Aga Khan Palace
Palace Historic palace in Pune associated with Gandhi imprisonment
Aga Khan Palace in Pune served as a detention site during the Indian independence movement and now houses a Gandhi memorial; visitors tour the colonial-era building, gardens and exhibitions on the freedom struggle.
The Aga Khan Palace is a large late 19th-century palace in Pune, Maharashtra, built in 1892 by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III. It is an important site in modern Indian history and houses a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi and other leaders who were incarcerated there.
The palace complex includes broad lawns, formal gardens and a substantial main building in an Italianate style, now containing museum galleries with photographs, letters and personal effects related to the independence movement. The grounds contain the samadhi and memorial tombs of Mahatma Gandhi, Kasturba Gandhi and Mahadev Desai.
Constructed as a charitable and residence project by the Aga Khan, the palace was requisitioned during the 1940s and used as a prison for leaders of the Quit India movement; Gandhi and several associates were held there. After independence it became a site of commemoration and a museum documenting that period.
The palace stands in the Yerwada area of Pune in Maharashtra, within the municipal boundaries of the city and is visited as part of Pune’s historic and cultural attractions.
- Built 1892: Built in 1892 by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III, the palace served as a prison for leaders of the Indian independence movement after the 1942 Quit India movement.
What to See #
- Gandhi memorial and samadhi: The Gandhi memorial and samadhi complex housing the tombs of Mahatma Gandhi, Kasturba Gandhi and Mahadev Desai, located on the palace grounds.
- Palace museum galleries: Museum galleries within the palace that display letters, photographs and personal items related to the freedom movement and the Gandhi family's time at the site.
How to Get to Aga Khan Palace #
Aga Khan Palace is in Yerwada, Pune, about 6-8 km from Pune Railway Station. Taxis and app-based rides are the most convenient; local buses serve the Yerwada area as well. Allow 20-40 minutes from central Pune depending on traffic.
Tips for Visiting Aga Khan Palace #
- Allow at least 1.5-2 hours to explore both the palace and the Gandhi Memorials.
- Visit on weekdays to avoid Pune weekend crowds and school groups.
- Pair with a visit to the nearby Osho International Meditation Resort or Aga Khan Museum if time permits.
Best Time to Visit Aga Khan Palace #
Best visited in winter (November-February) for mild, dry weather and pleasant walking conditions.
Weather & Climate near Aga Khan Palace #
Aga Khan Palace's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with hot summers (peaking in May) and warm winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from 12°C to 37°C. Moderate rainfall (707 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 12°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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February
February is mild with highs of 32°C and lows of 14°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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March
March is warm with highs of 35°C and lows of 17°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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April
April is hot, feeling like 29°C. Light rainfall and clear sunny skies.
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May
May is the hottest month, feeling like 32°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (114 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 22°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (184 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is warm with highs of 27°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (111 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (121 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 20°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm).
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November
November is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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December
December is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 13°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
