If you’re staying at a homestay in Pune and want a short, peaceful outing, the Pune–Okayama Friendship Garden (also called Pu La Deshpande Udyan) is a nice pick. It’s a well-kept Japanese-style garden with water features, walking paths, and lawns — a good spot for morning walks, photos, and a quiet hour away from the city noise.
Why locals like it
The garden was created to celebrate Pune’s friendship with Okayama, Japan, and follows classic Japanese garden ideas — ponds, little bridges, trimmed lawns and trees laid out for pleasant short walks. It’s popular with walkers, families and people who want a calm outdoor break without going far.
Best time to visit
Early morning or late afternoon are the best slots — mornings are cool and quieter, while evenings have soft light for photos. Weekends can get busy, especially in the evening, so if you prefer quiet, choose a weekday morning. Typical visiting hours are split between morning and evening slots.
How to reach from Sinhagad Road / nearby areas
The garden sits on Sinhagad Road (Dattawadi) and is easy to reach by auto, taxi or local bus. If you are staying at a budget lodge near Sinhagad Road, a short auto ride should get you there in under 15 minutes depending on traffic. There’s a small parking area and the garden is walkable from nearby bus stops.
What you’ll see and do
- Neat lawns and shaped hedges laid out in a Japanese garden style.
- Ponds with fountains and small bridges — nice for photos and a calm walk.
- Separate sections and a children’s play area in the larger complex.
- Simple benches and shaded spots for sitting; no formal cafes inside, and outside food is usually not allowed.
These features make it one of the easy places to visit near my homestay if you want a short, relaxing outing.
Good to know before you go
Entry is very cheap (small nominal fee) and the garden opens in two slots — morning and evening — rather than all day. Rules usually include no walking on the lawns, no outside food inside, and basic behaviour norms to keep the garden clean. During festivals or weekends, expect more crowding.
Quick plan for different travellers
Couples / photographers: Arrive at golden hour (evening) for photos and quiet corners.
Families: There is a kids’ play area and open space for short play; keep snacks outside the garden if rules require.
Walkers: Morning slot gives a calm walking loop without the heat.
Nearby spots you can pair with this visit
Because the garden sits on Sinhagad Road, you can combine a short trip here with other nearby attractions or a simple local meal at a nearby cafe. It’s a handy stop if you’re exploring tourist places near Pune and want a calm green break mid-day.
Important Visitor Info
Timings: Morning and evening visiting slots (typical hours are around 6:00–10:30 AM and 4:00–8:00/9:00 PM). Check local notices for exact times before you go.
Entry fee: Nominal — commonly reported as around ₹5 per person (children and concessions vary; check at the gate).
Tips:
- Go early to avoid crowds and heat.
- Outside food is usually not allowed — carry water in a reusable bottle and confirm at the entrance.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking; paths can be uneven in places.
- Respect the rules — no walking on lawns or littering — so the garden stays nice for everyone.
- Parking may have a small charge; use a reliable auto or taxi if you do not want to park.
Ideal duration: 45 minutes to 1.5 hours — enough for a relaxed walk, photos and a short rest.
Distance from Paradise Homestay, Top Rated Budget Lodge in Pune: 6 km.
You can see more photos, reviews and details of Pune-Okayama Friendship Garden on Google Maps link: https://share.google/zGYfySXk6VP7EGEPc
