your eyes. Besides, there are also a variety of sculptures and fountains installed in the garden which makes it look prettier. You can come here with your loved ones and enjoy the natural splendour of the park and take a relaxing walk around the garden. I often used to come here to experience the serene atmosphere amidst the enchanting natural beauty. This place is open for visitors from 8.30 am to 8.30 pm.
Pune Okayama Friendship Garden
Okayama Garden is one of the largest gardens located in Pune. The garden is an idyllic getaway destination for locals and tourists owing to its breathtaking views. Perfect for photographers, this garden boasts an appropriate blend of nature and concrete. For visiting the garden, you will have to buy tickets for yourself as well as the kids here. The garden is designed in Japanese style and features a gorgeous canal that flows in the middle of it. If you are lucky enough, you might spot colourful tiny fishes in the canal. I have a soft corner for this place because it provides the ideal environment to practice yoga and meditation. I remember I used to come here in the morning at around 8.00 am to practise yoga and improve my well-being. This place has a pollution-free environment and therefore is one of my favourites to rejuvenate the senses.
Saras Baug
Situated on the top of a dried-up lake, Saras Baug is one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in Pune. It is an ideal place to take your toddlers for a picnic or an excursion for a day in the lap of nature. Spread across 25 acres, the garden has a rich variety of flowers and a small lake with gorgeous lotuses blooming on it. The garden also features a temple of Lord Ganesha in the centre along with a museum dedicated to the deity, so you can check this out on your visit as well. One day I came here with my friends and took long walks amidst the serenity of the atmosphere and it was such a pleasant experience that I cannot describe in words.
Empress Garden
Located near the Pune International International Airport, The Empress Garden is one of the most gorgeous gardens in the city. This is an attractive destination for nature lovers and shutterbugs. It has an impressive entrance featuring bright-coloured flowers, swings for children and a lot of nurseries selling plants. I along with my mother often used to visit this place to buy different species of shrubs and vines for our rooftop garden. This place also houses a small zoo and has a collection of tropical trees. You can come here during the annual flower show and see the saplings and also purchase some based on your preference. Since the garden gets closed by 6.30 pm, plan your trip accordingly and get lost in the beauty of nature.
Bund Garden
Also known as the Mahatma Gandhi Udyan, Bund park is a favourite among joggers and people who love spending time under the sun. This place has a Fitzgerald bridge which is one of the best hotspots for tourists. Besides, it also has some of the well-known cafes in the city situated nearby that serve delicacies at nominal rates. The localities prefer this garden for a relaxing time during the morning and evening hours. If you are a fitness enthusiast and a seeker for peace, you can visit this garden between 6 am to 9 pm and have a great time amidst nature. I used to come here for a daily workout under this beautiful setting early in the morning and used to click pictures of the morning sky for Instagram shots.
In today’s technology-aided world, these nature parks and gardens are a great respite! So, do check out these places to reconnect with nature and relax your weekends amidst a touch of natural beauty. A number of flights are available that connect the Pune International Airport with major domestic and international airports. In case you have plans for a long vacation, do consider checking out the Pune to Goa flights section of Intermiles and hop on to Goa with your family after you are done with the Pune part.
