Empress Garden lies in the opposite side of race course at 18, Prince of Wales Road, Pune, 411001. It is quite near to the Solapur Road of Pune. Another name by which it is more popular is Soldiers Garden. This is because during the British rule, the soldiers used to come here for recreational purposes.
Originally owned by Sardar Vithalrao Purandhare and managed by General Finjer, in 1838, the Pune Government took over the control from Sardar Vithalrao. Later, in 1845, the responsibility of its maintenance was given to Sir Charles Napier. At that time, the garden was more popular by the name of "Garden of Dr. Don." Finally, when Queen Victoria was conferred the "Empress Of India" title, this lovely Pune garden was renamed as "Empress Garden".
Have a Wonderful Day Out
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This botanical garden of Pune also went under the control of Mumbai Government, who later in 1892 passed this property to the Western Indian Agri-Horicultural Society. Empress Garden is spread across a land area of 59 acres. Here the visitors will come across different types of flowers and tropical trees like tamarind and mango. It also houses a small zoo.
Empress Garden is indeed an ideal place for the picnickers. There is a lotus pond inside this complex. Visitors can also see a Queen Victoria statue. The garden comprises wonderful lawns. Benches are placed at regular intervals in the park for the visitors to sit and relax. For cold drinks and snacks, a restaurant is set up inside the garden.
Near this botanical garden there is an Empress Court. This building is meant for the elite section of the society. It features a playground, a lawn, gym and a health club.
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