Aga Khan Palace, Pune, Maharashtra India

Aga Khan Palace was built in the year 1892 by Sultan Mohammad Shah Aga Khan III in Pune. Since then it is one of the biggest landmark in Indian history. The Aga Khan Palace of Pune was an act of charity by the Sultan who wanted to help the poor in the neighboring areas of Pune who were drastically hit by the famine.

Aga Khan Palace is one of the finest piece of architectural beauty in the western India. The exquisite palace is surrounded by the lavish green gardens all around. Aga Khan Palace in Pune also houses some lavishly decorated guest rooms and suites which take you back to the royal past of the heritage building.

Historically, Aga Khan Palace of Pune holds great significance as from 9th August 1942 to 6th May 1944, this palace was the prison for Mahatama Gandhi, his wife Kasturba and his secretary Mahadev Bhai Desai though the last two passed away in between their captivity at the Aga Khan Palace at Pune. Both of them have memorials in their name in the same complex near Mula river and everyday several visitors visit them.

In 1969, the Aga Khan Palace at Pune was donated to the Indians by Aga Khan IV as a mark of respect to Gandhi and his philosophy. Today the Aga Khan Palace in Pune also houses a memorial on Gandhi where his ashes were kept. The historical palace also hosts a shop that deals in khaadi and hand loomed textiles. 

Agakhan Palace is situated 2 km away from Bund Garden in Yerwada on Pune-Nagar Road. Hugely popular for its historic importance, it is made with Italian arches and spacious lawns.

Mahatma Gandhi, Kasturba Gandhi, Shri Mahadeobhai Desai, Dr. Sarojini Naidu and others were kept under imprisonment in the Agakhan Palace during 1942- Quit India movement. Shri Mahadeobhai Desai and Kasturba Gandhi breathed their last breath in this Palace. Marble memorials of these two great leaders are there.

Agakhan Palace is known for its architectural excellence. Spreading on a 19-acre land, the picturesque beauty of the palace captivates the eye of every onlooker; with its magnificent structure. Mahatma Gandhi's items like his bed, writing desk, Kasturba's saree and other clothes; her Chappals (slippers) are maintained properly at their place.

Prince Agakhan donated this palace to Gandhi Smarak Samittee in 1972. Maintenance of parks and gardens are responsible for the committee since then. Pune is well connected by air, rail and road with all the important places within and beyond the state. 

Aga Khan Palace is one of the finest pieces of architectural beauty in the western India. The exquisite palace is surrounded by the lavish green gardens all around. It is located at about 2 km away from Bund Garden in Yerwada, on Pune-Nagar Road. Aga Khan Palace in Pune also houses some lavishly decorated guest rooms and suites which take you back to the royal past of the heritage building. It was donated to India by the Aga Khan IV in 1969. During the 1942 Quit India Movement, Mahatma Gandhi was imprisoned here. On the grounds are the remains (samadhi) of Kasturba Gandhi, Mahatma Gandhi's wife, who died here while in internment. The memorial is open from 9 am to 5.45 pm.

The palace is of Italian arches and spacious lawns. The building comprises of five halls. It covers an area of 19 acres, out of which 7 acres is the built up area and is an excellent building from architectural point of view. The palace captivates the eye of a spectator with its magnificence and picturesque beauty.