Clearly remember, it was a weekend
and I was slowly slipping into boredom. Before I could allow it to completely
consume me, wasting no time, I reached out to my laptop (so blessed to have it)
to check what Pune city (Maharashtra – India) had to offer. Pune city does have
few historical places and monuments to visit which are dated back to Shivaji
Maharaj era. Some of them have been maintained and some have withered away in
time. As I sat browsing the list of must visit places in Pune, the first name
that topped up on the search engine was the Aga Khan Palace, located at Nagar
Road. Since I knew the area, I quickly
made plans to pay a visit on the same day.
The palace is little away from the
main city, those who don’t own a vehicle would recommend visiting it early
during the day so you don’t get stranded waiting for transportation.
Let me
introduce the majestic Aga Khan Palace to you!
The Aga Khan Palace is one of the
many significant historical monument in Pune. Set in a peaceful wooded 6.5
hectare plot northeast of the centre, this palace over the years has developed
into a global pilgrimage place, with over a lakh of visitors who every year
come to pay their homage to the samadhi’s here. The palace is surrounded by a
beautiful sprawling garden. And, not to mention, the famous movie ‘Gandhi’ was
shot here. So now, you know why you need to spend a good amount of time to
explore the entire place!?
History: Dated back in 1892, the
Aga Khan Palace was built by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan lll in Pune, India.
History says - the palace was an act of charity by the Sultan who wanted to
help the poor in the neighbouring areas of Pune, who were drastically hit by
famine then.
It doesn’t end there! The palace is
also closely linked to the Indian Freedom Movement, serving as a prison for
Mahatma Gandhi, his wife Kasturba Gandhi, his secretary Mahadev Desai and
Sarojini Naidu from 09th August 1942 to 06th May 1944. In
this very palace you will get to see the samadhi’s of Mahatma Gandhi, Kasturba
Gandhi and Mahadev Desai.
In 1969, Aga Khan Palace was donated
to the Indian people by Aga Khan lV as mark of respect to Gandhi and his
philosophy. This historical palace is also known as the Gandhi National Museum
in India and its open for public viewing.
Now! Back to
me..!
As soon I got off from the three
wheeler (the Indian tuk tuk), I was welcomed by a huge entrance with ironed
gates. Once inside, I still had to proceed further towards the pay booth (Yes!
There is a small entrance fee to be paid). Looking around, the vastness of the
place made me feel small, it is well kept and clean, with manicured lawns and
big trees that provide good shade even in hot sun, overall the place looks
green and peaceful. The palace is placed in such a surrounding, even if you are
done with the detour, you can still spend time lazing around sitting on the
grass or on the benches breathing in the serenity or spending time read a book.
Just be there, and the place will tell you as what to do.
The palace comprised of five halls
and large verandahs – the whole structure is spacious. That means, even though
there are other visitor’s, you still have ample of space to move around without
bumping into each other. Although the palace is architecturally Islamic, you
will notice hints of Italian art with many arches over the palace. The palace
also contains galleries displaying belongings of Gandhiji - like clothes,
footwear and few more items.
Finally reaching the inside main
entrance of the palace and climbing the marble steps, instantly knew how I
would feel. Since, I visited the palace on my own, I was not at all in a hurry
to rush through everything. Exploring slowly walking from one hall to another,
it took me back in time when Gandhiji was alive, I was busy visualizing and sensing
the activities that must have taken place and wondering how it must have been
then. Each hall has a significant history behind it. The palace has so much of
history associated to it, one can’t help but go back in time. I would suggest,
go slow take time to see the galleries, there are lots of images hunged on the
wall with valueable information related to it, which I bet we didn’t even learn
in school or knew otherwise. And, looking at the preserved items once used by Gandhiji
and other freedom fighter prisoners, will make you feel, it all happened just
few years ago.
The ashes of Mahatma Gandhi rest
here. Kasturba and Mahadev Desai both of them passed away while in captivity in
this place and their samadhi’s are located in the campus. Situated near the
River Mula, the Aga Khan Palace is a simple memorial tribute to Gandhi and his
life.
Within the campus you will come
across a small open shop located outdoors which sells souvenirs, books on
Indian freedom fighters and other accessories at a very reasonable rate. Those
who are interested, can buy something to take back home.
Once done with the detour of the
palace, I sat for a while on the grass soaking in what I had experienced. After
clicking few more pictures around I headed towards the entrance gate for home.
It was a well spent day!
This
must visit place is not only for the tourists but also meant for those who are
history buffs, photo fanatics, experience seekers and wanderers.
Sharing
few details below. This would be helpful when you plan to visit the Palace on your visit to Pune.
Timings:
Open
all days of the week – 9:00 AM to 5:45 PM
Lunch
break – 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM
Address:
Location:
Aga Khan Palace, Nagar Road, Beyond Fitzgerald Bridge
Entry Fee:
INR
5 per person for Indians
INR
100 per person for foreign tourists
INR
2 per person for children
