Around the city in a MH-12… – Page 17

13/04/201521/07/2020

K is for KNP

KNP is the popular shortened name for Pune’s Kamla Nehru Park. This is an ‘old’ park compared to other parks that the PMC looks after – ofcourse nowhere close to the Empress Garden. There are no records as to when this park was set up but many speculate it to be in the late 1930s or early years of the 1940s. Hence one can see fairly large and mature trees here and its a popular site for tree walks.

The KNP is a small stately neighbourhood park, very popular with both young and old alike. The park is the meeting point for many senior citizens many of whom are from different parts of the city. These meetings are a great way for them to ‘let their hair down’ and relax to get away from the humdrum issues that increasingly become predominant at this stage of life. Kids too seem to love this place judging from the number of parents and children I have seen here.

A vintage Marut aircraft of the Indian Air Force is on display here. I am sure many a young minds has been inspired to take up a career in flying just by looking at this aircraft. The Marut is the first fighter jet designed in India. In 1955 the country did not have infrastructure to build it yet the project did go ahead with ingenuity and perseverance. After the due phases of design, prototype, ground test program etc, the aircraft made its maiden sortie on 17 June 1961. (Source Bharat Rakshak). Do visit this link for the very interesting story about the life and times of this bird.

The KNP also has a memorial for Dr S V Ketkar who wrote the first encyclopedia in Marathi.

Memorial for Dr SV Ketkar

As in most parks, there is a walking track around the perimeter, a play area for kids and a composting pit for garden waste. Here are a few important trees in this park … the Cannon ball trees (Courroupita guianensis), the Guest Tree (Kleihovia hospita), the Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica) and the Bartondi (Morinda pubescens). I dare not go on with this list as I am sure some of you would like to visit and identify them yourselves!

Majestic Bottle Palms in the lawn

Fun times for kids

While many will struggle to know the precise locations of many parks that I have written about, the Kamla Nehru Park will be a very easy recall. An excellent park in the heart of a residential area that fast losing its old world charm.

Info:
Timings: 6AM to 10AM and 4PM to 8PM
Entry: Free
Drinking Water: Available (Quality and hygiene not checked)
Rest Rooms: Available (Quality and hygiene not checked)
USP: Trees, Aircraft static display, kids play area
Location Map here.

This post is part of my April 2015 AtoZ blogging challenge and I am writing about parks in Pune. You can read other posts on this theme here. Yet another ‘K’ park is the Kamal Nayan Bajaj Udyan at Wakdewadi, Shivaji Nagar Pune. I plan to visit that garden too.

10/04/201521/07/2020

J is for JJ Garden

J is for JJ Garden and strangely I actually ventured into this garden because of the highly popular Vada Pav stall (some label it as the best) located at the park gates. Vada Pav is a typical Maharashtrian fast food and is a deep fried potato patty eaten sandwiched in a Pav (can be loosely described as bun). Cheap and satisfying food of the first order which can be eaten on the go at any time and any place!

Hey, this post about gardens not food so lets enter the park. Unlike others we have visited so far on the A to Z tour, this one is managed by the Pune Cantonment Board.

Fountain

Trees have motivational quotes. This one says “Happiness lies, first of all, in Health: George Willian Curtis”

Oriental style gazebo

The park trees have boards with interesting motivational quotes – though I dont know how many people even bother to read them. I saw a lovely Soap nut tree bearing fruit as also really big Banyan and Tamarind trees. For some reason there were large Putranjeev (also called Child life tree) – but their pretty drooping green branches more than made up for downsides of the garden.

Located as it is in the hub of the commercial area, the garden is quite noisy but the kids playing there did not seem to mind it one bit! The garden could be better maintained and it has scope to be a wonderful resting spot in this very busy area of Pune.

Info:
Entry: INR 1 single entry ticket
Parking: In adjoining lanes
Rest rooms: No
Location Map here.

10/04/201521/07/2020

I is for Indraprastha Udyan

This is yet another alphabet that tested my ‘research skills’! After some effort, I got lucky as I had two places that I could write about. I chose to visit the Indraprastha Udya located in Yerawada. Its a small place under the care of the PMC and some effort has been put in to create it but somehow it seems to have suffered. There were not too many people present when I went there except for some local kids playing cricket. The bougainvilleas have almost grown into trees and their bright pink flowers formed a good backdrop for the kids play area. The tiled pathway goes back quite some distance. The park has the usual tree species so I shall not repeat them all.

Info:
Timings: 6AM to 10AM and 4PM to 8PM
Ticket: INR 1 for adults
Parking: On the road outside
Location Map here.

