The Late Dr VD Vartak Udyan in Shaniwar Peth, Pune is located on the banks of the River Mutha. Dr Vartak was an eminent botanist whose vast body of work in the field of plant taxonomy has inspired hundreds of students. Two plant species have been named after in him, an honour which ensures we always remember his contribution. A plaque at the park entrance lists Dr Vartak’s achievements in the botanical world!
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| Late Dr V D Vartak Udyan |
The park itself has a surprising layout and just as one thinks it is a small patch of land, a track opens up and runs along the river for some distance. Its an interesting space to enjoy the evenings. The garden has a small open air amphi theatre with a small stage and seating that overlooks the river and the Sambhaji Park on the opposite bank. This would be wonderful sight for botanical discussions or a musical program… The duranta and money plant were used to create interesting shades of green.
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| Duranta and money plant carpet |
The park has a small waterfall and like the Saras Baug, this garden too had piped music!
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| Piped music for the plants |
I spotted a Neer Phanas, Bauhinia, Peepal (Ficus religiosa) and Silver Oak (Grevillea robusta) among others. Some exercise equipment has been installed here and some youth were making the most of this free opportunity to get a cardio workout!
An excellent space by the river!
Info:
Entry: Free
Timing: 6AM to 10AM and 4PM to 8PM
Drinking Water: Available
Location Map here.
I would have never thought that there would be so many beautiful outdoor parks/gardens in an urban area like Pune. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
*Shantala @ ShanayaTales*
Gorgeous foliage – I really like the plant under the sign.
Shantala, it was a pleasant surprise for me as well! Thanks! 🙂
Charlotte, the plant below the sign is a 'Money Plant' – very popular indoor plant. Lovely foliage. 🙂
I am a frequent visitor to Vartak Udyan and am quite charmed by it. Usually, I visit it in the morning, almost daily, do my Pranayam and meditation, just enjoy being in such a beautiful and green place and walk back to my place.
Devotional music is played throughout the garden in the morning. The music is good but rather jarring and intrusive for people who are doing Pranayam or meditating. I had written about it to PMC and am very pleasantly surprised that they have muted the music so that now it is not loud or jarring. I am really thankful to them for taking quick cognizance of my e-mail and acting on it.
The garden staff and supervisors really deserve praise from us for keeping the garden in such clean and well maintained state. They must be really working hard !!
Thank you Shubhada. I am so happy that the PMC is responsive to park visitors'views. As I have said, my AtoZ tour of the Pune parks was quite an eye opener as most parks were in a pretty good shape!! Thank you for sharing your thoughts. 🙂
Thank you Archana for writing on vartak park.Parks should always have information about the person on who's name the park is and also about what all plants , birds, butterfilies etc. can be seen. This park tells us about Dr v. d. vartak a local scientist who had contributed to plant taxanomy. Young people who visit the park can find some motivation after reading the information about dr vartak.
sandhya.
Thank you Sandhya.