If you are looking for a calm, green outing in Pune without travelling far, the Pune-Okayama Friendship Garden — popularly known as Pu La Deshpande Udyan — is one of the best options in the city. It is a beautifully maintained Japanese-style garden with walking paths, ponds, bridges, and manicured lawns that give you a peaceful break from the busy city streets.
For guests staying at a budget homestay in Pune on Sinhagad Road, this garden is just about 6 km away — a short 15-minute auto ride.
About the Garden — What Makes It Special
The garden was created to celebrate the friendship between Pune and Okayama, Japan — two cities that have been sister cities since 1981. The design follows traditional Japanese garden principles — clean lines, water bodies, stone bridges, shaped hedges, and open lawns that feel calm and organised.
The garden is also named after the beloved Marathi writer and humorist Pu La Deshpande, making it a space that holds cultural value for Pune beyond just its beauty.
It is one of the few well-maintained public gardens in Pune and a favourite among morning walkers, families, couples, and photographers.
What You Will See Inside
The garden is laid out thoughtfully with different zones to explore. As you walk through, you will come across:
- Japanese-style ponds with fountains and small wooden bridges — perfect for photography
- Manicured lawns and shaped hedges inspired by Okayama garden design
- Shaded sitting areas with benches for a quiet rest
- A children’s play area in the larger complex — good for families with kids
- Open walking paths lined with trees — ideal for a relaxed morning walk
The garden is clean, well-kept and enforces basic rules — no walking on the grass, no outside food, no littering — which is why it stays in such good condition.
Best Time to Visit
The garden opens in two time slots and stays closed during the afternoon. The best time to visit depends on what you are looking for:
- Morning (6:00 AM – 9:00 AM): Cool weather, fewer people, great for walkers and those who want peace and quiet
- Evening (5:00 PM – 8:00 PM): Soft golden light, ideal for photography and couples. Slightly busier on weekends
- Weekdays: Less crowded than weekends — good if you prefer a relaxed visit
Avoid visiting on Sunday evenings if you dislike crowds — it gets quite busy with local families.
How to Reach the Garden from Sinhagad Road
The garden is located in the Dattawadi area on Sinhagad Road itself — which makes it very convenient for guests staying nearby. From Paradise Homestay:
- By Auto: 15 minutes, approximately ₹50–₹80 depending on traffic
- By Cab: Ola/Uber available — around ₹80–₹120
- By Bus: PMPML buses run along Sinhagad Road and stop near the garden
There is a small parking area at the entrance if you are travelling by two-wheeler or car.
Places to Pair With This Visit
Since the garden is on Sinhagad Road, you can easily combine this with other tourist places in Pune nearby. Some good options:
- Parvati Hills — 10 minutes away, good for a morning temple visit and city views
- Saras Baug — another calm garden with a Ganpati temple, 10–12 minutes by auto
- Mahalaxmi Temple — about 10 minutes, great for families
Many guests at our homestay combine 2–3 of these places in a single half-day outing.
Quick Visitor Information
| Official Name | Pune-Okayama Friendship Garden (Pu La Deshpande Udyan) |
| Morning Timings | 6:00 AM – 10:30 AM |
| Evening Timings | 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM |
| Closed | Midday (10:30 AM – 4:00 PM) |
| Entry Fee | ~₹5 per person (nominal) |
| Outside Food | Not allowed inside |
| Best For | Morning walks, photography, families, couples |
| Ideal Duration | 45 minutes to 1.5 hours |
| Distance from Sinhagad Road | ~6 km (15 min by auto) |
| Google Maps | View on Google Maps |
Frequently Asked Questions — Pune-Okayama Friendship Garden
What are the timings of Pune-Okayama Friendship Garden?
The garden opens in two slots — morning from 6:00 AM to 10:30 AM and evening from 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM. It stays closed during midday. Always check locally before visiting as timings can change seasonally.
What is the entry fee for Pune-Okayama Friendship Garden?
Entry is very affordable at around ₹5 per person for adults. Children and senior citizens may get concessional rates. Parking has a small separate charge at the gate.
Is Pune-Okayama Friendship Garden and Pu La Deshpande Udyan the same place?
Yes, both names refer to the same garden. Pu La Deshpande Udyan is the popular local name while Pune-Okayama Friendship Garden is the official name reflecting its Japanese design and the Pune-Okayama sister city relationship.
How far is the garden from Sinhagad Road?
The garden is located on Sinhagad Road itself in Dattawadi. From Paradise Homestay on Sinhagad Road, it is about 6 km and takes 15 minutes by auto.
Is outside food allowed inside the garden?
No, outside food is not permitted inside. Carry a water bottle and plan to have snacks at the stalls just outside the entrance before or after your visit.
Plan Your Pune Trip from Paradise Homestay
Looking for a clean, affordable place to stay while exploring Pune? Paradise Homestay on Sinhagad Road is ideally located for visiting the Friendship Garden, Parvati Hills, Khadakwasla Dam, Shaniwar Wada and all other major tourist places in Pune — all within easy reach.
We offer comfortable, hygienic rooms at budget-friendly prices. Ideal for solo travellers, couples and families.
📞 Call or WhatsApp to book directly: +91 9060 6040 29
📍 Address: 166, Jijau Nagar Lane – 10, College Road, Jadhav Nagar, Vadgaon Budruk, Pune – 411041
