The garden is a collaborative cultural project between the cities of Pune, India, and Okayama, Japan.
It utilizes the natural flow of the Ambil Odha stream to feed the water bodies throughout the park.
The garden layout follows the principle of 'borrowed scenery,' incorporating the surrounding landscape into its design.
It is one of the largest Japanese-style gardens outside of Japan.
P L Deshpande Garden, also known as the Pune Okayama Friendship Garden, is a large Japanese-style park inspired by the 300-year-old Korakuen Garden in Okayama, Japan. The landscape design integrates natural topography, including a canal fed by the Ambil Odha stream that flows through the park. It features traditional Japanese landscaping elements such as pergolas, manicured mounds, wooden bridges, and stone lanterns. The garden is divided into two distinct sections: the formal, traditional Japanese garden and the more contemporary, ecologically diverse park area. Vegetation includes native Indian species blended with Japanese aesthetic principles. Water features occupy a significant portion of the grounds, creating a humid microclimate. The layout is designed to simulate a journey through varying landscapes, from dense thickets to open ponds.
The red wooden bridge overlooking the main lotus pond.
Wear comfortable walking shoes to navigate the gravel paths and stone bridges.
Carry mosquito repellent, as the water features often attract insects in the late afternoon.
Plan your visit to coincide with the golden hour for optimal lighting on the traditional stone lanterns.
Avoid visiting during the midday peak heat, as there is limited deep shade in the open Japanese-style sections.
Closed for a short duration daily for mid-day maintenance; reopens in the evening.
Avoid walking on manicured grass beds; keep noise levels low to maintain the meditative environment.
