Nala Park(s)?

I'd been in Pune for 3months before I visited Nala Park a.k.a Osho Teerth Park, on the insistence of a friend who was visiting us. Nestled in a by-lane of Koregaon park, it is one of the most idyllic places in Pune. Unlike the commune which is open only to members, the park is open to public as well. I’m glad, for I’d have missed a divine spot if it had restricted entry. They’ve made the park over a “Nala” which has been cleaned up and winds its way through the park like a stream, its waters flowing smoothly over certain regions and gushing down or bubbling over some rocks in others. Narrow winding lanes lead you through the cleverly landscaped park – the dense green foliage has an appearance of natural growth. No space for artificiality there…words really can’t describe the sheer beauty of the park. It’s a most serene experience to walk though the park early in the morning, with the sun-rays filtering through the leaves of the tall trees, the only sounds being the birds chirping in the distance and the water murmuring to you as it makes its way through the park…

As Kunal said : “At the very end of the park, nestled amongst these “rainforest-like” trees rests this serene statue of the Buddha, which is where I would like to take Milton (twisting his ear all along till I get him to this spot). I will sternly reprimand him for his pessimism- now that you have regained paradise…sagla bara aahay na?”

Truly, paradise in Pune! :-)

{Around a month back, I read in the papers of similar projects that have been undertaken elsewhere in the city by some samaritans who were concerned about the rapidly disappearing trees and decided to utilise the abundance of Nalas in the city for some good. Surprisingly they faced resistance not only from the slum dwellers who perceive the Nalas as open-air, free Sulabh-Shauchalays, but also from the residents of the high-rises that are sprouting up all over the city. I'd have thought that these people would welcome the beauitfication of their neighbourhoods - personally I'd welcome such a movement in Mundhwa, where even a rivulet has been transformed into a Nala because of the lack of basic civic sense. I'm all for more of these paradisical spots in Pune!}