Saras baug is truly one of assets to the city. The place now popular in the form of a park was once upon a time occupied by a lake. It proved, however, a prudent decision to construct a beautiful park in place of the lake. And thus we have Saras Baug, a huge area of 25 acres beautifully developed that attracts oodles of people from Pune and outside.
The Ganesh temple in the park has been the source of inspiration for centuries together for many. It was Sawai Madhavrao Peshwa and Mahadji Shinde, two big names in the Maratha Confederacy, who supervised the construction of the temple. The idol of Lord Ganesh in the temple is made up of flint stone and is an extremely beautiful piece of work. The temple lies pretty close to the Parvati Temple where the Head of the Maratha Confederacy used to stay in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The ponds built around the temple are yet another attraction. You just love looking at the pink and white lotus flowers blooming and blossoming briskly in these ponds. Fish splashing and diving across the pond water are a treat to watch. Especially kids enjoy the sight.
Right at the back of the temple there is a small museum displaying the collection of a few hundred Ganesh idols. Idols crafted in metal, stone, wood, ivory and grains are just exquisite works.
The lush green lawns and the big trees add to the beauty of the place. Saras Baug is a favorite picnic spot for many. Playing outdoor games like cricket, however, is strictly prohibited.
One more attraction is of course a zoo called Peshwe Park, which lies next to Saras Baugh which was constructed in 1969 as a part of the renovation of the area.
Those who want to please their palate have plenty of options available here. Hundreds of snacks centers offer hundreds of varieties. You can enjoy bhelpuri, panipuri, pavbhaji, SPDP, chat and what not. You can enjoy a horse ride as well. And your kids will just love toys like giant wheel, inflated bouncers and slides here.
So plan a trip to the park and have some moments to chill, still and tranquil.
The park is open on all seven days of the week between 6.00 am and 9.00pm. No entry fee is charged.
The place is pretty closed to Swargate, the main bus station of Pune. You can come by a city bus or hire an auto rickshaw. The latter is a better option of course.
Location:
Sarasbaug, Near Swargate,
Parvati Paitha, Pune
If you have visited Sarasbaug in Pune, please tell us more about it through comment.
Saras baug on Pune Map
Saras baug in Pune
