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Agakhan Palace is a great historical landmark of
Pune . It is
situated 2-km away from Bund Garden in Yerwada on Pune-Nagar Road. Agakhan
palace is made of Italian arches and spacious lawns.
During Quit India movement of 1942 Mahatma Gandhi, Kasturba Gandhi, Shri
Mahadeobhai Desai, Dr. Sarojini Naidu and others were kept under
imprisonment in the Agakhan Palace. During this period Shri Mahadeobhai
Desai and Kasturba Gandhi passed away in Agakhan Palace. Marble memorials
of these two great leaders have been erected here.
The palace covers an area of 19 acres and is an excellent
building from architectural point of view. With a picturesque beauty,
which captivates the eye of an onlooker, AgaKhan palace has a magnificence
of its own. There are five halls in the palace. Pictures of Indian
independence movement adorn the walls of this exquisite building.
All the articles used by Gandhi like his bed, writing desk, Kasturba's
saree (also spelt as sari) and other clothes; her Chappals (slippers) are
preserved properly in their place of use. A statue of the Mahatma stands
here, and also prevails the Mahatma's prodigy. In a true Gandhian way, the
memorial runs Khadi Gramudyog Bhandar, Mahadev Chhapkhana, Rashtriya
Mahila Sanstha, Stiching classes etc.
Prince Agakhan in 1972 donated this palace to Gandhi Smarak Samittee and
since then Parks and Gardens organization is maintaining this national
monumental garden. A large number of VIP's and tourists visit this place
daily. The place is open on all working days except national holidays.
Pune is well connected by air, rail and road with all the important places within and beyond the state. From Mumbai, regular MSRTC buses and private buses ply to Pune. For local transportation auto rickshaws, city buses and taxis are available.
Accommodation is available at the hotels in Pune.