The park that I really wanted to visit and write about is the Indira Gandhi Udyan commonly called Appu Ghar which is located in Nigdi, Pune and is possibly among the only amusement parks in the city. We had gone there many years ago. I do remember the ‘Columbus’ which was sort of a mega-swing shaped like a ship. There was also a very tall doll like figure whose skirt had some seating area. This skirt twirled around eliciting squeals of joy or fear.. 🙂

I think the park has many more attractions and ride now. This visit remains on my to-do list. If you have been there, do tell us…
🙂

This post is part of my April 2015 AtoZ blogging challenge and I am writing about parks in Pune. You can read other posts on this theme here.

09/04/201521/07/2020

H is for Hirwai

One of the high points of my New York trip was the visit to The High Line which is a unique public space. While I was thoroughly impressed I did not come away with the feeling of ‘why not in my country’.. That’s because I can quite proudly state that my city too has a similar public space created by motivated residents who wanted to beautify their locale. The left bank of the Mutha River runs through Pune and it lay abandoned for many years. As normally happens, the area mostly became a space to throw garbage. Whatever road remained in this part was not suitable for vehicles. A part of this canal area was remade into a regular road for vehicles. Residents of this area formed an organisation called Hirwaee and proposed a plan to turn it into a space for walking, jogging, cycling. They would retain the old trees and plant new ones. Several years and some legal issues later, the rest of the canal area is now a flourishing green oasis right in the middle of the city. The PMC is now looking after this garden.

There are a few covered gazebos, an interesting ‘chess board’ table and plenty of benches which makes it ideal for senior citizens. Mornings and evenings find the place buzzing with health enthusiasts who jog or walk the length of the track. Extensive tree plantation has made this a wonderful place for students of field botany!

Let these pictures do the rest of the talking…

Chess anyone??

A quiet nook to meditate, or introspect perhaps..

Muchkunda (Pterospermum acerifolium)

These yellow balls are flowers! Kadamb (Neolamarckia cadamba)

Seating space

Walking track

Cycling track

Info:
Timing: 6AM to 11AM and 4PM to 8PM
Entry: Free
Rest Rooms: Available (quality and hygiene not checked)
Parking: Some parking slots available
Location Map here.

This post is part of my April 2015
AtoZ blogging challenge and I am writing about parks in Pune. You can
read other posts on this theme here.

08/04/201521/07/2020

Silent River (Wordless Wednesdays)

08/04/201521/07/2020

G is for Gool Poonawala Garden

G was one alphabet where the garden recall was almost instantaneous. Not because I visit it often but have seen it often! Yet another site on my frequently used roads, only to be admired from the car but never visited. This blogging challenge got me to make a dedicated trip to the Gool Poonawala Garden located in Salisbury Park, Pune.

This is basically set up as a jogging track. The oval track is surrounded by a wall of Silver Oak and Acacia trees. I spotted a colony of bats living in the Acacias. The centre of the park predictably has pretty lawns and some seating. I did not see anyone jogging but there were several walkers mostly senior citizens and ladies from nearby residential buildings. Possibly the demographic may be different at another time of the day.

Jogging Track

Plenty of seating

Look carefully and you will see the bats hanging on these trees

A couple of imposing Ficus benjamina’s loom over the entrance and one is immediately on the track. Turn left or right to jog/walk around the entire site. The park is flanked by the road on one side, homes on two others, but the fourth side seems to be merging into a jungle of sorts that often crops up in land that is not ‘developed’. There is a gazebo that would be ideal for folks to exercise when its raining. Its not very rich in terms of diversity or age of trees but then this garden is more about exercising/jogging rather than botany. Come here to work out, or Yoga or for Pranayama.

A jungle of sorts is seen at one edge of the garden

An great initiative by the PMC for local residents. The Sachin Tendulkar Jogging Track in Rajendra Nagar area is a similar but smaller garden that people of the area would surely be enjoying daily.

Info:
Entry Ticket: Nil
Timing: 6AM to 10AM and 4PM to 8PM
Parking: Available and Free
Drinking Water: Available (hygiene and quality not checked)
Restrooms: Available (hygiene and quality not checked)
Location Map here.

06/04/201521/07/2020

E is for Empress Garden

The Empress Garden is an iconic site in Pune, a landmark, a place for recreation, exercise and study to name just a few. Spread over 39 acres and in existence since 1880 the park obviously has some really old and unique trees. It is privately managed by the Agri-Horticultural Society of Western India Initially it was a ‘Soldiers Garden’. Its land was the property of Sardar Vitthalrao Purandare and General Finjier looked over the maintenance jobs. The then-government took over ownership of the garden in 1838 and in 1845, its ownership changed to Sir Charles Napier. In the period that he owned the garden, it was called ‘Garden of Dr. Don’. Thereafter the garden was named Empress Garden in honour of Queen Victoria when she was bestowed the title ‘Empress of India’. (This info from the garden website)

