Aga khan Palace is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Pune. It is on Nagar Road (near Fitzgerald Bridge) and lies along the Mula River. Bund Garden, Yerwada is only 2 kilometers away from this magnificent palace. In the year 1892, Muhammad Shah Agakhan III, the Imam sultan built this wonderful Pune palace. Later in 1969, Aga Khan IV donated this to India, as a tribute symbol to Gangdhiji, the great political figure. To construct this palace 5 years were spent and 12 lakh rupees were invested.
This palace of Pune is spread over an area of 19 acres. Its ground floor occupies an approximate area of 1756 sq meters, whereas, the 1st floor covers 1080 sq meters area and the 2nd floor covers 445 sq meters area. There is also two and a half meters long corridor around this building.
The palace is made of marble and is designed by Charles Correa. Visitors will also find a statue of Mahatma Gandhi. Embroidery, ready-made garments, stitching, chalk and candle making classes are also carried out in this complex. Except for national holidays, this place remains open to the public on every working day.
This palace is considered to be a national monument. It has a major historical significance. During the
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freedom movement of India, it played a great role. In 1942, Gandhiji along with his wife and secretary, were confined in this palace. From 9th August, 1942 to 6th May, 1944 they were interned here. During this time, Gandhiji's wife Kasturba and his secretary Mahadevbhai Desai died. Their bodies were buried in the palace campus.
More than 1 lakh people visit this palace each year. There is a lovely garden around this palace. The film Gandhi was shot in the premises of this very palace. In the year 1980, Gandhi Memorial Society took up the responsibility to take care of the palace campus.
Several functions are organized over here. These include Independence Day, Martyr’s Day, Republic Day, death anniversary of Kasturba and several others. It also has a museum and a picture gallery. It displays the used accessories of Mahatma Gandhi and his wife.
This palace remains opens to the public from 9.00 A.M to 6.00 P.M. During lunch hours (12.30 pm - 1:30 pm) no one is allowed to enter the palace campus. Fee charged for entry ticket is quite cheap (2 rupees for children and 5 rupees for adults).
Mahurika nursery school, library and documentation center and Kasturba Mahila Khadi Gramodyog Vidyala are situated very close to the Aga khan Palace.
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