Nature’s abode
Saras Baug
It’s usually on the itinerary of nature-loving tourists, young couples or families who want to get away from the hustle bustle of the city. And there’s enough to keep the history buff happy here. One of the few green spots in the city, Saras Baug is an expanse of the 25 acres of lush, manicured gardens.
Located bang in the middle of the Swargate junction, the complex was once a large lake with swans (saras in Marathi and therefore the name) that dried up and was subsequently converted into a garden.
At a slightly lower level than the city roads, the complex has a pond with lotuses, garden benches and peddlers offering candies and popcorn. An attraction here is the Talyatla Ganpati, a temple built in 1790. If you want to infuse a dash of adventure into your visit here, talk to a historian or a guide. It is believed that the Shrimant Nanasaheb Peshwa and his advisors would travel by boat to this temple to plan their military strategies against the Nizam and the British using African boatmen who couldn’t follow Marathi.
Today, it is a well maintained public garden at a walking distance from Swargate. The gardens are a perfect blend of history and a green outdoor space with a prominent temple housed in it. Saras Baug is on the must-visit of tourists but even if you’re a local resident who wants a whiff of fresh air, then head here. Timings 6 am At 4 km from Swargat