Saras Baug, Pune (2024) - Images, Timings

Saras Baug, Pune Overview

Saras Baug is a popular attraction in Pune which was initially a lake at the foothills of Parvati. As the water of the lake dried up, the exposed land was developed into a park and was named Saras Baug. The attraction expands over an area 25 acres and also has a temple in the centre. The shrine is dedicated to Lord Ganesh and because it was built in the middle of a lake, it is also called Talyatla Ganpati. The baug and the temple also have some historical significance as they were built during the time of the Peshwa. The temple, in particular, has been an important venue for several historical events too.

At Saras Baug, one can explore the lush green lawns which are often trimmed and well-maintained. People can also walk across the entire park through well-paved pathways. They can hang out at all the sections of the garden kept open for the public as long as they keep the surroundings clean. It, therefore, has a very relaxed sort of an ambience that draws locals in large numbers. The attraction is located at the foothills of Parvati, so, travellers can cover these two attractions in just a few hours. The park also has a small museum dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Saras Baug used to have a zoo also called the Peshwe Park which has been relocated now.

History of Saras Baug, Pune

Saras Baug was built in the 20th century around the temple which was built in the mid-18th century in the middle of a lake that once existed in Pune. The idea of building a Ganesh Temple near the Parvati Temple was conceptualised by Nanasaheb Peshwe. The construction began in 1750 and was completed 34 years later, in 1784.

Between the 18th and the 19th century, the temple was used by the Marathas as a meeting point to carry out military strategy discussions. They made tactical plans against the British and the Nizams. It is said that the Marathas would sail in boats to the Ganesh Temple in the middle of the lake and, for complete privacy, the boats were steered by Native Africans because they would not understand a word of Marathi.

The temple and Saras Baug has undergone renovations several times in these years. One of these renovations was done around 1842, assisted by the East India Company. There was another major revamp in 1969 which was supervised by Anand Rao Mane and Mahadev Kumthekar. The Peshwe Park Zoo was also relocated in 1999. It took about 6 years to do so and, in 2005, all the animals were transferred to the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park. Also, in 1995, a museum dedicated to Lord Ganesha was built inside the premises.

Things to do at Saras Baug, Pune

Saras Baug is a great place for rejuvenation. Visitors can take a nice long leisure walk all through the park as they explore the lawns. The pathways are lined by well-trimmed shrubberies and concrete blocks that provide seating also. Here, people are allowed to sit and walk over the lawns too. This makes it a perfect picnic spot for families who want to get their kids out over a weekend.

The Ganesh Temple also draws several believers to Saras Baug. People can offer their prayers and sit in the temple premises to absorb the divine energies. The temple has an artificial lake and a pathway encircling the lake. Visitors can walk across the pathway and observe the fishes in the waterbody. Sometimes, they even start the water fountains in the evenings. The waterbody then transforms the scenic beauty of the attraction.

Outside the Baug is a chowpatty (eat street) where one can get some delicious street food. This lane has small eateries and lots of tables to accommodate a large number of foodies. There is a range of foods and beverages available at the chowpatty. One can find a variety of South-Indian, North-Indian, Chinese, Maharashtrian, Continental and Fusion dishes to suit everyone’s palate.

There are also other attractions that can be visited along with Saras Baug. For example, Parvati Hill, Pu La Udyan, Peshwa Udyan, Peshwa Museum etc. The Peshwa Museum is located right behind the Ganesh Temple. It houses a stunning collection of idols of Lord Ganesh. People can just walk in and explore this part of Saras Baug too.

How To Reach Saras Baug

Travellers can conveniently reach Swargate Bus Depot by state transport buses and commute a short distance of 1.7 kilometres to reach Saras Baug. Auto rickshaws, Ola and Uber Cabs and even city buses plying frequently to this attraction can be utilized by tourists.

The route leading to Saras Baug from Swargate Bus Depot goes via Deshbhakt Late Keshavrao Jedhe Flyover – Jagannath Shankar Sheth Marg – NH 65 – Balaji Vishwanath Peshwe Path – NH 60 – Chinmaji Appa Road/ NH 4. Saras Baug is located about 300 metres from here.

If one wants to take a train to reach Pune, they can disembark at Pune Railway Junction which is located about 5.6 kilometres away. One has to commute through Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Road – NH 65 – Balaji Vishwanath Peshwe Road – NH 65/ NH 60 – NH 4/ Chinmaji Appa Road to reach the attraction.

From the airport, Saras Park is located about 18 kilometres away. Travellers need to take the Vishrantwadi Lohegaon Road and travel further through Airport Road – Bund Garden Road/ SH 60 – Raja Bahadur Motilal Road – NH 60/ NH 65/ SH 60 – Jangali Maharaj Road – Prabhat Road – Late Makrand Bhave Road – Karve Road – Lakadi Bridge – Lal Bahadur Shastri Road – Sinhagad Road – Chinmaji Appa Path.