Saras Baug

The basics

The highlight of Saras Baug is undoubtedly the temple—officially called Sarasbaug Ganpati and unofficially Talyatla Ganpati, or “Ganpati of the Lake” because it’s surrounded by pond waters. The garden grounds open around 6am to accommodate the local early-bird walkers; visit early in the morning to explore and people watch. If you’re keen to visit the museum, too, arrive a little later as it typically opens around 8am.

Things to know before you go

• Bring cash to pay the small museum admission fee.

• Ideal for travelers looking for a nice place to walk in Pune and for anyone interested in the collection of Ganesh idols.

• The gardens have open grassy areas and a playground for kids.

How to get there

Saras Baug lies in south central Pune across Saras Baug Road from Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The closest bus stop is at Swargate Natraj Stand, which is a 4-minute walk away and is served by multiple local bus lines. As with most of India, taxis and auto-rickshaws are convenient and usually very affordable options.

When to get there

Saras Baug is typically open every day from 6am to 9pm—visit early in the morning to see locals on morning walks and heading to the temple, and to avoid the worst of the daytime heat during summer. The temple can temporarily close in the afternoon, while the museum is open daily from morning to evening.

The Ganesh Idols of Saras Baug

The idols of Lord Ganesh inside the Shree Ganesh Darshan Sangrahalaya Museum, adjacent to the Saras Baug temple, come in all shapes and sizes. The roughly 600 pieces are from India, Afghanistan, Nepal, and Indonesia, and range in size from palm-sized to sculptures. Visit the museum, and you’ll notice they depict Ganesh in various poses—dancing, reading, and playing musical instruments.