On Nagar Road, hardly 2 kilometers from the Bund Garden, is the iconic Aga Khan Palace; built by Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan in 1892. Spread over 1756 square meters, it was built to give shelter to famine affected people in Maharashtra. Aga Khan Palace has a lot for visitors to enjoy. Whilst the manicured garden of the palace is a beautiful sight, the interiors of the palace are stunning. Don't miss the five halls that have Italian arches.
Kasturba Gandhi, wife of Mahatma Gandhi, and Mahadev Desai breathed their last in the premises of this place. To honor them, a memorial was built in the palace by the Charles Correa, a famous architect. A lot of history is associated with the palace. And to commemorate all these events, a memorial was made under the care of the Gandhi Memorial Society. Exhibition on the various aspects of Mahatma Gandhi’s life that offers visitors a deeper insight into the life of our father of the nation is a must visit.
Within the premises of the palace complex, there is a Khadi store from where one can purchase Khadi and cotton products.
History of the Aga Khan Palace
Aga Khan Palace has a unique history and grandeur. The palace was the abode of Mahatma Gandhi from 9 August 1942 to 6 May 1944, mainly during the Quit India Movement. It is the final resting ground of Kasturba Gandhi and Mahadev Desai, and their memorials can be seen in the palace complex, near the Mula river. In 1969, Aga Khan Palace was handed out to the people of India as a mark of respect to Gandhi and his philosophy.
After some time, the palace was converted into a museum where the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi were kept. In the year 1974, Indira Gandhi too visited this place, and allotted a sum of ₹200,000 (US$3,000) every year, for its maintenance. In 2003, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) declared the place as a monument of national importance.
The original structure of the temple was built by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III in Pune, India. Built in 1892, it is one of the biggest landmarks in Indian history. The palace was built to give shelter to poor people hit by famine.
Address
Pune Nagar Road, Kalyani Nagar, Pune, Maharashtra 411014
Getting There
To reach the Aga Khan Palace, tourists can take a Radio Cab, Auto Rickshaw or Corporation Buses (PMPL) from anywhere in the city.
Things to Do & See in and aorund
When on a visit to the Aga Khan Palace, do visit the attractions close to it like Osho Ashram Koregaon Park, Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Budhwar Peth, and Shaniwar Wada.
Opening/Closing Timings
09:00 AM to 05:30 PM, Open all days except public holidays
Best time to Visit
Aga Khan Palace can be visited throughout the year but on some special days, the Gandhi Memorial society organizes a function. See below for the dates
- Martyr's Day – 30 January.
- Mahashivratri – Kasturba Gandhi's Death Day Celebrated As Mother's Day
- Independence Day – 15 August.
- Republic Day – 26 January.
