Are you looking for a peaceful and picturesque place to relax and rejuvenate in Pune? Do you want to experience the beauty and charm of Japanese culture without leaving India? If yes, then you should definitely visit the Pune Okayama Friendship Garden, also known as Pu La Deshpande Udyan. This garden is one of the largest and most beautiful Japanese gardens in India, and a symbol of friendship between Pune and Okayama, two sister cities in India and Japan.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about this garden, such as its history, design, features, timings, entry fee, location, best time to visit, things to do, tips for visitors, and nearby attractions. By the end of this article, you will be convinced that this garden is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature, culture, and tranquility.
History of Pune Okayama Friendship Garden
The history of Pune Okayama Friendship Garden dates back to 1997, when Pune and Okayama became sister cities as part of a cultural exchange program. The idea of creating a Japanese garden in Pune was proposed by the then mayor of Pune, Mr. Rajani Tribhuvan, who was impressed by the Korakuen Garden in Okayama, one of the three great gardens of Japan. The Korakuen Garden is a 17th-century landscape garden that features ponds, streams, hills, tea houses, and bridges. It is considered a masterpiece of Japanese gardening art and a national treasure of Japan.
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) decided to replicate the Korakuen Garden in Pune as a gesture of goodwill and appreciation towards Okayama. The PMC allocated 10 acres of land on Sinhagad Road in Narhe area of Pune for the project. The design and construction of the garden was done by a team of experts from both India and Japan, with inputs from Mr. Pu La Deshpande, a famous Marathi writer and humorist who was fond of Japanese culture. The garden was inaugurated in 2006 by the then chief minister of Maharashtra, Mr. Vilasrao Deshmukh. The garden was named after Mr. Pu La Deshpande as a tribute to his contribution to Marathi literature and culture.
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Design of Pune Okayama Friendship Garden
The design of Pune Okayama Friendship Garden reflects the Japanese culture and philosophy of harmony with nature. The garden is divided into two parts: the upper part is inspired by the Korakuen Garden in Okayama, while the lower part is based on the Zen concept of minimalism and simplicity. The garden has several features and elements that create a soothing and scenic atmosphere for visitors.
One of the main attractions of the garden is the natural canal that runs through it, which is a replica of the Asahi River in Okayama. The canal is fed by the Khadakwasla Dam and has several man-made ponds and waterfalls along its course. The sound of flowing water adds to the calmness and freshness of the garden.
Another highlight of the garden is the lush green plants and flowers that adorn it. The garden has more than 200 species of plants, including bamboo, cherry blossom, lotus, orchid, jasmine, rose, marigold, etc. The garden also has several artificial hills that add to the landscape and offer a panoramic view of the garden.
The garden also has several pergolas and lawns that provide shade and space for relaxation and recreation. The pergolas are made of wood and bamboo and have benches and tables for visitors to sit and enjoy the view. The lawns are well-maintained and have colorful flowers and grasses.
Things to Do at Pune Okayama Friendship Garden
There are many activities and attractions that visitors can enjoy at Pune Okayama Friendship Garden. Here are some suggestions:
- Have a picnic with your family or friends at one of the lawns or pergolas in the garden. You can bring your own food and drinks or buy them from nearby stalls or vendors.
- Jog or walk along the canal or around the ponds to get some exercise and fresh air in the garden. You can also practice yoga or meditation at one of the quiet corners or benches in the garden.
- Take photographs or videos of the beautiful scenery and architecture in the garden. You can capture some amazing shots of the waterfalls, bridges, lanterns, statues, etc.
- Learn more about the Japanese culture and history by reading the information boards or plaques in the garden. You can also interact with some Japanese visitors or volunteers who may be present in the garden.
- Visit the Pu La Deshpande Library in the garden, which has a collection of books and magazines on various topics, especially related to Japanese culture and literature.
