Saras Baug
A Peshwa-era garden at the foot of Parvati, built around a lake in 1750, with the much-loved Talyatla Ganpati temple at its heart. Free entry.
Quick facts
- Location:
- Sadashiv Peth, near Swargate, at the foot of Parvati
- Area:
- About 32,000 sq. m (25-acre complex)
- Built:
- 1750, by Nanasaheb Peshwa
- Temple:
- Siddhivinayak (Talyatla Ganpati), 1784
- Timings:
- 6 am to 11 am and 4 pm to 9 pm
- Entry:
- Free
- Ward office:
- Kasba Vishrambaug Wada
History
In 1750 Nanasaheb Peshwa had a large lake made at the foot of Parvati Hill. It was used for boating, and the Peshwas' elephants are said to have bathed in it. In 1784, in the time of Peshwa Sawai Madhavrao, a temple of Siddhivinayak was built on a small island in the lake. People still call it Talyatla Ganpati, the Ganpati in the lake. The idol's trunk turns to the right.
The lake later dried up and the land was turned into a garden, with the temple still at its centre. The whole complex of about 25 acres is known as Saras Baug, and today it is one of the most visited places in Pune.
What you can see today
- The Talyatla Ganpati temple, especially crowded on Sankashti Chaturthi and during Ganeshotsav.
- The old Navloba temple and a memorial to martyrs.
- Fountains, a pond with lotus flowers and a large lawn.
- A jogging track, and old trees all round.
- Food stalls and snack shops near the gates.
Timings and entry
- The garden is open from 6 am to 11 am and from 4 pm to 9 pm.
- Entry is free.
Timings are set by the Pune Municipal Corporation and can change. The temple may keep its own timings.
How to reach
Saras Baug is close to Swargate bus stand and to Parvati Hill. City buses and autos come right to the gate, and the Swargate metro station is nearby. Peshwe Park is next door.
Tips for visitors
- Evenings and weekends are crowded; mornings are quieter.
- Combine it with Peshwe Park and the climb up Parvati Hill nearby.
More in Gardens and Parks
- Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje Garden A big, much-loved garden on Jangli Maharaj Road with Pune's old fish aquarium, a toy fort, fountains and the famous Diwali fort and flower shows.
- Empress Garden A large old botanical garden near the Race Course, with rare trees, a lake and the city's famous flower shows.
- Mughal Garden A four-acre garden on Sinhagad Road laid out in the formal Mughal style, with terraces, water channels and fountains that light up in the evening.
- Bund Garden A riverside garden next to the old Fitzgerald Bridge, now called Mahatma Gandhi Udyan. A long-time favourite for evening walks.
- Seven Wonders Park (Late Yashwantrao Chavan Garden) A small theme park near Parvati with models of famous world wonders, from the Taj Mahal to the Pyramids, plus 3D and 4D shows.
- Late Jayantrao Tilak Rose Garden A rose garden in Sahakar Nagar with about 500 varieties of roses, planted in neat rows.
Questions and answers
Why is it called Talyatla Ganpati?
Because the temple was built on an island in a lake. Talyatla means "in the lake" in Marathi.
Who built Saras Baug?
Nanasaheb Peshwa had the lake made in 1750. The Ganpati temple was built in 1784.
Is there an entry fee for Saras Baug?
No, entry is free. The garden is open from 6 am to 11 am and from 4 pm to 9 pm.
Sources: Facts from Pune Municipal Corporation (pmc.gov.in, garden list), checked 9 October 2026.