Are you looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of nature? If yes, then you should visit the Empress Garden, a botanical park in Pune that boasts of a diverse collection of rare and exotic flora. The Empress Garden is one of the oldest and most popular tourist attractions in Pune, and a must-visit for nature lovers, photographers, and families.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the Empress Garden, such as its history, attractions, timings, entry fee, location, and nearby places.
History of Empress Garden
The Empress Garden has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the 18th century. The garden was originally known as the Soldier’s Garden, as it was used by the British soldiers as a camping ground during their stay in Pune. The garden was later acquired by Sir Charles Napier, the Governor of Bombay Presidency, who developed it into a botanical garden with various species of plants and trees. In 1892, the garden was renamed as the Empress Garden to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria’s reign. The garden was then handed over to the Agro-Horticultural Society of Western India, a non-profit organization that manages and maintains the garden till date.
Attractions of Empress Garden
The Empress Garden is spread over 59 acres of land and has several sections that showcase different types of flora. Some of the sections are:
Palm Section: This section has a variety of palm trees, such as date palms, coconut palms, fan palms, etc. The palm section also has a pond with lotus flowers and fish.
Tropical Trees Section: This section has some of the tallest and oldest trees in the garden, such as banyan trees, mango trees, tamarind trees, etc. The tropical trees section also has a small zoo with rabbits, ducks, geese, etc.
Flower Shows: The garden organizes flower shows every year in January and February, where thousands of flowers are displayed in various shapes and forms. The flower shows attract many visitors who come to admire the beauty and fragrance of the flowers.
Indoor Games: The garden has a hall where visitors can play indoor games such as carrom, chess, table tennis, etc.
Play Area: The garden has a play area for children where they can enjoy swings, slides, seesaws, etc.
The Empress Garden is not only a place to see plants and flowers but also a place to learn about them. The garden has signboards that provide information about the names and features of the plants. The garden also conducts educational programs and workshops for students and teachers on topics related to horticulture and environment.
Also Read: Eleven Quintessential Mughal Gardens of India
Timings and Entry Fee of Empress Garden
The Empress Garden is open every day from 9 am to 6 pm. The entry fee is Rs 25 per person for adults and Rs 10 per person for children. The entry fee for senior citizens is Rs 15 per person. The entry fee for school groups is Rs 5 per person. The entry fee for college groups is Rs 10 per person.
How to Reach Empress Garden
The Empress Garden is located near Race Course in Camp area of Pune. The address of the garden is Near Race Course Gate No 1 & 2 Camp Area Pune - 411001 Maharashtra India. The phone number of the garden is +91-20-26361840.
The garden is easily accessible by various modes of transportation from different parts of Pune and nearby cities. Some of the modes are:
Bus: There are many buses that ply to and from the garden from various bus stops in Pune. Some of the bus stops near the garden are Race Course Bus Stop (0.3 km), Golibar Maidan Bus Stop (0.6 km), Ghorpadi Gaon Bus Stop (1 km), etc.
Train: There are many trains that connect Pune to other cities in India. The nearest railway station to the garden is Pune Junction Railway Station (2 km). From there, one can take a bus or a taxi to reach the garden.
Taxi: There are many taxis and cabs that are available in Pune that can take one to the garden. One can also book online taxis such as Ola or Uber to reach the garden.
Nearby Famous Places
The Empress Garden is not only a destination in itself but also a gateway to explore other famous places in Pune. Some of the nearby places that one can visit after enjoying the Empress Garden are:
Okayama Friendship Garden: This is a Japanese garden inspired by Okayama’s Koraku-en Garden in Japan. The garden has koi fish ponds, waterfalls, stone lanterns, Japanese bridges, etc. The garden is located next to the Empress Garden and is open from 6 am to 10.30 am and from 4 pm to 8 pm. The entry fee is Rs 5 per person.
Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum: This is an art and history museum that displays a collection of over 20,000 artifacts belonging to various periods and regions of India. The museum has sculptures, paintings, musical instruments, weapons, textiles, etc. The museum is located at a distance of 4 km from the Empress Garden and is open from 10 am to 5.30 pm. The entry fee is Rs 50 per person for adults and Rs 10 per person for children.
Shaniwar Wada: This is a historical fort that was built by the Peshwas, the rulers of the Maratha Empire, in the 18th century. The fort has five gates, nine bastions, a palace, a garden, a fountain, etc. The fort is also famous for its light and sound show that narrates the history and legends of the fort. The fort is located at a distance of 5 km from the Empress Garden and is open from 8 am to 6 pm. The entry fee is Rs 25 per person for Indians and Rs 300 per person for foreigners.
Conclusion
The Empress Garden is a botanical paradise in Pune that offers a refreshing and relaxing experience to its visitors. The garden is a perfect place to enjoy the beauty and diversity of nature, learn about the history and culture of Pune, and have fun with family and friends. If you are planning to visit Pune, make sure to include the Empress Garden in your itinerary. You will not regret it!