Also Read: 10 Places You Must Visit When You Are In Pune
How to Reach Pune Okayama Friendship Garden
Pune Okayama Friendship Garden is located on Sinhagad Road in Narhe area of Pune. It is easily accessible by different modes of transport from various locations in Pune or nearby cities. Here are some details:
By Air: The nearest airport is Pune Airport, which is about 20 km away from the garden. You can take a cab, a bus, or an auto-rickshaw from the airport to the garden. The fare may vary depending on the traffic and time of the day.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Pune Railway Station, which is about 12 km away from the garden. You can take a cab, a bus, or an auto-rickshaw from the station to the garden. The fare may vary depending on the traffic and time of the day.
By Bus: The nearest bus stand is Swargate Bus Stand, which is about 8 km away from the garden. You can take a cab, a bus, or an auto-rickshaw from the bus stand to the garden. The fare may vary depending on the traffic and time of the day.
By Car: You can drive your own car or rent a car from any of the car rental services in Pune to reach the garden. The garden is located on Sinhagad Road, which is a major road that connects Pune to other cities like Mumbai, Nashik, Kolhapur, etc. You can follow the signboards or use Google Maps to navigate to the garden.
Timings and Entry Fee of Pune Okayama Friendship Garden
Pune Okayama Friendship Garden is open from 6 AM to 10:30 AM and from 4 PM to 8 PM every day except Monday. The entry fee is INR 5 per person for adults and INR 2 per person for children below 12 years of age. There is no charge for senior citizens and differently-abled persons.
Best Time to Visit Pune Okayama Friendship Garden
The best time to visit Pune Okayama Friendship Garden is during winter (October to February), when the weather is pleasant and clear. You can enjoy the beauty and freshness of the garden without feeling too hot or cold. You can also witness some seasonal flowers and plants in bloom during this time.
Another good time to visit Pune Okayama Friendship Garden is during monsoon (June to September), when the rain enhances the beauty and freshness of the garden. You can enjoy the sight and sound of waterfalls and streams in full flow during this time. However, you may also face some challenges such as muddy roads, slippery paths, and insects during this time.
The least preferable time to visit Pune Okayama Friendship Garden is during summer (March to May): This is the hottest and driest season in Pune, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 40°C. You may feel uncomfortable and dehydrated in the garden during this time. You may also miss some of the flowers and plants that wither or dry up in the heat. You should avoid visiting the garden during this time unless you are well-prepared with sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, water, etc.
Tips for Visiting Pune Okayama Friendship Garden
To have a pleasant and safe experience at Pune Okayama Friendship Garden, here are some tips and suggestions for you:
- Carry water and snacks as there are no food stalls or vendors inside the garden. You can also bring your own picnic basket or buy some food from nearby shops or restaurants.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothes as the garden is spread over a large area and involves walking on uneven terrain. You should also dress modestly and respectfully as the garden is a cultural and religious place for some visitors.
- Avoid weekends and holidays as the garden can get very crowded and noisy. You may not be able to enjoy the peace and tranquility of the garden during these times. You should visit the garden on weekdays or early mornings or evenings when it is less crowded.
- Explore other attractions nearby, such as the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, the Khadakwasla Dam, and the Sinhagad Fort. These places are within a few kilometers from the garden and offer more fun and adventure for you and your companions.
- Follow the rules and regulations of the garden, such as no photography, no food, no pets, no littering, no smoking, etc. You should respect the environment and the culture of the garden and keep it clean and beautiful.
Conclusion
Pune Okayama Friendship Garden is a tranquil oasis of Japanese culture in Pune that offers a serene and scenic escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. It is a hidden gem that showcases the beauty and charm of Japanese gardening art and philosophy. It is also a symbol of friendship and cooperation between Pune and Okayama, two sister cities in India and Japan. If you are looking for a place to relax and rejuvenate in Pune, you should definitely visit this garden and experience its magic for yourself.
We hope this article has given you enough information and motivation to visit Pune Okayama Friendship Garden. If you have any questions or feedback, please let us know in the comments section below. Thank you for reading this article and choosing Tripoto as your travel partner. 😊