For a tree lover, the joy begins almost as soon as you reach because the imposing Kinhai and a Moha in the parking area will delay your entry. Feast your eyes and proceed for more tree wonders – made somewhat easier by the helpful labelling on the trunks. A stream of sort runs through the foliage creating a micro habitat for some water birds and flora. Empress does not have the typical manicured lawns that one expects in a garden. To be fair, its a botanical garden so don’t look for ‘accepted’ or ‘traditional’ aesthetic elements. Rather revel in the thought of sharing space with living beings that may be over 100 years old. What secrets would they be holding? If only trees could tell us…

Gnarled trunk of Entada rheedei (Garambi) – a giant liana

The mesmerising creeper Bauhinia vahlii which loops over the tall trees and forms a floral canopy in April

The trunk of the Kinhai

Dont miss the giant creepers that grow here – living up to their ‘giant’ status. An interesting fact about Bauhinia (shown above). The genus Bauhinia is in honour of 16th century botanists Caspar and Johann Bauhin who were twin brothers. Species in this plant group also have two lobed leaves that are identical when folded.

Twin lobed leaf of Bauhinia

Folded leaf of Bauhinia

The garden has the usual play area for kids which seems highly popular. There is a small cottage that serves as their office and is used for small events – I have attended a book launch there. This garden is a popular site
for school picnics, family outings and of course health enthusiasts.
They have a ‘Nana Nani Park’ which is a section for grand parents (Nana
Nani mean grandfather and grandmother respectively).

The high point of this garden is its annual Buds n Bloom show held sometime in January each year. Besides the usual stalls selling gardening stuff; the gardeners at Empress create stunning displays using seasonal flowers. In addition, there is a wonderful display of Ikebana arrangements. Yet another unusual exhibit is an collage created using grains, pulses, fresh fruits and veggies. There is no limit to creativity! Local Bonsai enthusiasts display select trees during the annual Empress Buds n Bloom fest.

A heritage garden that should be on your list when visiting Pune.
Enjoy!

Info you can use:
Entry: INR 10 for 3 years and over
Timing: 930AM to 630PM All days of the week
Parking: Available and Chargeable
Drinking water: Available (quality and hygiene not checked)
USP: Unique trees and creepers; Plant nursery; Palm garden; Sale of organic veggies and fruits; Annual Buds n Bloom show; Birding; Tree spotting
Location Map here.

This post is part of the April AtoZ Blogging challenge and I am writing about gardens in Pune.

02/04/201521/07/2020

C is for Chittaranjan Vatika

Chittaranjan. A name with a wonderful ring to it. I remember it from my school days from the Chittaranjan Locomotive Works which is an electric locomotive factory. So i looked forward to visiting a park by that name that was almost in my neighbourhood. Often, this park hosts music and literary programs and that must surely be a divine experience. The combination of soul stirring notes (or words) under dense shadows of towering trees and bird songs would surely raise goose bumps.

Trees were the lasting impression at the Chittaranjan Park. It is located next to a ‘nullah’ (canal or small urban stream) and obviously is an old garden. It has a tiled pathway along the perimeter that serves as a walking track. Obviously I got into the way of the regulars, with my frequent halts for photographs or tree identification! I suggest walking in the same direction as the majority and a similar pace to avoid exasperated looks from regulars (many of whom were wearing masks for some reason). Want to pause? Then just step into the adjacent lawns. This track is thoughtfully marked for distance covered and there is a ‘fitness chart’ of sorts at one end.

The Chittaranjan Vatika also has a mock traffic training area. I am not sure whom it is meant for really, but it has signals, road signs, intersections and so on. From what I saw, it was reduced to a spot for a photo-op or play or resting/walking zone. I do wish more would take advantage of what it’s meant for…

The park is home to the a library called ‘Vasundhara Vachanalaya’ which seemed a really cool idea. Borrow books and read them in this garden. Perfect! The kids play area was buzzing with activity.

Many trees in the park are labelled which should help newbie tree lovers. Here are few trees that I identified: Saraca asoca, Khaya, Parkia biglandulosa, Sanmea sanamea, Spathodea campanulata, Kigelia africana, Alstonia species, Peltaforum species, Ficus species and Casuarinas. There are many more, which I leave you to spot and ID.

Seeta ashok, Kigelia, Rohitak

Do sit a while and enjoy the sound of gushing water in the adjacent nullah. The occasional breeze sets the wind-chimes tinkling in a nearby home. All in all, a wonderful garden in Model Colony, Pune.
Cheers!

Info:
Entry Ticket: Nil.
Timing: 6AM to 10AM and 4PM to 8PM
Parking: Available
Drinking water: Available (quality not checked)
Rest rooms: Available (quality not checked)
USP: Library, Traffic training signs
Location Map here.

31/03/201521/07/2020

A is for Aba Bagul Udyan

So it begins! One month of frenzied blogging and commenting. In the process we do read some very interesting blogs, unique ideas and wonderful people.

