Last weekend I was at Sarasbaug and was to get down to Chinchwad … So I decided to drive down via Sinhagad road and Pune-Banglore highway to Chinchwad, which I felt will be fastest way.On the way back I saw the famous and most beautiful garden “Pu La Deshpande Japanese Garden” or “Okayama Friendship Garden” and could not resist to visit it.
It was late evening and hence I had limited time, still I got fantastic night glimpses of the garden, in fact I will recommend you to visit it also during night time to see the beautiful fountains dancing with colorful lights …
This Japanese garden is named after Late Pu. La. Deshpande. a well known Marathi writer from Maharashtra, India, Who was awarded Padma Bhushan in 1990..
He was popularly known by his initials (“Pu. La.”).
The garden shows a composition of fire, harmony, line, spirit, world and water. It speaks about light and darkness, soft and hard, stillness and motion, warm and cold. It is based on the Yin and Yang philosophy.
Proud to mention that this is the ONLY Japanese style biggest garden out of Japan.
The idea of this garden is inspired from the 300-year old Okayama Korakuen Garden developed by Ikeda Royal family in the 12 specious hectares in Okayama.
Pu La Deshpande Garden
Timings :
- Morning 8 am to 11 am
- Evening 4 pm to 8 pm
Please note that on PMC website timings shown are different, and many people has given feedback that morning time as shown on PMC website of 6 AM is only for PASS holders and not for general Public!
Address
At Narveer Tanaji Malusare Path (Sinhagad Road), Pune.
- Entry fee – ₹5 per Person Above 3 years
- Washrooms are near the main gate.
- Parking: Available ₹5 per Hour for 2 Wheelers, ₹10 per hour for Car.
- Build up in 10 acres of area
- Pune Okayama Friendship Garden, Phone 020 2553 8553
- List of things NOT ALLOWED in this park
- Plastic bags not allowed
- Food is not allowed inside.
- Professional DSLR Camera Not allowed [People click photos from mobile smartphones]
- Sitting on lawn not allowed, you will listen whistles from the guards to ward off defaulters.
** Secret information only for you **
The famous scene of the Bollywood blockbuster Bodyguard was shoot here.
Remember the scene Divya & Lovely meeting in this park ? it was shot at Okayama Friendship Garden
One more thing I would like to mention here is that in this fountain garden there is no place for sitting ! which is normally inherent part of any garden, hence I saw people sitting on the steps (which blocks way of other people ! but can’t help) also you are not allowed to sit on the green lawn, it will be great idea if theyprovide proper sitting arrangement to enjoy the fountain views.
Also the fountains are of fixed height, I mean no ups and downs in the water sprinkling height, with minor modification in the gadgets the fountains will become more live !
Look at the Pu La Deshpande Garden Video Review
Map of Yokohama Pu La Deshpande Garden
cheers !!
Hey Mahesh! Is is true photography isn't allowed inside this garden? 🙂
Not sure, did not come across any board or security ! all were using their camera's !! so did I 🙂
anyway when u r there plz check and let me know 🙂
photograhy is allowed. Food not allowed
Garden is very good. We wish to visit it again. Is garden open today ? I.e. on 6.11.21
What is the evening time.
Currently garden is open or close .
It is very disappointing that garden opening times keep on changing. Last Saturday when we reached the garden entrance at 10:55 am, we were told that the garden gets closed at 11:00 am, so we have only 5 min left and were not allowed to enter.. Today (19/08/2023) when we reached at 10:00 am, we were told that the the closing time is 10:00 am so again not allowed to enter..
It will be much better for the general public if the garden is kept open for longer duration during week ends.
Ohh, this is really sad