Parks & nature

Despite its rapid urbanization, Pune maintains several green lungs, affectionately known as *tekdis* (hills). **Vetal Tekdi** and **Taljai Hills** are heavily forested areas frequented by daily walkers and birdwatchers. The **Empress Botanical Garden** offers a tranquil escape with diverse flora, while the **Pune Okayama Friendship Garden** (Pu La Deshpande Garden) is a beautiful, meticulously landscaped Japanese-style garden. The **Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park** in Katraj spans 130 acres and includes a prominent snake park and an animal orphanage, acting as a crucial center for local wildlife conservation.