I had two choices for A both really interesting ones and it was a difficult one. So I wrote about the Alice garden and here we are, at the Aba Bagul Udyan. This is the park’s common name but technically, it is the Late Vasantrao Eknath Bagul Udyan. Udyan/Vatika are the Marathi words for park/garden. I have used them interchangeably in my posts.

This park is located right on a main road, a very busy road at that, yet
remains quite inconspicuous. I had several visiting opportunities with a botany group but alas, I could not join. Housed in an area that I
frequent, it was quite a shame that I stayed away for so many years.
This blogathon seemed a good way to make good many such pending visits.

I
remember the area from early 1980s when it was a rocky bare space through
which flowed a ‘nullah’ (a storm water drain that flows into the river). Over last
3 decades the city has grown tremendously and ‘developed’ and like many other parts, this area is unrecognisable now. I cant say who is to be credited
for the change but the garden I am about to describe is presently under
the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC).

On entering the Udyan, the Star Apple tree (Chrysophyllum cainito) is the first thing that gets attention. Its canopy of green and golden brown leaves casts a cool shadow in which rests a lion! A statue of course!

Star Apple

Distinctive leaves of Star Apple

Chrysophyllum cainito

The park has a tiled walkway that goes around the perimeter and also meanders through the well manicured lawns. Aerial roots of a banyan tree have created a ‘wall’ of sorts. Walk deeper into the park to see the ‘nullah’. Obviously designed by professional landscapers, the Aba Bagul Udyan also has a large play area for kids, one that is quite popular with locals. The park also has the Bhimsen Joshi Kaladalan (an art gallery) and a musical fountain cum laser show. This 20-minute is on from Mon to Fri at 745pm and on Saturdays at 730pm. I have heard excellent reviews of the musical fountain and its the only one of its kind in Pune that I have heard of.

The musical fountain and its seating area

Art gallery

I spotted the Madhavi lata (Hiptage benghalensis) – a liana with fluffy toothed flowers. It was in full bloom and its flowering heralds the spring season. The genus Hiptage is derived from ‘Hiptamai’ – a Greek word that means to fly. The Madhavi lata has a three winged fruit that can ‘fly’ – is propogated by wind.

Other significant trees that I spotted include the Triangular leaf fig (Ficus natalensis ), a really tall Rubber plant, a well grown Raktarohida (Aphanamixis polystachia), Satween (Alstonia scholaris) and Seeta ashok (Saraca asoca).

Madhavilata

Ficus elastica

Due to the water body, I am sure, this must be a good site to see birds.

What do you see? The Heron? The Anaphamyxis polystachia? The bridge?

Here is a short video of the musical fountain at this park:

All in all, a great place in Sahakar Nagar to exercise or relax or introspect or dream!

Before I end, A is also for Alice Garden which is an urban jungle of sorts. You may like to visit that too.

Info:
Entry Ticket: Yes INR 20 for adults.
Timing: 6AM to 10AM and 4PM to 8PM
Parking: Available
Drinking water: Available (quality not checked)
Rest rooms: Available (quality not checked)
USP: Trees, Musical Fountain
Location Map here.

23/03/201521/07/2020

April AtoZ Theme Reveal

This is my third attempt at the April AtoZ blogging challenge and the second attempt based on a theme. To be truthful, I had thought of not participating this year. Why? I was defeated by conjuring post titles and was about to give up. That’s when inspiration struck! I remembered a blog from one of the earlier April AtoZ’s (sorry but cannot remember which one) which described gardens and was motivated by the idea of local tourism. I also love trees. So I thought why not combine the three ideas??

Theme Reveal Blogfest

Soooo…
Will my posts be about trees? Yes but not only about trees…
Will they be about gardening? Well, gardens yes but not gardening…
Will it be about local tourism? Yes local places will be the main focus…

So WHAT is the theme?

I plan to write about gardens in my city Pune, the trees therein and special features if any. I made it a point to visit all gardens before writing about them which took up most of my time over the last few weeks.

I realised that except for two, I had not visited any gardens in Pune. Sad because, I now see that the parks are really beautiful and clean and each has something different to offer. This makes me proud of the efforts of the authorities. I am quite a vocal critic of the garden department but credit must be given where due…

I had a stroke of luck as I found a map by the Pune Municipal Corporation that detailed locations of their gardens. But this did not necessarily make my task easy as most parks were named after Kings or Queens or some prominent person who is no more. Hence I had a plethora of gardens for alphabets like ‘C’ or ‘L’ and almost nothing for the others… I am bound by the A to Z theme so decided to take some leeway and have used popular names of parks or their ‘official’ names.

Irrespective of whatever part of the world you visit from, dear readers, you are bound to find something interesting here in this month. Maybe its an echo of a garden in your city or one that you have seen or one that you would like to see created! I would love to hear from you.

Good luck with your posts!
🙂