Gardens and parks play a vital role in a city’s hectic lifestyle. Everyone loves a little bit relief in nature’s lap after the long, stressed week. These small green patches contribute not only in enhancing the beauty of the city but also serve as a recreational for the people of the city. The peace and the lush greenery of most of Pune gardens help in relaxing the stressed life of city’s hustle and bustle. These are the places that have ample fresh air which is rare in the other parts of the city. We can see a sizable count of people who jog in the morning and evening to get the oxygen.P.L. Deshpande Udyan is one of the best gardens of Pune that has given Pune recognition on the global platform. It is also known as the Okayama Friendship Garden or the Japanese Garden as it has all the features of an authentic Japanese Garden. It is based on the famous ‘Korakuen Garden’ in the city of Okayama in Japan. The history of that garden is 300 years old.
Mr. P. L. Deshpande is one of the most prolific writers in the history of Marathi literature and most loved personality of entire Maharashtra. The Pune Municipal Corporation decided to name a garden after the great writer. In the year 2000 after his death the garden is named the P.L. Deshpande Udyan.It is located on the Sinhagad Road which is quite a busy road but you cannot imagine such a huge beautiful garden on this road. When you enter the garden you see a thick green belt of trees and plants that make the place sound proof. It seems like you are amidst of fresh air and quite away from the city. As it is very close the main city a good count of city people will be found here enjoying the greenery.The garden is spread over 10 acres of land with its lush green trees, wide spread green lawns, attractive flower beds, artificial lake and bridges that represent the Japanese culture and architecture. It can be an inspiration for the poet as the surroundings give him the perfect atmosphere. The best part is that the garden is very neat and clean and very well maintained as there is no eatables and drink allowed inside the garden. Walking on the lawns is also strictly prohibited to maintain the grass in the lawns.
In the spring season the garden looks at its best as you can see maximum flowering in this time. The artificial lake contributes to enhance the beauty of the garden. One thing that you may not like is that you cannot capture such picturesque scenes as the authorities have banned photography here. They have arranged guards who keep a watch on visitors for not clicking the camera. In spite of being such a beautiful place to visit a very nominal fee of Rs. 5 /head is charged for entering the garden. If you haven’t visited then make a plan to spend a peaceful evening in the green cover of this garden.