Aga Khan Palace

Aga Khan Palace (the historic 19th century palace constructed in 1892 by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III as a charitable famine relief project for drought affected villagers) along Nagar Road in Kalyani Nagar, Pune (celebrated globally across Indian freedom history, Gandhian philosophy, and colonial architectural heritage as the iconic national sanctuary where Mahatma Gandhi, Kasturba Gandhi, and Mahadev Desai were detained during the Quit India Movement in 1942), world famous for its grand Italian arches, five soaring domes, sprawling 19 acre landscaped lawns, the sacred Samadhi memorials of Kasturba Gandhi and Mahadev Desai, and an intensely peaceful, deeply solemn memorial atmosphere), located in the cultural hub of Pune in Maharashtra, stands as India's premier freedom struggle monument.

Serving as a key center of modern Indian history, this palatial estate witnessed 21 months of Mahatma Gandhi's imprisonment from August 1942 to May 1944 following the historic 'Do or Die' call.

It's the home of the sacred marble Samadhi housing Kasturba Gandhi's mortal remains, the museum gallery displaying Gandhiji's personal spinning wheel (charkha), khadi garments, and writing desk, the quiet Italian colonnades, and an intensely peaceful, deeply moving garden ambiance filled with singing birds, shaded tamarind trees, and the lasting spirit of non violence.

It represents a rich Maharashtra Gandhian heritage apex, colonial Italianate architecture, and national memorial tourism where Gandhi archives, sacred samadhis, heritage gardens, and Pune sightseeing circuits unite in Aga Khan Palace.

Located in Kalyani Nagar along Pune Nagar Road, it sits 4 km from Pune Railway Station (PUNE), 5 km from Pune International Airport (PNQ), 6 km from Shaniwar Wada, 4 km from Tribal Cultural Museum, and 3 km from Koregaon Park, easily reached by auto rickshaw, taxi, or city bus.

The Quit India Imprisonment & Gandhi Memorial Museum

Following the launch of the Quit India Movement in Bombay on August 8, 1942, British authorities arrested Mahatma Gandhi, Sarojini Naidu, Mirabehn, Mahadev Desai, and Kasturba Gandhi, holding them under house arrest within this palace.

The palace museum preserves the actual room where Gandhi lived, alongside rare historical photographs, handwritten correspondence, original charkhas, utensils, and personal footwear.

Truth is, standing in the quiet room where Kasturba Gandhi spent her final moments while looking out onto the tranquil gardens will stir your deepest emotions.

The Sacred Samadhis & Italianate Architecture

Kasturba Gandhi & Mahadev Desai Samadhis: In the quiet rear gardens stand the simple stone memorials of Kasturba Gandhi (who passed away here in February 1944) and Mahadev Desai, alongside a portion of Mahatma Gandhi's ashes.

Italianate Palatial Design: The two story palace features graceful Italian arches, five central domes, broad timber floored verandas, and high ceilinged drawing rooms built at a cost of 12 lakh rupees.

Aga Khan Palace & Pune Heritage City Day Plan

The Pune National Heritage & Freedom Trail: Morning visit to historic Aga Khan Palace in Kalyani Nagar (9:00 AM to 11:30 AM: pay respects at Kasturba Samadhi & explore Gandhi photo gallery) -> visit the interactive Darshan Museum (12:00 PM to 1:30 PM) -> authentic Maharashtrian lunch -> tour the Tribal Cultural Museum (2:30 PM to 3:45 PM) -> visit royal Shaniwar Wada fort (4:30 PM to 6:00 PM) -> seek blessings at Dagdusheth Ganpati Temple (6:30 PM to 7:30 PM).

Visiting Code & Conduct: Maintain respectful silence near the sacred Samadhis; commercial video shooting requires prior ASI permission; photography of the exterior palace and gardens is permitted.

After paying homage at Aga Khan Palace, visit Shaniwar Wada, explore Dagdusheth Ganpati, or tour Pataleshwar Caves.