The awe-inspiring Aga Khan Palace is considered to be one of the most important landmarks in India, and not only Pune. Built-in 1892 by Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan III, this huge 19-acre building has a beautiful architecture with Italian and Mughal influences.

The Aga Khan Palace was built by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III in the city of Pune, India.

The palace was an act of charity by the spiritual leader of the Nizari Ismaili Muslims, who wanted to help the poor in the neighbouring areas of Pune, who were drastically hit by famine by offering them work.

Gandhi National Memorial Society’s Agakhan Palace is the Italian arches and lawns. This place has been used as a prison by Britishers for Mahatma Gandhi, Kasturba Gandhi and Mahadeobhai Desai during the ‘Quit India Movement’. Marble memorials were put later on in the memory of Kasturba and Mahadeobhai. as both of them breathed their last in this place.

This palace was built in 1892 by Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah Agakhan III. He was elected as the President of the League of Nations in 1938 and was well renowned in the field of politics and sports. The palace was later donated to India by Aga Khan IV in 1969 as a mark of respect to Gandhiji and his philosophy.

Historical importance:

The Agakhan Palace Pune is a national monument of India's freedom movement. Following the launch of Quit India movement in 1942, Gandhiji, his wife Kasturba, his secretary Mahadevbhai Desai were interned at the palace from August 9, 1942 to May 6, 1944. Mahadevbhai and Kasturba passed away while in captivity at the Agakhan palace and their samadhis are located in the campus. Situated near the River Mula, the palace is a simple memorial to Gandhi and his life.

When to visit: The place is open on all working days except national holidays.

Best season: October to March.

How to get there: Pune is at a distance of 200 km from Mumbai and is well connected by train and air from within and beyond the state of Maharashtra. There are regular Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) buses as well as private buses to Pune. For transport within Pune auto rickshaws, buses and taxis are easily available.

Timings: 9 am to 6 pm (Lunch break: 12.30 pm to 1:30 pm)

Entry fee: Rs. 5/- for adults and Rs. 2/- for children