Aga Khan Palace
A grand palace from 1892 where Mahatma Gandhi was held during the Quit India movement. Kasturba Gandhi's memorial is here.
Quick facts
- Location:
- Nagar Road, Yerwada
- Built:
- 1892
- Built by:
- Sultan Muhammed Shah, Aga Khan III
- Looked after by:
- Archaeological Survey of India
- Timings:
- Check before visiting
History
Sultan Muhammed Shah, Aga Khan III, built this palace in 1892. One reason was to give work to people of the area during a time of famine.
In August 1942, at the start of the Quit India movement, the British held Mahatma Gandhi here, together with Kasturba Gandhi, his secretary Mahadev Desai and others. Mahadev Desai and Kasturba Gandhi both died in the palace during this time. Their samadhis are in the grounds.
In 1969 the Aga Khan gave the palace to India in memory of Gandhiji. It is now a national monument.
What you can see today
- The palace with its wide arched verandahs and Italian-style arches.
- Rooms with photographs and personal belongings of Mahatma Gandhi and Kasturba.
- The samadhis of Kasturba Gandhi and Mahadev Desai.
- Large lawns and gardens.
How to reach
The palace is on Nagar Road in Yerwada, on the way to Kalyani Nagar and Viman Nagar. Autos, cabs and city buses on Nagar Road stop nearby.
Tips for visitors
- Plan for one to one and a half hours.
- 2 October (Gandhi Jayanti) and 30 January see special programmes and larger crowds.
More in Historical Pune
- Shaniwar Wada The fortified palace of the Peshwas in the heart of old Pune. Built in 1732, burnt in 1828, and still the best-known landmark of the city.
- Lal Mahal The palace where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj spent his childhood with Jijabai. Rebuilt in the old city next to Shaniwar Wada.
- Kesari Wada Home of Lokmanya Tilak and of the Kesari newspaper. A museum on Tilak and one of the best-known Ganesh festivals of Pune.
- Vishrambaug Wada The mansion of Peshwa Bajirao II, known for its carved wooden front. One of the finest wadas still standing in Pune.
- Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum One man's lifetime collection of everyday Indian art: lamps, musical instruments, nutcrackers and more, in a museum in the old city.
- Pataleshwar Cave Temple A rock-cut Shiva temple from about the eighth century, carved out of a single hill right in the middle of Shivajinagar.
Questions and answers
Why is the Aga Khan Palace famous?
Mahatma Gandhi, Kasturba Gandhi and Mahadev Desai were held here by the British from 1942, during the Quit India movement. Kasturba and Mahadev Desai died here.
Who built the Aga Khan Palace?
Sultan Muhammed Shah, Aga Khan III, built it in 1892.
Sources: Written by PuneDiary. Facts checked 10 October 2026.