Aga Khan Palace
A historic palace on Nagar Road where Mahatma Gandhi, Kasturba Gandhi and Mahadev Desai were interned from 1942 to 1944. Now a memorial and museum.
What it is and its history
Aga Khan Palace was built in 1892 by Sultan Muhammad Shah, Aga Khan III, as a charitable act to provide employment during a famine. The palace sits on a large estate on Nagar Road, about 6 km from the city centre. Its Italianate architecture and arched verandas reflect late-19th-century colonial tastes. The building is a two-storey structure with spacious rooms and a central courtyard, typical of the era's grand residences.
The palace gained national significance during the Quit India Movement. From 1942 to 1944, Mahatma Gandhi, his wife Kasturba Gandhi and secretary Mahadev Desai were held here under house arrest. Kasturba Gandhi and Mahadev Desai died in the palace in 1944 and 1942 respectively. Their memorials stand in the grounds. The palace was donated to the nation in 1974 and is now managed by the Gandhi Memorial Society. It is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India.
- The palace was originally a gift to the poor during a famine.
- Gandhi and his associates were interned in a small room on the ground floor.
- The site is a memorial to the Indian independence movement.
What to see
The main palace building houses a museum with photographs, documents and personal effects of Mahatma Gandhi. Exhibits include his spinning wheel, letters and the room where he lived. The memorials to Kasturba Gandhi and Mahadev Desai are in the garden, marked by simple stone plaques and shaded by trees. The museum also displays a series of paintings depicting scenes from Gandhi's life, adding a visual narrative to the historical context.
The grounds cover a large lawn with mature trees and a small pond. A statue of Gandhi stands near the entrance. The architecture features high ceilings, arched windows and a central courtyard. The building is painted in a pale yellow and white colour scheme, typical of the era. Visitors can walk around the perimeter to appreciate the symmetry of the design and the peaceful atmosphere that pervades the estate.
- Museum galleries display Gandhi's letters and photographs from the Quit India Movement.
- The samadhi (memorial) of Kasturba Gandhi is a simple black stone platform.
- The palace gardens are well maintained and offer a quiet space for reflection.
How to get there
Aga Khan Palace is on Nagar Road, about 4 km from Pune International Airport (PNQ) and 6 km from Pune Junction railway station. It is easily reached by taxi or auto-rickshaw from Kalyani Nagar, Koregaon Park or the city centre. The Pune Metro Aqua Line has a station at Kalyani Nagar, about 500 metres away. From the metro station, a short walk along the main road leads to the palace gate.
If driving, Nagar Road is a main arterial road connecting the city to the airport and beyond. Parking is available near the entrance. Buses on the Nagar Road route stop close to the palace. Check the current metro network for the nearest station, as new lines may be added. For those coming from the airport, a taxi ride takes about 15 minutes depending on traffic.
When to go and how long to allow
The palace is open every day except national holidays. The best time to visit is from October to February, when the weather is dry and mild. Mornings are quieter, with fewer visitors and cooler temperatures. Avoid the hot months of April and May, when the heat can be intense. The monsoon months from June to September bring greenery but also occasional heavy showers, so carry an umbrella if visiting then.
Allow about 1.5 to 2 hours for a thorough visit. This includes time to see the museum, walk through the gardens and pause at the memorials. If you wish to read all the exhibit labels and take photographs, plan for an extra 30 minutes. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends, and public holidays can attract large numbers of visitors.
Nearby sights
Koregaon Park, about 2 km away, offers riverside walks along the Mula-Mutha river. The Osho International Meditation Resort is in that area but requires advance booking for its programmes. Kalyani Nagar, 0.5 km away, has a commercial area with shops and eateries. A large shopping complex is also nearby, though it is a modern retail centre rather than a heritage site.
The Pataleshwar caves, an 8th-century rock-cut temple, are about 5 km west in the city centre. Shaniwar Wada, the historic Peshwa palace, is roughly 6 km away. The Pune Metro connects these areas. You can combine the palace with a visit to the nearby Bund Garden or the Pune Race Course. These sites are within a short drive, making it easy to plan a half-day heritage circuit.
- Koregaon Park has a walking and cycling path along the river.
- The Pataleshwar caves are a short metro ride from Kalyani Nagar.
- Shaniwar Wada is about 15 minutes by taxi from the palace.
Practical tips
Dress modestly as the site is a memorial and attracts respectful visitors. Light cotton clothing is suitable for most of the year; carry a hat or umbrella in summer. Photography is allowed in the grounds and most museum areas, but flash may be restricted near delicate exhibits. Check at the entrance for current rules. It is advisable to keep your voice low inside the museum to maintain a contemplative atmosphere.
The palace can get crowded on weekends and public holidays, especially during Gandhi Jayanti (2 October). Arrive early to avoid queues. There are no food stalls inside the grounds, but Nagar Road and Kalyani Nagar have many options. Carry water, especially in warmer months. The site is wheelchair accessible in most areas, though the museum's upper floor may require assistance.
