Pu La Deshpande Garden Okayama Friendship Garden
Asia's largest Japanese garden outside Japan, symbolizing Indo-Japanese friendship, offering serene landscapes and tranquil ponds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful start to the day
Pu La Deshpande Garden Okayama Friendship Garden
Best Time
Peaceful start to the day
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Asia's largest Japanese garden outside Japan, symbolizing Indo-Japanese friendship, offering serene landscapes and tranquil ponds.
"A serene and harmonious space designed to reflect the beauty of nature, with clean and well-maintained surroundings."
🎯 Entry Fee & Parking
A nominal entry fee of ₹5 for adults and parking charges apply. Keep cash handy!
🚫 No Food Allowed!
Pack snacks for before or after; outside food is not permitted inside the garden.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Japanese Landscape Design
Throughout the garden
Experience the largest Japanese garden outside Japan, featuring canals, ponds, and meticulously arranged greenery.
Koi Fish Ponds
Water bodies
Marvel at colorful Koi fish swimming gracefully in clear lakes and ponds, adding life to the tranquil scene.
Wooden Pergolas and Bridges
Over water bodies and paths
Stroll across charming wooden bridges and relax under traditional pergolas, offering picturesque views.
Mughal Garden Replica
Phase 2
Explore the Phase 2 area, a replica of the Mughal gardens in Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Tranquility
Respect the Rules for a Peaceful Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Entry Fee & Parking
A nominal entry fee of ₹5 for adults and parking charges apply. Keep cash handy!
🚫 No Food Allowed!
Pack snacks for before or after; outside food is not permitted inside the garden.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the expansive grounds.
📸 Perfect for Photography
The garden's aesthetic beauty makes it a prime spot for photos, especially during golden hours.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Entry Fee & Parking
A nominal entry fee of ₹5 for adults and parking charges apply. Keep cash handy!
🚫 No Food Allowed!
Pack snacks for before or after; outside food is not permitted inside the garden.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the expansive grounds.
📸 Perfect for Photography
The garden's aesthetic beauty makes it a prime spot for photos, especially during golden hours.
🧘♀️ Embrace the Serenity
This is a place for quiet reflection and enjoying nature, not for active games.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Pu La Deshpande Garden for its serene Japanese ambiance, meticulous maintenance, and beautiful landscaping, making it a peaceful escape within the city. While some note the lack of active play areas for children, the nominal entry fee and picturesque setting are consistently highlighted as major positives.
"A Japanese-style garden is a serene and harmonious space designed to reflect the beauty of nature. It features neatly arranged plants, raked gravel, stone paths, and peaceful water elements. Everywhere is clean and well-maintained, creating a calm and balanced atmosphere. In the clear lake, colorful fishes swim gracefully, while ducks glide gently across the water, adding life to the tranquil scene. The garden is a perfect blend of simplicity, order, and natural beauty.
I have attached beautiful photos of it."
Sågåя Vållål
"Great place. The garden has been built very nice. There is a nominal entry fees and a separate parking charges as well. No food items are allowed inside. If you carry, the security will ask you to leave it at the entrance. Place is kids friendly, however there is no scope to play games or activities. People can only walk or sit inside."
Swapnil Urdhwareshe
"Pune Okayama friendship garden is located on Sinhagad Road in Datta wadi. Okayama Garden contains natural flow of water from canal which is been spread across the Garden. The garden is well maintained. The garden is having colorful fishes in water. You can enjoy by seeing Colorful Koi fishes from different small bridges constructed on Water canal. The Park is maintained extremely well and outside food is not allowed. The tall, thick trees and the flowering plants at this garden are an exhilarating respite to the sore eyes.
We planned this visit casually on weekend. Started from Pune Dhanori in the morning reached here in 45 minutes. Kids enjoyed park atmosphere specially Water Zone and Fountain. Spend here for more than a hour then visited Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum. We have spent less than a hour there then visited empress Botanical garden. That is also one of the best place for kids to Enjoy. After that Visited. All these three put together it took our whole day as we have started little late from home.
Unknown facts about Garden:
1. This Garden replicates a 300 years old Japanese garden in Okayama city of Japan and has been named after Pu La Deshpande, a well known Marathi writer from Maharashtra. But very few people know this park named as Pu La Deshpande Udyan, it is famous as Okayama friendship garden only.
2. Okayama friendship garden is spread over 10 acres was built by the Ikeda Royal family and created with Japanese architecture and themes.
3. Phase 2 of this garden is known as Mughal garden and is a replica of the Mughal garden in Rashtrapathi Bhavan of New Delhi.
4. This is the biggest Japanese garden in the world outside Japan and has also been featured in many Bollywood movies.
5. The Pune Okayama garden follows the Sumi design principle which emphasizes on the balance between the proportions and spaces.
6. The hills and pond within the garden represents the Shin architecture styles and the peasant huts and mountain represents the "So" architecture styles.
7. The Japanese consider gardens as spiritual places to meditate and seek one's inner self and this Pune garden stands perfectly in line with this ideology. Japanese are inspired by Buddhist, Taoist and Shinto Philosophies the consider gardens as a place for meditation and spiritual practices.
8. The garden is not entirely natural and has man made elements, which are perfect blends of Yin and Yang gardening philosophies.
Park Visiting timings:
Morning 06:00 to 12:00 hours
Evening 16:00 to 20:00 hours"
Surya Katakam
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The garden is located on Sinhagad Road in Dattawadi, Pune. You can reach it by auto-rickshaw, taxi, or ride-sharing apps. It's a well-known landmark, so most drivers will know the way. 
Yes, parking is available for both two-wheelers and four-wheelers, though there are separate charges for it.
The garden is situated on Sinhagad Road, a prominent area in Pune. It's often mentioned alongside other Pune attractions like Vetal Tekdi and Kothrud.
While specific bus routes might vary, Pune has a good public bus network. Checking local bus schedules or using ride-sharing apps are reliable options.
The garden has walkways, but the terrain might include some uneven paths and bridges. It's advisable to check accessibility details if you have specific concerns.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry fee is very nominal, typically ₹5 per adult. Children below 12 years often get free entry. +1
The garden has two visiting slots: morning from 6:00 AM to 10:30 AM (or 11:00 AM) and evening from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM (or 9:00 PM). It is closed on Mondays. +2
No, outside food items and eatables are strictly not allowed inside the garden. You'll need to leave them at the entrance.
Yes, the garden is generally open on weekends, but it's always a good idea to check for any temporary closures or changes in timings, especially during public holidays.
Photography is generally allowed and encouraged, as the garden is very picturesque. However, professional shoots might require prior permission.
📸 📸 Photography
The wooden bridges over the water bodies, the meticulously maintained lawns, and the traditional Japanese structures offer beautiful backdrops for photos. The morning and evening light are particularly good.
Drone usage is typically restricted in public parks and gardens to ensure the safety and privacy of visitors. It's best to assume it's not allowed unless explicitly permitted.
A standard DSLR or mirrorless camera with a versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great. Even a good smartphone camera can capture stunning shots due to the garden's natural beauty.
The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the most flattering light for photography, creating a warm and soft ambiance.
Yes, the garden is a popular spot for pre-wedding photoshoots due to its serene and beautiful Japanese aesthetic.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
The garden offers a serene and tranquil atmosphere, designed to be a peaceful escape. It's well-maintained with clean surroundings, creating a calm and balanced environment.
While the garden is described as kid-friendly, there isn't a dedicated play area with rides or extensive activities. Kids can enjoy the open spaces and the water features.
You'll find a variety of flora, including tall, thick trees and flowering plants, contributing to the garden's lush greenery and aesthetic appeal.
Most visitors spend about an hour to an hour and a half exploring the garden, depending on how much time they spend admiring the views and taking photos.
Absolutely. The Japanese design principles emphasize meditation and spiritual practices, making it an ideal place for a quiet walk or peaceful reflection.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember that outside food is not allowed, so plan to eat before or after your visit. The nominal entry fee makes it an affordable family activity. While there isn't a dedicated playground, the overall peaceful atmosphere and the visual appeal of the Japanese design can still be engaging for younger visitors.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
From the vibrant Koi fish to the traditional wooden structures, every corner offers a unique frame. The garden's tranquility also means you can take your time composing shots without feeling rushed. It's a popular spot for pre-wedding photoshoots and general aesthetic content creation.
+1🧘♀️ Peace Seekers & Couples
Escape the city's hustle and bustle by spending time amidst the serene beauty of this garden. It's a place to unwind, de-stress, and reconnect with yourself or your partner in a tranquil environment. The early morning hours are especially recommended for maximum peace.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Indo-Japanese Connection
Named after the renowned Marathi writer and humorist, Pu La Deshpande, who was honored with the Padma Bhushan, the garden stands as a tribute to his literary contributions. This connection adds a unique layer to the garden's identity, blending Indian cultural appreciation with Japanese aesthetic sensibilities. It's a place where art, literature, and nature converge.
+2Spanning 10 acres, the garden was built with Japanese architecture and themes, following the Sumi design principle which focuses on balance and space. The integration of elements like hills, ponds, and water features reflects traditional Japanese philosophies, making it the largest Japanese-style garden outside of Japan in Asia.
Exploring the Garden's Design and Features
The garden's layout incorporates traditional Japanese elements such as wooden pergolas and bridges, offering picturesque spots for relaxation and contemplation. The tall, thick trees and diverse flowering plants create a lush and exhilarating visual experience, providing a welcome respite from the urban bustle. The meticulous arrangement of plants and gravel, along with the peaceful water elements, contributes to a calm and balanced atmosphere.
Beyond the primary Japanese theme, the garden also boasts a Phase 2 area that is a replica of the Mughal gardens found at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. This addition offers a contrasting yet complementary experience, showcasing a different style of landscape architecture within the same expansive grounds.
Practicalities for a Smooth Visit
+2A key rule to remember is that outside food items are strictly prohibited. Security personnel will ask visitors to leave any eatables at the entrance. This policy helps maintain the cleanliness and tranquility of the garden. While the garden is described as kid-friendly, it's more of a place for gentle walks and quiet enjoyment rather than active play, so manage expectations for younger children.
The entry fee is very nominal, typically ₹5 per adult, with separate charges for parking. Carrying exact change can be helpful. The garden is well-maintained and offers numerous picturesque points, making it an excellent location for photography, especially during the early morning or late afternoon 'golden hours'.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit